MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
&
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Monday, April 17, 2023
APPROVED: These Minutes were approved on July 17, 2023.
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Closed Session Room 112c, located at 100 East La Habra Boulevard, La Habra, California.
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Gomez
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian
Councilmember Medrano
Councilmember Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Espinoza (excused absence) OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Jones
City Clerk Barone
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS: None.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Conference with Labor Negotiator per Government Code Section 54957.6 - Agency Representative: Jim Sadro, City Manager; Employee Organizations: Police Sworn Employees, Police Civilian Employees, La Habra Municipal Employees Association, General Services Employees, Professional Employees, and Management and Executive Management Groups.
Director of Finance Shannon, Director of Human Resources Balderrama, Deputy Director of Finance Ponvanit, and Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Attorneys Laura Drottz Kalty and La Rita Turner were present for this item.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council reconvened at 6:00 p.m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Gomez adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Gomez called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra 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 Jones
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Espinoza
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Gomez
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian
Councilmember Espinoza
Councilmember Medrano
Councilmember Simonian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Jones
City Clerk Barone
Management Analyst II Hurt
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. INTRODUCTION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
MANAGER TONY CARDENAS
Mayor Gomez invited Southern California Edison Government Relations Manager Tony Cardenas to the podium.
Southern California Edison Government Relations Manager Tony Cardenas introduced himself and spoke regarding his service to Orange County and his new role with Southern California Edison.
2. PROCLAIM APRIL 2023 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Gomez presented Fair Housing Foundation representative Martha Torres with the 2023 Fair Housing Month proclamation.
3. PROCLAIM APRIL 2023 AS SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF
LA HABRA
There was no one in attendance to accept this proclamation. It was requested by and will be mailed to the City of Garden Grove.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mayor Gomez presented Brian Burgess with the 2023 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast proclamation.
District Representative for California State Senator Thomas J. Umberg Fidel Vasquez introduced himself and spoke regarding the 2023 Young Senators Program.
Councilmember Medrano expressed his appreciation to California State Senator Thomas J.
Umberg for his support with decreasing the use and trafficking of fentanyl in California.
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
City Manager Sadro expressed his appreciation to California State Senator Thomas J. Umberg’s Office for their assistant to the La Habra Community Development with the City of La Habra Housing Element.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 4.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Gomez, Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Medrano, 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 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA MEETING MINUTES
That the City Council approve the City Council of the City of La Habra Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2023.
3. APPROVE A PAYROLL SYSTEM SUPPORT CONSULTANT AGREEMENT WITH
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
That the City Council:
A. Approve the waiving of the formal bidding process per La Habra Municipal Code
4.20.070 (B) sole source vendor exception, and;
B. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Information Management Technologies for payroll system support services.
4. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 00138430 THROUGH 00138666 TOTALING $2,542,876.60; AND APPROVE WIRE TRANSFERS DATED 04/28/23, TOTALING $651,607.15
That the City Council approve Nos.00138430 through 00138666 totaling $2,542,876.60; and approve Wire Transfer dated 04/28/23, totaling $651,607.15.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None.
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED SUBSTANTIAL
AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF LA HABRA'S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
Housing Specialist Louie presented the staff report.
City Manager Sadro stated the Alley Improvement Program will not be cancelled, and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding would instead be reallocated in the future.
There was no City Council discussion.
Mayor Gomez opened the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Medrano, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. Receive public comments;
B. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6102 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023;
C. Consider and approve the Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 Annual Action Plan for the City of La Habra Community Development Block Grant Program; and,
D. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the City of La Habra's annual application and certifications and submit the Annual Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for its Community Development Block Grant Funding Approval/Agreement in the amount of $595,411 of CDBG funds.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Gomez, Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. REVIEW OF LA HABRA SKATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS, AND
REQUIREMENTS AND ENFORCEMENT OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Director of Community Services Fujio presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: scheduled hours of the security staffing at the La Habra Skate Park; security staffing coverage for time off; potential risk management and liability concerns for those cities that do not enforce the use of helmets at skate parks; brief history of the skate park; current laws and regulations; and City Council’s continued support of skate park participants, protective safety gear, and the use of helmets.
Mayor Gomez invited the public to testify at 6:52 p.m.
Zach Price, La Habra businessowner, spoke regarding this item.
Gilbert Roman, La Habra resident, spoke regarding this item.
Ofelia Hansen, La Habra resident and Boys & Girls Club of La Habra staff, spoke regarding this item.
Mayor Gomez closed public testimony at 6:59 p.m.
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, Seconded by Councilmember Medrano, AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL MAINTAIN SECURITY STAFFING AT THE
LA HABRA SKATE PARK AND CONTINUE ACTIVELY ENFORCING CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 115800 REQUIREMENTS OF FULL SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR ALL VISITORS UTILIZING THE SKATE PARK.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Gomez, Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Mayor Gomez excused himself and left the dais at 7:08 p.m.
2. REPORT REGARDING THE LA HABRA BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE
Community Services Manager Albarian presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: whether or not the Beautification Committee appointment structure changed due to the recent decrease in members; and clarification that this is a Committee and City Commission appointments are made by City Council.
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian invited the public to testify at 7:13 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Medrano, Seconded by Councilmember Espinoza, AND CARRIED (4-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS ON THE CITY OF LAHABRA
BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE, AND THAT EACH COMMITTEE MEMBER IS LIMITED TO TWO 3-YEAR TERMS WITH THE CURRENT INCUMBENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS BEGINNING THEIR SIX YEAR MAXIMUM SERVICE; AND THAT UPON ADOPTION OF THE
PROPOSED MOTION, FUTURE APPLICANTS FOR ANY VACANCY ON THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE APPLY FOR APPOINTMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL.
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian asked if the motion is sufficient.
City Attorney Jones responded in the affirmative, and clarified the City Council motion would allow Beautification Committee Members to serve a maximum of two three -year terms, with members serving a maximum of six years; with the intent that all five Beautification Committee Members be appointed by the City Council.
Councilmember Medrano responded in the affirmative.
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian asked about the need for staggered terms, and allowed staff discretion for establishing the staggered terms consistent with annual appointments to the Planning Commission and Community Services Commission.
City Manager Sadro stated Planning Commissioner s and Community Services Commissioners have staggered terms, and based upon the current motion all five Beautification Committee Members would start their three- year terms. He confirmed with City Clerk Barone that Commission terms expire each March; and it is the intent of City Council to keep all Commission and Committee appointments consistent with appointments by the City Council in March of each year. He stated it would be beneficial for the Beautification Committee to consist of three/two staggered terms in order for continuity so that all five members are not appointed at the same time.
City Attorney Jones suggested the staggered terms consist of the appointment of three members for three years, and two members for one year and one-half. He stated those members appointed for one year and one -half could then be considered for reappointments of two full three -year terms.
Councilmember Medrano responded in the affirmative, and proposed that the two or three most senior members of the Beautification Committee be appointed for one year and one- half, if appropriate.
City Attorney Jones responded that would be appropriate.
City Manager Sadro asked if terms would begin March 2023 or March 2024.
Councilmember Medrano responded terms should be back-dated to March 2023.
City Attorney Jones responded in the affirmative.
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian, Councilmember Espinoza,
Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: Mayor Gomez
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian made the following announcements:
• Earth Day/Arbor Day distributing of free compost and tree seedlings on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
• Teen Movie Night to be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Portola Park. • Kids Night Out – Lucky Charms to be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the La Habra Children’s Museum.
• Senior Dances to be held on Sunday, April 23 , 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the La Habra Community Center.
• La Habra State of the City to be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the La Habra Community Center.
• Household Hazardous Waste and Shred event to be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
• Planning Commission and Community Services Commission meetings held. • Current job openings with the City of La Habra.
• Water conservation efforts are still in effect with lawn irrigation limited to three times per week with washing of hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways prohibited.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF: None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Councilmember Medrano requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Angie Zabala.
Councilmember Simonian spoke regarding the success of the Spring Family Eggstravaganza held at La Bonita Park on Saturday, April 8, 2023. He spoke regarding street pot holes and pavement damage due to recent rains, and the shortage of pavement repair resources.
City Manager Sadro informed of recent road repairs done on Euclid Street north of Whittier Boulevard.
Councilmember Espinoza spoke regarding “Toilet to Tap” replenished/recycled water.
City Council
Monday, April 17, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Pro Tem Nigsarian adjourned the meeting in memory of Angie Zabala at 7:26 p.m. to Monday, May 1, 2023, 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
City Clerk