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MINUTES
GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Community Meeting Center
11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
CONVENE MEETING
At 6:39 p.m., Mayor Jones convened the meeting.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: (7) Council Members O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen, Brietigam, Mayor
Jones
ABSENT: (0) None
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
RECESS
At 6:44 p.m. Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
At 6:54 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting with all Council Members present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: Isabel Stevens, Kris Backouris, Heather Tomilowitz, Ariana Zavala
Written Comments: Craig Durfey, Brandi Garcia Valdez
RECESS
At 7:07 p.m. Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
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RECONVENE
At 7:11 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting with all Council Members present.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JANUARY 22, 2023, AS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN GARDEN GROVE (F: 83.1-2023)
Council Member DoVinh pulled this matter and shared his revised Proclamation to honor the Lunar New Year across the spectrum of Asian culture. It was moved by Council Member DoVinh, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
A Proclamation recognizing January 22, 2023, as the Lunar New Year in Garden Grove be adopted.
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 THE GARDEN GROVE HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT AS HOUSING AUTHORITY AND AS HOUSING SUCCESSOR FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 (JOINT ACTION ITEM WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY) (F: 128.1)
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
The Garden Grove Housing Authority Annual Report as Housing Authority and as Housing Successor for Fiscal Year 2021-22, 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
HOUSING AUTHORITY ACTION
It was moved by Commissioner O’Neill, seconded by Commissioner DoVinh that:
The Garden Grove Housing Authority Annual Report as Housing Authority and as Housing Successor for Fiscal Year 2021-22, be received and filed.
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The motion carried by an 8-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (8) Beckles, DoVinh, Jones, Klopfenstein, Tran,
O’Neill, K. Nguyen, Brietigam
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) T. Nguyen
REJECTION OF ALL BIDS AND APPROVAL TO RE-ADVERTISE AN INVITATION FOR
BIDS FOR THE CIVIC CENTER BRIDGE AND LANDSCAPE RENOVATION PROJECT IFB NO. S-1302 (F: 48.4)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
All bids received on November 28, 2022, be rejected, and staff be directed to re- advertise an invitation for bids for the Civic Center Bridge and Landscape Project No. S-1302.
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 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH NV5 CORPORATION
TO AUTHORIZE A CHANGE ORDER TO COMPLETE AN ENGINEERING SURVEY (F: 55-NV5)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
The Amendment to the NV5 Agreement in the amount of $16,000, be approved; and
The City to Manager be authorized to execute the Amendment and make minor modifications as needed on behalf of the City.
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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AUTHORIZATION FOR THE APPROPRIATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 PUBLIC
SAFETY REALIGNMENT AND POST RELEASE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION GRANT FUNDS (F: 82.1) (F: 82.15)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
The appropriation of Fiscal Year 2022-23 Public Safety Realignment and Post-Release Community Supervision funds to the Police Department be authorized for the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
ADOPTION OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR THE 2023-24 LEGISLATIVE SESSION (F: 67.1)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
The legislative platform for the 2023-24 Legislative Session, be adopted.
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 MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2022 (F: VAULT)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
The minutes from the meeting held on November 15, 2022, 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
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WARRANTS
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
Demands covered by Wire numbers 00001394 through 00001421 EFT numbers 00031374 through 00031403, and check numbers 00683849 through 00683925 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 EFT numbers 00031404 through 00032422, and check numbers 00683926 through 00684138 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) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
WAIVER
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
That full reading of ordinances listed be waived.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS FOR: A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM, AND SITE PLAN NO. SP-118-2022 AND TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. TT-19232 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 13-UNIT RESIDENTIAL SMALL LOT SUBDIVISION; AND THE
INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT NO. PUD-018-2022 (F: 116.PUD-018-2022)
Following staff introduction, and City Council questions, Mayor Jones declared the public hearing open.
Speakers: Maureen Blackmun, Bill Holman with PLC Communities
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Written Communications: Cesar Covarrubias with the Kennedy Commission
Council Member DoVinh asked for confirmation on whether PLC Communities is adequately funded to complete the project, and will hire locally to the extent possible. Mr. Bill Holman agreed.
With no further comments, Mayor Jones closed the public hearing.
Council Member O’Neill expressed excitement for the lower density the project offers, and commented that the project fits the neighborhood and space.
Council Member Klopfenstein appreciates the water efficiency for the landscaping and the Spanish style design, as well as the developer’s explanation of how the development fees collected for the project benefit the city. She noted that the Planning Commission vote to recommend the project was 4-0, and that she would like to see better attendance moving forward by the Planning Commissioners especially with projects of this scope.
Council Member DoVinh expressed appreciation for the project, for the developer attending this meeting, and for the developer’s efforts working with the neighbors and residents. His only concern is for the letter the City Council received from the Kennedy Commission with the objection to the project as it does not provide for low income housing. However, he supports the project based on the report provided by staff that this project is not required by law to provide low income housing because the site does not currently consist of low income housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam expressed his appreciation for the project and is pleased that it will provide enough parking. He hopes to see more projects like this in the city.
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
Resolution No. 9781-23 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration and an associated Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Lampson Avenue Residential Project (Planned Unit Development No. PUD-018-2022, Site Plan No. SP-118-2022, and Tentative Tract Map No. TT-19232), be adopted;
Resolution No. 9782-23 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove contingently approving Site Plan No. SP-118-2022 and Tentative Tract Map No. TT-19232 to facilitate development of a residential small-lot subdivision project pursuant to Planned Unit Development No. PUD-018-2022 on property located at 9071, 9081, and 9091 Lampson Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel Nos. 133-183-55, 56, 57, and 58), be adopted; and
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Ordinance No. 2941 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove approving Planned Unit Development No. PUD-018-2022 to establish residential Planned Unit Development implementation provisions and standards of development for property located at 9071, 9081, and 9091 Lampson Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel Nos. 133-183-55, 56, 57, and 58), be passed to second reading.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
CONSIDERATION TO APPOINT TO THE CITY'S COMMISSIONS, COMMITTEE, AND BOARD (F: 122.0)
This matter was continued to the next meeting.
AWARD A 60-MONTH LEASE AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT TO RICOH, USA FOR 27 MULTI-FUNCTION COPIERS (F: 55-RICOH USA)
Following staff introduction, Council Member Brietigam noted that the cost for a copy machine with these features is generally between $30,000 and $35,000, and that breaking down the cost of each copier, this contract is in line with current costs.
Council Member DoVinh commented that he trusted that staff was diligent, and asked if this was a competitive bid. Staff responded that this was not the lowest bid; however, based on the ratings, scored the highest. Council Member DoVinh asked that moving forward in the future that the term of the lease is a shorter timeframe, such as 48 months, as well as making certain that where possible machines are shared.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
A 60-month lease and maintenance contract be awarded to Ricoh, USA for 27 multi-function copiers, in the amount of $669,292.75, with a $13,000.00 rebate; and
The City Manager be authorized to sign the lease and maintenance contract on behalf of the City, and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto.
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
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY FOR A NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING, AND
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WITH PFAL AND PLACEWORKS (F: 48.11) (F: 55-PFAL) (F: 55-PLACEWORKS)
Following the introduction from City Manager Stiles and Assistant City Manager Lisa Kim, consultants, Victoria Taylor and Caroline Judy with Project Finance Advisory, Ltd., provided a PowerPoint presentation with an overview of the costs and delivery of a public safety facility. The needs assessment provided by Dewberry in 2020, gave four options as follows: An addition for a total of 96,310 square feet with an estimated cost of $74.9 million; new construction of 96,310 square feet with an estimated cost of $72.2 million; new construction of 102,646 square feet for an estimated cost of $79.6 million; and new construction of 121,509 square feet for an estimated cost of $92.9 million. Topics covered in the PowerPoint reviewed the vision, goals, values and criteria; site considerations; architectural designs; and options on systems of delivery that would impact the cost and the length of time to complete the project.
Assistant City Manager, Lisa Kim, introduced Craig Beck who will oversee the project. Mr. Beck is retired from the City of Long Beach where he oversaw the City’s Community Development Block Grant funds for the Queensway Bay and The Pike, as well as the Long Beach Civic Center, the new Long Beach City Hall, Port Administration Building and the Billie Jean King Main Library.
Following City Council discussion expressing support for the project, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam, seconded by Council Member Klopfenstein that:
Staff be directed to continue advancing the Civic Center Project/Public Safety Building and identify opportunities to accelerate project delivery including retention of a CEQA consultant for project entitlements;
An Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with PFAL to increase the contract in the amount not to exceed $1,300,000, be approved; An Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Placeworks to increase the contract in the amount not to exceed $150,000, be approved; and The City Manager be authorized to execute the Agreements on behalf of the City, and make minor modifications thereto as needed.
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
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER
UPDATE ON THE NAVIGATION CENTER AS REQUESTED BY CITY MANAGER STILES (F: 117.15B)
City Manager Stiles introduced the matter noting the importance of the project and that Assistant City Manager, Lisa Kim, has worked hard to bring this project forward.
Ms. Kim provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Central Cities Navigation Center, noting that the City’s website includes a Central Cities Navigation Center page with a project description. The Navigation Center is a proposed 85 bed facility located at 13871 West Street in Garden Grove. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the cities of Fountain Valley and Westminster was approved by the City Council and completed in November 2022; the MOU with the County for $11.5 million in funding the center was approved by the City Council in December 2022 with a projected April 2023 start date for making necessary improvements.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER (Continued)
Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam congratulated Police Chief Amir El Farra on his appointment and expressed confidence that Chief El Farra will represent the City very well. He noted that on tonight’s agenda, the foot-bridge was approved and that he recalls when the original bridge was constructed there was controversy about its’ necessity. He questioned the high cost to reconstruct the bridge and whether it is necessary, and suggested replacing the bridge with a sidewalk or landscaping. On February 26, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the Grease Monkey Garage on Knott Street, he and Council Member Tran will be hosting a catalytic converter engraving event free of charge for Garden Grove residents.
