MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK
HELD SEPTEMBER 8, 2026
Vol. 55 Pg. 271
1. GENERAL
The City Council met in a regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 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
1 B. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Ahn, Franco, Hoque (teleconference), Sonne, Traut
None
Vice Mayor Hoque participated remotely under the Just Cause provision of the CA Government Code §54954.8.3.
Also present were: Aaron France, City Manager; Chris Cardinale, City Attorney; and Adria M. Vicuria, MMC, Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk. 1 C. 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 Lana Chang, Beatty Middle School. 1 E. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* Buena Park Culture Fest, September 19, 2026, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at Boisseranc Park.
The 2026 Culture Fest will feature a parade that will begin at 2:00 p.m. along Dale Avenue and La Palma Avenue.
* Community Gardens Ribbon Cutting, September 22, 2026, 2:00 p.m., at the Main Gate on Thelma Avenue.
2. PRESENT ATIONS
2A. RECOGNITION OF ANGELICA LOPEZ IN HONOR OF ACHIEVING HER CERTIFIED
MUNICIPAL CLERK CERTIFICATION
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria presented a Certificate of Recognition to Angelica Lopez in honor of achieving her Certified Municipal Clerk certification; and, a certificate on behalf of Assembly Member Sharon Quirk-Silva.
The City Council commended Angelica Lopez for her achievement of the Certified Municipal Clerk designation and expressed their sincere appreciation for her outstanding service.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 272
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.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria acknowledged that the City received an email correspondence from concerned residents of Buena Park regarding privacy concerns from an ADU under construction at 5749 Los Amigos Street.
There being no additional requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed oral communications.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR (4A - 4H)
Mayor Traut announced that Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A through 4H 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 additional requests for separate consideration, the following action was taken on Item Nos. 4A - 4H:
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Traut
Sonne
Traut, Sonne, Ahn, Franco, Hoque
None
MOTION CARRIED that all actions recommended on Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4A - 4H be approved.
Minutes
4A. APPROVALOFMINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of August 19, 2026; and, Special and Regular City Council Meetings of August 25, 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 N0. 15160
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,572,436.37 DEMAND NOS. 437518 THROUGH 4377 40
RESOLUTION NO. 15161
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, ALLOWING CERT AIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS IN THE SUM OF $1 ,317,579.64 COVERING REGULAR PAYROLL ENDING AUGUST 14, 2026
Proclamations 119
4C. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
Recommended Action: Approve Proclamation.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 273
Contracts 70 C-3698 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-1008
4D. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND AWARDING A CONTRACT TO AYALA ENGINEERING, INC. FOR THE 2025-2026/2026-2027
SEWER MANHOLE REHABILITATION PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving plans and specifications for the 2025-2026/2026- 2027 Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation Project; 2) Award a contract to Ayala Engineering Inc. in the amount of $832,926; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $85,000 in the same purchase order; 4) Authorize a purchase order for the Solis Group in the amount of $7,470 for administration of the Community Workforce Agreement (CWA); 5) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $800 for CWA administration; 6) Authorize a budget transfer in the amount $252,000 from the Miscellaneous Sewer System Improvement Account (53- 9806-490010) to the project account; 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the contract; and, 7) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15162
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2025-2026/2026-2027 SEWER
MANHOLE REHABILITATION PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts 70 C-3631 C-3699 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-1009 4E. RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND AWARDING A CONTRACT TO ORTIZ AND SON, INC. FOR THE BELLIS YARD IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Bellis Yard Improvements Project; 2) Award a contract to Ortiz & Son, Inc. in the amount of $412,734.81 ; 3) Authorize contingency funds in the amount of $21,375. 19; 4) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the contract; and, 5) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the contract.
