MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 428
1. GENERAL
The City Council met :n a regular session on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Traut presiding.
14. CALL TO OR[)ER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Ahn, Fi-anco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut
None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Anna Almquist, CMC, Assistant City Clerk.
1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Ajay Shah, Jain Center of Southern California. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tina Otieno, Holder Elementary School. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* Public Work's Department received $1.3 million in state grant towards street improvements.
Staff will solicit proposals this week, and construction is anticipated to begin by the end of the year.
* 25th Annual Middle and High School Art Show Awards Reception, March 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m., in the B.uena Park Council Chamber.
* Free E-Waste Recycling and Compost and Mulch Giveaway Event, April 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the City Yard.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. WINGS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM MUSICAL PRESENT ATION Community Services Coordinator Van Sickle introduced the students of the Savanna Elementary School District's WINGS After School Program.
Savanna Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Sue Johnson provided an update on the recent events the students participated in, and thanked the City Council for their continued support in the WINGS Afier School Program.
Savanna Elementary School District's WINGS Affer School Program students performed a few songs for the meeting attendees.
Minutes February 24, 2026
2B. OCFA QUARTERLY UPDATE
Vol. 55 Pg. 129
OCFA Division Chief Scheutz provided a quarterly update: thanked former OCFA Fire Chief Fennessy for his service; appointment of OCFA Interim Fire Chief McGovern as OCFA begins its recruitment for the next OCFA Fire Chief; increased call volume from 8,313 incidents in 2024 to 8,348 incidents in 2025; Buena Park rescue trucks deployed multiple times throughout the County; incident at the flood control channel near Beach Boulevard wherein an approximately 58-year old man was trapped and had to be rescued; ongoing trainings and interagency coordination; live fire trainings at Motel 6 Buena Park in an effort to improve decision making and coordinate professionally with outside agencies including the BPPD; upcoming active shooter drill with BPPD and OCFA; annual OCFA Knott's Berry Farm exercise drill; facility improvements such as installation of new floors and replacement of air-conditioning units, and placement of new flag pole at Station 63, and replacement of air-conditioning units at Station 62; Former Administrative Captain Danny Goodwin assumed new position as Battalion Chief, new Administrative Captain Tantuvanich will begin his new position on March (,th; and, appreciate continued collaboration with the City.
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.
Dominic Moonheart spoke regarding the QC Board of Supervisors bypassing the annual Chair rotation; overcrowded LA Metro Bus 460; and requested that the City Council support an alternative rail option serving Fullerton and Anaheim.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4F)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4F 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.
Council Member Franco requested separate discussion on Item No. 4D. There being no additional requests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A - 4C and 4E - 4F:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Ahn
Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4C and 4E - 4F be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of February 10, 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 NO. 15080
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,915,571.64 DEMAND NOS. 434449 THROUGH 434670 CANCELLED N0. 434209
Minutes February 24, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 130
RESOLUTION NO. 15081
A RESOLUTION OF -rHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIISJ CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $19,259.95 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL FNDING JANUARY 31 , 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 15082
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIISJ CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1,162,766.36 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING JANUARY 30, 2026
Reports & Studies 129
4C. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2026 Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Homelessness 88
4D. APPROVALOFTHEBUENAPARKNAVIGATIONCENTERMANAGEMENT,
OPERATIONS, AND PUBLIC SAFETY (MOPS) PLAN
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve the revised MOPS Plan 2026 submitted by the Navigation Center Operator, Mercy House, and the Navigation Center Oversight Commission; and 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the plan.
Council Member Franco asked about the MOPS plan goals of 30% exit to temporary and/or permanent housing and 75% not returning to the homeless management system in the next year.
Director Box explained that the percentage was based on County standard and established for all shelters in the County.
James Brooks, Mercy House Program Coordinator, indicated that he will share the information to address Council Member Franco's question pertaining to Target Goals/Expected Outcomes once it becomes available.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Sonne
Franco, Sonne, Ahn, Hoque, Traut
None
APPROVED the recommended action.
Finance 75
4E. RESOLUTIONAPPROVINGTHECITYOFBUENAPARKSTATEMENTOF
INVESTMENT POLICY DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution approving the City of Buena Park Statement of Investment Policy dated February 24, 2026.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15083
A RESOLUTION OF -rHE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE In,ITY TREASURER TO INVEST FOR SAFEKEEPING IDLE MONEY OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE "ST ATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY" DATED FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Minutes February 24, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 131
Finance Dept. 76
4F. WATER BILL INSERTS FOR THE POLICE OFFICER CITIZEN REFERRAL BONUS
PROGRAM AND THE MYRNA HOLMQUIST SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a water bill insert advertising the Police Officer Citizen Referral Bonus Program; and 2) Approve a water bill insert advertising the Myrna Holmquist Scholarship Program.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A)
Contracts 70 C-3542 C-3655
5A. AMENDMENT N0. 2 TO PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6011 BOTRYOIDES AVENUE
Presented by Matt Foulkes, Director of Community & Economic Development Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Second Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Atwater EW, LLC, for the sale of the City-owned remnant property located along the 1-5 Freeway corridor at Botryoides Avenue and Artesia Boulevard (the "Property"); 2) Approve a market-rate loan to fund infrastructure and ground improvements associated with development of the Property; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make non-monetary changes to the transaction documents reasonably necessary to complete the transaction; and, 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Second Amendment and associated documents needed to facilitate the closing in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Director Foulkes provided a report on the Purchase and Sale Agreement amendment For the City-owned property located at 6011 Botryoides Avenue. It was noted that the parties have been working cooperatively to satisfy the various conditions precedent the closing that are described in the Purchase Agreement. However, several of the closing conditions have taken longer than anticipated to complete. Originally, the project was going to be constructed as a single phase, but due to unexpected delays the Developer is now proposing the project to be completed into two phases - Phase 1 : EV charging station; and Phase 2: drive-through/retail components. The Developer is prepared to close on the acquisition of the Property and promptly commence construction of the EV component. Although the precise timing remains uncertain, the Developer anticipates initiating construction of the drive-through and retail components within the next 12 to 24 months. Moreover, the buyer has requested the City provide a market loan rate in the amount of $2,743,678 to fund the infrastructure and ground improvements on the property necessary for that portion of the project. It was noted that the requested loan would have a term of sixty (60) months from the closing date, bear interest at 7.25%, and contain no pre-payment penalties. The infrastructure loan will be secured by a deed of trust on the property, subordinate only to the existing $950,000 City purchase loan. If the buyer defaults or does not complete the project, the City can foreclose or repurchase the property, paying the original purchase price plus the cost of any completed improvements.
Mayor Traut requested staff to include updates about this project on the City website.
Director Foulkes indicated that a special page on the website has been created to display ongoing projects in the City. The page includes renderings and project updates, and updated on a regular basis.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Ahn
Traut
Ahn, Traut, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
Minutes February 24, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 132
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND CALENDAR F.'.EQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Ahn reported the following:
* Februaryl4YoungLeadersofAmericaForum
* February 14 Peaceful Unification Advisory Council Lunar New Year Celebration Council Member Ahn also indicated attending internal meetings to address new and pending discussion items. Additionally, Council Member Ahn calendared a World Cup viewing in Buena Park.
Council Member Franco reported the following:
* February 19 Joint Special Meeting of the Community Services and Cultural Engagement Joint Commissions
* February19SpecialCityCouncilMeeting
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* February 19 Joint Special Meeting of the Community Services and Cultural Engagement Joint Commissions
* February 19 Special City Council Meeting
* February 24 0CPA Multicultural Community Leaders Luncheon Council Member Sonne calendared all City park projects be submitted to the Climate Action Commission to ensure alignment with CAAP and environmental excellence.
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the following:
* February 19 Joint Special Meeting of the Community Services and Cultural Engagement Joint Commissions
@ February19SpecialCityCouncilMeeting
* February 19 QC Mosquito and Vector Control District Board Meeting Mayor Traut reported the following:
* February 1l OCF,A Budget and Finance Committee Meeting * February 13 QC Labor Federation MLK Breakfast
* February 19 Joint Special Meeting of the Community Services and Cultural Engagement Joint Commissions
* February 19 Special City Council Meeting
* February 19 0CF,A Special Board Meeting
Mayor Traut provided an OCFA update wherein the Budget and Finance Committee proceeded with investing even more into longer-term higher-yield securities; balanced budget now and forecasted in future fiscal years; CIP budget adding new stations and pre-ordering trucks earlier; and, echoed updates provided earlier by Division Chief Scheutz.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Traut recessed the meeting at 5:49 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 5:58 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE CITY'S MID-YEAR BUDGET Presented by Sung Hyun, Director of Finance
Director of Finance Hyun provided a report regarding the City's mid-year budget. Director Hyun reviewed the results from FY 2024-25 and projected results for FY 2025-26; and, appropriated carryover requests from FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26 and mid-year budget adjustment requests for FY 2025-26. Director Hyun compared the General Fund Revenues from FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25, and General Fund Expenditures from FY 2023-24 to FY 2024-25, and explained the General Fund Balance for FY 2024-25, Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Fund, Public Liability Self-Insurance Fund, Accrued Leave Fund, and other funds. Director Hyun discussed General Fund Reveniies and Expenditures for FY 2025-26, as well as carryover requests and mid-year requests pertaining to various City departments and other funds.
Minutes February 24, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 133
Council Member Franco requested a detailed report of the sales tax revenues.
Director Hyun indicated that a detailed sales tax trend report will be part of the Strategic Plan. It was noted, however, that sales tax information is confidential.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the carryover requests from FY 2024-25 to FY 2025-26, and mid-year budget adjustment requests from FY 2025-26. 9B. DESIGNATE A COUNCIL MEMBER AS THE CITY'S VOTING DELEGATE AND
ALTERNATE VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG) 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUSINESS
SESSION
Presented by Adria Vicuria, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Assistant City Clerk Almquist provided a report regarding the upcoming Southern California Association of Government (SCAG)'s 2026 Regional Conference and General Assembly scheduled for May 7 - 8, 2026, in Palm Desert. Staff will report to the City Council once additional information regarding proposed resolutions is received. Furthermore, Assistant City Clerk Almquist sought City Council direction to designate Council Members to serve as the City's voting delegate and alternate voting delegate for the SCAG 2026 General Assembly Business Session by City Council Minute action.
The City Council designated Council Member Franco as the voting delegate.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported that the Buena Park Community Academy will hold its first session on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Conference Room.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Assistant City Clerk Almquist had nothing to report.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business,
ATTEST:
aQ&!ayClerk