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MINUTES
GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Community Meeting Center
11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
CONVENE CLOSED SESSION
AT 5:30 p.m., Mayor Jones convened closed session.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: (5) Council Members Brietigam, Klopfenstein, K.
Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Mayor Jones
ABSENT: (2) Council Member Bui absent at Roll Call, but joined the meeting at 5:41 p.m.
Council Member O’Neill absent at Roll Call,
but joined the meeting at 5:59 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: None
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 - CITY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE: LAURA STOVER, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR; EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION: POLICE ASSOCIATION
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
At 6:25 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned closed session.
CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
At 6:37 p.m., Mayor Jones convened the meeting with all Council Members present.
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION HONORING MR. DAMIEN LORTON FOR BEING NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN 2020 BY THE CYPRESS COLLEGE AMERICANA FOUNDATION (F: 83.1)
It was moved by Mayor Jones seconded by Mayor Pro Tem D. Nguyen that:
The Garden Grove City Council does hereby commend the achievements of Damien Lorton, and his meritorious recognition as the recipient of the Cypress College 2020 Americana Awards’ Garden Grove Citizen of the year.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MR. RIC LERMA AND MS.
MAUREEN BLACKMUN FOR BEING NAMED THE 2020/2021 MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (F: 83.1)
It was moved by Mayor Jones seconded by Mayor Pro Tem D. Nguyen that:
The Garden Grove City Council does hereby proclaim Ric Lerma and Maureen Blackmun as the 2020/2021 Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the Year, and deeply commends their achievements.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
PRESENTATION - COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT RECOGNIZING MR. DAMIEN LORTON FOR BEING NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN 2020 BY THE CYPRESS COLLEGE AMERICANA FOUNDATION, AND MR. RIC LERMA AND MS. MAUREEN BLACKMUN FOR BEING NAMED THE 2020/2021 GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAN
AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: Leland Sisk, Brian Malley, Tom Raber
Written Comments: Craig Durfey
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FOURTH PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS POST 2020
CENSUS AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING ONE OF TWO DRAFT VOTING DISTRICT MAPS (F: 58.13)
Following the introduction by Maria Stipe, Assistant City Manager, and David Ely, consultant with Compass Demographics, Mayor Jones declared the public hearing open.
Speakers: Lena Tran, Vincent Tran, Nicholas Dibs, Maureen Blackmun, Roberto Herrera, Dorothy Nguyen, Garden Grove Resident, Garden Grove Resident, Valerie, Tanya, and Jennifer.
Written Communications in favor of the Community map: Elizabeth Raganold.
Written Communications in favor of the current map: Curt Moore and John O’Donnell.
Petition submitted in favor of current district map signed by: Maureen Blackmun, Bonnie Crawford, Sharon Clevenger, Gina Garland, Anita Riley, Christina Simpson, Linda Kellstrom, Nancy Froelich, Darrel Blackmun, Karyn Durham, Adrienne Holm, and John Holm.
With no further testimony from the audience, Mayor Jones declared the public hearing closed.
Following City Council discussion, consensus was to maintain the current district map due to the minimal population changes and that the current map was adopted only four years before the 2020 census count in 2016. City Council Members expressed their appreciation for the community group who submitted the alternate map to be considered and encouraged them to continue with civic engagement.
It was moved by Council Member Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
Ordinance No. 2932 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove adopting the City of Garden Grove District Map following review of the population changes resulting from the 2020 Federal Decennial Census, be passed to second reading.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Continued)
Speakers: Basil Starr, Nicholas Dibs
RECESS
At 8:13 p.m., Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
At 8:17 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting with all Council Members present.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION HONORING MR. DAMIEN LORTON FOR BEING NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR IN 2020 BY THE CYPRESS COLLEGE AMERICANA FOUNDATION (F: 83.1)
This matter was heard earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MR. RIC LERMA AND MS.
