MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD APRIL 14, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 163
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 14, 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 Eddie Fenton, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Camila Davalos, Beatty Middle School and Alicia De La Luz, Cultural Engagement Commission Member.
1E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
Office Aide/Passport Agent Yam provided information regarding the 2026 Passport Walk- ins, which started on April 7 and will continue through August 27, 2026. Passport walk-ins are available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Buena Park City Hall. For passport - related questions, please visit the Passport page on the City's website or contact the Passport Services Division at ( 714) 562-3758.
Sustainability Manager Thai informed the community about upcoming Building Optimization and Long - Term Transition ( BOLT) webinars to help homeowners and businesses make smart energy upgrades during planned improvements. The first webinar will be held on April 23, 2026, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for existing non-residential buildings ( offices, retail, grocery, financial institutions) and 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for existing single-family residential homeowners and residents). Interested individuals may register online at www.buenapark.com/BOLT.
Bulky Item Drop Off, April 18, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the City's Entertainment Corridor Parking Lot between Western Ave. and Beach Blvd. Items must be separated into three categories: household items, appliances and metal items, and green waste.
E - Waste Recycling and Paper Shredding, April 25, 2026, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the City's Entertainment Corridor Parking Lot between Western Ave. and Beach Blvd. Free compost and mulch will also be available while supplies last.
Arts and Culture Master Plan meeting, April 22, 2026, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Buena Park Community Center, and April 23, 2026, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Ehlers Event Center.
Love Buena Park, April 25, 2026, 7:30 a.m. check in and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. volunteer at projects. Event begins at Buena Park City Hall.
Minute
s April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 164
2. PRESENTATIONS
2A.
PROCLAMA
TION
RECOG
NIZING APRIL 19-25, 2026, AS NATIONAL LIBR
ARY
WEEK
Vice Mayor Hoque
prese
nted the Proclamation recognizing April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week to Buena Park Library District Director Helen Medina, Library Board of Trustees President Brenda Estrada, and
Libraria
n Helen Koo.
Legislative
represe
ntatives from Senator Umberg's Office and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's Office presented certificates
recogniz
ing April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week .
2B. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING
A
PRIL 2026 AS DONATE LIFE
MONTH
Mayor Traut presented the Proclamation recognizing
April
2026 as Donate Life Month to
OneLegacyAmbassa
dor Mona Castro.
Le
gislative
representativ
es from Senator Umberg's
Office
and Assemblywom
anQuirk-Silva's
Office presented
ce
rtificates recognizing April 2026 as DMV Donate Life Month 2C.
PRO
CLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS
AUTISM
ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Council Member Sonne presented the Proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month to the
Ko
rean
A
merican Special Education Center .
Legislative
representativ
es from Senator Umberg's
Office
and Ass
emblywoman
Quirk-Silva's
Office
pre
sented certificates recognizing April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month to the Korean American Special Education Center.
2D.
RECOGNITION OF THE
BUENA
PARK SISTER CIT
Y
FOUNDATION AND
PRESENTATION BY THE BUENA PARK HIGH SCH
OOL
SISTER CITY STUDENT
EXCHANG
E
DELEGATIO
N
Council Member Franco presenteda certificate of recognition to the members of the Buen a
Park Sister City Foundation for their planning and coordination of student exchange programs .
Buena Park High School Assistant PrincipalAbelland the Buena Park High School Sister City Student Exchange Delegation thanked the City Council for their support in the program . 3A.
O
RAL COMMUNICATIONS
M
ayor Traut announced the publicmay at this time addressthe membersof th e
City Council on
any matters withinthejurisdiction of the City Council.