Council Member Tran noted that she questioned staff regarding the additional cost of $16,000 for the contract with NV5, and that the increase was needed due to the level of difficulty by resolving the lengthy and complicated title reports and their related documents requiring additional field work. She announced that she and Council Member Klopfenstein will be collaborating with local high school students to visit assisted living facilities for the elderly. She recommended high school students get in touch with her if interested in community service hours.
Council Member Nguyen noted that she attended the League of California Cities State Board Workshop in Monterey from November 30, 2022, to December 2, 2022. That the costs were covered by the League and City for lodging and food. She had the
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opportunity to meet State members from up and down California. She noted the additional work involved at this level of board membership, and that the City’s involvement with the League of California Cities provides for more opportunities. She praised the Police Department Special Resource Team along with Public Works and Community and Economic Development for taking steps to alleviate the problem areas on Harbor Boulevard and Trask Avenue; however, there is now an issue with Garden Grove Boulevard between Districts 5 and 6 near the Wells Fargo Bank. The need to stay proactive with CalTrans is necessary because of the proximity to residential homes. She noted that the Navigation Center will be very helpful to mitigate a lot of the issues with homeless camping in public spaces. She noted many of the signs in the city are difficult to read and are in need of maintenance or replacement and many residents have complained about this issue. She encouraged the use of an App for reporting problems to the City, and asked that a demonstration video be available to provide instruction on using the App. She noted that the Welcome to Garden Grove Monument Sign has been defaced with graffiti and emphasized the need for Public Works to be proactive with removing graffiti and encouraged residents and city staff to do their part and use the App to report issues.
Council Member Klopfenstein noted that the graffiti along Harbor Boulevard is increasingly aggressive and she appreciates the Public Works and Community & Economic Development Department focusing on those hot spots. She noted the challenge keeping up with graffiti; however, it is important to the community to live in an aesthetically pleasing environment and for the City to keep up with removing blight. She encouraged residents to visit the City’s website to learn more about the Navigation Center and Public Safety Facility projects in the works. She congratulated Chief El Farra, and noted his pinning ceremony was meaningful and that she is excited to have his leadership and dedication. The Tet Parade turned out to be a wonderful event that showcased the strength that diversity provides to the community, and that she appreciates being a part of the celebration.
Council Member DoVinh agreed the Tet Parade was very well done, and he thanked the Mayor and Council from the City of Westminster for putting on a very auspicious event. He was pleased to report that the Flower Event on Main Street turned out very well and without incident, and he looks forward to future Flower Events. He mentioned making some editorial changes to the City’s Lunar New Year Proclamation to be culturally sensitive and inclusive. He encouraged keeping the tradition of recognizing and celebrating the Tet Lunar New Year. He noted the tragic loss of two people in the City, and he feels it’s important to recognize the loss of the members of the community regardless of whether they are homeless or housed. He noted that there should be more information coming out and he would like to hold a candlelight vigil for the two people who lost their lives, and he stressed the importance of the Navigation Center’s importance. He asked for a moment of silence to honor those two people. He congratulated Police Chief El Farra on his appointment as Chief, and expressed his confidence in the Chief’s leadership. He expressed how moving the Chief’s speech was at the Chief’s pinning ceremony in recounting a recent sexual assault victim’s bravery that ended with the apprehension of the perpetrator. He
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noted the recent shootings in the cities of Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay and read a letter he prepared to express condolences and encouraged that we support one another through these difficult times.
City Manager Stiles noted the complexity of the Public Safety Facility project and that having retired Long Beach Public Works Director Craig Beck assist with overseeing this project is critical. Contracts for the work on the Navigation Center are expected to be brought to the City Council for consideration at their February 28, 2023, meeting. Also, Cal Optima will be presenting their Street Medicine program at the February 28, 2023, meeting as well. He announced that for past 37 years, the City of Garden Grove has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for its high standards of financial reporting. This is a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. He, along with Assistant City Manager, Maria Stipe, have been working hard on the Republic Waste requirements for meeting the state mandates and fulfilling the contract, and there will be an update at the meeting on February 14, 2023. The first bulky item pick up event this season will begin in Council Member Tran’s district on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Each district will have a Bulky-Item Pick up event, with details on the City’s website at ggcity.org/events/free-bulky-item-drop-site. He congratulated Police Chief El Farra on his appointment noting the importance of this appointment to the community.
Details about this event and the Chief’s speech can be seen at https://ggcity.org/news/chief-el-farra-sworn-in Chief El Farra exhibits both care and compassion that was demonstrated in his speech.
Mayor Jones noted the selfless volunteerism exhibited by local Garden Grove resident, Charles Mitchell, who recently passed away after losing his battle with cancer. Mr. Mitchell’s main cause was to recognize veterans and he dedicated much of his personal time to that end.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:36 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting in memory of Charles Mitchell.
The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, California.
Teresa Pomeroy
City Clerk