MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
1. GENERAL
Vol. 55 Pg. 25
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Ahn presiding.
1 A.
1 B.
CALL TO ORDER
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 Pastor Don Harbert, BPPD Police Chaplain and The Way Fellowship Church.
1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Sauceda, Community Services Supervisor. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* BP Culture Fest, September 27, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Boisseranc Park. Drone show at 7:45 p.m.
* Memorial Grove Tree Planting Ceremony in Honor of R. Patrick Donneliy, October 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m., Boisseranc Park.
* Youth in Government Day, October 9, 2025, 8:00 a.m.-1 :OO p.m., City Hall.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. BUENA PARK 2025 SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION RESIDENT AWARD Council Member Sonne presented a certificate of recognition to Buena Park 2025 Sustainability Champion Resident Award to Dana Robertson.
2B. EMPLOYEE TEN-YEAR SERVICE AWARDS
Council Member Hoque and Vice Mayor Traut presented certificates of recognition to Human Resources Manager Rebecca Valdez and Finance Manager Adrian Garcia for their ten-year service award in the City of Buena Park.
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 September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 26
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:
Sonne
Franco
Sonne, Franco, Hoque, 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 September 9, 2025, and Special City Council Meeting of September 16, 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. 15031
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $6,235,791 .57 DEMAND NOS. 432409 THROUGH 432626 CANCELLED NOS. 431833 AND 432256 RESOLUTION N0. 15032
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,211 ,926.62 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING AUGUST 29, 2025
Commendations 85
4C. RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING BUENA PARK COMMUNITY
SERVICES SUPERVISOR DALE KURATA UPON HIS RETIREMENT Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15033
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
HONORING AND COMMENDING DALE KURATA ON HIS RETIREMENT Commendations 85
4D. RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING BUENA PARK BUILDING AND
SAFETY MANAGER ROBERT CULL UPON HIS RETIREMENT
Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15034
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
HONORING AND COMMENDING ROBERT CULL ON HIS RETIREMENT Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 27
Contracts 70 C-3603 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-980 4E. FINAL PAYMENT TO ONYX PAVING COMPANY FOR THE 2024-25 ANNUAL
PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. in the amount of $67,065; and, 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-1076
4F. AGREEMENT WITH THE BUENA PARK NOON LIONS CLUB FOR USE OF THE CITY FACILITIES AT WILLIAM PEAK PARK FOR THE 2025 SILVERADO DAYS
CELEBRATION
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve an agreement with the Buena Park Noon Lions Club for use of William Peak Park for the 2025 Silverado Days Celebration; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreement; and, 3) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3201
4G. AMENDMENT N0. 5 TO LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MGP Xll BUENA PARK CENTER, LLC (MERLONE GEIER) FOR USE OF 8150 LA PALMA AVENUE FOR THE
BUENA PARK FARMERS MARKET
Recommended Action: I ) Approve Amendment No. 5 to the License Agreement with MGP Xll Buena Park Center, LLC for use of the site at 8150 La Palma Avenue for the Buena Park Farmers Market; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the amendment; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Transportation 148
4H. RESOLUTION CERTIFYING RESOURCES TO FUND THE PROJECTS IN THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2026/27-2031/32 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM (FTIP)
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution certifying the 2027 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) listed in current and future City projects.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15035
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE CITY OF BUENA PARK HAS THE RESOURCES TO FUND THE PROJECTS IN THE FY 2026/27-2031 /32 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM AND AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL PROJECTS IN THE
PROGRAM
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 28
Housing 87
41. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A PROHOUSING DESIGNATION
APPLICATION TO THE ST ATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution authorizing application to, and participation in, the Prohousing Designation Program; 2) Authorize the City Manager to submit a Prohousing Designation Program application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD); and, 3) If approved, authorize the City Manager to execute all documents deemed necessary or appropriate to participate in the Prohousing Designation Program.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15036
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ST ATE DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PRO-HOUSING DESIGNATION PROGRAM
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5B)
Contracts 70 C-3626
5A. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ERSC, INC. FOR DESIGN SERVICES OF THE KNOTT AVENUE (LINCOLN AVENUE TO ARTESIA BOULEVARD) AND 8TH STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25-21 with Engineering Resources of Southern California, Inc. (ERSC) in the amount of $1 05,686.50; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the amendment; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
Associate Engineer Miller reported on the proposed amendment for the design services of the Knott Avenue (Lincoln Avenue to Artesia Boulevard) and 8'h Street Rehabilitation Project. After reviewing the Pavement Management Plan (PMP), staff determined the need to extend the pavement rehabilitation limits on Knott Avenue beyond the originally proposed segment further south to Lincoln Avenue, and incorporate it into the current fiscal year's pavement rehabilitation project. Staff also incorporated turn median improvements along the Knott Avenue corridor. The City is expected to receive a reimbursement of up to seven dollars per square foot for the turf conversion, totaling approximately $159,000 in accordance with the grant requirements. It was noted that not all medians are currently landscaped with artificial turf. Nevertheless, staff will ensure other medians are properly maintained and landscaped. Moreover, ERSC concluded that adding dedicated bike lanes would not be feasible unless one of the major modifications discussed are made. It would also not be financially feasible to incorporate bike lanes along the Knott Avenue corridor at this time. The expanded project scope amounts to $105,686.50 according to the proposal submitted by ERSC. The design phase is currently in progress and the project is anticipated to be completed by January 2026.
City Council emphasized the importance of the continuous effort to maintain median landscaping.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 29
Contracts 70 C-3577
5B. APPROVE EXTENSION OF AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH BOARDWALK ENTERPRISES, LLC.
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a 90-day extension to the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Boardwalk Enterprises, LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to finalize financial feasibility, construction schedule, and review of developer's financial capacity for the City-owned property at 7711-7733 Beach Boulevard for an aquarium, butterfly exhibit and retail development; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Boardwalk Enterprises, LLC; and, 3) If necessary, authorize the City Manager the authority to grant an additional extension of up to 30 days to enable the developer to complete the identified milestones.
Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes reported on the proposed extension of the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Boardwalk Enterprises, LLC to finalize the financial feasibility, construction schedule, and review of the developer's financial capacity for the City-owned property at 7711-7733 Beach Boulevard for an aquarium, butterfly exhibit and retail development. At its May 2025 meeting, the City Council approved an extension to the ENA combining phase 1 and phase 2 into a single phase which improved the efficiency and continuity of the design process. Nevertheless, there were additional delays to the completion of the ENA milestones. City staff recommended the approval of a second extension to the ENA to provide additional time for Boardwalk Enterprises, LLC to complete the remaining two milestones which are financial feasibility and evidence of developer's financial capacity. If approved, the City Manager would execute a second extension of the ENA in a form prepared and approved by the City Attorney.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
Block Grants 1913
6A. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024- 2025
Recommended Action: 1 ) Hold a public hearing to review the draff CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025; and 2) Approve the submission of the CDBG CAPER for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Mayor Ahn stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider the draff CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 and its submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HOD).
Housing and CDBG Analyst Suarez reported that the City entered into an agreement to accept and utilize Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in accordance with federal regulations; therefore, is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to evaluate the City's performance based on what is outlined in the City's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and FY 2024-2025 Action Plan. Part of the process is holding a public hearing to allow citizen review, input, and evaluation of the CAPER. Upon City Council's approval, staff will finalize the CAPER and submit it for HUD's review. Housing and CDBG Analyst Suarez discussed a summary of the City's accomplishments for FY 2024-25. This includes assisting nine (9) low-income homeowners with residential rehabilitation and lead testing/abatement projects; utilizing State HOME funds for ten (10) additional home improvement projects, and CDBG and HOME funds were used for administrative expenses, including staff time for income qualifying, loan servicing, strategic marketing, homeowner research, and project file management; and improving the quality of life of residents and people experiencing homelessness, and the physical infrastructure in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Mayor Ahn opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed the public hearing.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 30
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Water 153
6B. WATER QUALITY REPORT ON PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept and approve the 2025 Water Quality Report on Public Health Goals.
Mayor Ahn stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider acceptance and approval of the 2025 Water Quality Report on Public Health Goals.
Public Works Manager Hunt reported on the 2025 Water Quality Report on Public Health Goals.
