REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY
JUNE 17, 2025 - 6:00 PM - MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – The Closed Session meeting was called to order by Mayor Stephens at 4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds (arrived at 4:20 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NONE.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATION OF LITIGATION ‑ ONE CASE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), Potential Litigation.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ‑ EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Coats v. City of Costa Mesa
United States District Court, Central Dist. of CA, Case No. 8:24‑cv‑02337‑JVS‑JDE
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL ‑ EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Name of Case: Jeanie O’Keefe v. City of Costa Mesa
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30‑2024‑01443154‑CU‑PO‑CJC
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: City Manager
City Council recessed at 4:02 p.m. for Closed Session.
Closed Session adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - The Regular City Council and Housing Authority meeting was called to order by Mayor Stephens at 6:00 p.m.
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MOMENT OF SOLEMN EXPRESSION
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT – No reportable Action was taken.
PRESENTATIONS:
City Council recognized the Costa Mesa High School Baseball Team Golden West League Champions.
City Council recognized the Estancia High School Baseball Team CIF Southern Champions.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Jay Humphrey, Costa Mesa, praised the Fire Department, spoke in support of public participation, and requested to add recognizing academics and arts achievements as well as sports achievements.
Speaker, spoke in support of recognizing all groups of students and spoke on Council Member requests being placed on the agenda.
Speaker, spoke on volunteering at Love Costa Mesa Day and suggested trash bins at several locations on the Joann Street Bike Trail.
Speaker, spoke in support of allowing public comments via Zoom.
Roberto Herrera, Resilience Orange County, spoke in support of allowing public comments via Zoom, spoke in support of Spanish YouTube, and spoke on supporting the immigrant community.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS Council Member Gameros spoke on public participation and free speech, spoke in appreciation of the Public Works employees for the street improvements, praised the pickleball courts at Balearic Park, and commended Chief Lawrence for his service.
Council Member Reynolds spoke on the challenges facing the immigrant community and on resources available to help, requested safety actions for the Randall Preserve due to the encampments and fire threat, requested an update on clearing activity in Canyon Park and Fairview Park for fire prevention tactics, spoke on Caltrans working on a large project for Newport Boulevard and incorporating safety elements and requested staff to bring to Council a letter or resolution on safety concerns for Newport Boulevard, and requested trash bins on 19th Street and Placentia Avenue to be replaced.
Council Member Buley praised the pickleball courts at Balearic Park, spoke on participating in sports and unsupervised free play, and requested staff to research incorporating free play into city programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez thanked the Police Department for work on 19th Street, thanked the Fire Department on their handling several fires recently, and thanked the residents who protested peacefully, spoke on attending the CalOptima resource fair, spoke on attending a small business opening for Zoom Drain, spoke on free lunch is available at Donald Dungan Library 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. during the summer, and spoke on the July 3rd event.
Mayor Stephens spoke on unstructured free play in recreation, praised Public Works for receiving the Golden Hub Award for the Pine Creek Project, spoke on the upgrades to the batting cages at TeWinkle Park and pickleball courts at Balearic Park, spoke on the State of the City on June 25th, spoke on a statement from the city regarding the immigrant community and protests and keeping people safe, spoke on volunteers and resources for those in need, praised the Fire Department for work on a structure fire in the community, praised Chief Lawrence, and spoke on the length of public meetings and time management.
REPORT – CITY MANAGER – Ms. Gallardo-Daly spoke on Chief Lawrence walkout and the Change of Command on June 27th, spoke on a new event called Make Music Costa Mesa on June 21st, spoke on Concerts in the Park, and Chief Pyle provided an update on brush clearings at Fairview and Canyon Parks.
REPORT – CITY ATTORNEY – Ms. Hall Barlow stated she is working with the City Manager’s Office to issue guidance to employees in case federal agents enter city facilities.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Council Member Reynolds MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar except for item nos. 5 and 6.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: Mayor Stephens recused himself on item 3 Warrant Resolution due to campaign contributions received from Ware Disposal, and on item 6 Professional Services Agreement for Solid Waste Collection Services at City Facilities due to campaign contributions received from Ware Disposal.
Council Member Gameros recused himself on item 3 Warrant Resolution due to his wife working for Priceless Pets.
Motion carried: 5-0
1. PROCEDURAL WAIVER: WAIVE THE FULL READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ACTION:
City Council and Housing Authority approved the reading by title only and waived further reading of Ordinances and Resolutions.
2. READING FOLDER
ACTION:
City Council received and filed Claims received by the City Clerk and authorized staff to reject any and all Claims: Debra Von Trapp.
3. ADOPTION OF WARRANT RESOLUTION
Mayor Stephens recused himself on the item due to campaign contributions received from Ware Disposal.
Council Member Gameros recused himself on the item due to his wife working for Priceless Pets ACTION:
City Council approved Warrant Resolution No. 2736.
4. MINUTES
ACTION:
City Council approved the minutes of the regular meeting of May 20, 2025.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
5. TOWING SERVICES CONTRACT
Public Comments:
James Peters, requested individuals first receive a warning prior to towing a vehicle.
Speaker, spoke on behalf of G & W towing and spoke on their commitment with the City.
Faris Hassan, spoke on behalf of Hadley Tow, spoke on the submittal of their proposal and their qualifications, requested the item be delayed to address their proposal, and requested City Council reconsider and add Hadley Tow to the item.
Speaker, spoke on the multiple ways to pay to pick up a vehicle other than cash, requested the tow trucks not to utilize Town Street to get to their tow yard, and spoke on refunds.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
Council Member Reynolds requested to add to the motion to incorporate language for safe traveling on city streets.
Mayor Stephens (1st) and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez (2nd) agreed to the addition.
Council Member Reynolds requested to add to the motion to update the webpage ensuring public information is made available on how to find a vehicle if it is towed, the 24/7 release policy, the right to request a tow hearing, and how to file a complaint.
Mayor Stephens (1st) and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez (2nd) agreed to the addition.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation and include language for safe traveling on city streets and update the webpage ensuring public information is made available on how to find a vehicle if it is towed, the 24/7 release policy, the right to request a tow hearing, and how to file a complaint.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-0
ACTION:
1. City Council approved and authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute five‑year Professional Services Agreement (PSA), to provide towing services of private vehicles, effective July 1, 2025 ‑ June 30, 2030, in a form as approved by the City Attorney for towing services to:
· G& W Towing
· MetroPro Road Services, Inc.
· Southside Towing
2. Approved and authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute five‑year Professional Services Agreement (PSA), to provide towing services of City owned vehicles and equipment, in an annual amount not‑to‑exceed $5,000, effective July 1, 2025 ‑ June 30, 2030, in a form as approved by the City Attorney for towing services to:
· G& W Towing
· MetroPro Road Services, Inc.
· Southside Towing
3. Authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the agreements and future amendments to the agreements.
4. Incorporated language for safe traveling on city streets.
5. Directed staff to update the webpage ensuring public information is made available on how to find a vehicle if it is towed, the 24/7 release policy, the right to request a tow hearing, and how to file a complaint.
6. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES AT CITY FACILITIES Mayor Stephens recused himself on the item and stepped down from the dais due to campaign contributions received from Ware Disposal.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Gameros/Council Member Reynolds MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: Mayor Stephens.
Motion carried: 4-0
ACTION:
1. City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Ware Disposal, Inc., 1035 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701, for a two (2) year agreement and up to three (3) additional one‑year term periods for Solid Waste Collection Services at City facilities for a not‑to‑exceed initial annual cost of $145,667, and future annual increases equal to or less than the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
2. Authorized a ten percent (10%) contingency annually for emergency response, special events and other unforeseen costs and approval for Consumer Price Index (CPI) escalation and de‑escalation.
3. Authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the PSA and any future amendments to the agreement, only if the rate increase is equal to or less than the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI). ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑-‑‑---‑----‑--‑‑‑‑‑‑END OF CONSENT CALENDAR‑-‑‑‑--‑‑‑-‑‑-----‑‑-‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
(Pursuant to Resolution No. 05‑55, Public Hearings begin at 7:00 p.m.) OLD BUSINESS: NONE.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. ENHANCED MOBILITY FOR SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES GRANT FUNDING ‑ OCTA Presentation by Ms. Villasenor, Parks and Recreation Services Manager.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Council Member Buley MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-0
ACTION:
1. City Council accepted the Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (EMSD) grant funding in the amount of $237,600 from Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
2. Authorized a budgetary increase of $237,600 to be funded by the EMSD grant reimbursements.
3. Increased the annual not‑to‑exceed amount of the current Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Orange County Yellow Cooperative, Inc, formerly Cabco Yellow, by $200,000 for a total annual amount of $500,000 with an additional 10% contingency.
4. Authorized the Interim City Manager and City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 2 to the PSA and any future changes and amendments to the agreement within Council authorized limits.
2. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HOAG EXECUTIVE HEALTH FOR A WELLNESS PROGRAM Presentation by Lt. Bradbury.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Council Member Gameros MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-0
ACTION:
1. City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to HOAG Executive Health to provide a wellness program for a five‑year term, effective July 1, 2025 ‑ June 30, 2030, for a not to exceed amount of $150,000 annually.
2. Authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute the PSA and any future amendments to the agreement.
3. ADOPTION OF THE AGREEMENTS FOR SUCCESSOR MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN THE CITY OF COSTA MESA (CITY) AND THE COSTA MESA POLICE ASSOCIATION (CMPA), THE COSTA MESA POLICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (CMPMA), THE COSTA MESA CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION (CMCEA) AND THE CONFIDENTIAL UNIT AND THE ADOPTION OF ACCOMPANYING SALARY RESOLUTIONS Ex-Parte Communications: None.
Presentation by Ms. Lee Human Resources Manager
Public Comments:
Speaker, spoke on the staff reports fiscal review, the salaries and benefits agreements will be the new baselines, and will be carried forward.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr and Council Member Pettis.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-0
ACTION:
City Council approved and Adopted Agreement for Successor MOU between the City of Costa Mesa and CMPA.
Approved and Adopted Agreement for Successor MOU between the City of Costa Mesa and CMPMA.
Approved and Adopted Agreement for Successor MOU between the City of Costa Mesa and CMCEA.
Approved and Adopted Resolution Number 2025‑20 revising the pay ranges for CMPA.
Approved and Adopted Resolution Number 2025‑21 revising the pay ranges for CMPMA.
Approved and Adopted Resolutions Number 2025‑22, 2025‑23 and 2025‑24 revising the pay ranges for CMCEA.
Approved and Adopted Resolutions Number 2025‑25, 2025‑26 and 2025‑27 revising the pay ranges for the Confidential Unit.
Approved the Fiscal Impact Analyses.
9. Authorized the Interim City Manager and members of the City’s Negotiation Team to execute the Letters of Agreement documents.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND
SUGGESTIONS
Mayor Stephens congratulated Coach Goelrich for receiving coach of the year.
ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m.
Minutes adopted on this 15th day of July, 2025.
___________________________
John Stephens, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Brenda Green, City Clerk