A member of the public spoke regarding a righteous man in Buena Park and this man's many years of service to thecommunity.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR ( 4A — 41)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 41 would beactedupon 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 wastaken on ItemNos. 4A — 41:
MOTION: Traut
SECOND: Hoque
AYES: Traut, Hoque, Ahn, Franco, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A — 41 be approved.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 165
Minutes
4A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special and Regular City Council Meetings of March 24, 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. 15094
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 5,813,523.96 DEMAND NOS. 435110 THROUGH 435308 CANCELLED NO. 424425
RESOLUTION NO. 15095
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 1,182,375.40 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING MARCH 13, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 15096
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 18,923.37 COVERING RETIREE PAYROLL ENDING MARCH 31, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 15097
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 1,174,603.66 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING MARCH 27, 2026
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 19-25, 2026, AS NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS DONATE LIFE MONTH Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-2980
4F. AGREEMENT WITH KNOTT'S BERRY FARM TO PERFORM POLICE DETAIL SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2025-2026 AND 2026-2027
Recommended Action: 1) Approve an agreement with Knott's Berry Farm to provide supplemental police detail services for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 & 2026-2027; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to the agreement; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 166
Budge
ts 47
En
ergy
Conservation
180.1
4G. BUDGET ALLOCATION TO REPLACE TWO PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE LEVEL - 3
ELECTRIC VEHICLE ( EV) CHARGERS
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a budget allocation in the amount of $ 47,925 from the undesigna
ted AB2766/
AQM
D Fund
ba
lance for the replacement of two level - 3 electric
vehicle ( EV) chargers.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Budgets 47
Celebratio
ns 50
4H. BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR THE CITY OF BUENA PARK CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a budget allocation in the amount of $ 15,000 from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose .
APPROVED the
reco
mmended action.
Budgets 47 Parks &
Rec
reation 110
41. BUDGET AMENDMENT
FO
R THE LITERACY WALK INSTALLATION AT HEROES
PARK
Re
commended
A
ction: 1) Approve a budget amendment of $ 30,000 from the undesignated General Fund balance for the purchase and installation of signage for the Lite
racy Walk at Heroes
Park.APPRO
VED the
recommende
d
action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS ( 5A — 5E)
Transportation 148
5A. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BUENA PARK SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ( SRTS) PLAN
Presented by Norm Wray, Senior Engineering Technician
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution implementing the Safe Routes to School SRTS) Plan.
Senior Engineering Technician Wray provided a brief overview of the purpose of the Safe Route to School (SRTS) Plan, and its intent to identify clear and implementable programsand active transportation projects to make it safer and more comfortable for students to walk, bike, scoot, and roll to school. The projectteam used various methods of community outreach and feedback which were key components of the SRTS plan development. Moreover, the SRTS Plan has a variety of implementable programs and improvements for all 14 schools in Buena Park, which fall into two categories: infrastructure and non - infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements involve physical engineering projects near schools, such as traffic calming measures, raised crosswalks, bike lanes, curb ramps, curb extensions, and intersection controls, while non - infrastructure improvements focus on programs like safety outreach, educational workshops, andstudent -ledtransportationinitiatives. A major recommendation under non - infrastructureimprovements isfortheCity tocreate a
part-time " ActiveTransportationCoordinator" positionto serveas
a
liaison among the City, schools,
a
ndpartneragenciessuch as OCTA, SCAG, and
Caltrans, and to support implementation of the goals outlinedin both theActiveTransportation Plan and the SRTS Plan. Senior Engineering Technician Wray notedthat after the conclusion of the Plan, the Hope Special Education School has been relocated outside of the City of Buena Park and that the facility will no longer be operated as a school campus. Moreover, a "
school
profile" was created for each of the remaining 13 schools in the City, wherein th e
profiles include
specific infrastructure and non - infrastructure recommendations for each school based on best engineering practices, as well as specific concerns identifiedthroughthe project's outreachand engagement efforts. Lastly, the SRTS Planincludedthe formationof an Advisory Committee AC), comprised of members from Caltrans,
O
CTA, the CityofBuena Park, Buena Park Police
Department, school districts, and individual schools, that reviewed the plan through its various stages and provided feedback on plan development . It will serv e
as a valuabl
e
resource for
future Capital Improvement Projects and position the City to be more competitive in securing grants to implement these enhancements.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 167
Vice Mayor Hoque asked about pursuing a grant to fund a part-time Active Transportation Coordinator position.
Senior Engineering Technician Wray indicated staff applied for a grant to support the part-time Active Transportation Coordinator position.