The City is required to prepare a brief written report on detection of any contaminants above the Public Health Goals (PHGs) published by the State Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and above the Maximum Containment Level Goals (MCLGs) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for all other contaminants until such a time that OEHHA has published PHGs for those contaminants. The City published its first PHG report in 2001 and every three years since that time. The draff 2025 Water Quality Report on Public Health Goals was prepared by the City' s Water Services Division and compares Buena Park's drinking water with the PHGs and MCLGs set forth by OEHHA and the USEPA. It was noted that PHGs and MCLGs are not enforceable standards and no action to meet them is mandated nor required. It was emphasized that the City's water system complies with all health- based drinking water standards, including maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set forth by the California Department of Public Health and the USEPA. No additional actions are required.
Mayor Ahn opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed the public hearing.
City Council asked about water quality testing closer to the customer; City's response to a water complaint; and, possibility of repurposing water from hydrant flushing.
Water Services Manager McGee explained that staff conducts weekly water quality testing done with routine sampling. However, the testing is not directly done at the customer's home due to the probable effect of the water piping. Staff will respond to complaints regarding unusual color or odor in the water and begin investigating and testing. However, it was noted that the usual cause for unusual odor comes from the drain.
Public Works Manager Hunt assured to coordinate with Public Works streets and water division staff in repurposing the water from hydrant flushing.
At 6:19 p.m., Council Member Sonne left the dais.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Traut
Hoque
Traut, Hoque, Franco, Ahn
None
Sonne
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 31
Codes 64 Environmental Program (Sustainability) 180 6C. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTING A GENERAL PLAN SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE,
NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt the attached Resolutions approving General Plan Amendment No. GP-25-3 and the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP); and 2) Find that there is not substantive evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment based on the findings of fact provided in the Negative Declaration.
Mayor Ahn stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed resolutions approving the General Plan Amendment No. GP-25-3 and the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP).
At 6:24 p.m., Council Member Sonne returned to the dais.
Senior Planner McAleese reported on the General Plan Safety Eiement Update consisting of nine elements or topic areas, one of which is the Safety Element (SE). The State requires periodic updates to the General Plan elements to ensure that City policies continue to reflect community needs, challenges, and opportunities in accordance with State law. The SE was last updated during the City's comprehensive General Plan update in 2010, and since then SB 379 and California Government Code 65302(g) were signed into law. Cities are now required to include climate change vulnerability assessments and comprehensive hazard mitigation and emergency response strategies in its SE. Senior Planner McAleese discussed the updates and additions to the SE's principles, goals, and policies in compliance with State requirements. On August 27, 2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the SE amendment and voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council approve the General Plan Amendment No. GP-25-3 as proposed and certify the accompanying Negative Declaration.
Sustainability Manager Thai presented the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), and discussed the Climate Action Commission, City staff, and the consultant's efforts to connect with community members to create a plan that reflects Buena Park's commitment to safeguarding public health, infrastructure, and natural resources for current and future generations.
Sustainability Manager Thai also highlighted the community engagement in the preparation of the CAAP; translation services were offered throughout the process; the Climate Action Commission provided feedback on the proposed measures; and City department representatives identified tools and resources needed to implement the CAAP. The implementation and next steps will be comprised of coordinated efforts involving City departments, community partners, residents, and businesses. It was recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Resolutions regarding the General Plan Safety Element Update and Negative Declaration, and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Mayor Ahn opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez acknowledged that the City received email correspondencee from Climate Action Campaign in favor of the adoption of the CAAP and provided recommendations to the Plan; and, Dominic Bendinelli, Climate Action Commissioner, in favor of the adoption of the CAAP.
Brandon Schooner, Climate Action Commission Chair, spoke in favor of the adoption of the CAAP and thanked Sustainability Manager Thai, Public Works Manager Hunt, and City staff for their hard work in the development of the plan.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed the public hearing.
The City Council asked about the dashboard that will be available on the City's website illustrating closing the gap; intending to incentivize to achieve goals; making grant opportunities information available to the public; integrating energy efficiency in new housing developments; verification of survey respondents being Buena Park residents; and, efforts to continue to engage partners in the community.
Council Member Sonne, serving as current OCPA Chair, offered to team up with Sustainability Manager Thai on providing incentives to raise sustainability awareness to the community.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 32
Sustainability Manager Thai discussed the launch of the website which will include a tracker that will display the number of climate goals achieved or the status for each opportunity area. Staff would seek City Council direction on desired ways to incentivize meeting a certain action.
Sustainability Manager Thai stated that the Office of Sustainability would continue to engage and collaborate with partners from around the country, and educate the public at community events.
Director Foulkes explained that new residential constructions are already mandated to include energy efficient designs and features.
Jennifer Reed, Dudek Aid Quality Services Manager, indicated that there was an optional survey question asking relationship to Buena Park which varies from being a resident or an employee in Buena Park. It was also noted that a majority of responses were Buena Park residents.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Traut
Sonne, Traut, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 15037
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP-25-3 AMENDING THE SAFETY ELEMENT
OF THE GENERAL PLAN, NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND MAKING FINDINGS IN
SUPPORT THEREOF
RESOLUTION NO. 15038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING THE CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPT ATION PLAN
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
* September 11 0CFA 9/1 1 Remembrance Ceremony
* September 16 City Council Special Meeting - Strategic Planning Workshop * September 17 NOCC Business Networking Mixer
* September 18 Employee Benefits Fair
Council Member Hoque and Vice Mayor Traut jointly calendared an implementation of a City Ordinance to ban the sale of nitrous oxide for recreational use.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* September 16 City Council Special Meeting - Strategic Planning Workshop Council Member Sonne calendared a permanent summer legislative recess in July and a consideration of banning kratom in Buena Park.
Council Member Franco and Mayor Ahn jointly calendared a consideration of the NOCC business membership proposal. Additionally, Council Member Franco announced that a community survey designed to seek the community's thoughts on expanding business services is available on all of his social media platforms; and, discussed a plan for a program for high school volunteers to clean City streets.
Vice Mayor Traut reported the following:
* September 17 Anaheim Union High School District Meeting @ September 23 0rchard View Gardens Meeting
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 33
Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* September 11 0CFA 9/1 1 Remembrance Ceremony
* September16CityCouncilSpecialMeeting-StrategicPlanningWorkshop @ September 17 NOCC Business Networking Mixer
* September 18 Employee Benefits Fair
* September18FuneralServicesforFormerEDCOSeniorVicePresidentandlong-time Buena Park resident Efrain Ramirez
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 - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A TRAFFIC STUDY IN THE
AREAS NEAR BEATTY MIDDLE SCHOOL AND EMERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal Engineer Alqam reported on the traffic study conducted in the areas near Beatty Middle School and Emery Elementary School and described existing conditions of the streets surrounding the two schools. Staff executed comprehensive field reviews, collected traffic data, reviewed the accident history for the area; and hired a consultant to collect traffic speeds and volume data over a two-day period at 22 strategic locations, encompassing major and minor roads that provide access to both schools. Principal Engineer Alqam explained a summary of data collected at the locations of the traffic data collection sites with regards to traffic speed, volumes, and accident history. Findings showed traffic volumes throughout the area are within average ranges for both collector and residential streets in the neighborhood. As expected, higher volumes were observed along collector streets such as Burlingame Avenue, Cameron Drive, Country Club Drive, Kenwood Avenue, and Los Coyotes Drive, which are entry routes to Beach Boulevard and Malvern Avenue. Traffic speed findings revealed that a majority of the streets measured were within five miles per hour of speed limit; and, a few segments showed speeds higher than desirable for residential areas near schools. Traffic data did not indicate a significant cut-through traffic issue at this time. Moreover, a five-year collision review showed incidents on some streets, but no clear patterns emerged. Given that the neighborhood is generally operating safely and within acceptable thresholds, staff does not recommend implementing broad traffic-calming measures at this time. However, passive traffic-calming strategies such as updated signage, striping, and increased enforcement are recommended for areas with higher speeds. Staff will implement safety enhancements on Burlingame Avenue, Cameron Drive, Country Club Drive, Kenwood Avenue, Ridglea Avenue, Somerset Street, and St Andrews Avenue in the next four-to-six-week period.
The City Council asked about possible solutions to relieve traffic congestion during pick up and drop off times on school days at both schools; and, the method used to collect data - data- driven or staff-observed.
Principal Planner Alqam discussed the implementation of traffic-calming strategies in the area of concern and introduced the Safe Routes to School Project to address the issues raised by the residents near Beatty Middle School and Emery Elementary School. Additionally, staff confirmed that the study conducted used data collected at the sites as well as referenced collision history.