MAUREEN BLACKMUN FOR BEING NAMED THE 2020/2021 MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (F: 83.1)
This matter was heard earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING MARCH AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH (F: 83.1)
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
The Garden Grove City Council does hereby proclaim the month of March “Women’s History Month,” and celebrates the 2022 Women’s History Month theme of “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
RECEIVE AND FILE THE 2021 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE GENERAL PLAN (F: 20.2)
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
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The 2021 Annual Progress Report on the Status of the General Plan be received and filed; and
Staff be authorized to transmit the annual Report to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT COMPLETION FOR PROJECT NO. CP1293000, KATELLA
AVENUE OVERLAY PROJECT, FROM MAGNOLIA STREET TO JEAN STREET (F: 96.1.PROJ.CP-1293000)
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
The Katella Avenue Overlay Project No. CP12930 00 from Magnolia Street to Jean Street be accepted as complete;
The City Manager be authorized to execute the Notice of Completion of Public Works Improvement and Work; and
The Finance Director be authorized to release the retention payment when appropriate.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
AWARD A CONTRACT FOR RFP NO. S-1289 TO MASTER LANDSCAPE AND MAINTENANCE, INC., FOR OLEANDER TRIMMING AND STORM DRAIN MAINTENANCE (F: 55-Master Landscape and Maintenance Inc.) It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
A contract be awarded to Master Landscape Maintenance, Inc., in the an annual amount of $85,946.70 for the first three years, with an option to renew the contract for an additional two years, in an annual amount of $152,545.70;
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Authorize the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City and make minor modifications as appropriate; and
The City Manager be authorized to execute amendments to the contract, including the authorization to enter into the options years, providing sufficient funds are available.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
RECEIVE AND FILE MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2022 (F: Vault)
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
The minutes from the meeting held on February 22, 2022, be received and filed.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
WARRANTS
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
Payroll Check numbers 00002760 through 00003355, inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000877 through 00000891, EFT numbers 00019130 through 00019144, and check numbers 00676334 through 00676413 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000892 through 00000900, EFT numbers 00019145 through 00019176, and check numbers 00676414 through 00676499 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
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Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000901 through 00000910, EFT numbers 00020153 through 00020173, and check numbers 00676711 through 00676775 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000914 through 00000916, EFT numbers 00020209 through 00020222, and check numbers 00676909 through 00677013 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000877 through 00000891, EFT numbers 00019130 through 00019144, and check numbers 00676334 through 00676413 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by EFT numbers 00019177 through 00020152, and check numbers 00676500 through 00676710 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00000911 through 00000913, EFT numbers 00020174 through 00020208, and check numbers 00676776 through 00676908 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures; and
Demands covered by wires 00000917 through 00000962, EFT numbers 00020223 through 00020250, and check numbers 00677014 through 00677106 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures; be received and filed.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
WAIVER
It was moved by Council Member K. Nguyen, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
Full reading of Ordinances listed be waived.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
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Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
FOURTH PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS POST 2020 CENSUS (F: 58.13)
This matter was heard earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A TOBACCO LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT
AND AN AGREEMENT WITH BUREAU VERITAS FOR PROVIDING OPERATIONAL
TASKS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GRANT PROGRAM, AND TO APPROPRIATE GRANT FUNDS IN FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 FOR OPERATING COSTS (F: 57.11) (F: 55-Bureau Veritas)
Following staff introduction including a PowerPoint presentation with a code enforcement program and staffing component and City Council comments, it was moved by Council Member Brietigam, seconded by Council Member K. Nguyen that:
Resolution No. 9724-22 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove to accept Tobacco Law Enforcement Grant Funds in the amount of $467,699 and authorize agreements to implement the Tobacco Law Enforcement Program, be adopted;
A Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Justice for a three year period be approved;
The City Manager be authorized to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the City;
A Professional Services Agreement with Bureau Veritas in the amount of $150,000 to implement the enforcement of the program be approved;
The City Manager be authorized to sign the agreement with Bureau Veritas for a one year term with two optional years on behalf of the City, and to make minor modifications as appropriate; and
Funds in the amount of $162,149 for Fiscal year 2021-22 for the first year of operating costs be appropriated.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
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ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE RELATED DOCUMENTS TO AUTHORIZE
ISSUANCE OF THE CITY OF GARDEN GROVE PENSION OBLIGATION BONDS AND RELATED JUDICIAL VALIDATION PROCEEDINGS (F: 60.1A)
City Manager Stiles introduced this matter and referenced the Study Session that was held on February 28, 2022, and the PowerPoint presentation that provided an overview for the steps needed for the City to proceed with authorizing bond issuance. He noted that Anna Sarabian, Municipal Advisor, and Cyrus Torabi, Bond Counsel, along with Patricia Song, Finance Director, would be available for questions.
Patricia Song, Finance Director, provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following: The City’s debt at $329 million will need to be paid over the next two decades; the payment for the debt to CalPERS will continue to grow over the next eight years before gradually declining; the current interest charges for this debt is at 6.8 percent; there is concern that the large unfunded liability amount could negatively affect the City’s Standard & Poor’s rating that is currently at AA+; in working with consultants and weighing different scenarios, a moderate approach for repayment could save over $100 million over the next 23 years, a preferable and an accelerated approach for repayment could save over $120 million with a faster rate of repayment over an eight year period; the accelerated approach, taking advantage of the current market strength, is the favored approach to pay the debt down faster but still protect the City’s liquidity. The bond issuance process takes approximately 12 weeks.
Following City Council expressing consensus for approving to begin the process for issuing a bond, it was moved by Mayor Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem D.
Nguyen that:
Resolution No. 9725-22 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove authorizing the issuance of bonds to refund and prepay certain pension obligations of the City, approving the form and authorizing the execution of a Trust Agreement and Bond Purchase Agreement, authorizing judicial validation proceedings relating to the issuance of such bonds, and approving additional actions related thereto, be adopted;
The form be approved and the execution of a trust agreement be authorized by and between the City of Garden Grove and U.S. Bank Trust Company, as trustee; and The form be approved and the execution of a Bond Purchase Agreement be authorized with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, as underwriter.
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The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
TO EXTEND THE EXPIRATION OF SEPARATION PAY FOR THREE YEARS (F: 55-Scott C. Stiles)
Following City Attorney Sandoval’s introduction and City Council consensus expressing their complete satisfaction with City Manager Stiles’ performance, it was moved by Council Member Brietigam, seconded by Council Member K. Nguyen that:
The Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement with Scott C. Stiles, extending the expiration of the Separation Pay provision by three years, be approved; and
The Mayor be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) Brietigam, O’Neill, Bui, Klopfenstein, K. Nguyen, D. Nguyen, Jones
Noes: (0) None
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER
Council Member Klopfenstein announced the upcoming Garden Grove Gems competition, noting that this is a revamped Neighborhood Pride program. She thanked Community Services Director, John Montanchez and his team for renewing this program with a fresh new look. You can nominate your own home or a neighbor’s home between April 11-29, 2022, with online voting taking place from May 9-13, 2022. More information on the Garden Grove Gems is available at https://ggcity.org/community-services/garden-grove-gems
Council Member K. Nguyen expressed optimism in the newly appointed director of Thomas House and the working relationships with the Buena Clinton Family Resource Center staff, and gave kudos to the Buena Clinton staff. She thanked IT for the improvements she requested for the “Report an Issue” portal on the City’s website.
As President of the Orange County Division League of California Cities, she has been hearing a lot of interest in the upcoming Open Streets event. She asked that staff provide information on the solar subsidies as she is concerned about potential burden in terms of taxing for residents who are unable to afford installing solar panels.
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City Attorney Sandoval stated that there was no reportable action on the closed session matters.
City Manager Stiles expressed gratitude to the City Council on approving his agreement, stating that Garden Grove has been great for him and his family. He thanked the Department Directors for all of their work and that they are a great team of people to work with. He noted that there will be a presentation provided on the Open Streets Event, and that there is more information at https://ggcity.org/open- streets.
Mayor Jones expressed condolences to the families of Danny Castro and to Margie Abola. Danny Castro was a 40 year employee of the Public Works Department, and Margie Abola was a 14 ½ year employee with the Finance Department.
ADJOURNMENT
At 9:05 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting in memory of Danny Castro and Margie Abola. The next Regular City Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, California.
Teresa Pomeroy
City Clerk