MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD MAY 26, 2026
1. GENERAL
Vol. 55 Pg. 201
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Civic Center, 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California, Mayor Traut presiding.
1 A. CALL TO ORDER
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Ahn, Franco, Sonne, Hoque, Traut
ABSENT: None
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Adria M. Vicuria, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk.
SUBSEQUENT NEED ITEM
ADDED ITEM
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk advised the City Council that Subsequent Need Item No. 5B - ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE MAYOR'S
AND DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF
EMERGENCY DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS INCIDENT IN THE NEIGHBORING CITY OF GARDEN GROVE must be added to the agenda. There is a need to take immediate action, and the need came to the attention of the City after the agenda was pubiished and posted.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Hoque
Traut, Hoque, Ahn, Franco, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to add Subsequent Need Item No. 5B to the agenda. 1 C. INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Sr. Claire Ramos, FMA, Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco. 1 D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Everly Matemate, Raymond Temple Elementary School. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria provided information regarding the June 2, 2026 Direct Primary Election, and key services and resources available to Buena Park voters.
@ BPPD Open House, May 30, 2026, 11 :OO a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at Civic Center. The event features SWAT Team and K-9 Unit demonstrations, free photos for kids on Police motorcycles, Department tours, Highway Patrol helicopter showcase, and so much more.
Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 202
* Thanked the City Council for their support and leadership; and, the following City staff for their assistance during the incident that occurred during the weekend: Executive Team; Interim Chief Geyer, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources Fenton, Human Resources Manager Valdez, Senior Management Analyst Fewer, Marketing Specialist Englebrecht, Director of Community Services Box, Community Services Supervisor Sauceda, Community Services Supervisor Villapando, Sergeant Tomsick, and Lieutenant Shadow.
* OCFA Division Chief Schuetz provided background and an update about the hazardous material incident in Garden Grove. OCFA responded to the scene on Thursday, May 21s' when chemical inside the tank was reported to be overheating and actively leaking. The following day, residents in immediate surrounding areas were ordered to evacuate due to possible outcomes, such as an explosion or a major spill/leak. After taking appropriate precautionary measures, OCFA and experts determined the possibility of an explosion has been mitigated and some residents were cleared to return home. At the time of the presentation, there has been no injuries to the public or first responders assisting with the incident. OCFA Division Chief Schuetz thanked and recognized all cooperating agencies and their efforts with resident evacuations in the affected area - OCFA, Buena Park PD, Garden Grove PD, Cypress PD, Anaheim PD, QC Sheriff's Department, OCFA, QC Public Health, and US Protection Agency.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. PRESENTATION OF BUENA PARK YOUTH THEATER SPRING PRODUCTION OF
DISNEY'S FROZEN THE MUSICAL
Monica Ultreras, Friends of Buena Park Youth Theater, invited the community to the Buena Park Youth Theater's Spring production of Disney's Frozen the Musical. Ms. Ultreras provided information regarding show dates and times. Tickets may be purchased at the Buena Park Community Center or online at www.buenapark.com/finearts. Tickets are also available for sale one hour before the start of the show at the Box Office. Additionally, members of the Buena Park Youth Theater performed a preview of the Spring production of Disney's Frozen the Musical.
2B. RECOGNITION OF KUKKIWON, SOUTH KOREA
Council Member Ahn presented certificates recognizing the members of Kukkiwon, South Korea.
Legislative representative from Senator Umberg's Office presented certificates recognizing the members of Kukkiwon, South Korea.
2C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING HARVEY MILK DAY
Mayor Traut presented a Proclamation recognizing Harvey Milk Day to Fullerton Council Member Ahmad Zahra.
Mr. Zahra thanked the City Council for recognizing Harvey Milk Day and presented a book to the City Council on Harvey Milk.
3A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Traut announced the public may at this time address the members of the City Council on any matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council.
Ron Plevniik, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding an incident that occurred at Peak Park involving two cars driving recklessly and nearly striking him and his dog which was reported to PD. Mr. Plevnik also indicated that cars congregate at night on the Peak Park grass area. It was suggested that the City Council not only address safety concerns at Peak Park but also sought to assist with the crime reported to PD.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed oral communications.
Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 203
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4G)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4G would be acted upon by one motion affirming the actions as recommended on the agenda and agenda bills submitted and inquired if anyone present desired to have any item removed for separate consideration.
There being no requests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A - 4G:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Sonne
Franco, Sonne, Ahn, Hoque, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4G be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 12, 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. 15111
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,559,441 .61 DEMAND NOS. 435771 THROUGH 435971 CANCELLED N0. 435249
RESOLUTION NO. 15112
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,180,763.25 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING MAY 8, 2026
Reports & Studies 129
4C. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026 Recommended Action: Receive and file the reports.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4D. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING HARVEY MILK DAY
Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Proclamations 119
4E. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MEMORIAL DAY
Recommended Action: Approve proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 204
Contracts 70 C-3296 Budgets 47
4 F. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALLIED UNIVERSAL SECURITY SERVICES, INC. TO PROVIDE CUSTODIAL OFFICER SERVICES FOR THE CITY'S
JAIL FACILITY
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Allied Universal Security Services, Inc. ("Allied Universal") for a three-year term, with two one- year extension options, to continue providing custodial officer services for the City's jail facility; 2) Authorize contingency funds equal to 5% annually for overtime outside the base scope of the services; 3) Dispense with competitive bidding pursuant to Buena Park Municipal Code Section 3.28.080(H) which allows the City Council to dispense with bidding when it is the best interest of the City; 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, nonmonetary changes to the agreement; and 5 ) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the Agreement in final form.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Master Plan/General Plan 14.2
4G. APPROVALOFTHEBUENAPARKGENERALPLANPROGRESSREPORTAND
HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025 AND SUBMITTAL TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
Recommended Action: I ) Receive and file the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR) and the Housing Element Annual Report; 2) Authorize the Community and Economic Development Department to transmit the reports to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) as required by state law; and, 3) Authorize the Community and Economic Development Department to make any changes to the report in response to comments received from HCD or OPR.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A)
Contracts 70 C-3682 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-1000 Budget 47 5A. RESOLUTIONAPPROVINGPLANS,SPECIFICATIONS,ANDAPPROVALOF CONTRACT WITH KORMEX CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE CRESCENT AVENUE
FRONT AGE MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
Presented by Aaron Esparza-Almaraz, Assistant Engineer Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Crescent Avenue Frontage Median Improvements Project; 2) Award a contract to Kormex Construction, Inc. in the amount of $339,985; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $34,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize construction engineering funds in the amount of $20,000; 5) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the contract; and, 6) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Assistant Engineer Esparza-Almaraz reported about the plans, specifications, and contract for the Crescent Avenue Frontage Median Improvements Project. The Project will include both frontage roads north and south of Crescent Avenue between Knott Avenue and Western Avenue. Staff identified this segment as needing improvement based on field observations of the existing infrastructure and landscaping conditions. Assistant Engineer Esparza-Almaraz described the scope of work for the project and that it will establish a landscape palette consistent with the City's preferences and intended to serve as a standard for future median improvement projects of a similar nature. The project was advertised for competitive bids on April 13, 2026 and four (4) bids were received and publicly opened on May 11, 2026. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Kormex Construction Inc. or Ontario, California in the amount of $339,985. It was recommended that the City Council award a contract to Kormex Construction, Inc. in the amount of $339,985; approve contingency funds in the amount of $34,000 and construction engineering funds in the amount of $20,000, for a total project amount of $393,985. Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2026 and completed by August 2026.
Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 205
The City Council expressed enthusiasm about the project moving forward and commended staff for their efforts to improve City medians.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Franco
Hoque, Franco, Ahn, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15113
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR CRESCENT AVENUE FRONT AGE MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (BETWEEN KNOTT AVE. & WESTERN AVE.) IN SAID CITY
Emergency Services 188
5B. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE MAYOR'S AND DIRECTOR OF
EMERGENCY SERVICES PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL ST ATE OF EMERGENCY
DUE TO THE HAZARDOUS INCIDENT IN THE NEIGHBORING CITY OF GARDEN GROVE
Presented by Adria M. Vicuria, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria provided a brief overview of the hazardous materials incident that occurred in the neighboring city of Garden Grove. Due to a temperature spike and malfunction in one of three tanks at the facility, OCFA reported that the tank could fail in one of two ways: a large-scale chemical spill or a potential explosive event.