MOTION: Franco
SECOND: Hoque
AYES: Franco, Hoque, Ahn, Sonne, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15098
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE BUENA PARK SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PLAN
Contracts 70 C-3670 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-995
5B. RESOLUTION ADOPTING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO SELECT ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL UPGRADES & SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT ( HSIPSL5310(044)) Presented by Nader Alqam, Principal Engineer
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Citywide Traffic Signal Upgrades & Safety Enhancements Project ( HSIPSL-5310 044)); 2) Award a contract to Select Electric, Inc. in the amount of $ 939,500; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 100,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize construction engineering funds in the amount of $ 50,000; 5) Authorize a purchase order for the Solis Group in the amount of $ 6,725 for administration of the Community Workforce Agreement ( CWA); 6) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 1,345 for CWA administration; 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the contract; and, 8) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Principal Engineer Alqam discussed the Cycle 11 Highway Safety Improvement Project ( HSIP) which includes traffic signal upgrades and safety enhancements at thirteen intersections within the City. The project was first advertised for competitive bids on February 26, 2026, and four ( 4) bids were received and publicly opened on March 23, 2026. The lowest, responsible bid was submitted by Select Electric, Inc. of Anaheim, California in the amount of $ 939,500. Select Electric, Inc. holds the required contractor's license to complete the project and has successfully delivered similar work for other cities as well as successfully completed projects for the City of Buena Park. It was recommended that the City Council award a contract to Select Electric, Inc. in the amount of $ 939,500; approve contingency funds in the amount of $ 100,000; construction engineering funds in the amount of $ 50,000, CWA services in the amount of $ 6,725 and $ 1,345 in contingency, for a total project amount of $ 1,097,570. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2026 and be completed by August 2026.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna acknowledged an email correspondence from Buena Park resident Dominic Bendinelli regarding a request for the City Engineer and Select Electric, Inc. to consider implementing leading pedestrian intervals at the time of the signal updates.
Principal Engineer Alqam confirmed that the project includes Lead Pedestrian Intervals ( LPIs) implementation at numerous intersections.
MOTION: Traut
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hoque, Sonne
NOES: None
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 168
M
OTION CARRIED to approve the
reco
mmended action and ADOPTED the f
ollowing
titled
resolution:
RESO
LUTION
NO .
15099
A
RESOLUTIO
N OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUEN
A
P
ARK,
C
ALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
FOR
THE CITYWIDE TRAFFIC SIGNAL
UPGRADES & SAFETY
ENHANCEM
ENTS PROJECT HSIPSL-5310 ( 044) IN SAID CITY
Contra
cts 70 C-3671
Ga
rbage & Refuse 83
5C.
WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE ( WISE) AGREEMENT WITH
THE COUNTY OF ORANGE FOR MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL RATES
AND SERVICES
Presented by Joe Hunt, Public Works
Manager
Recommended Action: 1)
Approve
the WISE Agreement with the County of Orang
e
County" )
for municipal
so
lid waste disposal rates and servic
es;
2) Authorize th
e
City
M
anager and City
Attorne
y to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to the
agre
ement; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement.
Public Works Manager Hunt discussed the proposed Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise WISE) agreement which would
replace
the current Waste Disposal Agreement ( WDA) . The
WDA caps annual rate increases at the CPI and does n
ot
account for escalating operati
onal,
regulatory, and environmental compliance
costs.
The Orange County Waste & Recycling
OCWR)
sugge
sted additional capital is
nee
ded to fund closure of the Brea Olinda landfill and to
significantly expand the capacity of the landfill in San Juan Capistrano over the course of the 10 -year term of the
agree
ment. Public Works Manager Hunt e
xplained
that through negotiations
OCC
MA has
a
greed
to
a
phas
ed rate
structurefor
the first three years of the agreement, and
would include an increase in the CPI
rate
s starting with FY 2029-30 . The key provisions for
inclusion in the WISE
a
greement was
a
lso
disc
uss
ed.
Furth
ermore,
cities wer
e
advised to
adopt
the WISE agreement by April 30, 2026, to reduce disposal rates by as much as 10%. The Participation Threshold" for the WISE Agreement to take effect requires approval from cities accounting for at least 50% of the waste disposed at County landfills. The agre ement
has a 10 -
year term, running through June 30, 2036, with an option to extend for an additional 10 years .