APPROVED the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15163
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR BELLIS YARD IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT IN SAID CITY
Contracts 70 C-3002
4F. FUEL SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN COUNTIES OIL COMPANY (SC FUELS) FOR UNLEADED AND DIESEL FUEL FOR CITY VEHICLES Recommended Action: I ) Approve an agreement with Southern Counties Oil Company (SC Fuels) for an initial one-year term; 2) Dispense with competitive bidding pursuant to Municipal Code Section 3.28.080.H, as it is in the best interest of the City to access an existing government contract for lower overall fuel costs without the expense of the competitive bid process; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreement; and, 4) Authorize the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 274
Contracts 70 C-3700 Police Dept. 117 Budgets 47
4G. MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AURELIAN FOR A NON-EMERGENCY
CALL AUTOMATION PILOT PROGRAM AND BUDGET APPROPRIATION FROM THE
ASSET FORFEITURE FUND FOR THIS PURPOSE
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve a master services agreement with Aurelian for the Police Department's Non-Emergency Call Automation Pilot Program; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the agreement; 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreement; and, 4) Approve a budget appropriation of $25,000 from the undesignated Asset Forfeiture Fund balance for this purpose.
APPROVED the recommended action.
Contracts 70 C-3612 Public Works Proj. 125 PW-982
4H. AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ONWARD ENGINEERING FOR THE SCE TRAIL PHASE Ill
Recommended Action: 1 ) Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement No. 25-18 with Onward Engineering in the amount of $11,81 0; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the amendment; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the amendment.
APPROVED the recommended action.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
5. NEW BUSINESS (5A - 5B)
Parking 109
5A. RESOLUTION TO CREATE A NEW PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT ON LOS
RAMOS CIRCLE, LOS RAPIDOS CIRCLE, LOS CIENTOS CIRCLE, LOS RANCHOS
DRIVE, AND A PORTION OF THE VALLEY VIEW FRONTAGE ROAD
Presented by Norm Wray, Senior Engineering Technician
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt a resolution to create a new Preferential Parking District (PPD) on Los Ramos Circle, Los Rapidos Circle, Los Cientos Circle, Los Ranchos Drive, and a portion of the Valley View Frontage Road (hereinafter "the streets").
Senior Engineering Technician Wray provided a report regarding a proposed resolution creating a new Preferential Parking District (PPD) on Los Ramos Circle, Los Rapidos Circle, Los Cientos Circle, Los Ranchos Drive, and a portion of the Valley View Frontage Road. Area residents submitted a complete application for a new PPD in July 2026 after experiencing nuisances caused by overflow parking from nearby apartment complexes and the Cypress Swap Meet.
Staff conducted an investigation around the area, and determined the number of available onsite parking spaces between four different apartment complexes.
Los Ramos, Los Rapidos, and Los Cientos Circles are local residential cul-de-sac streets that are undivided, have a prima facie speed limit of 25 miles-per-hour (MPH), and wherein on-street parking is permitted on both sides of the street. Although red curb restrictions apply in certain areas, streets are very short, with only seven homes on each street; and, entrance to each street is relatively narrow when vehicles are parked on both sides of the entrance making the remaining roadway limited to one-way traffic. Los Ranchos Drive is an undivided residential street with a 25 MPH prima facie speed limit. On-street parking is generally permitted on both sides, with limited restrictions near fire hydrants and sections of red curb. Similarly, the Valley View Frontage Road is an undivided residential street with a 25 MPH prima facie speed limit.
Although on-street parking is allowed only on the west side of the street, as is typical for frontage roads, there is some red curb on the west side of the street near the intersection with Los Ranchos Drive.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 275
Senior Engineering Technician Wray explained the City's policy requirements on PPD to which the PPD application met. In addition to the two basic requirements of the policy, there is also a recommendation related to parking demand. Two of the five streets meet the recommendation to implement a PPD, and the other two are just below the recommendation. While Los Cientos Circle currently has very limited overnight parking, excluding it from the PPD would likely result in the PPD no longer being a self-contained area. It was also indicated that residents of Los Encinos Street submitted a PPD request to include their street if the City Council were to approve the proposed PPD. It was recommended to approve a request to create PPD No. 16 on the streets.
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria acknowledged that the City received email correspondences from Juan Ponce in opposition of the PPD; Patrick Jehoich, Judy Boucher, and Leslie Bruce in support of the PPD; and, Yoshikane Dental Group, Diana Tri and Trent Kanemaki with a request for exemptions of the PPD.
Michael Rasmussen, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding the parking nuisances on his street and other safety concerns.
Audra Archuleta, Buena Park resident, requested the City work with Emerald Gardens Apartments property management to address the on-site parking situation so residents do not need to park in nearby neighborhoods.
Patrick Yoshikane, Buena Park business owner, appealed to the City Council to exclude Yoshikane Dental Group employees from the proposed PPD, and provide a reasonable business exemption for their employees during regular business hours.
Jose Soto, Buena Park resident, expressed support of the PPD due to the inconveniences caused by overflow parking on the subject streets.
Jessica, Buena Park resident, spoke regarding her concerns about parking, trash and safety around the neighborhood.
Brittany, Buena Park resident, requested to include Los Encinos Street as part of the PPD being considered by the City Council.
Danielle Charles, Buena Park business employee, requested the City Council to exempt the Yoshikane Dental Group employees from PPD restrictions, emphasizing that they are also members of the community and are not contributing to the issues raised by homeowners in the affected neighborhoods.
Vice Mayor Hoque commented about the parking concerns raised by the residents and efforts to maximize parking that exists at the apartments; spoke in support of the PPD and interest in addressing the parking demand in the area to establish a more long-term solution.
Mayor Traut expressed support of the PPD, including 8741 Valley View Street; and asked about business exemption from PPD restrictions.
Council Member Sonne spoke in support of the PPD; regarding the ongoing increase in street parking issues throughout the City; and, asked about the possible addition of on-street disabled parking spaces.
Council Member Franco spoke in favor of approving the PPD with the inclusion of the Los Encinos street and allowing business employees to park on the street during business hours.
Additionally, it was recommended that staff meet with Albertsons management to expiore a parking agreement that would allow apartment residents to use their available parking spaces.
Council Member Ahn supported the approval of the PPD; and asked about the requirements to purchase PPD permits.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 276
Senior Engineering Technician Wray discussed the potential inclusion of the businesses and one additional home, given that they are also not part of the district in question, as well as the residences on Los Encinos Street within the proposed PPD. As requested, staff will reach out to the apartment complex owners to ensure that parking spaces for apartment residents are being utilized. It was indicated that there is a designated carve-out in the area for an OCTA bus stop.
Staff will contact OCTA to explore a potential reconfiguration of the carve-out that could reduce some of the red curb and create additional parking spaces. Senior Engineering Technician Wray explained the City Council policy for establishing on-street disabled parking spaces, including information about the process and the application packet required to submit a request.
Homeowners could purchase PPD permits for themselves or their guests, allowing them to park on the street.
City Manager France assured that Public Works staff will address the oil and trash issues in the neighborhoods.
MOTION TO AMEND
MOTION TO AMEND: Amend the recommended action to include in the PPD 8741 Valley View Street, 8751 Valley View Street Unit A, and 8751 Valley View Street Unit B to purchase up to two resident/visitor permits each, and the residences on Los Encinos Street.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Hoque
Traut
Hoque, Traut, Ahn, Franco, Sonne
None
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED to approve the recommended action and include in the PPD 8741 Valley View Street, 8751 Valley View Street Unit A, and 8751 Valley View Street Unit B to purchase up to two resident/visitor permits each, and the residences on Los Encinos Street; and, ADOPTED the following titled resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 15164
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALIFORNIA,
EST ABLISHING A PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICT ON LOS RAMOS CIRCLE, LOS
RAPIDOS CIRCLE, LOS CIENTOS CIRCLE, LOS RANCHOS DRIVE, AND THE VALLEY
VIEW FRONTAGE ROAD FROM LOS RANCHOS DRIVE TO LOS ENCINOS STREET, ALL
AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED HEREIN
RECESS/RECONVENE
Mayor Traut recessed the meeting at 6:18 p.m. and announced the meeting would be reconvened in the City Council Chamber. The meeting was reconvened at 6:34 p.m.
Contracts 70 C-3701
5B. LEASE AGREEMENT WITH LLP INVESTMENTS, LLC FOR OPERATION OF A RESTAURANT ON CITY-OWNED PROPERTY AT 6591 BEACH BOULEVARD Presented by Matt Foulkes, Director of Community and Economic Development Recommended Action: Approve a lease agreement with LLP Investments, LLC for property located at 6591 Beach Boulevard; 2) Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to make any necessary, non-monetary changes to the documents; and, 3) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute any necessary documents related to the lease.
Director of Community and Economic Development Department Foulkes presented a lease agreement with LLP Investments, LLC for the property located at 6591 Beach Boulevard. The City terminated its lease from former tenant CH Buena Park, LLC in April 2026 afier discussions, several months of delayed construction, and failure to pay rent. The City met with a new operator who has agreed to step in and complete the tenant improvements and finalize the building permits for the restaurant remodel and outdoor seating area. New tenant, Leo Prats (LLP Investments, LLC), has constructed, owned, and operated several restaurants in Los Angeles County over the past 30 years, and owns an architecture and construction company.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 277
Through the terms of the proposed lease agreement, Mr. Prats will complete the construction of the restaurant and, through a sublease, operate a restaurant at the subject property offering breakfast and lunch with Mexican and Classic American menu options. Mr. Prats has expressed interest to expand the restaurant to offer a dinner menu if there is sufficient demand, but shall have a closing time of no later than 10:00 p.m. Also, the tenant proposed the addition of EV charging to the property as another means of attracting customers and generating revenue. The City has consented to this sublease provided that all proposed improvements are done with the City's approval and the Tenant's interest in the EV Sublease shall become automatically assignable or transferable to the City should the primary lease of the restaurant terminate or expire. Construction is expected to be completed in the next three weeks, and require another three to four weeks to hire, stock and train staff to open the restaurant. It was recommended that the City Council approve a lease agreement with LLP Investments, LLC for property located at 6591 Beach Boulevard.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Ahn
Franco, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne, Traut
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action.
6. PUBLIC HEARING (6A)
Codes 64
6A. ORDINANCEAMENDINGPORTIONSOFTITLE19(ZONING),DMSION1
(ADMINISTRATION), DMSION 3 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES), DMSION 4 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES), DMSION 5 (COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES), DMSION 7 (MIXED-USE ZONES), AND DMSION 9 (SIGN
REGULATIONS) OF THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
Presented by lan McAleese, Senior Planner
Recommended Action: 1 ) Adopt an Ordinance amending Title 19 (Zoning) of the Buena Park Municipal Code, specifically Divisions 1 (Administration), 3 (Single-Family Residential Zones), 4 (Multi-Family Residential Zones), 5 (Commercial and Industrial Zones), 7 (Mixed-Use Zones), and 9 (Sign Regulations).
Mayor Traut stated that this was the time and place for a public hearing to consider the adoption of an Ordinance amending Title 19 (Zoning) of the Buena Park Municipal Code, specifically Divisions 1 (Administration), 3 (Single-Family Residential Zones), 4 (Multi-Family Residential Zones), 5 (Commercial and Industrial Zones), 7 (Mixed-Use Zones), and 9 (Sign Regulations).
Senior Planner McAleese discussed the routine amendment of the Zoning Code to reflect changes in state law, evolving development trends, and the community's changing needs. It is also a good planning practice for regular updates to promote a business-friendly environment by keeping regulations clear, current, and predictable for residents, property owners, and businesses. The amendments proposed under Text Amendment No. C-26-2 continue this practice and ensure that the Zoning Code is accurate, internally consistent, and reflects the goals and policies of the City. Senior Planner McAleese provided a summary of the proposed amendments for Division 1 (Administration), Division 3 (Single-Family Residential Zones), Division 4 (Multi-Family Residential Zones), Division 5 (Commercial and Industrial Zones), Division 7 (Mixed-Use Zones), and Division 9 (Sign Regulations). It was noted that the proposed text amendments are exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3)(Common Sense Exemption). On August 12, 2026, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider Text Amendment No. C-26-2 to amend various Divisions within Title 19 of the Municipal Code, and adopted Resolution No. 6415 by a 5-O vote recommending that the City Council adopt the proposed Ordinance amending the aforementioned Divisions of the Buena Park Municipal Code. Furthermore, it was recommended that the City Council find the proposed Text Amendment (C-26-1 ) to be exempt from CEQA; and adopt an Ordinance approving Text Amendment No. C-26-2.
Council Member Sonne requested educational materials pertaining to the Zoning Code amendment be made available for residents.
Mayor Traut opened the public hearing and inquired if anyone present desired to speak. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Traut closed the public hearing.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 278
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
Franco
Traut
Franco, Traut, Ahn, Hoque, Sonne
None
MOTION CARRIED to approve the recommended action and ADOPTED the following titled ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 1770
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BUENA PARK, CALiFORNlA, APPROVING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 19 0F THE BUENA PARK MUNICIPAL CODE, SPECIFICALLY DMSIONS 1 (ADMINISTRATION), 3 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES), 4 (MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONES), 5 (COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES), 7 (MIXED-USE ZONES), AND 9 (SIGN REGULATIONS)
7. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONFERENCE REPORTS AND
CALENDAR REQUESTS
7A. REPORT
Council Member Ahn reported the following:
* August 26 All Employee Ice Cream Social
* August 29 Trades and Apprenticeship Resource Fair
* September 2 Sister City Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
* September 2 QC Sanitation District Operations Committee Meeting Council Member Franco reported the following:
* August 26 All Employee Ice Cream Social
* August 29 Trades and Apprenticeship Resource Fair
* September 2 Wild Water Express Wash Grand Reopening
Council Member Sonne reported attending a number of OCPA meetings.
Vice Mayor Hoque reported the success of the August 29, 2026, Trades and Apprenticeship Resource Fair with over 600 attendees. She also provided other updates, including information about signs posted along Ball Road to encourage reporting of street racing, and an announcement about the birth of her son Haris.
Mayor Traut reported the following:
* August 27 0CFA Wildfire Resource Center Groundbreaking * August 29 BP Youth Football and Cheer Opening Night
* September 2 Wild Water Express Wash Grand Reopening
* September 3 SCAG Energy and Environment Committee Meeting @ September 5 State Horseshoe Pitching Championship Opening Ceremony
8. RECESS/RECONVENE
The City Council did not recess.
9. STUDY SESSION (9A - 9B)
9A. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING THE USE OF GREYWATER AND
RECYCLED WATER
Presented by Mina Mikhael, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Director of Public Works/City Engineer Mikhael discussed the potential uses, benefits, limitations, costs, and regulatory considerations associated with alternative water sources and opportunities for the City to support water conservation and expanded use of non-potable water.
Staff recently evaluated the feasibility of developing a recycled-water system to provide nonpotable water for irrigation and other appropriate uses within the City; and greywater applications and other water-conservation opportunities available to residents.
There are two potential pathways for Buena Park to obtain recycled water-1 ) City of Cerritos' existing recycled-water distribution system and 2) Central Basin Municipal Water District (Central Basin).
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 279
The primary challenge would be the economic feasibility of developing and operating a separate recycled-water distribution system in Buena Park. The ultimate cost of recycled water to Buena Park customers would likely exceed the City's current potable-water cost and would not be expected to provide a significant financial incentive for customers to convert. It was noted, however, that if the City Council has interest to further evaluate the potential long-term environmental, regulatory, and water-supply benefits, the State Water Resources Control Board has a facilities-planning grant program that could fund approximately 50% of an eligible feasibility study. There is an option for a formal study to provide more definitive information regarding system design, capital costs, customer demand, long-term water availability, financing, and the resulting cost of recycled-water service before the City would be required to make any commitment to construction. In the interim, the City could continue working with the State Water Board staff and communicate the City's interest in the project expansion.
Director Mikhael aiso discussed property-level reuse of greywater and City's potential role. The greywater system is relatively simple and can provide a supplemental source of irrigation water for trees, shrubs, and other suitable landscaping; and its costs could range at approximately $1,000 to $2,500, and increase depending on the complexity of installation and additional features. Quality of greywater and proper system design are additional factors for consideration.
The cost and complexity of larger systems may outweigh the potential water savings for some properties, making them less practical than simpler conservation measures. In this case, the City's role would primarily be limited to permitting, and providing information to interested property owners through educational materials regarding appropriate greywater applications, permitting requirements, system limitations, and suitable household products. Because greywater systems are privately owned and maintained, installation and maintenance costs would be the responsibility of the property owner.
The H20C Stormwater Program is one that aims to have rain barrels connect to roof downspouts and capture water for landscape irrigation. The challenge is that Southern California experiences relatively little rainfall, making it more difficult to refill the rain barrels.
H20C provides educational resources and information on current rainwater/stormwater incentive opportunities. Landscape water conservation, on the other hand, is another practical way to reduce potable-water demand by replacing traditional turf with water-efficient landscaping which substantially reduces irrigation needs.
Council Member Franco discussed the importance of conserving and reusing water. It was also agreed that the development of a recycled-water system is not economically feasible for the City at this time, and recommended a future budget allocation for this purpose. Staff should also continue regional planning and discussion.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to return with information regarding the feasibility of developing a recycled water system account at the next budget discussion; continue regional collaboration to explore potential pathway or connection that would enable Buena Park to obtain recycled water; prepare educational materials on how to properly reuse greywater and collect rainwater and distribute them to the community; and, include efficient water landscaping information on the City's website.
9B. DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION REGARDING A NEW DESIGN FOR ARTERIAL
STREET SIGNS CITYWIDE
Presented by Bridget Englebrecht, Marketing Specialist
Marketing Specialist Englebrecht presented new designs for arterial street signs Citywide.
Internally Illuminated Street Name Signs (ilSNS) are a key component of traffic signal systems, providing motorists with essential wayfinding information. The City has used IISNS on arterial streets since the late 1 970s and has re-branded the signs several times over the years. The City's adopted budget allocates $250,000 in two consecutive fiscal years to upgrade these street name signs to newer, more modern style housing and lighting. New signs will utilize LED lighting and will be housed in a much thinner and more modern housing. The project will be completed in phases, with an immediate focus on streets that have been recently rehabilitated or are soon to be rehabilitated. Marketing Specialist Englebrecht indicated that the Public Works Department has been working with the Marketing Division to create design options for the new street signs. Staff has compiled samples of Orange County cities' street sign designs and presented them to the City Council for consideration.
The City Council discussed their individual preferences for arterial street sign designs; potential costs depending on the complexity of the design; and, recommendations on ways to engage the community in the sign design selection process via a community service or poll.
Minutes September 8, 2026 Vol. 55 Pg. 280
Principal Engineer Alqam explained that it is generally assumed that the more complex the design, the more costly the sign may be. However, staff is still waiting for the vendor's response on cost estimate. It was also discussed that the budget allocated for this project is currently available, along with the anticipated timeline for project completion.
Marketing Specialist Englebrecht indicated that the poll could be available online and directly from the City's social media platforms. The Marketing Division could also promote this poll during the upcoming BP Culture Fest event.
Following the discussion, the City Council directed staff to deveiop a survey, make it available on the City's website, promote it across various social media platforms; and, engage the community to select between design options 1, 2, 5, and 10 for the new design for arterial street signs Citywide.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager France reported on the following:
* Korean Delegation Meeting, September 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., at City Hall.
11. COMMISSION & COMMITTEE UPDATES
Director of Government and Community Relations/City Clerk Vicuria reported that there are no additional Commission and Committee vacancies. Interested residents for the Cultural Engagement Commission vacancy may contact Council Member Ahn or contact the City Clerk's Office for additional information.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Traut adjourned the meeting at 8:05 ATTEST:
Mayor