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MINUTES
GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
September 9, 2025
Community Meeting Center
11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840
CONVENE REGULAR MEETING
At 6:34 p.m., Mayor Klopfenstein convened the meeting.
ROLL CALL PRESENT: (6) Council Members Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui, Mayor Pro Tem DoVinh, Mayor
Klopfenstein
ABSENT: (1) Council Member Brietigam
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARK SURMANIAN AND MARIA STIPE FOR BEING NAMED THE 2025-2026 GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR (F:83.1-2025)
Mayor Klopfenstein pulled the item out of order and it was moved by Council Member Arestegui, seconded by Council Member Tran that:
A Proclamation recognizing Mark Surmanian and Maria Stipe for being named the 2025-2026 Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the Year, be adopted.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
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Absent: (1) Brietigam
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT IN RECOGNITION OF MARK SURMANIAN AND MARIA STIPE FOR BEING NAMED THE 2025-2026 GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Speakers: Amara-Thanh Chung, Nguyen Hung, Dina Nguyen, Charlene Cuellar, Lourdes Xool, Elena Hernandez, Maria Del Carmen Boyas, Julie Fraley, Joseph Scott, Nicole Jaimes, Christine Ediss, Kyle Mason, Nicholas Dibs, Steve Beton
Written Communications:
Craig Durfey, Rebecca Tinoco, Elsie Rodiguez, Paul Hoang, Tony Flores, Rose Contreras (Office of Vincent Sarmiento), Rofyah Le, Sonya Lopez, Maureen Blackmun, Jennifer Lopez, Dara Thunyakij
RECESS
At 7:23 p.m., Mayor Klopfenstein recessed the meeting.
RECONVENE
At 7:25 p.m., Mayor Klopfenstein reconvened the meeting with Mayor Klopfenstein and Council Members Nguyen, Tran, DoVinh, Arestegui and Muñeton present.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MARK SURMANIAN AND MARIA STIPE FOR BEING NAMED THE 2025-2026 GARDEN GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR (F:83.1-2025)
This matter was considered earlier in meeting.
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2025, AS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH (F:83.1-2025)
The item was pulled by Council Member Arestegui and considered later in the meeting.
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF GARDEN GROVE AND THE ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEE'S ASSOCIATION, GARDEN GROVE EMPLOYEES LEAGUE (F: 78.9A – LEAGUE)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
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Resolution No. 9944-25, entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove approving the Memorandum Of Understanding on Salaries, Wages, and Fringe Benefits for the term 2025-2027 by and between the Orange County Employee’s Association, Garden Grove Employees League, and the City of Garden Grove, be adopted; and
The City Manager be authorized to finalize any last minute language changes that may occur between the parties.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE UPDATED EMPLOYEE SALARY SCHEDULE (F:78.13.2025)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
Resolution No. 9945-25, entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Garden Grove, California approving an Amendment to the publicly available Citywide Salary Schedule effective August 2, 2025, as required by CalPERS for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, be adopted.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
APPROVAL OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITIES OF
GARDEN GROVE, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, AND SANTA ANA FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LITTLE SAIGON BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT PROGRAM; AWARD A CONTRACT TO NEW CITY AMERICA, INC. TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY BUSINESS DISTRICT FORMATION SERVICES (COST: $205,000); AND, AWARD A
CONTRACT TO CLARITY OF PLACE TO CONDUCT MARKET RESEARCH ON LITTLE SAIGON (COST: $95,000) (F: 55-CLARITY OF PLACE; 55-NEW CITY AMERICA, INC.)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
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The Finance Director be authorized to appropriate a total of $300,000 for the Project;
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and Santa Ana for planning, developing and eventual implementation of the Little Saigon Business Improvement District Program, be approved;
A contract in the amount of $95,000 be awarded to Clarity of Place to provide Destination Opportunity Assessment for Little Saigon;
A contract in the amount of $205,000 be awarded to New City America, Inc. to provide Community Business District formation services for Little Saigon within the Parties’ respective Vietnamese-American communities; and
The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to execute all agreements and any amendments to the MOU, Clarity of Place contract, and New City America, Inc. contract that may be necessary to carry out the Project.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER TO UBER INC., DBA RIFLEGEAR FOR 55 NEW BENELLI SHOTGUNS
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
The Finance Director, or designee, be authorized to issue a purchase order in the amount of $86,668.31 to Uber Inc. dba Riflegear, for the purchase and delivery of 55 Benelli shotguns.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A PURCHASE ORDER TO SOUTH COAST BOBCAT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWELVE (12) NEW SMALL TRAILERS FOR THE
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
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It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
The Finance Director, or designee, be authorized to issue a purchase order in the amount of $217,208.56 to South Coast Bobcat for the purchase of twelve (12) new small trailers for the Public Works Department; and
Dispensing of the bidding process per Municipal Code 2.50.060 (E) due to the cooperative purchasing option, be approved.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
AWARD A CONTRACT TO SAITECH INC. TO PROVIDE NETWORK SWITCH AND WIRELESS ACCESS POINT EQUIPMENT (F: 55-SAITECH, INC.)
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
A three (3) year contract in the amount of $256,464.58 be awarded to Saitech, Inc.; and
The City Manager, or designee(s), be authorized to execute the agreement and make minor amendments or modifications as necessary on behalf of the City.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
WARRANTS
It was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
Demands covered by wire numbers 2913 through 2955, EFT numbers 00068145 through 00068204, and check numbers 00702463 through 00702569 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed;
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Demands covered by EFT numbers 00068205 through 00069284, and check numbers 00702570 through 00702751 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed;
Demands covered by EFT numbers 00069285 through 00069316, and check numbers 00702752 through 00702809 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed;
Demands covered by EFT numbers 00069317 through 00069359, and check numbers 00702810 through 00702882 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed;
Demands covered by EFT numbers 00069360 through 00069414, and check numbers 00702883 through 00702996 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed; and
Demands covered by EFT numbers 00069415 through 00069477, and check numbers 00702997 through 00703064 inclusive as listed and have been verified by the Finance Division as properly issued and bear all proper signatures, be received and filed.
Demands covered by EFT numbers 000619961 through 00062618, and check numbers 00186318 through 00186335 inclusive as listed 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 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
ADOPTION OF A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2025, AS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH (F:83.1-2025)
After reading of the Proclamation by Council Member Arestegui, it was moved by Council Member Arestegui, seconded by Council Member Muñeton that:
A Proclamation recognizing September 15, 2025 through October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, be adopted.
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The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVAL OF THE 2025 WATER PUBLIC HEALTH GOALS REPORT (F: 112.1)
Following Public Works Director Bill Murray’s presentation, Mayor Klopfenstein declared the public hearing open and asked if anyone wished to address the City Council on the matter.
Speakers: None.
With no response from the audience, Mayor Klopfenstein closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Arestegui, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
The 2025 Public Health Goals Report be approved.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH SILVERSTONE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
COMPANY TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE CENTRAL CITIES NAVIGATION CENTER (F: 117.15B)(XR: 55-SILVERSTONE
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY)
Following an introduction by Assistant City Manager/Economic Development Director Ursula Luna-Reynosa, it was moved by Council Member Arestegui, seconded by Council Member Nguyen that:
Dispensing of the bidding process per Municipal Code 2.50.060 (G), in the best interest of the City, be approved;
The agreement with Silverstone Property Management Company in the not to exceed amount of $100,000 per year, to provide comprehensive property management services of the Central Cities Navigation Center, be approved;
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The City Manager, or designee(s), be authorized to execute the agreement and make minor modifications, on behalf of the City, as appropriate thereto; and
The City Manager, or designee(s), be authorized to execute any amendments, or option years specified in the agreement, on behalf of the City.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
AWARD CONTRACTS TO WILLDAN ENGINEERING, NV5, INC., AND ACCENTURE
INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPITAL PROJECTS, LLC, FOR ON-CALL CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES (F: 55-WILLDAN ENGINEERING; 55-NV5, INC.; 55-ACCENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPITAL PROJECTS, LLC)
Following staff’s introduction, it was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Arestegui that:
A contract in the amount not to exceed $400,000, be awarded to Willdan Engineering for professional construction inspection services;
A contract in the amount not to exceed $400,000, be awarded to NV5, Inc. for professional construction inspection services;
A contract in the amount not to exceed $400,000, be awarded to Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC, for professional construction inspection services;
The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to execute the contracts with Willdan Engineering, NV5, Inc., and Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC, and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto, on behalf of the City; and
The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to exercise option year amendments for each contract, on behalf of the City.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
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AWARD A CONTRACT TO BEST CONTRACTING SERVICES, INC. FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT THE COMMUNITY MEETING CENTER AND H. LOUIS LAKE SENIOR CENTER BUILDING LOCATED AT 11300 STANFORD AVENUE, GARDEN GROVE (F: 48.4)(XF: 55-BEST CONTRACTING SERVICES, INC.)
Following staff’s introduction, it was moved by Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Tran that:
A contract in the amount of $614,750 be awarded to Best Contracting Services, Inc., for replacement of the roof at the Community Meeting Center and H. Louis Lake Senior Center building located at 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove; and
The City Manager, or designee, be authorized to execute an agreement with Best Contracting Services, Inc., and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto, on behalf of the City
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY MANAGER
DISCUSSION ON ADOPTING A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS
NATIONAL SERVICE DOG MONTH AS REQUESTED BY MAYOR KLOPFENSTEIN (F: 83.1-2025)
Mayor Klopfenstein introduced the item highlighting the essential support that service dogs provide for people with physical disabilities. She also recognized Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that provides trained service dogs to people in need, like her neighbor and others throughout the community.
It was moved by Mayor Klopfenstein, seconded by Council Member Tran that:
A Proclamation recognizing September as National Service Dog Month be listed for action at the next meeting.
The motion carried by a 6-0-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (6) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton, Arestegui,
DoVinh, Klopfenstein
Noes: (0) None
Absent: (1) Brietigam
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DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED SMOKE FREE PARK ORDINANCE AS REQUESTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MUÑETON (F: 50.1)
Council Member Muñeton introduced the item stating that current California Health and Safety Code prohibits smoking within 15 feet of playgrounds and sandboxes; however, the City of Garden Grove has not adopted a local non-smoking public parks ordinance. Furthermore, she noted that the 2022 Park Facility Rules do not prohibit smoking in public parks, and parks are not listed as non-smoking areas in the City’s Municipal Code. The cities of Irvine, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa have all banned smoking in all city parks and she expressed the importance for families, children and the elderly to be able to enjoy a smoke-free environment noting all the health risks and environmental effects attributable to second hand smoke and cigarette litter.
Public education of new regulations would include signage and social media campaigns, with Park Ranger and Police Department enforcement when necessary.
Council Member Arestegui commended Council Member Muñeton’s work on the proposed ordinance noting that the American Lung Association gave the City of Garden Grove a failing grade with regards to city policies that regulate indoor and outdoor smoking and tobacco retail sales permitting. She expressed support for the proposed ordinance and looks forward to making Garden Grove a healthier place.
Council Member Tran expressed support for the proposed ordinance and shared an anecdote a family member that was a smoker which ultimately affected his health.
She shared that there are many local nonprofits that provide help for those wanting to quit smoking.
Council Member Nguyen expressed support for the proposed ordinance and inquired if any additional staffing resources would be required as a result.
City Manager Kim stated that she would report back to the City Council after discussions with departments that would be involved in the administration and enforcement of the new regulations.
Mayor Klopfenstein requested that staff also provide information and data on enforcement costs and best practices from neighboring cities.
It was moved by Council Member Muñeton, seconded by Council Member Tran that:
The City Attorney be directed to draft a smoke-free park Ordinance to be considered at a future meeting.
The motion carried by a 5-1-1 vote as follows:
Ayes: (5) Nguyen, Tran, Muñeton,
Arestegui, Klopfenstein
Abstain: (1) DoVinh
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Absent: (1) Brietigam
MATTERS FROM THE MAY OR, CITY COUNCIL MEM BERS, AND CITY MANAG ER (continued)
Council Member Arestegui shared that she attended a Labor Day picnic hosted by the Orange County Labor Federation and thanked City staff for their dedicated work.
Pollo Campero, located at 12542 Chapman Avenue, is now open and she invited the community to try their food. She also shared that she attended the League of California Cities Divisions meeting and was elected to the Board to represent Division
2. She recently toured the new Police Department building and congratulated Clark Construction and City staff on the significant progress and is looking forward to its completion. Council Member Arestegui also shared that the Garden Grove and Harbor Boulevard construction project has begun and advised the community to be mindful of traffic delays in the area as a result. Additionally, s he will going on a ride -along with Traffic Engineering staff to address community concerns related to traffic issues along the Garden Grove Boulevard corridor in District 6. Council Member Arestegui also shared the she completed her first ride-along with the Police Department’s Gang Unit and thanked them for their hard work. She shared information about Catholic Charities, a local non -profit that is headquartered in the Tower of Hope at Christ Cathedral, which offers support and resources for community members in need.
Lastly, Council Member Arestegui shared that she will continue to listen to community concerns on the issue of immigration and will continue to help the community how she can.
Council Member Muñeton thanked the community for their volunteer efforts in picking up litter at local parks and all the information shared with her. She also thanked Council colleagues for supporting the proposed smoke-free park ordinance, and thanked City staff for their assistance with information. Lastly, Council Member Muñeton congratulated Junbi Garden Grove on their grand opening and urged residents to visit and enjoy a delicious matcha beverage.
Mayor Pro Tem DoVinh congratulated the recipients recognized in the Community Spotlight. He also explained his abstention on the proposed smoke -free park ordinance stating that he is a free speech absolutist and will not support motions that curtail resident’s civil liberties. He also stated that he is against totalitarian and authoritarian dictatorships and will use his free speech rights to express his opinions.
Lastly, in response to complaints about the of use of City letterhead to express his opinions, he shared a response provided by the City Attorney stating that the Council does not have any rules regulating what individual Council Members can say in their personal communications to the community , or in communications using their personal Council letterhead.
Council Member Tran thanked Community Services staff for helping book the GEM Theater on a last minute notice for a youth group event. She thanked City Manager Kim and Assistant City Manager West for the ir time and knowledge shared with a
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local business owner on available small business City resources . She also thanked Neighborhood Improvement staff for assisting a business owner with the City’s MicroBiz information. She congratulated the Kiwanis Club on their 7 th Annual Car Show where she and the Mayor were in attendance. Council Member Tran shared that she attended the CalCities meeting where she received some information about available grant funding for park improvements and has relayed the information to City staff. She, along with other Council Members, has recently toured the new Police Department building and enjoyed learning about all details on the progress of the project. She thanked the Public Works Department Street Division for their prompt response to repair and re-slurry a City street. Council Member Tran also shared that the tunnel located between Trask Avenue and Bolsa Avenue is now graffiti free and clean, and is working on securing funding for a mural to help mitigate future graffiti issues. Lastly, she shared that she has been in contact with Woman’s Civic Club of Garden Grove representatives and the local neighborhood community. They will be organizing a community clean-up event and will provide information on this and other items at future meetings.
Council Member Nguyen thanked the public for showing up and sharing their comments. He congratulated Mark Surmanian and Maria Stipe for their recognition as this year’s Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the year. Council Member Nguyen t hanked Chief El -Farra for organizing a great tour of the new Police Department building and a ride-along. He thanked City Manager Kim for the information about small business City programs and opportunities that he shared with local small businesses. Council Member Nguyen also shared that he has visited many City parks and supports the proposed smoke-free park ordinance. Lastly, on the issue of immigration, he stated that he has a responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of residents, but also reminded the public on the need to comply with State and federal laws.
Mayor Klopfenstein acknowledged the upcoming observance of the 24 th Anniversary
of September 11th. She shared that the Orange County Fire Authority will host a somber ceremony at the headquarters in Irvine where the public is welcome to attend in person, or watch via live-stream.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:24 p.m., Mayor Klopfenstein adjourned the Regular meeting. The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, California.
Lizabeth Vasquez
City Clerk