MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD APRIL 28, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 176
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, April 28, 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 Anna Almquist, CMC, Assistant City Clerk.
1C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Reverend Judy Tomlinson, Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Kinley Rogers, San Marino Elementary School. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna provided information regarding the June 2, 2026 Direct Primary Election. Voters could return their ballot by mail, at one of the three ballot drop box locations in Buena Park, or any Orange County ballot drop box beginning May 4, 2026. Voters could also cast their votes at a vote center. Director Vicuna discussed the dates and times vote centers in Buena Park are open for early voting.
All vote centers will be open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. More Election information is available on the City's website. All Orange County voters are encouraged to sign up for OC Ballot Express to track their vote - by -mail ballot and receive notifications via text or email. For any election - related questions, residents may contact the City Clerk's Office at ( 714) 562-3750 or [email protected], or the OC Registrar of Voters at www.ocvote.gov.
Arbor Day Event, May 2, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at Bellis Park.
Happy Birthday to Interim Police Chief Geyer.
2. PRESENTATIONS
2A. RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH OROSCO, WW2 VETERAN AND BUENA PARK RESIDENT, UPON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY
Council Member Franco presented a certificate recognizing Joseph Orosco, WW2 Veteran and Buena Park resident, upon his 100th Birthday.
Legislative representatives from Senator Umberg's Office and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's Office presented certificates recognizing Joseph Orosco, WW2 Veteran and Buena Park resident, upon his 100t Birthday.
Minutes April 28, 2026 V
ol .
55 Pg. 177
2B.
RECOGNITION
OF
THE
ASSO
CIATION
OF
C
ALIFORNIA
SCHOOL
ADMINISTRATORS' 2026 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR, SUPERINTENDENT NORMA
E.
MARTINEZ
Mayor Traut presented the
ce
rtificate recognizing the Association of California School Administrato
rs' 2026 Administrator
of
the Year, Sup
erintendent
Norma
E.
Martinez .
Legisla
tive representatives from Senator Umberg's
Office
and
Assemblywoman
Quirk-Silv
a's
Office presented certificates recognizing Association of California School Administrators' 2026 Administrator of the Year,
Supe
rintendent Norma E.
Martinez .
2C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS A
MERICANMUSLIM
APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS MONTH
Vice Mayor Hogue presented the Proclamation recognizing April 2026 as American Muslim Appre
ciation and Awareness Month to the Council on American - Islamic Relations Califomia, Islamic Society of
O
range County, CAIR-LA, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Sabil USA ,
Arab American Caucus, ICNA Relief, Shia Muslim Council of Southern C alifornia,
Uplift
Charity,
a
nd former Buena Park
Schoo
l
Bo
ard Member Tharwa Ahmad .
Legislative
re
presentatives from
Se
nator Umberg's Office and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's
Office presented certificates recognizing April 2026 as American Muslim Appreciation and
Awareness Month.
2D. PROCLAMATION
R
ECOGNIZING
A
PRIL 24, 2026, AS ARBOR DAY
Council Member Sonne
presente
d the Proclamation recognizing April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day to the Climate Action
Commission.Legislativ
e representatives from Senator Umberg's
Office
and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silv
a'sOfficeprese
nted
certificate
s
reco
gnizing April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day to th
eClimate
Action
Commission.
2E. 2026 BUENA PARKCOMMUNITY ACADEMY GRADUATION
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuna presented certificates recognizing the 2026 Buena Park Community Academy graduates.
Legislativerepresentatives from Senator Umberg's Office and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's Officepresented certificatesrecognizing the 2026 BuenaPark Community Academygraduates.3A.
O
RALCOMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Traut announced the public may at this time address the membersof the City Council on any matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council. There beingnorequeststo speak, Mayor Traut
c
losed oral communications.
Council Member Ahn left the dais at 5:50p. m. and returned at 5:57 p.m.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 178
4. CONSENT CALENDAR ( 4A — 4K)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4K 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. 4H. There being no additional requests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A — 4G and
41— 4K:
MOTION: Traut
SECOND: Sonne
AYES: Traut, Sonne, Franco, Hogue
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ahn
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A — 4G and 41— 4K be approved.
