City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Monday, March 18, 2024
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.: Cancelled.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Nigsarian 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.
Mayor Nigsarian announced Councilmember Simonian would participate virtually due to a medical emergency that prevents him from attending in person.
INVOCATION: City Attorney Jones
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Medrano
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Nigsarian
Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Medrano
Councilmember Simonian (via telephone)
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Jones
Assistant City Manager Yap
Management Analyst II Hurt
City Clerk Barone
Assistant City Clerk Lopez
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. RECOGNITION OF THE MUSSER FAMILY AS THE 2024 RESIDENTIAL
BEAUTIFICATION AWARD RECIPIENT
Mayor Nigsarian, City Council, Community Services Commissioner Schmi dt, and Beautification Committee Member Nigsarian presented the Musser Family with a yard sign and Certificate of Recognition.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
2. RECOGNITION OF THE SONG FAMILY AS THE 2024 RESIDENTIAL BEAUTIFICATION
AWARD RECIPIENT
Mayor Nigsarian, City Council, Community Services Commissioner Schmi dt, and Beautification Committee Member Nigsarian presented the Song Family with a yard sign and Certificate of Recognition.
3. RECOGNITION OF EDUARDO NAVARRO, LA HABRA AUTOMOTIVE
Mayor Nigsarian and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Navarro.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Two email public comments were received prior to the City Council Meeting from Craig Sheets and Amanda Perez, with copies provided at the dais for each City Councilmember.
Craig Sheets, spoke.
Steve and Amanda Perez, La Habra residents, spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Councilmember Simonian, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 13.
Said motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) by the following roll vote:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, 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 Special and Regular Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2024.
3. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF MR. PHILIP OGNIBENE
That the City Council deny the claim of Mr. Philip Ognibene in order to set a definite six - month Statute of Limitations date.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
4. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF MS. SUZANNE CRAIG
That the City Council deny the claim of Ms. Suzanne Craig in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
5. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF MS. ALEXIS QUEZADA
That the City Council deny the claim of Ms. Alexis Quezada in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
6. APPROVE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK AND CURB ACCESS RAMP IMPROVEMENTS, FISCAL YEAR 2021-22 AND FISCAL YEAR 2022-23, CITY PROJECT NO. 1-R-22
That the City Council approve the Notice of Completion for the Annual Sidewalk and Access Ramp Improvements, Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23, City Project No. 1-R-22, and authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion for recordation.
7. APPROVE A REQUEST FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A 30-MINUTE PARKING ZONE ON CALIFORNIA STREET SOUTH OF 248 WEST LA HABRA BOULEVARD
That the City Council APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. CC 2024-07 ENTITLED:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA,
ESTABLISHING A THIRTY MINUTE PARKING ZONE AT CERTAIN TIMES ON CALIFORNIA STREET SOUTH OF LA HABRA BOULEVARD.
8. RECEIVE AND FILE THE ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA GENERAL PLAN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2023
That the City Council receive and file the Annual Report on the implementation of the City of La Habra General Plan for calendar year 2023, and authorize the Director of Community and Economic Development to forward the document to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development per Government Code Section 65400.
9. CONSIDER THE INITIATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE LA HABRA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO THE REQ UIREMENTS FOR NOISE VARIANCES, PUBLIC NUISANCES,
AND SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
That the City Council direct staff to initiate amendments to the La Habra Municipal Code related to Noise Variances, Public Nuisances, and Special Event Permits.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
10. APPROVE QUALITY RATING AND IMPROVEMENT (QRIS) BLOCK GRANT SERVICE
AGREEMENT WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
That the City Council:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) Block Grant Service Agreement for the 2023-2024 school year with the Orange County Department of Education for continuous quality improvements for the State Preschool Program operated by the City; and,
B. Approve the appropriation of those grant funds to the Child Development Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget.
11. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE POPULATION
AND COMMUNITY HEALTH AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH CALIFORNIA STATE
UNIVERSITY, FULLERTON (CSUF) FOR A THREE-YEAR TERM
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), which would allow CSUF students to complete their training in support of Community Services Department programs at the City of La Habra for a three-year term.
12. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH GREAT WESTERN INSTALLATIONS, INC. FOR
PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS AT THE CITY'S CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)
AND THE CLAIRE BROWN CENTER (CBC)
The City Council:
A. Approve plans and specifications for the Child Development Playground Renovations project at the City owned and operated Child Development Center (CDC) located at 401 South Euclid Street and the Claire Brown Center (CBC) located at 305 South Euclid Street;
B. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Great Western Installations, Inc. for this project in the amount of $382,187.31 and reject all other bids;
C. Approve an appropriation of $79,792.14 from the California State Preschool Contract Grant Fund and $321,504.54 from the General Child Care Contract Grant Fund to complete the necessary funding for this project; and,
D. Authorize staff to issue a purchase order to Great Western Installations, Inc., in the amount of$401,296.68, which includes a 5% contingency.
13. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 00143018 THROUGH 00143235 TOTALING $2,091,959.89; AND APPROVE WIRE TRANSFERS DATED 3/15/24 AND 3/25/24, TOTALING $320,315.64
That the City Council approve Nos. 00143018 through 00143235 totaling $2,091,959.89; and approve Wire Transfers dated 3/15/24 and 3/25/24, totaling $320,315.64.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None at this time.