Council Member Franco asked about the new waste disposal landfill location for Buena Park.
Public Works
M
anager Hunt
e
xplained that the waste will be directed to the County landfill located in Irvine.
MOTION: Franco
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Franco, Ahn, Hogue, Sonne, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
Contracts70 C-3672 Energy
C
onservation 180.1
5D.
G
UARANTEEDMAXIMUMPRICE ( GMP) CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH
NORESCO FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY PROJECT UNDER ANENERGY SERVICESCOMPANY ( ESCO) AGREEMENTPresented by Mina Mikhael, Director of Public Works/City EngineerRecommended Action: 1) Approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price ( GMP) Construction Contract withNORESCO , LLC in the amount of $ 6,875,016 for implementationofthe Energy Conservation
a
nd Efficiency Project; 2) Authorize a purchase order for the Solis Group in the amount of $ 36,800 for administration of the Community Workforce Agreement ( CWA); 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) Authorizea budget allocation in the amount of 6,911,816 from the undesignated Measure R Fund balance for full project implementation.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 169
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael discussed the Energy Conservation and Efficiency Project overview; and, reported staff finalized the Investment Grade Audit, negotiated a Guaranteed Maximum Price ( GMP), and completed contract documents. As approved, the energy conservation measures include interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades, window film installation, Electric Vehicle ( EV) charging infrastructure, and Solar Photovoltaic ( PV) + Batter Energy Storage System ( BESS). The total project cost identified in the Investment Grade Audit IGA) is $ 6,875,016. This reflects the total contract cost based on the 100% Investment Grade Audit and does not include a contingency for unforeseen field conditions or incidental expenses.
Director Mikhael also explained the full cost of implementing all four Energy Conservation Measures, inclusive of equipment, labor, design, commissioning, and construction, as well as possible incentives and federal investment tax credit. Project construction is anticipated to begin on July 2026 and completed by March 1, 2027. Furthermore, NORESCO reported a 20 - year guaranteed savings commitment of $ 7,738,256. The guarantee increases annually and incorporates both utility cost savings and operations and maintenance savings. If the verified savings in any given year fall short of the guaranteed amount, NORESCO is contractually required to reimburse the City for the difference. Lastly, it was noted that the ESCO project supports multiple actions identified in the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan ( CAAP) with six key areas of alignment, mainly related to municipal energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy deployment.
The City Council commented on the benefits of the project in achieving climate action goals; timeliness of proceeding with the project given the anticipated increase in supply costs every year; approval of change orders will not be permitted; no perceived justification for use of Measure R funds for this project; concerns regarding significant upfront cost of the implementation of the Energy Conservation Measures; and, consideration of different funding options to proceed with the project.
Mayor Traut asked about the use of Measure R funds for implementing energy conservation measures, and the consideration of completing portions of the project in-house instead of outsourcing the work to contractors.
Vice Mayor Hogue recommended the implementation of the Energy Conservation Measures be executed on a phased approach.
Director Mikhael explained that the installation of the Solar Photovoltaic ( PV) and Battery Energy Storage System and Window Film are examples of work that requires a professional and would have to be contracted out. The remaining energy conservation measures could be fulfilled in-house and will be completed in a strategic manner. Additionally, the project is intended to reduce the City's reliance on tax dollars by generating annual savings, which may qualify to be allocated toward improvements under Measure R.
Derek James, NORESCO, spoke regarding the guaranteed utility cost savings and operation and maintenance savings over a 20 - year period.
Director of Finance Hyun indicated that the City has funds reserved for economic uncertainties, which the City Council has the option to allocate to this project.
MOTION TO AMEND the recommended action and include the allocation of the realized annual savings from the project to the Measure R fund account.
MOTION: Sonne
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Traut
NOES: Hogue
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED to approve the recommended action and include the allocation of the realized annual savings from the project to the Measure R fund account.