Finance 75
4A. RESOLUTIONS APPROVING CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt Resolutions approving the Claims and Demands.
ADOPTED the following titled resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. 15100
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 1,597,086.79 DEMAND NOS. 435309 THROUGH 435527
RESOLUTION NO. 15101
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $ 1,189,936.20 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING APRIL 10, 2026
Reports & Studies 129
4B. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026
Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 24, 2026, AS ARBOR DAY Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS AMERICAN MUSLIM
APPRECIATION AND AWARENESS MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol . 55 Pg . 179
Contracts 70 C-3607
4E. AMENDMENT NO. 1
TO
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BKF
ENGINEERS FOR THE DESIGN SERVICES OF THE KNOTT AVENUE STORM
DRAIN UPSIZE PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1)
A
pprove Amendment No . 1 to the Professional Services
Agre
ement No. 25-09 with BKF Engineers in the amount of $ 73,764; 2) Authoriz e
the
City Manager and City Attorney to
ma
ke
any
necessary, non - m
onetarychanges
to th
e
Amendme
nt; and, 3)
Authoriz
e the City
Manager
and City Clerk to execute the
Amendment.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-2854
4F. AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO
PROFESSIO
NAL SERVICES AGREEMENT NO. 19-01 WITH
YUNEX, LLC FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Recommended
Actio
n: 1) Approve Amendment No . 8 to Professional Services Agreement (
PSA )
Number 19- 01 with Yunex, LLC, for traffic signal maintenance services; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any n ecessary,
non -
monetary changes to the
A
mendment; 3.) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Amendment; and, 4) Determine that dispensing with competitive bidding pursuant to Municipal Code Section 3.28.080 ( H) is in the best inter estof
the City due to
the
propose
d contract rates being lower than comp
arable
rat
es
in similar curr
ent
bids.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3673 Grants 185 Energy
Co
nser
vation
180.1 Budget
s
47 4G.
ACCEPTANCE
OFG
RANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CO
MMISSION (
CEC)
FOR
PARTICIPATIO
N IN THE CALIFORNIA AUTO
MATED
PE
RMIT
PR
OCESSING
CaIAPP)
PROG
RAM AND APPROVAL OF ASSOCIATED GRANT AGREEMENT
Recommended Action: 1) Accept a grant from the Californi a
Energy Commission ( CEC)
for
participatio
n in the California
Automated
Permit Pro
cessing (
CaIAPP) Progr
am
in the
amount of $ 60,000; 2) Approve the grant agreement and ratify th e
City Manager's
signature on said grant agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to th
e
agreement; and, 4) Allocat
e $
60,000
from the undesignated General Fund balance for this purpose .
APPROVED the recommended action.
Grants 185Environmental Program (Sustainability) 180 Budgets 47 4H. APPROVAL OF A BUDGETALLOCATION FOR THE MICROGRID INCENTIVE
PROGRAM ( MIP) GRANT
Recommended Action: 1) Approve a budget amendment in the amountof $ 25,000 application fee for the MIPGrant.
Sustainability Manager Thaidiscussedthat City staff workedwith CleanCoalition toapplyfor the Buena Park microgrid project which would include all buildings within the Civic Center.
C
lean Coalition
c
harges a $ 25,000 fee toprepare and submit th
e
MicrogridIncentiv
e
Program
MIP) grant application. The applicationdevelopmentcosts are reimbursablethroughthe grant program. On April 1, 2026, SCE issued a remittance check to the City in the amountof $ 25,000, which willbeused to pay Clean Coalition for grant application services.
Council Member Franco requested clarification on the MIP Grant application process .
Council Member Sonne indicated knowledge about the MIP Grant and introduced City staff to Clean Coalition for a potential collaboration toprepareand submit a grant application.
