MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 118
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Traut presiding.
1A. CALL TO ORDER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Ahn, Franco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut
None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Adria M. Vicuria, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Rajan Zed, President, Universal Society of Hinduism. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Emma Vanderwest and Karter Vanderwest, Corey Elementary School.
1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* Community Services Commission and Cultural Engagement Commission Joint Meeting, Parks Workshop: District 2 Pocket Park Project and Friendship Park Project, February 19, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Community Center Ballroom. * Police Chief Geyer announced the promotion of Police Captain Ryan Dieringer.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. RECOGNITION OF BUENA PARK HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL DR. JOHN SONJE BERG IN HONOR OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE u.s. AIR FORCE RESERVES Council Member Franco presented a certificate recognizing Buena Park High School Principal Dr. John Sonje Berg in honor of his retirement from the u.s. Air Force Reserve. Certificates from Assembly Member Quirk-Silva, State Senator Strickland, and the Buena Park Rotary Club were also presented.
2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026 Mayor Traut presented a proclamation to Black Chamber of Orange County CEO Bobby McDonald recognizing National Black History Month 2026. Certificates from Assembly Member Quirk-Silva and State Senator Strickland were also presented.
Minutes February 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 119
2C. RECOGNITION OF THE WESTERN STATES REGIONAL COUNCIL CARPENTERS UNION
Vice Mayor Hoque presented a certificate to members of the Western States Regional Council Carpenters Union. Certificates from Assembly Member Quirk-Silva and State Senator Strickland were also presented.
3A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Traut announced the public may at this time address the members of the City Council on any matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria acknowledged an email correspondence from Buena Park small business owner Chris Jackson urging the City Council to implement a financial relief aid program for local business owners considering the impact of recent federal immigration enforcement actions.
Mr. Rodriguez, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding his concerns on the increasing accumulation of trash and debris around The Source property.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4G)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4G 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 - 4G:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Franco
Traut, Franco, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4G be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of January 27, 2026.
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. 15076
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,480,072.83 DEMAND NOS. 434231 THROUGH 434448 CANCELLED NOS. 424426 AND 424457 RESOLUTION N0. 1 5077
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $18,391 .50 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2025
RESOLUTION N0. 15078
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,175,634.06 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING JANUARY 16, 2026
Minutes February 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 120
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026 Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Grants 185
4D. AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 MEASURE M2 SEVEN-YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Recommended Action: I ) Approve an Amendment to the 2024-2025 Measure M2 Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and, 2) Authorize staff to submit the necessary documentation to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
APPROVED the recommended action.
User Fees 204 Garbage & Refuse 83
4E. RESOLUTION ADJUSTING FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE COLLECTION,
TRANSPORT ATION, STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL OF UNAUTHORIZED
SOLID WASTE RECEPTACLES
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution adjusting fees and charges for the collection, transportation, storage, handling, and disposal of unauthorized solid waste receptacles impounded pursuant to Section 8.12.180 of the Buena Park Municipal Code.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION N0. 15079
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
INCREASING FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE COLLECTION, TRANSPORTATION,
STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL OF UNAUTHORIZED SOLID WASTE RECEPTACLES IMPOUNDED PURSUANT TO SECTION 8.12.180 0F THE BUENA PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
Finance 76
4F. APPROVALOFAWATERBILLINSERTREGARDINGAWASTEWATERRATE
ADJUSTMENT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a water bill insert informing residents of an upcoming wastewater rate adjustment.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Police Dept. 117
4G. AUTHORIZEPOLICEDEPARTMENTEMPLOYEESTOATTENDOUT-OF-STATE TRAINING COURSES AND CONFERENCES DURING FISCAL YEARS 2025-2026 AND 2026-2027
Recommended Action: I ) Approve and authorize the Police Department to attend out-of state training courses and conferences.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes February 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 121
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A)
Contracts 70 C-3653
5A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP, INC. FOR
THE BOISSERANC PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATE
Presented by Aaron Esparza-Almaraz, Assistant Engineer Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. in the amount of $145,982 for the design services for the Boisseranc Park Pickleball Courts Project; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the agreement; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
Assistant Engineer Esparza-Almaraz discussed the addition of four pickleball courts at the northwest area of Boisseranc Park. The scope of work for this project includes the demolition and removal of two (2) existing southern handball courts, design and construction of four (4) north-south-oriented pickleball courts with lighting; relocation or replacement of the electrical cabinet; removal and replacement of sidewalks; grading; hardscape; fencing; utility adjustments; signage; non-slip court coating and striping; and all other incidental work required to fully complete the project. Additionally, the project would include a topographic survey, engineering soils study, photometric study, and noise impact study. Staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain a consultant to provide professional design services for the Boisseranc Park Pickleball Courts Project, and received two (2) proposals. Following the evaluation, staff determined that RJM Design Group, Inc., is the most qualified firm to meet the City's needs due to their demonstrated understanding of the project scope, project schedule, cost efficiency, and relevant experience. Therefore, it was recommended that the City Council enter into an agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. for professional design services, including preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and construction support. The design phase is scheduled to begin in February 2026, and is anticipated to be completed by May 2026.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Ahn
Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Ahn reported the following:
* January 28 0CSD Board Meeting
* January 29 50th Annual Elementary Art Show Awards Reception * February 3 Villages at Buena Park Groundbreaking * February 4 0CSD Operations Board Meeting
Council Member Ahn also reported attending several nonprofit events held in the City of Buena Park.
Council Member Franco reported the following:
* January 29 50th Annual Elementary Art Show Awards Reception * February 3 Villages at Buena Park Groundbreaking * February 6 0perating Engineers Training Trust Site Tour * SEIU Gathering
@ Composting Workshop at Community Gardens
* Sikhs United Fundraiser
* Chess at The Source
Minutes February 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 122
Council Member Franco and Council Member Ahn jointly calendared the exploration of an economic relief fund for small businesses in Buena Park.
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the following:
* February 3 Villages at Buena Park Groundbreaking * February 5 Building Industry Association of Southern California Meeting * February 6 0perating Engineers Training Trust Site Tour Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* Buena Park Middle School FFA Project and OCPA Bright Futures Grant * January 29 50th Annual Elementary Art Show Awards Reception * February 3 Villages at Buena Park Groundbreaking * February 9 0CPA Board Meeting
Council Member Sonne reported that at its February 9, 2026 0CPA meeting, the Board approved a programs plan in an effort to focus on programs that would provide community members with incentives on energy efficient upgrades to their homes as well as a renter- focused program.
Mayor Traut reported the fo!iowing:
* January 28-30 US Conference of Mayors
* February 3 Villages at Buena Park Groundbreaking * February 4 0rangethorpe Complete Streets Community Workshop * February 5 SCAG Energy and Environment Committee Meeting * February100CFAOperationsCommitteeMeeting
Mayor Traut provided an OCFA Operations Committee meeting update on standardized truck and engine purchases which would result in quicker purchase turn-around, less cost and pose no negative operational impact; and the expansion of Station 41 (Fullerton Airport) FY 2027-28.
Additionally, Mayor Traut elaborated on the topics discussed at the 2026 US Conference of Mayors on Traffic and Transportation; Technology & Artificial Intelligence; Revitalizing Neighborhoods; Council Member Safety; and, Immigration & ICE Response.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Traut recessed the meeting at 6:14 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:24 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CREATION OF A "STORIES OF BUENA PARK" VIDEO SERIES
Presented by Jessica Fewer, Senior Management Analyst Senior Management Analyst Fewer presented a proposal for a new short-form video series, Stories of Buena Park, designed to highlight residents, businesses, and community members making positive impacts in the City. The 60-90 second videos would be shared on City social media and BPTV Channel 3, include captions and multilingual subtitles when possible, and feature stories nominated by the community. Aligned with Mayor Traut's 2026 theme of "Elevating Voices," the series aims to amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen community connections, and promote Buena Park as a community-centered city. Staff will report program outcomes to City Council by year's end, including production numbers, nominations, engagement, and feedback. The project cost is estimated at $10,000 annually; staff requested a $5,000 allocation from the undesignated General Fund for the remainder of the fiscal year, with the baiance to be included in the FY 2026-27 budget. If approved, a budget amendment will be brought to the next City Council meeting for formal approval.
Mayor Traut sought City Council support to proceed with the "Stories of Buena Park" video series to showcase the positive impact residents, businesses, and other community members are making every day in Buena Park
Council Member Ahn asked about the logistics or, and eligibility criteria for the program.
Council Member Franco suggested to retain the "Stories of Buena Park" recordings and create a playlist under the City's YouTube channel.
Minutes February 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 123
Senior Management Analyst Fewer explained that staff will begin the video series by finding stories to showcase and then open the opportunity for nominations to the public. The video recordings will be coordinated with the City Manager's Office videography services team.
Moreover, City Manager's Office staff developed a set of criteria that will be conveyed to the community once the program is ready to be advertised Following the discussion, the City Council supported the creation of a "Stories of Buena Park" video series.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A BUENA PARK YOUTH
MICROGRANT PROGRAM
Presented by Jessica Fewer, Senior Management Analyst Senior Management Analyst Fewer presented a proposal for a City Youth Microgrant Program aligned with Mayor Traut's 2026 theme, "Elevating Voices." The program would fund youth-led, one-time community benefit projects in Buena Park, offering grants up to $999. Eligible applicants include Buena Park residents or students ages 13-18 with an adult sponsor; school groups may apply, while nonprofits may participate but not apply alone. Projects must be completed within 120 days, with up to 50% of funds disbursed upon approval and the remainder affer completion. Applications would be reviewed in early summer, with projects completed by year-end. An ad-hoc review committee was proposed, and noted the program would require a budget allocation from the undesignated General Fund.
Following discussion, the City Council supported the Buena Park Youth Microgrant Program and appointed an ad hoc committee comprised of Mayor Traut and Vice Mayor Hoque.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the extended voting period for the America's Favorite Smallest Town Contest and encouraged residents to continue voting for Buena Park.
Additionally, City Manager France and Assistant City Manager Fenton will be attending a conference on Wednesday and Thursday, and will be out of the office.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria indicated that the City continuously accepts applications for commissions and committees. Interested residents may submit an application online or contact the City Clerk's Office for more information.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m. in honor of long-time Buena Park resident Diane McLaughin.
ATTEST: