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MINUTES
GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Community Meeting Center
11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
CONVENE CLOSED SESSION
At 6:03 p.m., Mayor Jones convened closed session.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: (7) Council Members O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen, Brietigam, Mayor
Jones
ABSENT: (0) None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION
Speakers: None.
Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): One potential case.
ADJOURN CLOSED SESSION
At 6:20 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned closed session.
CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
At 6:34 p.m., Mayor Jones convened the meeting in the Council Chamber with all Council Members present.
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FIRE SAFETY UPDATE BY ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY DIVISION CHIEF COVEY AS REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER STILES (F: 61.1A)
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT IN RECOGNITION OF HAZEL CORONADO FOR BEING NAMED THE ORANGE COUNTY BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR (F: 74.3)
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 13, 2023, AS KOREAN AMERICAN DAY IN GARDEN GROVE (F: 83.1-2023)
Mayor Jones pulled this item forward, moved adoption of a Proclamation declaring January 13, 2023, as Korean American Day in Garden Grove, which was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following the City Council action, Consul General Youngwan Kim approached the podium thanking the Mayor and City Council for recognizing the Korean American community.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: Patrick Bui, Monique Jaime, Kris Beard, Nicholas Dibs, Maureen Blackmun, Pierre Marconi, Maryam Amarifa, Ali Sheikh
Written Communications: Craig Durfey
CONSIDERATION OF A WRITTEN REQUEST FROM WEST GARDEN GROVE YOUTH BASEBALL FOR CO-SPONSORSHIP OF THE 2023 OPENING DAY PARADE (F: 74.27)
Following staff introduction, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
Co-sponsorship for the 2023 Opening Day Parade to provide Police staff and equipment required to close city streets, the rental and staff for use of the showmobile stage in the estimated amount of $5,400, be approved.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
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CONSIDERATION OF A WRITTEN REQUEST FROM THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER FOR
THE USE OF THE SHOWMOBILE FOR THE UPCOMING TET PARADE TO BE HELD IN WESTMINSTER ON JANUARY 22, 2023 (F: 74.27)
Following staff introduction and City Council questions, it was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
The request from the City of Westminster to waive the rental fee for the showmobile in the amount of $250 for the upcoming Tet Parade on January 22, 2023, with the City of Westminster responsible for the set-up, clean up and dismantling, be approved.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
RECESS
At 7:31 p.m. Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
At 7:34 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting in the Council Chamber with all Council Members present.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 13, 2023, AS KOREAN AMERICAN DAY IN GARDEN GROVE (F: 83.1-2023)
This matter was considered earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JAMES D. HERBERG, GENERAL
MANAGER OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT, ON HIS UPCOMING RETIREMENT (F: 83.1-2023)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
A Resolution of Commendation recognizing James D. Herberg, General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District on his upcoming retirement, be adopted.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
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Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
REJECTION OF ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR IFB S-1300A FOR ON CALL PAVING AND AUTHORIZATION TO RE-ADVERTISE THE PROJECT FOR RECEIVING BIDS (F: 96.1)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
All bids received on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, for IFB S-1300A be rejected; and
Staff be authorized to re-advertise the request for bids for On-call Asphalt Cold Milling, Trucking, Street Sweeping, and Operator Services for the City of Garden Grove.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
RECEIVE AND FILE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE ANNUAL REPORT (F: 60.2D)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
Fiscal Year 2021-22 Development Impact Fee Annual Report as required by Government Code Section 66006 (b) be received and filed.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY FOR GAS LINE RELOCATION FOR PROJECT CP1286000 – ORANGEWOOD AVENUE – DALE SREET WATER IMPROVEMENTS (F: 121.2B)
Council Member Klopfenstein stated that she would not be voting on this matter as her husband is employed by the Southern California Gas Company.
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It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
Payment in the amount of $120,878.39 to the Southern California Gas Company for Gas Line Relocation for Project CP1286000 – Orangewood Avenue – Dale Street Water Improvements, be approved; and
The City's Water Services Manager and/or the Public Works Director be authorized to execute Southern California Gas Company's Collectible Work Authorization and all other documents necessary to authorize the work.