SustainabilityManager Thai explained that City staff and CleanCoalition workedtogether on the preparation of the MIP Grant application. Clean Coalition then proceededwith the MIP Grant application submission onbehalf of the City. SCE awarded the City of Buena Park the MIP Application Development Grant in the amount of $ 25,000 which willbeused to reimburse Clean Coalition for applicationdevelopment costs. At a later date, the MIP grant award, in the approximate amount of $ 16.5 million, will be presented to the City Council for direction and consideration of next steps.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 180
MOTION: Sonne
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Sonne, Ahn, Hogue, Traut
NOES: Franco
APPROVED the recommended action.
Property 120
41. RESOLUTION DECLARING THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6591 BEACH
BOULEVARD TO BE SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54220-54234
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a Resolution declaring the City -owned real property located at 6591 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA ( the " Property") to be " surplus land" pursuant to the California Surplus Land Act ( California Government Code § 54220 et seq., the " SLA").
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15102
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY TO BE " SURPLUS LAND" UNDER THE CALIFORNIA SURPLUS LAND ACT — 6591 BEACH BOULEVARD, BUENA
PARK, CALIFORNIA
Records Retention 171
4J. RESOLUTION UPDATING THE CITYWIDE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE Recommended Action: 1) Adopt the resolution updating the Citywide Records Retention Schedule.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
UPDATING THE CITYWIDE RECORDS RETENTION SCHEDULE
Awards 168
4K. SELECTION OF THE 2026 MYRNA HOLMQUIST SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES AND
APPROVAL OF SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS
Recommended Action: 1) Award Brilynn Martin a 2026 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship in the amount of $ 5,000; 2) Award Natalie Stark a 2026 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship in the amount of $ 1,500; 3) Award Kenneth Roman a 2026 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship in the amount of $ 1,500; 4) Award Liam Gallego a 2026 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship in the amount of $ 1,000; and, 5) Award Jose Ramirez a 2026 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship in the amount of $ 1,000.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg . 181
5. NEW BUSINESS ( 5A — 5D)
Contrac
ts 70 C-3674
Public
Works
Proj.
125 PW-996
5A. RESOLUTION APPROVING
PLA
NS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND APPROVAL OF A
CO
NTRACT WITH ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC . FOR THE 2025-2026 ANNUAL
SLURRY SEAL PROJECT
Presente
d by Aaron
Esparza -
Almaraz,
Assistant
Engine
er
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a
Re
solution appr
oving
the plans and specifications for
the 2025-2026
Annua
l Slurry Seal Project; 2) Award a contract to
Onyx
Paving
Company, Inc. in
the
amount of $ 488,000; 3) Authorize co
ntingency
funds in the amount
of $ 50,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize construction engineering funds in the amount of $ 60,000; 5) Authorize a purch
ase
order for the Solis Group in the amount
of $ 5,380 for
administratio
n of
the
Community Workforce Agreement ( CWA);
6) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 2,690 for CWA administration; 7) Authorize the City
Manage
r
a
nd City Attomey to make any necessary, non - monetary
changes to the contract; and, 8)
Authorize
the City Manager and City Clerk to ex
ecute
the contract.
Assistant Engineer Esparza-
A
lmaraz provided a report regarding the plans, specifications, and contract for the 2025-2026 Annual Slurry Seal Proj
ect.
The Project will include the slurry seal of
existing residential streets,
re
placing traffic striping, replacing curb and gutter, replacing sidewalk, replacing
cro
ss gutters, replacing oversize parkway tre
es,
fog s
eal,
and repaving
curved roads ( knuckled road & cul-de-sac). The Project was advertised for competitive bids on March 30, 2026, and two ( 2) bids were received and publicly opened on April 16, 2026. The lo
west,
responsiv
e and responsible bid was submitted by
Onyx
P
aving
Company, In
c.,
of Yorba
Linda,
Califo
rnia, in the
amo
unt of $ 488,000. Onyx Paving Company, Inc . possesses the required
co
ntractor's license to
comple
te the
projectand
has succ
essfully
c
ompleted
similar
projects for
othe
r cities as well as
prev
iously completed proj
ects
for the City of Buen
a
Park . It
was recommended that the City Council award a contract to Onyx Pa ving
Company, Inc . in the
amount of $ 488,000, approving contingency funds in the amount of $ 50,000 construction engineering funds in the amount of $ 60,000, and CWA services in the amount of $ 8,070, for a total project amount of $ 606,
070.
MOTION: Traut
SECOND: Hogue
A
YES: Traut, Hogue, Ahn, Franco, Sonne
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIEDtoapprove therecommendedaction and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
R
ESOLUTIONNO. 15104
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITYCOUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2025-2026ANNUALSLURRY SEAL
PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts70 C-3675 Public WorksProj. 125 PW-997
5B. RESOLUTIONAPPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR THE 2025-2026 ANNUALPAVEMENT R
EHABILITATION PROJECT
Presented by Hysun Lee, AssociateEngineerRecommended
A
ction: 1) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specificationsfor the 2025-2026 AnnualPavement
Re
habilitationProject; 2) Awarda contractto Hardy &
Harper, Inc. in the amount of $ 1,809,000; 3) Authoriz
e
contingencyfunds in theamountof $200,000 inthesamepurchase order; 4) Authoriz e
constructionengineeringin the
amountof $100,000; 5) Authorize a purchase order for the Solis Groupin the amountof 6,000 for administration oftheCommunity Workforce Agreement ( CWA); 6) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $ 2,000 for the CWA administration; 7) Appropriate an amount of $ 617,000 from the Undesignated RMRAFund to the Annual Pavement Rehabilitation account; 8) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to mak e
any
necessary, non - monetarychanges tothecontract; and 9) Authorizethe CityManager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 182
Associate Engineer Lee provided a report regarding the plans, specifications, and contract for the 2025-2026 Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Project. The Project will include the removal and replacement of street pavement, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, cross gutters, and striping in the areas near Knott Avenue and Thelma Avenue, along Whitman Drive, and on 8th Street between Knott Avenue and Western Avenue. The Project was advertised for competitive bids on March 26, 2026, and six ( 6) bids were received and publicly opened on April 16, 2026. The lowest, responsible bid was determined to have been submitted by Hardy & Harper, Inc. of Lake Forest, CA, in the amount of $ 1,809,000. Hardy & Harper, Inc. possesses the required license and has completed similar projects for other cities as well as successfully completed several City of Buena Park projects. It was recommended that the City Council award the contract to Hardy & Harper, Inc. in the amount of $ 1,809,000, approving contingency funds in the amount of $ 200,000, and authorizing construction engineering funds in the amount of $ 100,000.
Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 and be completed by July 2026.
MOTION: Franco
SECOND: Hogue
AYES: Franco, Hogue, Ahn, Sonne, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15105
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, 2025-2026 ANNUAL PAVEMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT IN SAID CITY User Fees 204 Garbage & Refuse 83
5C. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING NEW RATES FOR THE COLLECTION, RECYCLING,
AND DISPOSAL OF REFUSE, AND APPROVAL OF A UTILITY BILL INSERT
REGARDING THE NEW RESIDENTIAL REFUSE RATES
Presented by Joe Hunt, Public Works Manager
Recommended Action: 1) Adopt a Resolution establishing new rates for the collection, recycling, and disposal of refuse; and, 2) Approve a utility bill insert notifying residential customers of a refuse rate adjustment effective July 1, 2026.
Public Works Manager Hunt discussed the new rates for the collection, recycling, and disposal of refuse, and its corresponding refuse collection franchise agreement with EDCO. The Agreement allows for increases in refuse rates when factors beyond the Contractor's control lead to higher operating costs. In this instance, rising landfill disposal fees and increases in the Consumer Price Index ( CPI) have significantly impacted EDCO's costs for collection, recycling, and disposal. Cost increases mostly consist of tipping fees at county landfills increasing by
23.24/ton ( 42%), increased cost of fuel for vehicles, compensation for employees, and the price of trucks and other equipment necessary to operate. On the commercial side, EDCO is proposing an overall rate increase of 13.1%, or $ 24.48, for waste disposal and recycling services. Of this increase, $ 20.00 is attributed to higher disposal costs associated with the WISE Agreement. The resulting monthly cost for a three - cubic yard trash bin with a separate 96 - gallon recycling container would be $ 211. On the other hand, residential customers will have an overall increase of 14.5%, or $ 3.79 a month for service including waste, recycling, and organics processing. The residential rate increase includes $ 3.19 attributed to higher disposal costs under the WISE Agreement, with EDCO proposing a deferred 0.5% service index and a
3.01% CPI adjustment, resulting in a typical monthly bill of $ 29.90. It was noted that although the proposed fee increases are limited to pass-thru costs from Orange County Waste and Recycling and the CPI, a public hearing and extended notice period are not required for implementation. If approved, the Finance Department will include the notice in utility bills prior to the implementation of the fee.
MOTION: Franco
SECOND: Ahn
AYES: Franco, Ahn, Hogue, Sonne, Traut
NOES: None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 183
RESOLUTIO
N
NO.
15106
A RESOLUTION
OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ESTA
BLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR THE C
OLLECTION,
REMOVAL, AND DISP
OSAL
OF REFUSE, TRASH, RUBBISH, OR
O
THER FORMS OF SOLID WASTE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE
AUTHO
RITY GRANTED BY SECTION 8.12.040 OF THE BUENA PARK
MUNICIPAL CODE
Contracts 70 C-3676
Budgets
47 5D. PLACEMENT
AGREEM
ENT WITH BAY AREA CO
MMUNITY
RESOURCES TO HOST
CALIFORNIACLIMA
TE
ACTIO
N
CO
RPS FELLOWS
Presented by Lotus Thai, Sustainability Manager
Re
commended Action: 1)
A
pprove the Placement Agreement with Bay
Area
Community
Re
sources to host California Climate Action Corps fellows; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non - monetary changes to th e
agreement; 3)
A
uthorize the City Manager and City Cl
erktoexecute
the agreement
and
other related documents as
nece
ssary; and, 4) Approve a budget amendment in the
amount of $ 10,000 for this
purpose.
Sustainability Manager Thai presented information ab
out
a placement agre
ement
with Bay Area
Community Resources for the City to host two ( 2) California Climate Action Corps fellows starting
Se
ptember 2026. The fellows will work 40 hours per week for 11 months to support the City's implementation of Climate
A
ction and Adaptation Plan ( CAAP) goals, including waste reduction and green workforce
development.
More importantly, the fellows will collaborate with
Buena Park schools
to
support SB 1383 compliance; work with the City's Sustainability Manage
r, SB 1383 consultant, and school staff to ensure schools are connected to organics recycling services and have accessible three - bin systems in cafeterias; create and l ead
interactive
e
ducational
activitie
s such as the City's annual Tr
ash
cART Contest, school
asse
mblies, and
wo
rkshops; and, recruit and
mobilize
stud
ents,
parents, edu
cators,
college
voluntee
rs,
a
nd community
membe
rs to
se
rve as Waste Sorting Amb
assadors,
Gr
een
T
eamme
mbers, and event
v
olunteers.MO
TION: Traut
SECOND: Sonne
A
YES: Traut, Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hogue
NOES: None
M
OTION CARRIED toapprovethe recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ( 6A)
Block Grants 1913
6A. PUBLIC HEARING TOADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Presented by Sarabeth Suarez, Housing and CDBG Analyst
Recommended Action: 1) Hold a public hearing to review and receive comments for the FY 2026-2027 CommunityDevelopment BlockGrant ( CDBG) Annual ActionPlan; 2) Adopt aresolution approving the AnnualActionPlan; and, 3) Authoriz e
submission of
the Annual Action Plan and all certifications and assurances contained therein to the U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD) .
M
ayor Traut stated that this was the time andplacefor a public hearing to consider a resolution approving the FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) Annual Action Plan and to authorize submission of the Annual Action Plan and all certificationsandassurances contained therein to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 184
Housing and CDBG Analyst Suarez discussed the FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) Annual Action Plan which is an element of the City's 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. The Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD) requires all grantees receiving federal funds to prepare an Action Plan outlining how CDBG, local, and private funds will be used to address the City's housing and community development priorities, including decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for Buena Park residents. On April 10, 2026, the City received its FY 2026-2027 CDBG allocation from HUD in the amount of $ 767,323 which was a 2.12% increase from the City's FY 2025-2026 allocation. For this reason, all program sub - allocations were increase proportionally. Additionally, the City will utilize $ 277,325 of prior years' unspent funds for a total amount of $ 1,044,648. The final CDBG budget for FY 2026-2027 was incorporated into the Action Plan. It was noted that two public meetings, two public hearings, and a 30 - day comment period were conducted as required by federal regulations and the City's Citizen Participation Plan. All comments received during the public comment period and at the public hearing will be incorporated into the final Action Plan before it is submitted to HUD.
Mayor Traut opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being none, Mayor Traut closed the public hearing.
Council Member Franco recused himself from participating in the discussion and voting on the item due to a conflict of interest.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
RECUSED:
Traut
Ahn
Traut, Ahn, Hogue, Sonne
None
Franco
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15107
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR ( FY) 2026-2027 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT ( CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND AUTHORIZING ITS SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ( HUD)
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Franco reported the following:
April 21 Silverado Days Grant Dinner
April 22 BP Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
April 22 Arts and Culture Master Plan Visioning Session Council Member Ahn reported the following:
April 16 Citywide Parking Meeting
April 20 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship Interviews
April 21 Myrna Holmquist Scholarship Interviews
April 21 Silverado Days Grant Dinner
April 22 BP Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
April 22 Friendship Day Meeting
April 22 OC Sanitation District Trustee Board Meeting
April 23 Police Appreciation Luncheon
April 23 Arts and Culture Master Plan Visioning Session April 23 BOLT Commercial and Residential Meeting
April 25 Love Buena Park
April 25 Acacia Quilt Guild Luncheon
Council Member Ahn and Vice Mayor Hogue jointly calendared a discussion for additional scholarship funds.
Minute
s April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 185
Council Member Sonne reported
the
following:
A
pril 22 BP Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
April 22
A
rts and Culture Master Plan Visioning Session
April 23 Police Appreciation Luncheon
April 25
Acacia
Quilt Guild Luncheon
Council Member
Sonne
and Vice Mayor Hoque jointly calendared to expedite the rep air
of
Crescent Avenue.
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the following:
April 22 BP
Volunte
er Appreciation Luncheon
April 23 Police
A
ppreciation Luncheon
April 23 Arts and Culture
M
aster Plan Visioning Session
April 25
LoveBue
na Park
Vice
M
ayor Hoque provided District 4 updates, particularly newly planted trees in th e
District.
Mayor Traut reported the following:
April 15 OCTA
M
ayors
Fo
rum
April 17 North OC EID Celebration
April 22 BP Volunteer Appreciation
Lunc
heon
April 22 Retirement
Ce
lebration for
Fo
rmer City Manager Jim Vanderpool
April 23 BP
Voluntee
r Appreciation Luncheon
April 23
A
rts and Culture Master Plan Visioning Session
April 23
OCFA
Board Meeting
April 25 Love
Buena
Park
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
M
ayor Traut recessed the
mee
ting at 6:41
p.
m. and announced the m
eeting
would be
reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:58 p.m.
9. STUDY SESSION ( 9A - 9D)
9A . DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A FEASIBILITYANALYSIS FOR
THE CONVERSION OF SAN ANTONIO PARK FROM
A
SINGLE - USE FACILITY TO A
MULTI - USE PARK
Presented by Alex Alarcon, Community Services Coordinator Community Services CoordinatorAlarcon presented a feasibilityanalysis for the conversion of San AntonioPark from a single - use softball facility to a multi - us e
park that better serves the
broader community. The Buena Park Girls Softball Leagu
e
has utilizedthe field for many years,
contributing torecreational opportunities for youth in the community. Participation in the league hassteadily declined in recent years, with only three teams and approximately 52 participants thisseason, resulting in significantly reduced use of the park . In addition, surrounding residents expressed concerns regardingthepark's limited use, and perceive the park as underutilized and inaccessible, especially during non - gamehours. Community Services Coordinator Alarcon proposed conducting a feasibility analysis toexplorepotentialparkimprovementsand funding opportunitiesfor such. Pursuit of fundingopportunities could significantly offset capital improvement costsassociated with parkredevelopment. Staff sought City Council direction to proceed toinitiate
a
feasibility study that includes a community engagement process; coordinate with the Girls SoftballLeague to better
u
nderstand future needsandpotential accommodations;
developconceptual design options along with preliminary cost estimates; identifyand pursue potential grant funding opportunities; and, return to City Council with findings and recommendations for furtherconsideration.
