-1- 03/28/23
MINUTES
GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 28, 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 6:40 p.m. Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
At 6:45 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting with all Council Members present.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: Nicholas Dibs, Caroline Mehta, Jonathan Gorzon, Troy Tang, Steven Hoffman, Teresa Tran, Kris Beard, Grace Lee, Joe Laricchia, Rubi Garcia
Written Communications: Tony Flores, Maureen Blackmun
RECESS
At 7:24 p.m. Mayor Jones recessed the meeting.
-2- 03/28/23
RECONVENE
At 7:32 p.m., Mayor Jones reconvened the meeting with all Council Members present.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID SKELTON AND JANICE SKELTON FOR BEING NAMED CYPRESS COLLEGE 2023 AMERICANA AWARDS’ GARDEN GROVE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR (F: 83.1-2023)
Mayor Jones pulled this matter, moved to adopt the Resolution of Commendation, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
A Resolution of Commendation recognizing David and Janice Skelton for being named Cypress College 2023 Americana Awards Foundation Garden Grove Citizens of the Year, 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
PRESENTATION – COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID SKELTON AND JANICE SKELTON FOR BEING NAMED CYPRESS COLLEGE 2023 AMERICANA AWARDS’ GARDEN GROVE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR
Following staff introduction of the Community Spotlight, David and Janice Skelton thanked the Mayor and City Council for their recognition.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING APRIL AS ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
Mayor Jones pulled this matter, moved to adopt the Proclamation, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
A Proclamation celebrating April as Arab American Heritage Month, 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
Following the vote, Jose Serrano, World Relief Southern California Community Engagement Director and Arab American Civic Council Board Chair, and Mahmoud
-3- 03/28/23
Makhlouf, Owner of Crimson Coward Hot Chicken Restaurant in Garden Grove, thanked the Mayor and City Council for their recognition.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
Mayor Jones pulled this matter, moved to adopt the Proclamation, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
A Proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month, 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
Following the vote, Christina Prado, Outreach Coordinator, with the Fair Housing Foundation thanked the Mayor and City Council for their recognition.
AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR NEW FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR MAGNOLIA PARK TO GREENFIELDS OUTDOOR FITNESS, INC.
Council Member O’Neill requested this matter be pulled in order to highlight all of the Park Improvements that are happening in District 2.
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
The Finance Director be authorized to issue a purchase order to Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Inc., in the amount of $68,428.68, for the purchase of playground equipment for Magnolia Park.
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 A RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID SKELTON AND JANICE SKELTON FOR BEING NAMED CYPRESS COLLEGE 2023 AMERICANA AWARDS’ GARDEN GROVE CITIZENS OF THE YEAR (F: 83.1-2023)
This matter was considered earlier in the meeting.
-4- 03/28/23
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING APRIL AS ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
This matter was considered earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
This matter was considered earlier in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING BLACK APRIL MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
A Proclamation recognizing Black April Month, 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
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH (F: 83.1-2023)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
A Proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, 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
REJECTION OF ALL CONSTRUCTION BIDS AND AUTHORIZATION TO RE-ADVERTISE
A BID FOR THE CENTRAL CITIES NAVIGATION CENTER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION (F: 117.15B)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
-5- 03/28/23
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
ACCEPTANCE OF PROJECT NO. 02-2022 – MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PROJECT AS COMPLETE (F: 55-Select Electric, Inc.)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
The Main Street Electrical Project No. 02-2022, that was awarded to Select Electric, Inc., be accepted as complete;
The City Manager be authorized to execute the Notice of Completion of Public Works Improvements and Work, and
The Finance Director be authorized to release the retention payment when appropriate to do so.
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 THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 WEST ORANGE COUNTY WATER BOARD COST SHARING BUDGET (F: 112.9)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
The West Orange County Water Board Fiscal Year 2023/24 proposed cost sharing budget for operational expenses and cathodic protection system project cost, 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
-6- 03/28/23
APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL TO ATTEND THE INNOVATING COMMERCE SERVING COMMUNITIES (ICSC) 2023 LAS VEGAS CONFERENCE, AT THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER FROM MAY 21, THROUGH MAY 23, 2023 (F: 46.1) (XR: A-78.1)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
Out-of-State travel, in the estimated amount of $10,000, for up to three Council Members and six staff to attend the ICSC 2023 Las Vegas Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sunday, May 21, 2023 through Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 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
AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER FOR NEW FITNESS EQUIPMENT FOR MAGNOLIA PARK TO GREENFIELDS OUTDOOR FITNESS, INC.
This matter was heard earlier in the meeting.
RECEIVE AND FILE MINUTES FROM THE MEETING HELD ON MARCH 14, 2023 (F: VAULT)
It was moved by Council Member O’Neill, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam that:
The minutes from the meeting held on March 14, 2023, 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
AWARD A CONTRACT TO MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL FOR THE PREPARATION
OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS FOR THE CIVIC CENTER PROJECT (F: 55-MICHAEL BAKER
INTERNATIONAL)
Following staff introduction, it was moved by Council Member Klopfenstein, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
-7- 03/28/23
A contract be awarded to Michael Baker International for the preparation of CEQA compliance documents for the Civic Center Project, in a not to exceed amount of $331,051.00, for Fiscal Year 2022-23;
$331,051.00 be appropriated from the Civic Center Project funds budget to fund the Michael Baker International agreement;
The City Manager, or authorized designee, be authorized to execute the contract on behalf of the City and to make minor modifications as appropriate; and
The City Manager, or authorized designee, be authorized to sign amendments as appropriate, including the authorization to increase the compensation to a higher amount, provided sufficient funds are available.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE CIVIC CENTER BRIDGE AND LANDSCAPE RENOVATION PROJECT IFB NO. S-1302-A TO RG GENERAL ENGINEERING, INC. (F: 55-RG GENERAL ENGINEERING, INC.)
Following staff introduction, Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam objected to the cost of the project and expressed that the bridge was unnecessary. Council Member DoVinh commented that the bridge design is very simple and needs to stand out in some way to suggest an iconic design that would represent the City’s diversity. Following further City Council discussion, and information provided by Bob McMan, the Landscape Architect, as to the grading and clearing of and replacing existing landscaping, it was moved by Council Member DoVinh, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
A contract be awarded for Project IFB No. S-1302-A, Civic Center Bridge and Landscape Renovation, to RG General Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $361,324; and
The City Manager be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, and make minor modifications as appropriate
The motion carried by a 6-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen, Jones Noes: (1) Brietigam
-8- 03/28/23
AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO: ASSOCIATED SOILS ENGINEERING; GMU GEOTECHNICAL; AND GEOCON WEST (F: 55-ASSOCIATED SOILS ENGINEERING) (F: 55-GMU GEOTECHNICAL) (F: 55-GEOCON WEST)
Following staff introduction, it was moved by Council Member Brietigam, seconded by Council Member O’Neill that:
Contracts be awarded for on-call professional geotechnical services for capital improvement projects to: Associated Soils Engineering; GMU Geotechnical; and Geocon West, in the amount of $400,000 per contract;
Two one year option agreements in the amount of $150,000 per year for each contract, be approved; and
The City Manager be authorized to execute the contracts, including option year agreements, on behalf of the City, and to make minor modifications as necessary.
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
Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam pointed out that Republic Services offers bulky item pick up of up to ten items from any resident in Garden Grove, noting that there is no reason to dump unwanted items in the alleyways. He expressed the need to educate the public on their options for bulky item pick up. He noted the upcoming State of the City presided over by Mayor Jones and encouraged anyone interested in sponsoring a table to contact the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. He noted that for several meetings, the Waymakers have been coming to ask for support for a non-smoking policy for multi-family residential housing, he moved to list the proclamation provided by the Waymakers on the next agenda for discussion and action, which was seconded by 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
Council Member O’Neill emphasized Mayor Pro Tem Brietigam’s point for opportunities for residents to have their bulky items picked up. He commented on the City Council
-9- 03/28/23
retreat/study session that was held on March 17th, and how he appreciated the opportunity for a robust discussion to zero in on council priorities.
Council Member Tran thanked City Manager Kim for her assistance with connecting a District 3 resident to the Be Well OC team, and she thanked Assistant City Manager Stipe for connecting a District 3 business owner to Republic Services to pick up green waste. She noted the recent Art in the Park she attended, and displayed photos from the event and the students who were recognized, and she praised Garden Grove and Los Alamitos High School students who won recent scholarships. She also recognized and praised the Garden Grove TV crew and their professionalism.
Council Member DoVinh commented on the City Council retreat that was held in the Tower of Hope at the Christ Cathedral Church. He encouraged people to tour the Cathedral, which is a proud landmark in Garden Grove. He thanked the staff for organizing a successful retreat and noted that there will be a report that will list the City Council priorities. He expressed the importance in recognizing Arab American Month in Garden Grove, and recognition to all of the diverse peoples in the City should be done. He also would like to explore adopting an ordinance for smoke-free multiunit residential properties, thanking the Waymakers for their advocacy to create smoke-free residential environments that he believes their efforts will result in growth of this movement and he would like Garden Grove to be on the forefront of this cause. He thanked Council Member Tran for sharing the photographs from recent community events, noting that as a busy person these photos are appreciated.
Council Member Klopfenstein commented on her objection to AB 742, recent legislation passed that limits the use of police canines for the purpose of arrest or crowd control, and she asked for support from council colleagues to send a letter of opposition objecting to AB 742. Rubi Garcia, founder of Aiden and Andy’s Safety Group held a fantastic Autism Safety Event Day at Atlantis Park over the weekend.
She noted that as Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2023, and time is of the essence, she would like the Council support for lighting the Clock Tower blue, noting that Autism Awareness is recognized for the whole month of April; however, to mitigate the cost for lighting and patrolling for vandalism, she is recommending lighting the Clock Tower for the first week of April.
Council Member Klopfenstein moved to add an urgency item for discussion of lighting up the Clock Tower Blue, seconded by Council Member Nguyen.
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Council Member Klopfenstein moved to light up the Clock Tower Blue through the first week of April, seconded by Council Member Nguyen.
-10- 03/28/23
The motion carried by a 7-0 vote as follows:
Ayes: (7) O’Neill, Tran, DoVinh, Klopfenstein, Nguyen,
Brietigam, Jones
Noes: (0) None
Council Member Nguyen suggested that the City purchase lighting, and she asked that staff look into lighting for the upcoming Gay Pride Month in June. She suggested lighting to be installed around the palm trees next to the Clock Tower to mitigate vandalism. She noted that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and that as a survivor this is a personal issue for her and she appreciates council colleague support, and she noted the day of action is April 6th and she encouraged people to wear the color teal and to post on social media; she also noted the upcoming Denim Day on Wednesday, April 26th, and everyone is invited to wear their denim for a group photo in front of the Adirondack chairs at the Civic Center Park.
City Manager Kim noted that on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in District 4, there is a community clean-up day scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 10331 Stanford Avenue at the Garden Grove Unified School District Offices. On Saturday, April 1st is a compost giveaway at the Garden Grove Municipal Services Center, 13802 Newhope Street, from 8:00 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. Compost will be limited to 60 gallons per Garden Grove resident. Staff will be providing a full report on the City Council retreat highlighting the City Council priorities. She thanked the City Council for a wonderful and warm reception welcoming her as the City’s new City Manager, and she expressed her appreciation for the members of the community who attended.
Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting in memory of Nguyen Dinh, a Garden Grove Community Services employee, who tragically passed away at the young age of 20 as a result of an automobile accident.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:32 p.m., Mayor Jones adjourned the meeting in memory of Nguyen Dinh. The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, California.
Teresa Pomeroy
City Clerk