The motion carried by a 6-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Nguyen, Brietigam, Jones Noes: (0) None
APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE FOR THE 2022 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANTS (JAG) PROGRAM; AND ALLOCATION OF JAG GRANT FUNDS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT (F: 82.15)
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
The Agreement with the County of Orange for the 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program in the amount of $35,000, be approved; JAG grant funds be allocated to the Police Department’s FY 2022-23 budget; and The City Manager be authorized to execute the agreement with the County of Orange and make minor changes or modifications thereto as needed.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
WARRANTS
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00001338 through 00001354, EFT numbers 00030214 through 00030248, and check numbers 00683088 through 00683168 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 00001355 through 00001368 EFT numbers 00030249 through 00030269, and check numbers 00683169 through 00683285 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 00001369 through 00001376, EFT numbers 00030270 through 00030290, and check numbers 00683286 through 00683339 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures;
Demands covered EFT numbers 00030291 through 00031307, and check numbers 00683340 through 00683554 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 00001377 through 00001381 EFT numbers 00031308 through 00031331, and check numbers 00683555 through 00683660 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 00001382 through 00001393, EFT numbers 00031332 through 00031373, and check numbers 00683661 through 00683848 inclusive as listed on this register and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures; and
Payroll deposits 00016437 through 00010757 and check numbers 00185252 through 00185261 inclusive 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) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND OUTSIDE COMMITTEES (F: 122.1) (VIP)
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
Representatives of the Audit Committee be as follows: Mayor Jones, Council Member Nguyen, and Council Member O’Neill.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
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Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member DoVinh that:
The Alternative Representative for the League of California Cities (LOCC) – OC Division be Council Member DoVinh.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
Council Member O’Neill be reappointed as Representative for the Orange County Fire Authority.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Council Member Brietigam that:
The Representative for the Orange County Public Library Advisory Board be Council Member Tran; and the Alternate Representative be Council Member Klopfenstein.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Jones that:
The Orange County Sanitation District Board Representative be Mayor Jones, and the Alternate be Council Member O’Neill.
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The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
The Sanitary District Liaison Committee Representatives be Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam and Council Member Tran.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
The Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency Representative be Council Member DoVinh.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional General Assembly Representative be Council Member Nugyen; and
The Alternate be Council Member Tran.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Following City Council discussion, it was moved by Mayor Jones, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
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The West Orange County Water Board (WOCWB) Representative be Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, and the Alternate be Council Member O’Neill.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER
In response to a resident who spoke about the safety concerns for his children walking to school near Palm and Harbor, Council Member Nguyen noted that this area, including Trask and Harbor near the freeway ramps and an empty lot presents issues that she has addressed with both the Police Department and Cal Trans. She expressed assurance that she is working diligently on the safety concerns and issues in this neighborhood to get the situation under control. She is optimistic that the Navigation Center will make a notable difference. She noted that with the new campaign laws and with serving on outside committees, an additional support staff to the council is something that she would like considered.
Council Member Klopfenstein commented that she has served on the Vector Control Board since she was elected to the City Council, which has provided the opportunity to acquire a lot of information. A key component to Vector Control’s success is outreach and education, and she stressed the necessity for dumping and draining standing water, a critical preventative measure for mosquito breeding and the West Nile Virus. She commented on the numerous resident complaints she has received regarding graffiti and that she is proactive with reporting problem areas. She thanked staff for the timely response to remove graffiti from public property, as well as notifying property owners. She noted the increase of graffiti in District 5 primarily along the Harbor Corridor, and that this is not going unnoticed by her or by the City staff.
Council Member DoVinh thanked Council Member Nguyen for bringing up the public safety issues affecting her district noting that it has been a problem for some time; and he thanked Council Member Klopfenstein for addressing graffiti issues, and agreed graffiti is on the rise in his district too, and he has heard from his neighbors.
He recognized the challenge of staying ahead of graffiti and suggested allocating additional resources. He commended a recent assault victim for her bravery, which expedited the arrest thereby preventing further attacks. He recommended that the City reach out to her for well-deserved recognition. He encouraged people to reach out when they become a victim and to be aware of the registered sex offenders in their neighborhoods to foster safety. He questioned the credibility of the organization putting on a flower event on Main Street, and noted the City approved a permit. He expressed support for cultural and economically beneficial events; however, concerned residents have contacted him prompting him to request the city learn
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about whether the organizers are in compliance with regulations for non-native flowers. There is also expressed concern that the purpose of this event is for spreading communist propaganda that is vehemently objected to by many in the Community. He also raised the alarm for possible protest at this event, and he is not in favor of using the City’s police to control a potential situation at the expense of the tax payers.
Council Member Brietigam commented that the City Council is to provide oversight and to ensure that the community is being well served. He praised the performance of the city staff, notably the Police and Public Works Departments; however, there is at issue the length of time it takes to get a building permit. But, he is proud to report recent improvements made to facilitate fast-tracking building permits and the process is now at nine days. He noted that with 100 to 110 inspections a day, a building staff of seven full-time and one part-time with one supervisor, three full-time inspectors and a few contract inspectors, he is happy with the improvements to date with the goal to be in line with other cities in Orange County. He gave kudos to staff for focusing on making improvements, and is cautiously optimistic that this issue is finally being resolved. He announced the Organics Recycling Event hosted by the Garden Grove Neighborhood Association and Republic Services at Eastgate Park on January 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. He has heard from some older residents that having to pick up the food waste pail in Anaheim is difficult for them, and this event gives an opportunity to pick up a free organics pail. He thanked Maureen Blackmun and Republic Services for putting this event together.
In response to the speaker who brought a petition to the meeting requesting street lights to be installed on Acacia Avenue, Council Member O’Neill stated that this is a community decision that would require a public hearing with a minimum 51% voting to approve street lighting. The cost for installing and maintaining street lighting would be an additional assessment reflected on the property tax. He further noted that he did receive an email about this and that staff responded by providing information on the process. He commented on the Brown Descents, a non-profit organization that raises money for scholarships, which held a toy drive on December 17, 2022, that turned out to be a great event. He met with the Waymakers OC to learn about smoke free environments for multi-family residential properties, which is not for the purpose of discriminating against people who smoke but to protect the health of people and children living in multi-family apartment units. Many cities are taking this issue seriously and he plans on learning more and having conversations on this issue. His father passed away from congestive heart failure from smoking and he believes this is a conversation that needs to happen.
Council Member Tran thanked both City Manager Stiles and Assistant City Manager Stipe for their guidance as a new council member. She stated she would like to learn more about the Waymakers OC smoke free plan for multi-residential housing. She noted she has been contacted by concerned residents about unkempt properties, and she would like to promote neighborhood beautification. She suggested that Council Member Klopfenstein’s revival of the Garden Grove Pride now known as Garden Grove
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GEMS that takes place in the spring be extended to the Holiday Season with residents participating with a Christmas or Holiday theme. She encouraged the residents to contact the City Council with their ideas to promote neighborhood pride. And, in the spirit of neighborhood beautification, she announced the Bulky Item Pick Up event taking place in her district at Garden Grove Park on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is a free event for Garden Grove residents.
City Manager Stiles thanked Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam for recognizing the improved timeline for permitting, noting that Assistant City Manager, Lisa Kim, has been working very hard to make those improvements by utilizing contract staff and allowing more overtime. He noted that the flower event on Main Street is not a city event, but the organizers did get a street closure permit from the City. He commented that the businesses on Main Street were supportive, and if there is any more information to please notify the City Manager’s Office. Police Chief El Farra was very pleased with the recent sexual assault victim who bravely fought and was able to provide law enforcement with information to arrest the attacker. He stated that the Chief will make the determination based on the victim’s wishes for recognition.
He noted that there is an encampment resolution funding program that Assistant City Manager, Lisa Kim’s staff will be exploring with a potential for two or three million dollars to be used for homelessness efforts. He noted that he is staying up with information on the storm surges and localized flooding, which has hit Northern California the hardest. The Police Department, Public Works, and the Orange County Fire Authority are all on alert for any weather issues, and he will keep the City Council updated. He noted that the Governor issued a State of Emergency that does include Orange County and the City’s EOC Manager is keeping up with any expenses that would be incurred as a result of localized flooding. He commented that last year’s bulky item pick up events held in each district was very successful, and this year should prove equally successful. The City’s webpage at https://ggcity.org/pw/clean- up-days provides for the dates, times, and locations for the bulky item events.
Council Member DoVinh expressed that he would also like to be involved with discussions about smoke free multi-residential policies. He noted the limited staffing affects the time frame for building permits, as well as a competitive job market for building inspectors and suggested providing incentives to retain a high level workforce. He stated that he has ideas he would like to share and suggested that improvements to the ordinances and proactively communicating through the permitting process would be helpful. In response to tonight’s young speaker, he expressed the need to move forward with green energy policies. Lastly, he encouraged residents to apply as a commissioner, and expressed the need to find the best people possible to serve.
City Attorney Sandoval announced that during closed session, the City Council unanimously approved commencement of receivership proceedings for the property located at 12109 Stonegate Lane.
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Mayor Jones closed the meeting in memory of long-time resident Clyde Craycraft who passed away unexpectedly on December 14, 2022. Clyde was known for his Christmas displays and his heart of gold.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:23 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting in memory of Clyde Craycraft. The next Regular City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, California.
Teresa Pomeroy
City Clerk