MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD MARCH 10, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 137
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, March 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
1B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Ahn, Franco, Sonne, Hogue, Traut
ABSENT: None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Adria M. Vicuna, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Pastor Ed Choi, Thanksgiving Church and BPPD Police Chaplain. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ethan Lopez, Beatty Middle School. 1E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna informed the community of the recent reports regarding door-to-door collection of petition signatures. It was clarified that this is not a City -affiliated effort. Rather, an initiative petition is being circulated and signatures are being gathered to amend the zoning code to allow full - service grocery sales by discount super stores at the Buena Park Downtown Mall. Residents are encouraged to verify any petitions prior to signing. Please visit the City's official election page at www.buenapark.com/elections for more information, or contact the City Clerk's Office at ( 714) 562-3750 or cityclerk(cbuenapark.com for questions or concerns about the initiative process.
25th Annual Middle and High School Art Show Awards Reception, March 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m., in the Buena Park City Hall Council Chamber. 2026 Korean Resource Fair, March 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at the Buena Park Senior Center.
OCFA Open House 2026, March 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., at 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602.
Coloring with a Cop, March 18, 2026, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Buena Park Library.
2. PRESENTATIONS
2A. PRESENTATION BY ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAIR DOUG
CHAFFEE ON THE GUN BUYBACK PROGRAM
OC Board of Supervisors Chair Chaffee presented certificates to the Buena Park Police Department officers who participated at the Gun Buyback Program event. Additionally, Chair Chaffee invited the Kids Fishing Derby that will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823.
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol . 55 Pg. 138
2B.
PROCLAMATIO
N
RECO
GNIZING MARCH 2026 AS WO
MEN'S
HISTO
RYMONTH
Vice
M
ayor Hoque and Council Member
So
nne present
ed
the Proclamation recognizing March
2026 as Women's
Histo
ry
M
onth to WE LEAD
BP.
A video featuring women from WE LEAD BP
and their contributions to the organization was presented to the City Council and meeting attendees.3A.
ORAL
COMM
UNICATIONS
Mayor Traut announced the public may at this time address th e
members of the City Council on
any matters within the
jurisdictio
n of the City Council.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna acknowledg ed
an email
correspondence from Sam Giahi regarding implementing a City policy for use of Al to increase efficiency and speed of
operations.
Art Brown, Buena Park
re
sident and Buena Park Noon Lions member, spoke regarding the Buena Park Noon Lions' trip to San Clemente via the Metrolink train. An estimated
75 participants joined including members of the Climate Action Commission.
Mr .
Brown thanked
Sustainability
M
anager Thai for coordinating the participation of the members of the Climate Action Commission.
Mr.
Rodriguez, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding the issues raised concerning The Source property and ongoing illegal parking on Brenner
Avenue .
Christine
M
arick, OC Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, spoke regarding the Commission's inaugural report on the status of women and girls in Orange County.
There
being no additional
re
quests to speak,
Mayor
Traut closed oral communications.
City Manager France provided an update on the issues raised by Mr. Rodriguez at last month's City Council meeting, and assured that City staff are working on resolving th e
matter .
4. CONSENT CALENDAR ( 4A — 4J)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4J would be acted upon byonemotion
a
ffirming the actions as recommended on the agenda and agenda bills submitted and inquired ifanyone present desired to have any item removed for separateconsideration ..
There being norequests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A — 4J:
MOTION: Traut
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A — 4J be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action:
A
pprove the
M
inutes of the Special and Regular City Council
Meetings of February 24, 2026.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 139
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. 15084
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 2,105,957.96 DEMAND NOS. 434671 THROUGH 434888 CANCELLED NOS. 431587, 431852, 431904, 433750, 434294, AND 434578
RESOLUTION NO. 15085
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK,
CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF 1,153,323.03 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING FEBRUARY 13, 2026 Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARCH 2026 AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3627 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-987
4D. FINAL PAYMENT TO LETNER ROOFING COMPANY FOR THE CITY YARD ROOF
REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1) Accept the project as complete and approve a final payment to Letner Roofing in the amount of $ 4,400.91; and 2) Direct the Public Works Department to file a Notice of Completion.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3656 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-992 Budgets 47 4E. APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH SQUARE SIGNS LLC FOR THE WILLIAM PEAK
PARK MONUMENT SIGNS INSTALLATION PROJECT AND APPROVE AN
ASSOCIATED BUDGET TRANSFER
Recommended Action: 1) Award a contract to Square Signs LLC in the amount of 37,000 for the William Peak Park Monument Signs Installation Project; 2) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 4,000 in the same purchase order; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to the contract; 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract; and, 5) Authorize a budget transfer in the amount of $ 45,000 from the Brenner Park Account 32-9806-290155) to the Park Monument Signs Account ( 11-9806-190065) for this purpose.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Budgets 47
4F. RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PRIOR YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, OTHER CARRYOVERS, AND MID - YEAR BUDGET
ADJUSTMENTS
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution appropriating funds for prior year capital improvement projects, other carryovers, and mid - year budget adjustments.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15086
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR PRIOR YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
CARRYOVERS, OTHER CARRYOVERS, AND MID - YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS Minutes March 10, 2026
Vol.
55 Pg. 140
Purchasing 127
4G.
PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF BATTERY BACKUP SYSTE
M
UPGRADES FOR
VARIOUS TRAFFIC SIGNAL
LOCATIONS
FOR THE 25-26 ANNUAL BATTERY
BACKUP UPGRADES PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1) Authorize the purchase of traffic signal battery backup upgrade equipment from Yunex, LLC for the 25-26 Annual Battery Backup Upgrades Proje
ct; and 2) Dispense with competitive bidding pursuant to Buena Park Municipal
Code
Se
ction 3.28.080 ( C).
APPROVED
therecommende
d action.
Gran
ts 185 Police Dept. 117 Budgets 185
4H. ACCEPT FUNDS
ALLO
CATED TO THE BUENA PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT BY
THE COUNTY OF ORANGE UNDER THE PROP 69 DNA FINGERPRINT, UNSOLVED CRIM
E AND INNOCENCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2004, AND AUTHORIZE USE OF
THE FUNDS FOR PURCHASING FORENSIC EQUIP
MENTAND
TRAINING
To accept funds allocated by the County under Prop 69 and expend those funds for a permissible
purpose.
The forensic equipment and tools approved by the County for procurement will enhance the collection and processing of DNA evidence at crime scenes.
Recommended Action: 1) Accept grant funds in the amount of $ 32,196, allocated by the County of Orange to
the
Buena Park Police Department, under the Proposition 69 DNA Fingerprint,
Unsolve
d Crime
a
nd
Inno
cence Protection Act of 2004 (" Prop 69"); 2)
Authorize
the
purchase of one " FFLEX" Fuming Cabin
et,
one UV Kit for " FFLEX", and
FFLEX" Product Training with these funds; and, 3) Authorize a budget appropriation in the
amo
unt of $ 32,200 for this
purpose .
APPROVED the recommended action.
City
Counc
il 55
41. APPROVAL OF BUENA PARK YOUTH MICROGRANT PR
OGRAM
GUIDELINES
Recommended Action: 1) Approve the Buena Park Youth Microgrant Program guidelines.
APPROVED therecommended action.
Audits 40 Reports & Studies129
4J. ANNUALCOMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT ( ACFR) FO
R
THE YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 2025
Recommended Action: 1) Receive
a
nd file th
e
Annual ComprehensiveFinancial Report
A
CFR) for the year ended June 2025.
APPROVED the recommendedaction.
END OF CONSENTCALENDAR5. NEW BUSINESS ( 5A — 5B)
Contracts 70 C-3657 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-993 Budgets 47 5A .
R
ESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND APPROVAL OF A
CONTRACT WITH HARDY ANDHARPER, INC. FOR THE DALE STREET R
EHABILITATION PROJECTFROMCRESCENT AVENUE TO SR - 91, AND
APPROVING ACOOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF ANAHEIM Presented by Jaden Miller, Principal Engineer
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 141
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Dale Street Rehabilitation Project from Crescent Avenue to SR - 91; 2) Award a contract to Hardy and Harper, Inc. in the amount of $ 1,850,000; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 140,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize construction engineering in the amount of $ 100,000; 5) Authorize a purchase order for the Solis Group in the amount of $ 6,000 for administration of the Community Workforce Agreement ( CWA); 6) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 1,000 for CWA administration; 7) Approve a cooperative agreement with the City of Anaheim for the Dale Street Rehabilitation Project; 8) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to the contract and agreement; 9) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract; 10) Authorize the Mayor, the Director of Public Works and the City Clerk to execute the agreement; and 11) Authorize a budget transfer in the amount of $ 700,000 from the Commonwealth Avenue Account ( 24-9806- 590190) for this purpose.
Principal Engineer Miller reported on the Dale Street Rehabilitation Project from Crescent Avenue to SR - 91. The project will involve rehabilitating the asphalt pavement, removing and replacing damaged curb and gutter, cross gutters, sidewalks, and curb ramps that do not meet ADA compliance standards, as well as making necessary utility adjustments. Additionally, there would be installation of new Class II bike lanes from La Palma Avenue to the cul-de-sac near the SR - 91 freeway, new enhanced visibility crosswalks, and additional signage in accordance with the CA MUTCD. The City notified the City of Anaheim that a small portion of the project lies within Anaheim's right-of-way at the intersection of Dale Street and Crescent Avenue, as well as along a segment of the cul-de-sac near the SR - 91 freeway. City staff proposed a cooperative CO-OP) agreement between Buena Park and Anaheim to rehabilitate the entire roadway, including the portions within Anaheim. Under the agreement, the City of Anaheim will reimburse the City of Buena Park for its proportionate share of the construction costs. The project was advertised for competitive bids on February 9, 2026 and six ( 6) bids were received and publicly opened on February 25, 2026. The lowest, responsible bid submitted by Hardy and Harper, Inc. of Lake Forest, California was in the amount of $ 1,850,000. Hardy and Harper, Inc. possesses the required contractor's license to complete the project and they have successfully completed similar pavement projects. It was recommended that the City Council award a contract to Hardy and Harper, Inc.; as well as approve contingency funds, construction engineering, and CWA administration services for a total project amount of $ 2,097,000. Staff also recommended entering into a cooperative agreement ( CO-OP) with the City of Anaheim to receive reimbursement from Anaheim in the amount of $ 56,000. The original budget allocation for the project was $ 1,400,000; however, based on total project costs, an additional budget transfer of 700,000 from the Commonwealth account is required. Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2026 and be completed by June 2026. Finally, staff noted that they are preparing an " Art in Crosswalk" design to be incorporated into the crosswalk at Dale Street and Carnation Drive.
The design will be developed in coordination with the City Council and the Cultural and Fine Arts Commission and will be implemented after the roadway rehabilitation work is completed.
MOTION: Sonne
SECOND: Franco
AYES: Sonne, Franco, Ahn, Hogue, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15087
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR DALE STREET REHABILITATION PROJECT FROM CRESCENT AVENUE TO SR - 91 IN SAID CITY
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 142
Contracts 70 C-3690 Grants 185 Budgets 47
5B. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ( CALTRANS) FOR THE 2026 COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY GRANT AND APPROVAL OF THE ASSOCIATED
RESTRICTED GRANT AGREEMENT ( RGA)
Presented by Lotus Thai, Sustainability Manager
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution accepting grant funds from the California Department of Transportation ( Caltrans) for the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant in the total amount of $ 240, 258; 2) Approve the Restricted Grant Agreement ( RGA) with Caltrans for the grant; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non- monetary changes to the agreement; 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the RGA and other grant- related documents as necessary; and, 5) Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $ 240, 300 for this purpose.
Sustainability Manager Thai indicated that the City submitted an application for the California Department of Transportation’ s (Caltrans) Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant with the help of Townsend Public Affairs ( TPA). The purpose of the grant is to support litter abatement and public right- of-way beautification efforts on locally owned property while providing workforce development opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
The City was awarded $ 240, 258 to implement regular neighborhood cleanups from April 2026 through April 2027. The City intends to partner with Orange County Conservation Corps OCCC) to provide at-risk young adults with training, employment, and educational programs through conservation- driven projects. Grant funds will also be used to pay for EDCO waste hauling fees, community engagement efforts, the reincorporation of the Fillmore/ Jackson Owners’ Association, and two part- time Code Enforcement Officers to maintain, report, and monitor the cleanup efforts. It was noted that cleanup efforts will be Citywide but the grant funds will mainly focus on three disadvantaged communities that receive a disproportionate number of illegal dumping calls for service: Fillmore/ Jackson, Western/ Fullerton, and Kingman/ Franklin.
Free Declutter Days” will be hosted once a month to gather bulky items such as couches, refrigerators, and mattresses. Educational materials will be distributed highlighting EDCO’s free bulky item pickup program, and this information will continue to be shared through the reestablished Fillmore/ Jackson Owners’ Association to encourage long- term proper disposal practices and reduce future illegal dumping. To sustain neighborhood cleanliness beyond the grant period, staff will continue providing education and outreach to residents.
Council Member Franco suggested the City partner with OC Apartments Association to take efforts further in ensuring the three neighborhoods identified stay clean.
Mayor Traut asked about the process taken to select areas to implement regular neighborhood cleanups.
Sustainability Manager Thai explained that the Code Enforcement Division provided the data of areas that the City receives disproportionate number of illegal dumping calls for service.
MOTION: Sonne
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15088
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT $ 240, 258 FROM THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNITY CLEANUP AND
EMPLOYMENT PATHWAY GRANT AND DESIGNATING AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN CITY
OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ACCEPTING THE GRANT FUNDS
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 143
6. PUBLIC HEARING ( 6A)
Environmental Impact 179
6A. RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINAL INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE PEAK PARK WATER WELL PROJECT
Presented by Jason Tran, Associate Engineer
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution for the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Peak Park Water WeII project.
Mayor Traut stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider the adoption of a resolution for the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Peak Park Water WeII project.
Associate Engineer Tran described the purpose of the Initial Study (! S) in pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) and as it is associated with the construction and operations of the Peak Park Water Well Project. The Initial Study ( IS) recommends mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the project to reduce potential significant environmental impacts. In accordance to CEQA guidelines, a Mitigated Negative Declaration MND) is prepared to state that after incorporation of the mitigation measures, potentially significant environmental impacts would be eliminated or reduced to an insignificant level.
Following completion of the study, staff and the consultant issued a Notice of Intent to Adopt the IS/MND, initiating a 30 - day public review period between October and November 2025. Staff received comments during the review period, and the consultant prepared responses to those comments and incorporated them into the final IS/MND. As required by CEQA guidelines, the IS/MND will be implemented during the construction and operation of the Peak Park Water Well Project, which is expected to begin in Summer 2026 and be completed by Summer 2027.
Mayor Traut opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being none, Mayor Traut closed the public hearing.
MOTION: Sonne
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hogue, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15089
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING AN INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM FOR THE PEAK PARK WATER WELL PROJECT
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Ahn reported the following:
February 25 BPPD Baker to Vegas Relay Running Team BBQ Fundraiser March 2 BP Community Academy
March 3 AUHSD/City of Buena Park Liaison Meeting
March 4 OC Sanitation District Operations Board Meeting March 6 Stakeholder Interview ( Strategic Arts Master Plan) Council Member Franco reported the following:
City of Buena Park and Buena Park Noon Lions Trip to San Juan Capistrano Composting Workshop with FIT Committee and Coo! OC
Council Member Franco requested a cleanup of the Beach Boulevard and 91 freeway off - ramp.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
March 2 BP Community Academy
March 3 AUHSD/City of Buena Park Liaison Meeting
March 9 OCPA Board Meeting
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 144
Council
Membe
r Sonne indicated that at its
M
arch 9, 2026 m
eeting,
th
eOCPA
B
oard
revi
ewed
the Renter Energy Efficiency Program which will roll out beginning March 12, 2026 with applications due by April 5, 2026. Council Member Sonne also calendared a review and consideration to support bills aimed at lowering energy costs .
Vice Mayor Hoque
reporte
d the following:
February 25 OC Sanitation District Board Meeting
March 1 4th Annual LA Grand Interfaith Event
M
arch 2 BP Community Academy
March 3 AUHSD/City of Buena Park Liaison
Meeting
V
ice
Ma
yor Hoque and Mayor Traut jointly calendar
ed
explore partnering with Knotts B
erry
Farm to host the first Summer Concerts in the Park at Indep endence
Hall in celebration of
A
merica's 250th Birthday.
M
ayor Traut reported the following:
February 26 OCFA Board Meeting
March 2 Stakeholder Interview ( Strategic Arts Master Plan) March 2 BP Community Academy
March 3 AUHSD/City of
Bue
na Park Liaison
Meeting
March 3 Snacks and Sustainabili-
Tea
Workshop
March 6 Read Across America at San Marino Elementary School March 6 North OC Ramadan Celebration
March 7 Introductory City Meeting with an Al Plan Check System for ADUs Mayor Traut indicated that at its February 26, 2026 meeting, the OCFA Board discussed supporting an item about enhancing the " Standards of Cover" for air operations.
8. RECESS/
RECONV
ENE
Mayor Traut recessed the meeting at 6:03 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council
Chamber.
The meeting was reconvened at 6:15 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION ( 9A - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING FIFA WORLD CUP COMMUNITY
VIEWING PARTIES AT THE SOURCE
Presented by Jessica Fewer, Senior Management Analyst
Senior Management AnalystFewer discussed interest by Radio Korea about hosting community v
iewing parties at the Source OC ( the Source) for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Jun e.
Radio
Korea has heldsimilar
e
vents since 2006 in the Los Angeles area and is also in the process of planning a 2026 World Cup Los Angeles - area viewing party series. The proposed viewing parties at the Source will serve as the Orange County viewing destination beingBuena Park as the Center of the Southland and the location of Koreatown . It was noted that Radio Korea proposed to host up to four community viewing parties at three locations within the Source — MainPlaza, Sunken Stairs, andSouthwestDeckArea. Theorganizer'sestimate that each viewing party at thethreelocations within the Source will attract approximately 1,000 to 1,500 attendees.
A
lthough the event is still in the planning stages, the organizerscurrently do not anticipate including alcohol sales, though they continue to explore that possibility. Attendees will also be encouraged to patronize existing eateries and restaurants onsite. The viewing parties would be free to the public and would not require a ticket. Radio Korea in partnership with OC Korean Chamber of Commerce, isrequesting the City join the event as an official municipal planner. Showingthegames in theaforementioned capacity requires a
viewing license and th
e
process wouldbeeasier and lessexpensive if the City agrees to be an official event partner.
RadioKorea also understands that a Temporary Use Permit ( TUP) from the Community and EconomicDevelopment Department will be required for these events. The TUP application process will provide detailed information on logistics, including security, traffic control, alcohol sales, parking, and other event - related considerations. Staff sought City Council direction on being an official partner of the viewing parties and authorization of theMayortosign th e
official
partnership Letter.
City
M
anager France spoke regarding requests to waive the $ 545 TUP fee and to acquire the payment of $ 6,000 - $ 8,000 in security costs for all four viewings.
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 145
Mayor Traut asked about a previous waiving of TUP fee for another event.
Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes indicated that the City has previously waived a TUP fee for a state or regional legislator's event.
The City Council supported being an official partner of the viewing parties at the Source OC; waived the $ 545 TUP fee and security costs for all four viewings; and, authorized the Mayor to sign the official partnership letter.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION
DAY PROGRAM
Presented by Jessica Fewer, Senior Management Analyst
Senior Management Analyst Fewer presented the proposed Neighborhood Action Day Program which aims to bring concentrated beautification efforts to targeted neighborhoods within the City to foster community pride and ownership. The proposal outlines a pilot program to carry out beautification efforts at two to three neighborhood sites prior to year-end. The locations must be geographically diverse throughout the City and no district may have more than one project.
Senior Management Analyst Fewer described examples of small maintenance/upgrade projects similar to those done during Love Buena Park. This pilot program intends to quickly address minor neighborhood maintenance issues to prevent them from developing into more significant problems. While Public Works or other City staff will assist with project management, this program will call on neighbors, local non - profits, local churches, local organizations/businesses, scout troops, and school staff to complete the project. This is an effort to engage community members who have not previously participated in City programs or activities which is another goal of the program. Local businesses also have the opportunity to sponsor a project or provide in - kind volunteers on the day of the event. In return, they may have a banner displayed at the project site and be recognized in the City's social media posts about the event. Moreover, an ad hoc committee, comprised of two Council Members, a Public Works Department staff member and a staff member from any other relevant departments, will decide on site locations and scope of each project. Upon completion of a project, staff will report summary of the project details in the City Manager's Weekly. There is no budget allocated for the new, proposed program.
Therefore, a budget allocation of $ 15,000 from the undesignated General Fund balance would be required to proceed with this item. Also, the City Council would need to appoint an ad - hoc committee to begin the discussion of potential project locations and details.
The City Council supported the pilot program budget allocation and established an ad - hoc committee comprised of Mayor Traut and Council Member Franco. 9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING ALL PARKS PROJECTS TO BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION FOR REVIEW
Presented by Eddie Fenton, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton discussed the roles and responsibilities of the Climate Action Commission as approved by the City Council through Ordinance No. 1720. At its February 24, 2026 meeting, Council Member Sonne requested discussion on all parks projects to be submitted to the Climate Action Commission for alignment with the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan ( CAAP) and environmental excellence. Some benefits of the Climate Action Commission review of the CAAP include Strategic Plan alignment, climate resilience, and environmental justice. On the other hand, potential challenges may cause redundancy in the work of staff and consultants, authority exceed their intended advisory scope, project delays, and increased costs. Staff sought City Council direction on the intent to expand the Climate Action Commission's roles and responsibilities to include a review of all parks projects for alignment with the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and environmental excellence; or an alternate direction.
Brandon Schooner, Climate Action Commissioner, spoke regarding the benefits of the Climate Action Commission review of parks projects to ensure that the plan is climate resiliency forward, and suggested the consideration of Climate Action Commission liaisons in the review of existing park projects.
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 146
The City Council discussed the importance to recognize the knowledge and
exp
ertise
of the
members of the Climate Action Commission in guiding the City Council make responsible decisions for the design of City parks; addition of the Climate Action Commission r eview
of City
parks as a form of input rather than sign off; allow the Climate Action Commission to provide feedback on park designs to designated Commission staff liaisons, City staff and the consultant; initiate a park redesign discussion between Climate Action Commission and City staff, and include the Climate Action
Co
mmission's
reco
mmendations with that
of
the Community Servic
es
a
nd Cultural Engagement Commissions
to
be pres
ented
to th
e
City Council f
or
consideration;
and, allow the Community
Se
rvices Commission to seek feedback from other City Commissions as it relates to elements in the design of future park projects .
Council Member Sonne asked about a possibility that necessitates the Climate Action Commission make recommendations that is of significant cost to implement yet expedite to achieve the components set with the Climate Action and Adaptation Pl an .
Director of Community
Se
rvices Box and Director of Public Works Mikhael explained the status of certain parks projects and
the
potential incurred costs for the consultant to attend
and
pres
ent
at another Commission
meeting.
Assistant City Manager/
Dire
ctor of Human Resources Fenton spoke regarding possible alternatives of sharing the Climate Action Commission's input on park projects in alignment with the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Sustainability
M
anager Thai indicated that
there
are components of the Climate Action
and
Adaptation Plan that require immediate attention or a more in-depth discussion while others could be deferred.
Director of Community and Economic Development Foulkes provided examples such as addition of EV parking in parking lots or installation of restroom facility fixtures, which align
with
the
sustaina
bility goals, are substantially less expensive
to
include during the design phase than
to retrofit
later.
Additionally, as directed by the City Council, Director Foulkes and Sustainability Manager Thai acknowledged and accepted to relay the recommendations provided by the Climate Action
Commissio
n
on
park projects to Directors Box
and
Mikhael.
Brandon Schooner, Climate Action Commissioner, stated that the park designs were well - received and no major issues were noted. Mr. Schooner expressed concern on the minimal information received by the members of the Climate Action Commission compared to the information shared with the Cultural Engagement and Community Services Commissions. He stated the Climate Action Commission would like to be included in the process to be able to offer their perspectives; and, requested for the members of the Climate Action Commission be included, as Commissioners andnot as audience members, in the discussion of park designsin thefuture.
For future parks, the City Council supported that information be forwarded through City staff to the Climate Action Commission for feedback and review, consistent with the Commission's statedpurpose .
For Friendship Park and the District 2 Pocket Park, th
e
City Council supported that information
beforwarded through City staff to the Climate Action Commission for feedback and review consistent withtheCommission's stated purpose.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
CityManager France reported on thefollowing:
Corey ElementarySchool College and Career Day, March 13, 2026, 9:00 a . m. - 12:00 p.m.
Climate Action Commission Meeting to review and discuss Friendship Park design on April 7, 2026.
City Council to hold a finalreview of Friendship Park on April 14, 2026 .
ClimateAction Commission
M
eeting toreviewand discuss District 2 Pocket Park design on M
ay 5, 2026.
City Council Meeting to hold a final review of District 2 Pocket Park on May 12, 2026.
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2026, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m ., at the Mayor's Garden.
Minutes March 10, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 147
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna indicated that the City continuously accepts applications for commissions and committees. Interested residents may contact their District Council Member, 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 7:15 p.
ATTEST:
4)if
Assistant pity Clerk
Mayor