Ma
yor Traut announced that the City received comments from theApril14, 2026 Regular City Council meeting
a
nd staff included all comments in the agendareport .
Vice Mayor Hoque spokeregarding the intent to prepare for a significant funding opportunity to support the conversion of San Antonio Park from a single - use facility softballfacility to a multi- use park that better serves the broader community; and, recommended staff consider the comments and perspectives received from residents via email in pursuing the project.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 186
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with the next steps as outlined and in consideration of comments received from residents. 9B. RECEIVE AND FILE A REPORT ON THE KUKKIWON CALIFORNIA TAEKWONDO UPDATE
Presented by Eddie Fenton, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton updated the City Council regarding Kukkiwon California Branch's programs and events over the past year. During its first year of partnership with the City, the Kukkiwon California branch focused on overseeing Dan certification exams and issuance, supporting international instructor qualifications, providing guidance for operating Taekwondo academies, and promoting an integrated management system for Taekwondo facilities. They promoted Taekwondo culture and education in the community, and provided Taekwondo classes to 70 students at Holder Elementary School. In return, the City provided its banquet facilities on five occasions at no cost for Taekwondo events and ceremonies. Additionally, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton discussed the economic impact Kukkiwon California Branch brought to Buena Park through lodging, dining, and other local services. Kukkiwon California Branch expressed its interest to continue operating under the terms of the second year of the MOU.
Council Member Ahn highlighted the core learnings from participating in Kukkiwon California Branch's taekwondo programs and classes.
Vice Mayor Hogue asked about the April 2025 through January 2026 economic impact brought by Kukkiwon to Buena Park; and, their office relocation.
Jinseob Kim and Charles Kim, Kukkiwon California Branch representatives, provided an update on Kukkiwon California Branch's activities for 2025 and 2026, as well as upcoming partnerships for programs and classes with Buena Park schools by June 2026. As for the economic impact, Kukkiwon expects a number of people to visit Buena Park to participate in Kukkiwon promotions tests, training programs, and related events. Mr. Kim also stated that their office moved to Fullerton due to choosing to terminate their lease at The Source; nevertheless, they are actively looking for a new office space in Buena Park, and will continue to host Dan examinations, after - school Taekwondo programs, and events in the City.
Received and filed.
Minute
s April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 187
9C.
DISCUSS
A
ND
PR
OVIDE
DIR
ECTION REGARDING DECORATIVE TILE
MA
RKERS/STENCILS ON CURBS FOR DESIGNATING DAYLIGHTING Z
ONESPre
sented by Deepthi
A
rabolu, Assistant City Engineer
Assistant City
Enginee
r
A
rabolu provided a report regarding designating daylighting zones. The Daylighting Law was enacted in California through the passage of Assembly Bill 413 ( AB 413), and amended the
Ca
lifornia
Vehicle
Code to prohibit parking within 20 fe
et
of a marked or
unmarke
d crosswalk, and within 15
fee
t of a curb ext
ension (
bulb - out), unless otherwis
e
indicated by signage or red curb
markings.
This allows for improved visibility and safety at
intersections by
e
nsuring that parked vehicles do not obstruct the line of sight between drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It was
note
d that the law is s
elf -
enforcing, meaning compliance is
required even if curb
ma
rkings or signage are not present. Its purpose is to establish a uniform statewide standard
tha
t does not
de
pend on field markings for
enforcement.
The California
Manual
on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices ( CA MUTCD)
emphasizes
uniformity, consist
ency,
and clarity in the
applicatio
n of traffic control
devices.
Introducing non-standard m
arkings
or
treatments at
o
nly select
loca
tions could create inconsistent conditions and lead roadway users to incorrectly
assumetha
t unmarked areas
areexempt
from the law, pot
entially
r
educing
o
verallcompliance.
Assistant City Engineer Arabolu explained the key considerations and constraints for utilizing tile markers as traffic control
device
s; and, emphasized that staff is n
ot
aware of any
widespread or
standardize
d use of tile markers or stencils by other jurisdictions for daylighting implementation.
M
ost agencies
re
ly on law - based complianc
e
without markings or use
traditional treatments such as red curb paint or signage . It was also stated that the City has undertake
n initial enforcement and public
o
utreach efforts to support impl
ementation
of the
Daylighting Law, and
Engine
ering staff developed a bilingual informational flyer and pl ans
to
share
it through the City's social media platforms to incre
ase
public awareness of the new law .
Staff is currently pursuing a
pha
sed approach to address compliance with the D
aylighting
Law,
which is comprised of
continue
d education and enforcement followed by targeted improvements if necessary. Another option presented for City Council consideration was the installation of daylighting-specific signage beneath existing
street
sweeping signs at n
eighborhood
entrances
to
provideadditiona
l education and awareness about the new law. Staff sought City Council direction on whether to proceed with the phased approa
ch;
authori
ze
t
argeted
pilot program
using
standa
rd
treatme
nts if
co
mpliance issues persist; or proce
ed
with dec
orative
tiles or
stencils.
Council Member Franco asked about the possibility of heavier enforcement of the Daylighting Law intheareas of concern located within the northern portion of the City; and stated the importance ofstrengthening
e
nforcement measures and issuing more citations to improve compliance with the Daylighting Law.
Interim Police Chief
G
eyer agreed to better enforcement, with emphasis on night time enforcement.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to proceed with a phased strategy for Daylighting Lawcomplianceas recommended by staff; and, authorized a targeted pilot program usingstandard treatments if compliance issues persist . 9D. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING
A
PROPOSED FRIENDSHIP
DAY EVENT AT FRIENDSHIP PARK
Presented byMark Sauceda, Community ServicesSupervisor
Community Services Supervisor Sauceda discussed the proposedFriendship Day Eventat Friendship Park. Thecelebration is designed to bring community memberstogetherthrough meaningful and interactive experiences that foster connection and community pride. Attendees willhavetheopportunity tocreatepersonalized tiles with a friend in honorof International Dayof Friendship. The tiles will then be incorporated into the park's design and will be displayed into seat benches and other areas in the park. This would serve as a lasting and visibl e
representation of community connections. International Day of Friendship is observedonJuly 30; however, the event is tentatively scheduled on August 7, 2027, to maximize community participation and coincide with the completion of park renovations. The tile component is estimated to cost $ 3,500, with the total cost of the one - day event estimated at $ 4,000 . It was stated that there is no budget allocated for theeventat this time. Staff sought City Council direction on whether to procced with the event, and include costs in the FY 27-28 budget next year when the FY 27-28 and FY 28-29 budgets are drafted.
The City Council discussed suitable tile size and its associated costs; participation options for tilecreation withorwithout a fee; and, toevaluate event turnout beforeconsidering making it an annualevent.
Minutes April 28, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 188
Director of Community Services Box indicated that staff could organize advance registration for the tile creation activity and establish a maximum of 150-200 participants.
Kaylie Ramirez, Buena Park resident, noted that charging a fee may discourage participation and suggested that the City Council consider reducing the cost to encourage broader community involvement.
Following the discussion, the City Council supported ( Ahn and Sonne dissented) proceeding with the use of 4x4 tiles; supported ( Hogue and Traut dissented) charging $ 15 for creation of personalized tiles with a friend in honor of International Day of Friendship; and, supported implementing the event as a pilot program prior to formalizing it as an annual event.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reminded the City Council about an invitation to meet with NOCC President; and, thanked Buena Park faith - based organizations, City staff, and the Police Department for a successful 2026 Love Buena Park.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Assistant City Clerk Almquist had nothing to report.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
City Clerk