City Council 55 Policies 186
5E. ADOPTION OF A CITY COUNCIL POLICY ADDRESSING INTERRUPTIONS TO TWO- WAY AUDIOVISUAL MEETING SERVICES IN COMPLIANCE WITH SB 707 Presented by Adria M. Vicuna, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk
Recommended Action: Adopt City Council Policy No. 54 establishing procedures to address interruptions to two-way audiovisual and telephonic public access during City Council meetings, in compliance with Senate Bill ( SB) 707.
Minute
s April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 170
Director of
Gov
ernment
a
nd Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna reported on th e
propos
ed
City Council Policy
No.
54 which establishes procedures to address int
erruptions
to two-way
audiovisual and telephonic public access during City Council meetings, in compliance with Senate Bill ( SB)
707.
SB 707 significantly amends th
e
Ralph
M.
Brown Act g
overning
public
meetings of local legislative
bodie
s in California, with the intention to impr
ove
transparency,
acce
ssibility, and public participation by
strengthening
requirem
ents
for rem
ote
public acc
ess,
expanding language access, and establishing procedures to address technological disruptions during meetings. The Buena Park City
Co
uncil
qualifies
as an " eligible legislati
ve
body" under
SB 707 and is subject to the enhanced
tra
nsparency requirement, such as the provision of two-
way remote public
acce
ss for meetings beginning July 1, 2026 through January 1, 2030, unless such technology is unavailable at the
me
eting location or the meeting qualifies for a statutory exemption. Additionally, Director Vicuna explained agencies must adopt a formal policy, no later than July 1, 2026, to address how the
le
gislative body will respond to disruptions in r
emoteacce
ss
se
rvices. Adoption of the proposed draft City Council Policy No. 54 ensures compliance
with State law prior to the July 1, 2026, deadline and provides a clear and consistent framework for
ma
intaining public access and participation during technical disruptions.
MOTIO
N:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Sonne
Traut
Sonne, Traut, Ahn, Franco, Hogue
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing items.
7. CO
UNCIL MEMBER
A
NNOUNCEMENTS,
CONFERENCE
REPORTS
AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council
M
ember Ahn reported the following:
March 25 OC Sanitation District Trustee Board Meeting
March 31 The Equity Tool Training: Practical Applications March 31 Meeting with FriendlyCenter CEO
March 31 BPSD
M
usic and ArtsFestival at The Source
April 1 OCSanitation District Operations Board Meeting
April 2 SeeSaw Communities' Autism Awareness Event
April 2 KASEC Autism
A
cceptance Month Art Show Reception
April 8
A
CC-OC Webinar — Sports, Places, and Entertainment - Enhancing the Orange County Economy
April 13 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship Discussion
Council Member Sonnereported the following:
April 2 KASEC Autism Acceptance
M
onth Art Show Reception
April 4 SpringEggstravaganza and Sustainability Fair
April 13 OCPA Board Meeting
CouncilMemberSonnereported
a
ttending the April 13, 2026 OCPA Boardmeetingwherein the Board approvedtheStrategicPlan fortheupcoming yearwith a focus on affordability.
Additionally, Council Member Sonnethanked City staff for planningandcoordinatinganother successful Spring Eggstravaganza and Sustainability Fair.
CouncilMember Franco reported the following:
March 29 Buena ParkNational Little League Opening Day
April 2 SeeSaw Communities'
A
utism Awareness Event
April 4 SpringEggstravaganza and Sustainability Fair
April 10 All City/Schools Track and Field Meet
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 171
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the following:
March 30 Centralia Elementary School District Alumni Event April 2 KASEC Autism Acceptance Month Art Show Reception April 4 Spring Eggstravaganza and Sustainability Fair
April 10 All City/Schools Track and Field Meet
Mayor Traut reported the following:
March 26 OCFA Board Meeting
March 29 Buena Park National Little League Opening Day
April 4 Spring Eggstravaganza and Sustainability Fair
April 6 Entertainment Corridor Case Study Meeting with Elected Officials April 7 Program Meeting with North OC Chamber Representatives April 8 OCFA Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
April 10 All City/Schools Track and Field Meet
Mayor Traut indicated that at its March 26, 2026 OCFA Board meeting, the Board approved to transfer administration of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association participants' Health Reimbursement Arrangement Funds. Also, Mayor Traut greeted April birthday celebrants Vice Mayor Hoque, City Manager France, City Attorney Cardinale, and his son Calum Traut a Happy Birthday.