Director Jimenez acknowledged that the City received an email correspondence from Buena Park resident Tharwa Ahmad on suggestions to address the traffic issues in the areas near Beatty Middle School and Emery Elementary School.
Antonio Montalvo, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding the ongoing traffic issues in the areas near the schools, and requested the City place a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Fox Hills Avenue and Country Club Drive.
Mayor Ahn suggested that staff consider surveying the residents around the neighborhood regarding their traffic concerns.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the implementation of the proposed safety enhancements in the areas near Beatty Middle School and Emery Elementary School.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 34
9B. UPDATE ON THE CITY'S PAVEMENT CONDITION INDEX (PCI) AND DISCUSSION
REGARDING FUTURE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE CITY ROADS
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael presented an update on the City's Pavement Condition Index (PCI) and future strategies to improve City roads. The City continues to implement a robust annual paving and slurry sealing program to maintain and improve the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating across all City streets while utilizing three major funding sources for all transportation related Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects namely RMRA (SB1 ), Gas Tax, and Measure M2. Director Mikhael indicated that today's funding sources and inflation rates are significantly impacting the ability to continue implementing the City's Pavement Management Plan (PMP), and the concern is that the current fair share revenue will not be able to meet transportation project needs as most gas taxes are not adjusted accordingly. According to the 2024 PMP, 25% of City streets are rated fair or below.
With current funding, street conditions are expected to decline, leading to more roads needing immediate repairs in the coming years. Nevertheless, the PMP assessment revealed that the City has applied strong, preventative maintenance strategies over the past years. However, to improve pavement condition from fair to good, more aggressive improvements are necessary.
Therefore, approximately a minimum of $7,000,000 per year is required to progress towards a good pavement condition introducing a funding gap of approximately $3,000,000.
The City Council spoke regarding the continuous increase in labor and material costs; feedback on oversight on certain locations in every district; Measure R fund appropriation towards areas with poor to very poor PCI ranges; interest in expediting the rehabilitation measures to improve conditions on highly travelled streets. Moreover, the City Council asked about other cities approach to supplement lack of transportation funding; and, potential joint street projects with neighboring cities.
Director Mikhael explained that pavement deterioration is inevitable; therefore, a PMP is developed to repair or reconstruct poor road conditions overtime. Some streets appear to not be included in the Plan and the reason for that is the PMP was created by examining tracts altogether for efficiency and to maximize dollars spent. The PMP is updated biennially and is due for renewal next year so the budget projection may change accordingly. If there is an opportunity to allocate additional funding on pavement rehabilitation, the City Council could create a project that would address the areas of concern up to standard. Director Mikhael also recommended to expedite the plan to rehabilitate of areas with poor to very poor PCI ranges using Measure R funds. Some cities in QC use their general funds for road rehabilitation projects. They are facing similar challenges as discussed in the report and the City Engineers Association of QC and North QC Public Works Directors are continuously seeking the County's assistance to allocate more funding to cities to address deteriorating streets. It was also noted the opportunity to coordinate roads projects with neighboring jurisdictions and provided examples of existing projects with Anaheim and Cypress.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to appropriate additional funding for street rehabilitation, and return item for discussion on Measure R allocation at a subsequent City Council meeting.
gc. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CREATION OF A SISTER
CITY AD HOC COMMITTEE
Item taken out of order.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton discussed a request on the formation of a Sister City Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of two Council Members, to work with staff to develop a criteria or guidelines for a more formal and consistent Sister City program.
Staff will present formal program guidelines for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
Council Member Franco spoke in support of having a formal process to planning and engaging in activities with the sister city.
The City Council supported the formation of a Sister City Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Mayor Ahn and Council Member Franco.
Minutes September 23, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 35
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Strategic Planning Workshop, October 7, 2025, 2:00 p.m., City Hall - Main Conference Room.
* Establish a Fireworks Survey Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Vice Mayor Traut and Council Member Sonne.
* Youth in Government Day, October 9, 2025, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., City Hall. * Friendly Mart Soff Opening, October 14, 2025, 2:00 p.m., Peak Park. * Sister City Delegation Visit, October 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., City Hall - Main Conference Room.
11. COMMISSION & COMMl'nEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez reported that there are four (4) 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 8:22 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST: