MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
&
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
APPROVED: These Minutes were approved on March 21, 2022.
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Medrano called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra to order at 5: 52 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Closed Session Room 112c, located at 100 East La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, California.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Medrano
Councilmember Espinoza
Councilmember Nigsarian
Councilmember Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Gomez (recused himself) OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Jones
City Clerk Swindell
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS: None
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Pending Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): Lennar Homes of California, Inc., et al v. City of La Habra, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case Numbers 30-2021-01179515 and 30-2021-01221710.
Director of Community & Economic Development Kim was present for this item . Acting City Attorneys Ginetta Giovinco and Craig Steele with Richards Watson Gershon were present via telephone for this item.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council reconvened at 6:28 p.m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Medrano adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:28 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Medrano called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra to order at 6:34 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, located at 100 East La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, California.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
INVOCATION: City Attorney Jones
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Medrano
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez (telephonically)
Councilmember Espinoza
Councilmember Nigsarian
Councilmember Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Jones
City Clerk Swindell
Assistant City Clerk Barone
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None
City Attorney Jones disclosed that he did not attend the City Council Closed Session due to a conflict of interest. He stated that to the best of his knowledge there was nothing to report.
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez disclosed that he recused himself due to a conflict of interest, so did not attend the City Council Closed Session.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS: None at this time.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Abi Ben Sahile, La Habra resident, spoke regarding traffic flow and speed of traffic concerns on Harbor Boulevard and Arbolita Drive. He requested that a traffic study be conducted on Arbolita Drive heading east and that the speed lumps were ineffective due to poor design.
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez indicated City Council was aware and concerned with the traffic on Harbor Boulevard and Arbolita Drive, and that he had discussed mitigation efforts with Kathy Felix and City Manager Sadro individually and that City Manager Sadro would be discussing with Traffic Manager Plotnik.
Mayor Medrano indicated he spoke with City Manager Sadro and and with Mr. Sahile this morning regarding the traffic mitigation efforts.
Councilmember Simonian concurred with the traffic concerns on Arbolita Drive and Harbor Boulevard. He spoke regarding more extensive traffic issues on Brookdale Avenue due to lack of a traffic signal. He requested that Brookdale Avenue be included in the Arbolita Drive traffic study.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, seconded, by Councilmember Nigsarian, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 7.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
1. PROCEDURAL WAIVER: Waive reading in full of resolutions and ordinances and approval and adoption of same by reading title only.
2. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF CECILIA CRUZ FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE
That the City Council deny the claim of Ms. Cecilia Cruz in order to set a definite six -month Statute of Limitations date.
3. APPROVE THE CITY’S PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL FOR A ONE -YEAR TERM
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the City’s property insurance policy for all City owned properties with Travelers Property Casualty Company of America for all City-owned properties. If approved, the term of the policy will be from March 1, 2022, through March 1, 2023, with a $5,000 deductible at an annual premium cost of $108,110.
4. APPROVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2019-178 AT 508 SOUTH WALNUT STREET
That the City Council approve Parcel Map No. 2019 -178 for a three-unit residential condominium project at 508 South Walnut Street and authorize the recordation of the Final Map.
5. APPROVE TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE REQUIRED FINDINGS TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW REMOTE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AS REQUIRED BY AB 361
That the City Council:
A. Receive this report; and,
B. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6048 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA , CALIFORNIA, MAKING THE LEGALLY
REQUIRED FINDINGS TO CONTINUE TO AUTHORIZE THE CONDUCT OF REMOTE "TELEPHONIC" MEETINGS DURING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
6. APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PROJECT LIST SUBMITTAL
FOR CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021 ( CRRSAA) FUNDING THROUGH THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2021 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT RELIEF FUNDING
PROGRAM
That the City Council:
A. Receive this report; and
B. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6049 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA , CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
PROJECT LIST SUBMITTAL FOR CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2021 ( CRRSAA) FUNDING THROUGH THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2021 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT RELIEF FUNDING PROGRAM.
7. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 00133198 THROUGH 00133406 TOTALING $1,837,513.55, AND WIRE TRANSFERS: APPROVE WIRE TRANSFER DATE 2/28/22 TOTALING 11,593.38
Approve Nos. 00133198 through 00133406 totaling $1,837,513.55; and approve Wire Transfer dated 2/28/2022, totaling $11,593.38.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None at this time.
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. CONSIDER NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR NEIGHBORHOOD “E”
Traffic Manager Plotnik presented the staff report. He clarified the number of households in each neighborhood and the number of representatives from each neighborhood that were committee members. He explained the communication process to the residents in each neighborhood from City staff regarding their Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 6:47 p.m.
Michael Thomas, La Habra resident, spoke in support of this item.
George Jacob, Jr., La Habra resident, spoke in support of this item. He thanked Traffic Manager Plotnik for his work on the N eighborhood Traffic Management Plan. He requested that the La Habra Police Department patrol the area more frequently.
Mayor Medrano closed public testimony at 6:51 p.m.
City Council discussion included the importance of traffic mitigation in this neighborhood.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Moved by Councilmember Espinoza, Seconded by Councilmember Simonian, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD "E" TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DIRECT STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES AS INDICATED ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD "E" TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
2. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO INITIATIVE NO. 21-0042A1
Assistant to the City Manager Ferrier presented the staff report.
There was no City Council discussion.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 6:57p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, Seconded by Councilmember Nigsarian, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6050 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA OPPOSING INITIATIVE NO. 21-0042A1; AND DIRECT STAFF TO
SEND A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION TO THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES (LOCC) FOR USE IN ITS ADVOCACY EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF ITS MEMBERS.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Medrano made the following announcements:
• La Habra Vaccination and Booster Clinic at the La Habra Community Center, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. by appointment only. • COVID Testing at the La Habra Community Center, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. by appointment only.
• Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits available to every home in the United States. • Free N95 Masks available at pharmacies across the country.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
• La Habra Children’s Museum Winter Hours, January 4, 2022 through March 18, 2022, Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; early entrance for members at 9:00 a.m.; Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays and major holidays.
• La Habra Mini Sports for Young Athletes, Tuesdays, March 1, 2022 through April 19, 2022; Wednesdays, March 2, 2022 through April 20, 2022.
• La Habra Races to be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the La Habra Marketplace.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF:
City Manager Sadro noted that the passage of the Neighborhood “E” Traffic Management Plan was a milestone as the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP) program was approved by City Council over 11 years ago . He noted that staff ha d worked countless hours with neighborhoods to try and provide traffic calming solutions. He acknowledged Traffic Manager Plotnik for his work the last two years during COVID-19 with the neighbors to find a plan that could be supported by them. He stated that that Neighborhood “E” marked the end of the initial NTMP program, but that staff would be coming back to City Council later this year with the results of how the first 15 neighborhoods had faired with the improvements completed, and to receive guidance from City Council on whether or not they would like to renew the program. City Manager Sadro acknowledged the hard work of Traffic Manager Plotnik and the Traffic Engineering Division of the Public Works Department.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Councilmember Nigsarian thanked his fellow City Councilmembers for the opportunity to serve on the City Council . He spoke regarding his previ ous experience and that he looks forward to working with the residents and his fellow City Council colleagues.
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez thanked his colleagues and the community for their support during his recent illness and recovery. He welcomed newly appointed City Councilmember Nigsarian. He congratulated Los Angeles Rams player and former La Habra High School student Greg Gaines on the recent Super Bowl LVI championship.
Councilmember Espinoza thanked Traffic Manager Plotnik for his work on the Neighborhood “E” Traffic Management Plan. She thanked City Council for approving Consideration Item No. 2 in opposition to Initiative No. 21-0042A1.
Councilmember Simonian welcomed newly appointed City Councilmember Nigsarian. He thanked residents of Neighborhood “E” for giving their input tonight. He thanked Mr. Sahile for attending tonight’s meeting.
Mayor Medrano congratulated newly appointed City Councilmember Nigsarian. He stated that he attended the La Habra High School Girls’ Softball Opening D ay ceremonies, the La Habra High School Girls’ Soccer game, and the ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the Phantom Theater at the La Habra Depot Theatre. He noted that Phantom Theater had a presentation of Charlotte’s Web which he was not able to attend. He wished the Sonora High School Girls’ Soccer team good luck in the CIF playoffs.
City Council
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Medrano adjourned the meeting at 7: 12 p.m. to Monday, March 7, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Closed Session Room 112c, 100 East La Habra Boulevard, followed by the Regular Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Swindell, CMC
City Clerk