For this reason, the situation prompted evacuation orders which affected up to 40,000 residents across multiple Orange County cities including Buena Park, Garden Grove, Cypress, Stanton, Anaheim and Westminster as hazardous materials team and fire personnel work to stabilize the tank. The City of Buena Park issued a local emergency proclamation under Government Code Section 8630. Under state law, because the proclamation was issued administratively by the Mayor and Director of Emergency Services, it must be ratified by the City Council within seven days in order for the proclamation to remain in effect. The purpose of the ratification is to formally confirm the emergency declaration and ensure the City maintains the authority needed to respond effectively. Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria further explained that the proclamation authorizes emergency measures necessary to protect public health, safety, and property, and serves as a formal document recognizing the severity of the incident, which is essential for coordination with the QC Operational Area, the CA Office of Emergency Services, and state and federal disaster assistance programs. Ratification also preserves the City's eligibility for potential reimbursement and financial assistance. Lastly, once ratification is approved, a local emergency must be reviewed and approved by the City Council at least every 60 days unless terminated. It was recommended that the City Council ratify the local emergency proclamation executed on May 23, 2026, by the Mayor and Director of Emergency Services.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Hoque
Traut, Hoque, Ahn, Franco, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15114
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
RATIFYING THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES PROCLAMATION OF THE
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
6. PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing.
Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 206
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Franco reported the following:
* May 14 Friendly Center: Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Mixer @ May 16 Heroes Park Mural Unveiling
* May 18 Deborah Diep Recognition
* May 19 QC Sustainability and Waste/Recycling Meeting * May 21 Public Works Week Luncheon
@ May 25 45'h Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service * BPHS Coyote Recognition
* FIT Committee Meeting
* Interact Club Year End Banquet
Council Member Franco calendared application of greywater usage, and addition of green foliage to graffiti-prone walls.
Council Member Sonne reported the following:
* May 18 0bservation of OCPA Curriculum Pilot at Emery Elementary School * May 18 Buena Park PD Golf Tournament Dinner
@ May 18 Deborah Diep Recognition
Council Member Ahn reported the following:
@ May16LoveFestivalatEmeryElementary
* May 16 Free Public Concert by Youth Orchestra
* May 18 0bservation of OCPA Curriculum Pilot at Emery Elementary School * May 18 Buena Park PD Golf Tournament Dinner
* May 18 Deborah Diep Recognition
* May 21 Public Works Week Luncheon
* May 23 Annual UniMent Youth Community Service Arts Team Recognition Event for Aiding Children with Developmental Disabilities
* May 23 Young Leaders Conference by Korean American Federation of Southwest US * May 25 45'h Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service Council Member Ahn calendared a regular PD crime and incident report.
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the following:
* May 14 San Marino Elementary School: AVID Pep Rally * May 16 Heroes Park Mural Unveiling
@ May 18 Buena Park PD Golf Tournament Dinner
* May 18 Deborah Diep Recognition
* May 21 Public Works Week Luncheon
* May 24 Press Conference Briefing Regarding Hazmat Situation * May 25 45'h Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service Mayor Traut reported the following:
@ May 13 0CFA Budget and Finance Committee Meeting * May14CitySelectionCornrnitteeMeeting-AppointedasViceChair * May 15 San Marino Elementary School Career Day * May 16 Heroes Park Mural Unveiling
* May160rangeCountyEIDFestival
* May 18 Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park Meeting @ May 18 Buena Park PD Golf Tournament Dinner
* May 18 Deborah Diep Recognition
* Mayl90CSustainabilityandWaste/RecyclingMeeting
* May 21 Public Works Week Luncheon
* May 22 - 25 Visits to the Emergency Operations Center, Emergency Shelters, and Briefings * May 25 45'h Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Service Minutes May 26, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 207
8. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* 7-Eleven Grand Opening, June 4, 2024, 11 :30 a.m., at 8650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park.
9. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria had nothing to report.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 7:30 ATTEST:
City Clerk