MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD OCTOBER 28, 2025
1. GENERAL
Vol. 55 Pg. 51
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, October 28, 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 Reverend Dr. Joel Van Soelen, Anaheim Christian Reformed Church. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Matt Foulkes, Director of Community and Economic Development.
1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
* Cops N' Goblins, October 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Buena Park Civic Center. * Veterans Honor Lunch and Resource Fair, November 5, 2025, 12:00 p.m., Ehlers Event Center - Heritage Hall.
* Youth in Government Day, November 6, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., City Hall. * /\/oShave/\/ovemberfundraiserinhonorofprostatecancerawareness. * Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez provided an update regarding the Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Special Election featuring California Proposition
50. The update included mailing of ballots; start of early voting; options to cast a ballot in person at a participating vote center or by mail; Buena Park ballot drop box locations; opening of early vote centers; and opening of all vote centers. All Orange County voters are encouraged to sign up for QC Ballot Express to track their vote-by-mail ballot and receive notifications via text or email. Lastly, the public may contact the City Clerk's Office or visit the City website at www.buenapark.com/elections for any election-related questions.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. PRESENT ATION OF BUENA PARK YOUTH THEATRE FALL PRODUCTION OF ALL
SHOOK UP
Monica Ultreras, Friends of Buena Park Youth Theatre, invited the community to the Buena Park Youth Theatre's production of All Shook Up. Ms. Ultreras provided information regarding show dates and times. Tickets may be purchased at the Buena Park Community Center or online at www.buenapark.com/finearts. Tickets are also available for sale one hour before the start of the show at the Box Office. Additionally, members of the Buena Park Youth Theatre performed a preview of the Fail production of All Shook Up.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 52
2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2025 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
Council Member Sonne presented a Proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to QC Family Justice Center Foundation Community Service Coordinator Kristal Landry.
2C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 5-11 , 2025, AS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Vice Mayor Traut presented a Proclamation recognizing October 5-11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week to OCFA Division Chief Matt Schuetz.
2D. EMPLOYEE TEN-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Council Member Franco presented a certificate of recognition to Buena Park Police Sergeant David Bernal for his ten-year service award.
2E. EMPLOYEE FIFTEEN-YEAR SERVICE AWARD
Council Member Hoque presented a certificate of recognition to Administrative Assistant Lisa Barr for her fifteen-year service award.
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.
Debra Ashby, South Coast AQMD, spoke regarding South Coast AQMD's funding programs that help to achieve cleaner air quality for all - INVEST CLEAN Program and GO ZERO Incentive Program.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Ahn closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4L)
Mayor Ahn announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4L 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 - 4L:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Franco
Traut, Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4L be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approval of Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 23, 2025, Special City Council Meeting of October 1, 2025, and Special and Regular City Council Meetings of October 14, 2025.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 53
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. 15044
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $2,482,321 .83 DEMAND NOS. 432876 THROUGH 433080 CANCELLED NOS. 429770 AND 432690 RESOLUTION N0. 15045
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,320,466.34 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING OCTOBER 10, 2025
Reports & Studies 129
4C. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025 Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATIONRECOGNIZINGOCTOBER5-11,2025,ASFIREPREVENTION WEEK
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2025 AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contract 70 C-3624 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-986
4F. FINALPAYMENTTOPPCSERVICE,lNC.FORTHEOCFAFIRESTATION63HVAC
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to PPC Service, Inc. in the amount of $15,936.61 ; and 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3348 Budgets 47
4G. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BUCKNAM INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP, INC. FOR THE CITYWIDE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (PMP) Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the amount of $56,996 with Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. to update the City's Pavement Management Program (PMP); 2) Appropriate $56,996 from the Undesignated Gas Tax Fund to the Pavement Management Program (PMP) account for this purpose; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement; and, 4) Authorize the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 54
Contracts 70 C-2782
4H. LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) TO RENEW
LAND USE LICENSE FOR THE RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN WESTERN AVENUE AND BEACH BOuLEV ARD
Recommended Action: I ) Approve a five-year license agreement with Southern California Edison (SCE) for use of its right-of-way, east of Western Avenue to Beach Boulevard, in the amount of $215,704.17; 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.
Contracts 70 C-2538 C-2539 Emergency Services 188
41. APPROVE AGREEMENTS WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS (ARC) FOR THE
PROVISION OF DISASTER SHELTER SERVICES AT THE BUENA PARK
COMMUNITY CENTER AND EHLERS EVENT CENTER IN THE EVENT OF AN
EMERGENCY
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve an agreement with the American Red Cross (ARC) for a disaster shelter location at the Buena Park Community Center; 2) Approve an agreement with the American Red Cross (ARC) for two disaster shelter locations (Heritage Hall, Ruth Walp Hall) at the Ehlers Event Center; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreements; and, 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreements.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3344 C-251 I
4J. AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MERCHANTS LANDSCAPING INC. FOR CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING SERVICES Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Merchants Landscaping Services, Inc. ("Merchants") for landscaping services from January 1, 2026, through March 31, 2026; 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 the City Clerk to execute the amendment.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Budgets 47
4K. APPROVE BUDGET APPROPRIATION TO REALLOCATE FUNDS TO EXPAND THE
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT RIDESHARE BENEFITS PROGRAM Recommended Action: 1)Approve a budget appropriation of $10,000 from AB 2766 Fund for employee rideshare program.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Budgets 47
4L. APPROVE BUDGET APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,000 FOR NON-
PROFIT LEGAL AID SERVICES
Recommended Action: 1)Approve a budget appropriation of $50,000 from the General Fund for non-profit legal aid benefiting City residents.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 55
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5E)
Contracts 70 C-3639 Budgets 47
5A. APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR THE FRIENDSHIP PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the amount of $316,920 with RJM Design Group, Inc. (RJM) for the Friendship Park Improvement Project Plans, Specifications, and Estimate; 2) Appropriate $316,920 from the Undesignated General Fund to the Friendship Park Improvement Project account for this purpose; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary non-monetary changes to the agreement; and, 4) Authorize the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
Assistant Engineer Lee reported that Friendship Park is scheduled for improvements under the City's Parks Master Plan. Staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain a consultant to provide professional design services for the project. After reviewing four proposals, staff selected RJM Design Group, Inc. as the most qualified consultant, given their prior work on the City's Parks Master Plan and the Friendship Park's conceptual plans. It was recommended that the City Council approve a PSA with RJM Design Group, Inc. in the amount of $316,920 for the development of 65%, 95%, and 1 00% Plans, Specification, and Estimate (PS&E) Packages, bidding support, construction support, and Final Record Drawings upon the construction completion. Additionally, since the project is not in the current budget, staff also requested a budget appropriation of $316,920 from the Measure R Funds. The design phase is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by May 2026.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action as amended.
Contracts 70 C-3640
5B. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BOA ARCHITECTURE FOR THE
DESIGN SERVICES OF THE PEAK PARK POOL BUILDING RENOVATIONS
PROJECT
Recommended Action: I ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the amount of $236,000 with BOA Architecture for design services for the Peak Park Pool Building Renovations 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 Tran discussed the design phase for the Peak Park Pool Building Renovations Project which includes the redesigning the layout of the pool building, renovating the entire building interior, updating locker rooms with new features, adding several new exterior features, and other incidentals necessary to complete the project in its entirety. Staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain a consultant to provide professional design services for the project. Affer reviewing three proposals, staff determined that BOA Architecture is the most qualified firm based on their understanding of the scope of work, project schedule, cost- effectiveness, and relevant experience. It was recommended that the City Council approve the PSA with BOA Architecture in the amount of $236,000 for professional design services, including plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction support. The design phase is scheduled to commence in December 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by May 2026.
The construction phase of this project is anticipated to begin during Fiscal Year 2026-27.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Franco
Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 56
Admin. Svcs. 112 Budgets 47
5C. REORGANIZATION PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO
ADD ONE LIMITED-TERM, FULL-TIME COMMUNITY SERVICES COORDINATOR
POSITION TO COORDINATE THE EXPANDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
PROGRAM (ELOP)
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Limited-Term, Full-Time Community Services Coordinator position; and, 2) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $141,000 from the undesignated general fund balance.
Human Resources Manager Valdez reported on the addition of one (1 ) Limited-Term, Full-Time Community Services Coordinator position to effectively coordinate the growing Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) for Centralia Elementary and Savanna School Districts.
The Community Services Department has served as a committed ELOP partner with the Savanna School District for the past three years and was recently approached by Centralia School District to facilitate several components of its ELOP offerings at five Buena Park-based schools within the district. The expansion of ELOP programming to six school sites across two districts has made coordination more complex, creating the need for a dedicated Community Services Coordinator. During school breaks and summer months, this position will also manage the City's Summer Day Camp and Citywide special events, ensuring continuous, year-round programming that serves the needs of Buena Park families. It was recommended that the City Council approve the addition of the Limited-Term, Full-Time Community Services Coordinator position at approximately $141,000 annually funded through district contributions and program reVenueS.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Hoque
Sonne, Hoque, Franco, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3213
5D. AMENDEDANDRESTATEDEMPLOYMENTAGREEMENTSBETWEENTHECITY
AND POLICE CHIEF FRANK NUNES
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve amended and restated employment agreements between the City of Buena Park and Frank Nunes; and, 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to sign the Police Chief agreements.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton discussed the compensation compliance review of the compensation reported by the City of Buena Park, on behalf of Police Chief Frank Nunes, to the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The review found that certain compensation practices did not meet State law requirements. After consulting with CalPERS, staff determined that updates to the existing language are needed to align with the original intent of the California Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL) and its special compensation definitions. By specifying a minimum number of years for longevity eligibility and clarifying criteria, the City can ensure that longevity pay remains reportable to CalPERS. CalPERS also recommended changes to individual employment agreements to maintain Buena Park's compliance. The parties agreed to replace the current Longevity pay provision, retroactive to June 2023, with the language outlined in the agenda report, and contained in the attached agreements. The updated language will resolve CalPERS' issues related to the current longevity premium in the employment agreement. The urgency of this item is to ensure the Police Chiefs compensation is reported appropriately.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Franco
Traut, Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 57
Codes 64 Parking 109
5E. ORDINANCEAMENDINGSECTION10.24.0400FTHEBUENAPARKMUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO TEMPORARY PARKING FOR THE LOADING/UNLOADING OF
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt an Ordinance amending Title 10 of the Buena Park Municipal Code establishing parking of recreational vehicles, unattached trailers and oversized vehicles on City streets.
City Attorney Cardinale reported on amending Title 10 of the Buena Park Municipal Code establishing parking of recreational vehicles, unattached trailers and oversized vehicles on City streets. Title 10 of the Buena Park Municipal Code intends to allow temporary parking of recreational vehicles on City streets for loading and unloading purposes. However, the absence of an established limit on temporary permits has caused problems. Some residents have repeatedly requested extensions or back-to-back temporary parking passes, leading to recreational vehicles remaining in residential neighborhoods for extended periods. In one case, fifteen consecutive two-day permits allowed a vehicle to stay parked on a public street for an entire month. These situations have prompted complaints from neighbors and made it difficult for staff to administer the current code. To address this concern, City staff and the Traffic and Transportation Commission recommended to amend Section 10.24.040 of the Buena Park Municipal Code to limit the number of two-day parking passes that may be issued to two per 30- day period, with at least one day between the effective dates of the permit. The proposed code amendment would allow the Police Department to make exceptions in unique or special circumstances, and the clarified language will curb misuse of the temporary parking privilege.
Council Member Hoque spoke in support of the item.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Hoque
Franco, Hoque, Sonne, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 1760
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.24.040 (PARKING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, UNATTACHED
TRAILERS AND OVERSIZED VEHICLES ON CITY STREETS PROHIBITED) OF CHAPTER
10.24 (STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING PURPOSES AND LOCATIONS) OF THE
BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS FOR TEMPORARY
PARKING
6. PUBLIC HEARING
Codes 64
6A. ORDINANCEAMENDINGPORTIONSOFTITLE19(ZONING)DMSION5
(COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES) OF THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
Recommended Action: I)Adopt an Ordinance amending Title 19 (Zoning) Division 5 (Commercial and Industrial Zones) of the Buena Park Municipal Code (BPMC) regarding uses permitted and special requirements for certain uses within the commercial zones.
Mayor Ahn stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider the adoption of the proposed Ordinance amending Title 19 (Zoning) Division 5 (Commercial and Industrial Zones) of the Buena Park Municipal Code (BPMC) regarding uses permitted and special requirements for certain uses within the commercial zones.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 58
Senior Planner McAleese discussed the intent of Section 19.504.010 (Purpose and General Plan Consistency) of the Buena Park Municipal Code (BPMC); and indicated that staff received multiple inquiries from property and business owners suggesting uses that are currently not permitted within Regional Commercial (CR) zoned properties. Property owners in the CR zone have struggled to lease their properties due to long processing times and uncertainty over whether certain businesses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or are prohibited altogether.
Moreover, malls have shifted from exclusively retail establishments to a mix of dining and entertainment-type uses that draw customers for a mix of experiences. Therefore, expanding the permitted uses in the CR zone will help Buena Park Downtown attract a wider variety of unique businesses that better meet the needs of both residents and visitors. Senior Planner McAleese explained the proposed text amendment to BPMC Table 19.512.010 with the addition and amendment to the uses within the CR zone. Similarly, several other uses will be included in the update to the permitted use table for properties located within the CG (Commercial General) zone including changes to Section 19.552.040 (Gaming Machine Arcades) of the BPMC as it relates to location and use approval. At its September 24, 2025 meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider Text Amendment No. C-25-2; and, voted 4-0-1 (Schoales absent) to recommend that the City Council approve the text amendment as proposed by staff. A Notice of the Public Hearing was posted at the required posting locations on October 16, 2025, and was also published in the Buena Park Independent on October 17, 2025, as required by law. Lastly, it was noted that the Zoning Text Amendment is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3).
Mayor Ahn opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being none, Mayor Ahn closed the public hearing.
Council Member Sonne and Council Member Franco spoke in support of the item.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Franco
Sonne, Franco, Hoque, Traut, Ahn
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE N0. 1761
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING DMSION 5 (COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES) OF TITLE 19 (ZONING)
OF THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Hoque reported the following:
* October 16 0CMVCD Board Meeting
* October 18 Silverado Days
Council Member Hoque announced that three new pickleball courts are now available at Heroes Park.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* October 15 Reception for Geumsan-Gun, Choongcheongnamdo, Korea Delegation * October17-19SilveradoDays
Council Member Franco thanked the Sister City and Friendship City delegation that visited Buena Park; and, informed the community to dispose pumpkins in the designated EDCO green cart.
Vice Mayor Traut announced that the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park's College-Bound and Workforce Development Program will be offered at all Anaheim Union High School District campuses. Additionally, Vice Mayor Traut participated in a clean energy and sustainability summit at California State University, Fullerton where he introduced the Buena Park Sustainabuddies and discussed the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in his presentation.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 59
Mayor Ahn reported the following:
* October 15 Reception for Geumsan-Gun, Choongcheongnamdo, Korea Delegation * October 16 PD Oath of Office
* October 16 Silverado Days Kick-Off Celebration
* October 18 Ansan and Seongbuk-Gu Certificate Presentation * October 20 Sister City Dinner with BPHS ASB
@ October 22 QC Sanitation District Trustee Board Meeting * October 25 American Tigers Taekwondo Tournament Ceremony @ October 25 ESO Trash-to-Treasure Meeting
Mayor Ahn and Vice Mayor Traut jointly calendared a consideration of a K-Food Festival in Buena Park.
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 6:36 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9C)
9A. TOURISM MARKETING UPDATE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT SUMMARY Visit BP Executive Director Copping provided a presentation on tourism marketing and sales update, and economic impact summary. Visit BP Executive Director Copping discussed the u.s. travel outlook; FY 2024-25 Buena Park Travel Occupancy Tax Revenue; u.s. Lodging Occupancy Breakdown; and, New 2024-2025 strategic media and marketing initiatives such as attending media conferences, promoting BP through media visits, writing blogs, sending quarterly newsletters, highlighting 2025 Taste of BP awards, advertising on magazines, and marketing on various social media platforms. The Buena Park Hotel Marketing Association commissioned a Tourism Economic Impact Study conducted by Dean Runyan Associates to evaluate the overall economic impact of tourism into the City of Buena Park. The study found that tourism generated $393.9 million in visitor spending, which directly supported 3,353 jobs in the City. Total economic impact-including direct, indirect, and related activity- reached $615.5 million. Additionally, total tourism-generated tax revenue amounted to $23.3 million. Local tourism tax revenues offset an estimated $443 in tax burden per household within the City. Additional information regarding new programs and upcoming events were also announced, and updates will be provided to the City Council at a subsequent City Council meeting.
The City Council asked about the increase in FY 2024-25 TOT revenue, and plans for creative and innovative marketing for upcoming events.
Visit BP Executive Director Copping explained that the 8.5% increase in TOT revenue was a positive indicator that tourism in the City is doing exceptionally well considering the state's and nation's current economic state. Additionally, Visit BP has marketing strategies in place especially for the upcoming events. Visit BP Executive Director Copping indicated that the team is scheduled to attend conferences in November and early next year to promote the lodging, dining and experiences Buena Park has to offer.
Don Prescott, Knott's Berry Farm Hotel General Manager and Buena Park Hotel Marketing Association Chairman, commended Visit BP Executive Director Copping's efforts to work with Buena Park businesses in increasing tourism in the City.
Received and filed.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 60
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING METERED PARKING ON
SECTIONS OF ST ANTON AVENUE AND GRAND AVENUE
Senior Engineering Technician Wray discussed the existing conditions on Stanton Avenue, between Crescent Avenue and Buena Park Downtown, and Grand Avenue, between Crescent Avenue and the City of Anaheim, and options for metered parking on sections at the aforementioned locations. Staff evaluated potential meter installation areas based on current usage patterns, zoning, proximity to high-demand destinations, and potential impacts on residents. The analysis focused on balancing the goals of improving parking turnover, deterring long-term non-resident parking (particularly by theme park visitors), and minimizing unintended burdens on nearby residents. Multiple layout scenarios and policy tools were considered, including metering hours, preferential parking districts, and resident exemptions, to ensure a comprehensive approach. Staff observed no parking issues on the west side of Stanton Avenue while there is heavy parking demand from the residential neighborhood on the east side. On the other hand, staff conducted license plate surveys on Grand Avenue and determined a majority of the vehicles parked on Grand Avenue are likely owned by residents while others could be Knott's guests. It was recommended that a PPD be implemented on the east side of Stanton Avenue, including sections of the alley, Maple Drive, and Mulberry Avenue; and, increase the PPD signage and enforcement on Grand Avenue. Senior Engineering Technician Wray presented a draft layout that identifies up to 87 metered spaces across Grand Avenue and the Grand FR while preserving necessary red curb zones for safety and visibility. Staff carefully reviewed potential resident impacts and mitigation measures. Because many nearby residents, particularly those in multi-family housing, depend on on-street parking, introducing 24/7 metered parking would create a financial burden for them. Therefore, staff proposed three mitigation options on Grand Avenue and Grand Frontage Road. Staff researched legal considerations, costs and technology, enforcement options, and on-going costs; and provided the information to the City Council for consideration.
Council Member Sonne spoke in support to increase the PPD signage size; and, suggested to consider metered parking or to establish a PPD on the east side of Stanton Avenue and the alley way. It was emphasized that the PPD be prioritized because it is a less expensive option and would not take away parking spaces from residents.
Vice Mayor Traut spoke in support of staff's recommendations of mitigation options on Grand Avenue and Grand Frontage Road, and asked if a resident has been identified to work on collecting signatures for the PPD petition.
Mayor Ahn asked about the car and parking space ratio on Stanton Avenue.
Senior Engineering Technician Wray indicated that the City has not been approached by a particular resident interested in starting the petition process, but staff is available to provide information. Moreover, there were no parking issues observed on Stanton Avenue. Although parking was limited, there were still spaces available along Stanton Avenue and residents could use the alley way if needed.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to enhance the PPD signage size and enforcement on Grand Avenue; and, explore PPD on Stanton Avenue. 9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A LEGISLATIVE RECESS IN
THE MONTH OF JULY
Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton reported on a request to hold a legislative recess in the month of July. In 2023, the City Council voted to formalize the cancellation of the second meeting in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday, and the second meeting in December due to the Christmas holidays. Previously, the City Council also held a summer legislative recess for the second meeting in August. It was noted that the City Council has the authority to cancel any meeting; therefore, the Mayor could call for a legislative reess each year in the month of July. This assumes that future Mayors agrees to continue this tradition and has been the current practice for the past three years. However, to institute this type of legislative recess permanently, the City Council could vote to repeal the current resolution establishing the time, date, and place of regular City Council Meetings, and adopt a new resolution with the July legislative recess dates specifically indicated.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to hold a permanent legislative recess on the second meeting in July through the adoption of a resolution.
Minutes October 28, 2025 Vol. 55 Pg. 61
10. CITYMANAGERREPORT
City Manager France reported the following:
@ Employee Halloween Parade, October 30, 2025, 11 :30 a.m., Community Services Back Parking Lot.
* City Council Firework Ad Hoc Committee is close to finalizing and selecting the fireworks survey firm.
11. COMMISSION&COMMITTEEUPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Jimenez reported one vacancy on the Community Development Block Grant Committee - District 3.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Ahn adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
( Mayor