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Traut recessed the meeting at 7:06 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION ( 9A - 9C)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE FRIENDSHIP PARK
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Presented by Hysun Lee, Associate Engineer
Associate Engineer Lee provided a report on the Friendship Park Improvements Project as well as an update on RJM Design Group, Inc.'s submission of 65% Plans, Specifications, and Estimate ( PS&E) package, incorporating comments received from the Community Services Commission. City staff completed the review of the 65% PS&E package and returned comments to RJM. Additionally, as directed by the City Council, staff presented the project to the Climate Action Commission ( CAC) and solicited their input. Associate Engineer Lee discussed CAC's and the Office of Sustainability's recommendations for City Council consideration. Staff presented cost estimates for some of the recommended items, which totaled to approximately $ 8,000,000, excluding the additional sustainability and amenity enhancements recommended by the CAC; and, sought City Council direction on the project design and budget, including the incorporation of CAC recommendations in order to proceed with finalizing the PS&E documents. It was noted that the approved Capital Improvement Program ( CIP) for FY 26-27 does not include a construction budget; and, a request to amend the CIP for FY 26-27 to include a $ 7,000,000 allocation from the undesignated Measure R Fund balance for this purpose has been submitted.
Eric Curran, RJM Design Group, Inc. Landscape Architect, presented the updated Friendship Park construction plan, and potential improvements overview.
Brandon Schooner, Buena Park resident and Climate Action Commission Member, thanked the City Council for allowing the Climate Action Commission to provide recommendations for improvements to Friendship Park.
The City Council discussed prioritizing CAC - recommended items if within budget; considering the installation of the EV conduit and concrete pads now to avoid high future costs; reducing parking by 25-50%; narrowing concrete pathways where feasible to accommodate emergency vehicles; evaluating and potentially reducing court lighting to lower improvements costs; retaining the handball court as a cultural and community asset; cost - saving for removing the handball court; importance of maintaining project quality over cost-cutting; using Measure R funds as intended for community improvements; adding big belly receptacles and its intended purpose; and involving the Police Department in addressing safety concerns at the park.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol . 55 Pg. 172
Sustainability Manager Thai explained
the
relevance
of
impl
ementing
the improvem
ents
in
achieving CAAP goals. It was recommended that the City Council c onsider
the installation of the
EV charging
infrastructure
to avoid future costly work incr
ease.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael confirmed opportunities to reduce parking due to nearby street
ava
ilability and to allow for more usabl
e
space for th
e
park; and, suggested
targeted widening of
concrete
pathways only where necessary for maintenance access. Director Mikhael also noted
flex
ibility in adjusting court lighting to reduce costs .
Another
improvement
staff will be
impleme
nting as a pilot program is the placement of big b
elly
receptacl
es
at bus
stops for
increasewa
ste capacity and
tore
duce collection trips .
Council
Me
mber Franco
ex
pressed
disapprov
al of remo
val
of the handball courts.
Police Captain
Nguye
n indicated that no issues or illegal activiti
es
have b
een
r
eported
regarding
the
handball court at Friendship
Park.Dire
ctor of Community
Serv
ices Box confirmed that community members h
aveexpressedinte
rest in the removal of the
handba
ll court at Friendship Park. Therefore, the handball court wa
s
remove
d from the plan. Director
Box
also noted th
e
availability of h
andball
c
ourts
at oth
er
City
parks.
Associate Engineer Lee explained that the handball court w as
scheduled to be remov
ed
due to
safety concerns expressed by residents in the neighborhood. Staff could evaluate
adding
lighting and relocating the placement of the security c amera
to focus on the handball court area.
City Manager France indicated staffs recommendation to install the EV conduit to allow for the future addition of EV chargers.
Following
the
discussion, the City Council directed staff to r
educe
th
e
parking lot size by half;
proceed with the installation of EV conduits at the parking lot; evaluate possible reduction of pedestrian lighting throughout the park; and, retain the handball court.
Mayor Traut recessed
the
meeting at 9:03 p.
m.
and announced the meeting w
ould
be
re
convened in the City Council
Chamber.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:16 p.m.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A 3 -DAY KOREAN FOOD FESTIVAL IN APRIL 2027 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HUGH ENTERTAINMENT Presented by Connie Hurtado, Community Services Supervisor Community Services Supervisor Hurtadopresented
a
proposed 3 - day Korean Food Festival in
April 2027 ateither BoisserancPark or Peak Park, in partnership with Hugh Entertainment.
Hugh Entertainment is anevent production company with experience in organizing large-scale cultural events. Theproposed Korean Food Festival aims to celebrate Korean culture through cuisine, entertainment, and commerce, while fostering community engagement and regionaltourism. Thekey components of the festival include culinaryexperience, global marketplace, and live entertainment. CommunityServicesSupervisorHurtado also differentiated the City's responsibilities and HughEntertainment's responsibilities in preparation for the festival. Given staff's lack of prior experience with this type of event, Silverado Days is th e
closestcomparable
interms of staffing requirements and presented a breakdown of estimated staff costs for th e
3 -
day festival.
M
oreover, staff sought City Council direction on the proposed 3 - dayKorean Food Festival atBoisseranc Park or Peak Park in April 2027.
TheCity Councildiscussed the cultural and economic potentialof holding a
KoreanFestival in
BuenaPark; differentiation of the proposed 3 -dayKorean FoodFestivaltoSilveradoDays with regards to key responsibilities; possibility to integrate the festival into existing cultural events in the City; significant concerns about feasibility, cost, logistics, and neighborhood impacts; and, agreement that more detailed planning and analysis is needed before proceeding. Moreover, the City Council
a
sked about Hugh Entertainment's outreachand promotion strategy for th e
e
vent; and, whetherBuenaPark has thecapacity and infrastructur e
for
a
large-scal
e
festival.
Minutes April 14, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 173
Paul Hugh, Hugh Entertainment, showed a video highlight of the 2025 Los Angeles Korean Festival. Mr. Hugh also indicated no sponsorships have been secured at this time; however, Hugh Entertainment will coordinate when details for the festival have been established. Mr.
Hugh also outlined their marketing and promotion strategy, which will involve connecting with people from their database, Korean American media, social media influencers, and Buena Park staff. As for concerns on the number of attendees and parking constraints, Mr. Hugh indicated that, as a first - year event, attendance is expected to be around 50,000 people, which is smaller in scale compared to the annual Los Angeles Korean Festival.
Community Services Supervisor Hurtado explained the distinction between the proposed 3 -day Korean Food Festival to Silverado Days. Silverado Days is managed by the Buena Park Noon Lions Club, and City only provides support in terms of space, security and coordination. On the other hand, the proposed Festival is requiring the City's assistance with obtaining local sponsorships, permits, staffing, and coordination with local and international stakeholders.
Moreover, Community Services Supervisor Hurtado identified parking as a major constraint at Boisseranc Park, and suggested transportation or shuttle options to ease parking issues.
Director of Community Services Box stated the feasibility of incorporating elements of the proposed Festival to BP Culture Fest, and this could be referred to the Cultural Engagement Commission for recommendations.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff return with information on cost, logistics, and neighborhood impacts of the proposed 3 - day Korean Food Festival at a subsequent City Council meeting.
Vice Mayor Hogue left the meeting at 10:24 p.m.
9C. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR
THE CONVERSION OF SAN ANTONIO PARK FROM A SINGLE - USE FACILITY TO A
MULTI - USE PARK
Presented by Alex Alarcon, Community Services Coordinator Mayor Traut announced the item be moved to the April 28, 2026 Regular City Council meeting.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
2026 Buena Park Police Department Appreciation Brunch, April 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m. at Heritage Hall.
Volunteer Recognition: Viva Las Volunteers, April 17, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Ehlers Event Center — Legacy Hall.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna had nothing to report.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 10:26 p.m.
ATTEST: