MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
&
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
&
REGULAR JOINT MEETING WITH THE
CITY OF LA HABRA HOUSING AUTHORITY AND
LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2022
APPROVED: These Minutes were approved on August 1, 2022.
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
Canceled.
REGULAR MEETING & REGULAR JOINT MEETING 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor/Director Medrano called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra and Regular Joint Meeting with the City of La Habra Housing Authority and La Habra Utility Authority to order at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber located at 100 East La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, California.
INVOCATION: City Attorney/Legal Counsel Jones
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember/Director Nigsarian
COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS PRESENT: Mayor/Director Medrano Mayor Pro Tem/Director Gomez
Councilmember/Director Espinoza
Councilmember/Director Nigsarian
Councilmember/Director Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS ABSENT: None
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager/Executive Director Sadro City Attorney/Legal Counsel Jones
Assistant City Clerk/Secretary Barone
Executive Secretary Hurt
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Attorney/Legal counsel announced that in the case of Heirs of Aguirre v. City of La Habra, the City settled in the amount of $265,000.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. RECOGNITION OF MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PHIL MERCHANT ON HIS 28 YEARS OF SERVICE
Mayor Medrano invited Phil Merchant to the podium to accept the proclamation. Planning Commissioner Surich, and Meals on Wheels employees Carmen Miller and Nadine Ufhoktz participated in the recognition.
2. RECOGNITION OF THE ZARATE FAMILY AS THE 2022 DISTRICT 4 RESIDENTIAL
BEAUTIFICATION AWARD RECIPIENT
Mayor Medrano invited the Zarate Family to the podium to accept the award. Beautification Committee members Lavenia Wilson and Sammy Kotob presented the Zarate Family with a yard sign.
3. RECOGNITION OF PROVIDENCE ST. JUDE EMPLOYEES TRACY BRYARS AND BARRY
ROSS UPON THEIR RETIREMENT
Mayor Medrano invited Providence St. Jude employees Tracy Bryars and Barry Ross to the podium to accept their proclamations. Director of Community Services Fujio introduced Recreation Manager DeLeon who spoke regarding the City partnership with St. Jude.
4. RECOGNITION OF THE LA HABRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ON ITS 125TH
ANNIVERSARY
Mayor Medrano invited La Habra City School District Superintendent Dr. Mario Carlos and School Board President Cynthia Aguirre to the podium to accept the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
La Habra resident Mr. Montero spoke regarding overnight parking permits and the City’s permit parking ordinance.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem/Director Gomez, seconded by Councilmember/Director Simonian, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5 -0) TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 9; CITY COUNCIL & HOUSING AUTHORITY ITEM 1; AND CITY COUNCIL & UTILITY AUTHORITY ITEM 1.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor/Director Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem/Director Gomez, Councilmember/Director Espinoza, Councilmember/Director Nigsarian, Councilmember/Director Simonian
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
CITY COUNCIL:
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 ANA ROBLES
That the City Council deny the claim of Ana Robles in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
3. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF BIRAWATI NOTOREDJO
That the City Council deny the claim of Birawati Notoredjo in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
4. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF ISRAEL RUELAS
That the City Council deny the claim of Israel Ruelas in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
5. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF RICARDO RUELAS
That the City Council deny the claim of Ricardo Ruelas in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
6. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CORNERSTONE COMMUNICATIONS FOR PUBLIC
OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Cornerstone Communications for public outreach and the community newsletter.
7. APPROVE 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. 6078 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.
8. RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 SINGLE AUDIT OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED
GRANT PROGRAMS REPORT
That the City Council receive and file the audited Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Single Audit of Federally Assisted Grant Programs (Single Audit) Report for the City of La Habra.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
9. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 00134746 THROUGH 00135053 TOTALING $2,574,035.37; AND WIRE TRANSFER: APPROVE WIRE TRANSFER DATE 7/27/22 TOTALING $3,865,431.29
That the City Council approve Nos. 00134746 through 00135053 totaling $2,574,035.47; and approve Wire Transfer dated 7/27/22, totaling $3,865,431.29.
CITY COUNCIL & HOUSING AUTHORITY:
1. REJECT ALL BIDS RECEIVED FOR THE ALLEY NO. 27, 45 AND 86 IMPROVEMENT, FISCAL YEAR 2020-21, CITY PROJECT NO. 2-R-20
That the City Council and the City of La Habra Housing Authority:
A. Reject bids received from Superior Paving Company Inc., dba United Paving Company and Gentry General Engineering Inc., for the Alley No. 27, 45 and 86 Improvement, FY 2020-21, City Project No.2-R-20; and
B. Authorize staff to re-advertise the Alley No. 27, 45 and 86 Improvement, FY 2020-21, City Project No. 2- R-20.
CITY COUNCIL & UTILITY AUTHORITY:
1. AWARD CONTRACT TO WILLDAN FOR A SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FEASIBILITY STUDY
AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE FORMER COUNTY ISLAND SEWER PROJECT
That the City Council and La Habra Utility Authority:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager/Executive Director to execute an agreement with Willdan for a sewer improvement feasibility study and design services for the former County Island sewer project; and
B. Authorize staff to issue a purchase order in the amount of $84,360 to Willdan, which includes a twenty percent (20%) contingency.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None at this time.
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF GUIDELINES FOR THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT (ARPA) FUNDED BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
Housing Specialist Louie presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included confirmation that the “Dine and Shop” Local Incentive Program for La Habra residents would be vetted.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 7:00 p.m. There was no public testimony.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
Moved by Councilmember Nigsarian , seconded by Councilmember Espinoza, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE:
A. PROGRAM GUIDELINES, APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS FOR THE $500,000 APRA FUNDED BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; AND
B. PROGRAM GUIDELINES, APPLICATIONS AND AGREEMENTS FOR THE $300,000 ARPA FUNDED SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; AND,
C. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO MAKE MINOR MODIFICATIONS AND REVISIONS TO THE GUIDELINES, APPLICATIONS, AND AGREEMENTS, IF NECESSARY.
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 APPROVAL OF PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPOSED “LA HABRA COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT GRANT PROGRAM” FUNDED THROUGH THE AMERICAN
RESCUE PLAN ACT
Director of Community Services Fujio presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included clarification on how unused funds may be used should the entire $500,000 not be spent.
Councilmember Espinoza disclosed that she operates a non-profit organization that would not apply for funding, and recused herself from this item due to a potential conflict of interest.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 7:10 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Simonian, AND CARRIED (4-1) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. APPROVE THE PROPOSED LA HABRA COMMUNITY NON-PROFIT GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES; AND
B. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ESTABLISH A THREE MEMBER APPLICATION REVIEW
BOARD COMPRISED OF CITY STAFF, AND DESIGNATE THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION TO CONSIDER ANY APPEALS; AND,
C. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE GRANT REQUESTS AND ALLOCATE
FUNDING AS RECOMMENDED BY THE APPLICATION REVIEW BOARD AND/OR THE
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION APPEAL PROCESS, NOT TO EXCEED A MAXIMUM OF $25,000 PER APPLICATION AND NOT TO EXCEED THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVED PROGRAM FUNDING OF $500,000.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Simonian
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: Councilmember Espinoza
ABSENT: NONE
3. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH MERCY HOUSE LIVING CENTERS
FOR A PILOT PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
UNITS IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Housing & Economic Development Manager Cole-Corona presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: benefits should the program exclude those addicted to drugs; confirmation that the housing units would be single- family residences; clarification that the Director of Community and Economic Development reviewed the report and expressed any concerns; the consideration for placement in motels and/or hotels; surrounding areas Mercy House has provided services; recommendation that the program be limited to not more than two applicants for the first year, with City Council reassessment in six months; concerns associated with mental health and drug abuse, and the connection with those who are unhoused.
Mercy House representative Timothy Huynh stated motels and/or hotels had been used on an interim basis; however, they are not viable on a long-term basis due to prohibitive costs.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 7:30 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, seconded by Councilmember Espinoza, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A.
APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MERCY HOUSING LIVING
CENTERS TO PROVIDE SCATTERED-SITE PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (PSH) IN LA HABRA, AS AMENDED TO EXCLUDE SEX OFFENDERS AND VIOLENT FELONS; NOT MORE THAN TWO UNITS FOR THE FIRST YEAR; AND REVIEW BY CI TY COUNCIL IN SIX MONTHS; AND
B. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO UTILIZE PROGRAM DESIGN OPTION #1 AS OUTLINED IN MERCY HOUSE'S PROPOSAL; AND
C. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER, IF UNITS ARE AVAILABLE AND IF AN INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA OF PROGRAM DESIGN OPTION #1, TO UTILIZE PROGRAM DESIGN OPTION #2 AS OUTLINED IN MERCY HOUSE'S PROPOSAL; AND,
D. AUTHORIZE A BUDGET APPROPRIATION OF $25,219 TO COVER THE EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING ONE-YEAR OF PSH FOR ONE UNIT OF HOUSING UNDER OPTION #2, AS NECESSARY.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Medrano made the following announcements:
• La Habra Vaccination and Booster Clinic at the La Habra Community Center, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only; closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. • COVID Testing at the La Habra Community Center, Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. • La Habra Summer Active Day Camp to remain in session through August 12, 2022; Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Veterans Hall. • La Habra Concerts in the Park series throughout the month of July at Portola Park each Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. The final concert will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, with a performance by 24K Magic – Bruno Mars Tribute band. • La Habra Movies in the Park on Friday, July 29, 2022, at El Centro Lions Park. • National Night Out, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Portola Park. • La Habra Host Lions Club Pasta Fest on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. at the La Habra Community Center.
• Water conservation efforts are now in effect with lawn irrigation prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as is the washing of hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF:
City Manager Sadro spoke regarding the Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star game.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS:
Mayor Pro Tem /Director Gomez complimented the Police Chief Foster on his efforts with the recent 7-Eleven Store robberies and subsequent suspect arrests; and stated the City Council was prepared to offer a reward leading to suspect arrests. He offered his prayers and condolences to the families of the victims, stating one La Habra resident suffered an injury. He spoke regarding his and Mayor Medrano’s attendance to the Sonora High School Football Boosters Comedy Night.
He spoke regarding the success of the La Habra Concerts in the Park.
Councilmember/Director Nigsarian concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Gomez’s remarks regarding the recent 7-Eleven Store robberies, and thanked Police Chief Foster for his hard work. He spoke regarding the success of the La Habra Concerts in the Park and the 4 th of July Celebration. He spoke regarding illegal fireworks citations issued , and requested that future City Council consideration include review of citation amounts issued by surrounding cities and a potent ial increase to the City’s current citation amount for the use of illegal fireworks. Mayor Pro Tem/Director Gomez concurred.
Councilmember/Director Simonian expressed concerns with the amount of use of illegal fireworks, and suggested unmarked police vehicles patrol areas in an effort to apprehend and deter illegal fireworks users.
Mayor/Director Medrano spoke regarding the use of illegal fireworks, and complimented the La Habra Police Department on its enforcement efforts. He thanked Police Chief Foster and the La Habra Police Department on its efforts with the recent 7 -Eleven Store robberies and subsequent suspect arrests. He stated the La Habra Reward Fund Committee was prepared to respond, if necessary. He requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of his uncle Mauricio Caceres; and indicated Community Services Commission Chair Kempker requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Dorothy “Dody” Wedel.
City Council
Monday, July 18, 2022
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor /Director Medrano adjourned the meeting in memory of his uncle Mauricio Caceres and long-time La Habra resident and former Mayor Dorothy “Dody” Wedel at 7:53 p.m. to Monday, August 1, 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,
Rhonda J. Barone, CMC
Assistant City Clerk/Secretary