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS AND ALTERNATES TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION, AND
CONSIDER DISSOLUTION OF THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE AND ASSIGNING
ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
City Clerk Barone presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: duties and formation of the Beautification Committee, and reassignment of its duties to the Community Services Commission.
Mayor Nigsarian invited the public to testify at 6:53 p.m. There was no public testimony.
A. Consider and appoint one individual to the Planning Commission to fill one 4-year term that will expire on March 31, 2028.
City Clerk Barone opened the nominations to appoint one individual to the Planning Commission to fill one 4- year term that will expire on March 31, 2028. Councilmember Gomez nominated Maria Mahecha. There were no other nominations. MOVED by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.
A roll call vote was taken and unanimously carried (5-0) to APPOINT MARIA MAHECHA TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 4-YEAR TERM THAT W ILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2028, as follows:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
A. Consider and appoint one individual to the Planning Commission to fill one 4-year term that will expire on March 31, 2028.
City Clerk Barone opened the nominations to appoint one individual to the Planning Commission to fill one 4- year term that will expire on March 31, 2028. C ouncilmember Medrano nominated Danitza Cardenas. There were no other nominations. MOVED by Councilmember Medrano, seconded by Mayor Nigsarian, TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
A roll call vote was taken and unanimously carried (5-0) to APPOINT DANITZA CARDENAS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 4-YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2028, as follows:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Moved by Councilmember Medrano, seconded by Mayor Nigsarian, THAT ALTERNATE
COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS BE DEFERRED UNTIL AFTER THE APPOINTMENT OF THE EXPECTED VACANCY ON THE CITY COUNCIL.
Said motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
B. Consider and appoint one individual to the Community Services Commission to fill one 3-year term that will expire on March 31, 2027.
City Clerk Barone opened the nominations to appoint one individual to the Community Services Commission to fill one 3-year term that will expire on March 31, 2027. Councilmember Medrano nominated Richard Rojas . There were no other nominations. MOVED by Councilmember Medrano, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.
A roll call vote was taken and unanimously carried (5-0) to APPOINT RICHARD ROJAS TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 3-YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2027, as follows:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
B. Consider and appoint one individual to the Community Services Commission to fill one 3-year term that will expire on March 31, 2027.
City Clerk Barone opened the nominations to appoint one individual to the Community Services Commission to fill one 3-year term that will expire on March 31, 2027. Councilmember Medrano nominated Veronica Hannah. There were no other nominations. MOVED by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
A roll call vote was taken and unanimously carried (5-0) to APPOINT VERONICA HANNAH TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 3 -YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2027, as follows:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
C. Consider the dissolution of the Beautification Committee and assign its responsibilities to the Community Services Commission.
Moved by Mayor Nigsarian, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
DISSOLVE THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE AND ASSIGN ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
Said motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
2. RECEIVE AND FILE THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 (FY 23/24) MID-YEAR BUDGET AND
APPROVE MID-YEAR ADJUSTMENTS
City Manager Sadro presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: the city’s sales tax, Measure T, local transaction/use tax limits, CalPERS pension costs, Fire Services contract costs, City staff levels, local businesses success, sales tax rates of neighboring cities; and funding for Brio Park Splash Pad repairs.
Councilmember Simonian made a motion to direct staff to survey surrounding cities in Los Angeles County and Orange County to determine their sales tax rates . Seconded by Councilmember Medrano.
Mayor Nigsarian invited the public to testify at 7:50 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Medrano, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 (FY 23/24) Mid-Year Budget Update;
B. Approve an appropriation in the amount of $464,000 from Risk Management Fund Balance to Workers' Compensation Account 164151 for Legal Fees, Medical Claims, and Temporary Disability Claims;
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
C. Approve the reclassification of a Permit Technician I position to Permit Technician II position; and,
D. Approve the reclassification of a Housing Specialist position to an Economic Development Project Manager position.
Said motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
3. CONSIDER CITY OF LA HABRA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
Management Analyst II Hurt presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: potential opportunities for budget cost savings; increasing revenue sources by attracting new businesses into the City ; and modifying the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process.
Mayor Nigsarian invited the public to testify at 7:55 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Gomez , seconded by Councilmember Medrano, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE THE PROPOSED CITY OF LA HABRA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025; AND THAT STAFF LOOK INTO POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUDGET COST SAVINGS AND INCREASING REVENUE SOURCES.
Said motion CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Nigsarian, Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Medrano, Councilmember Simonian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Nigsarian announced upcoming community events and activities.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF: None.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Councilmember Medrano
• Attended the La Habra High School Election Night Watch Party held on March 5, 2024. • Attended the 2024 La Habra Races held on March 9, 2024, and thanked staff for a successful event.
• Thanked Assistant City Manager Yap for coordinating the tour of the City of Beverly Hills Police Department Watch Center today.
Mayor Pro Tem Espinoza
• Attended the 2024 La Habra Races held on March 9, 2024. • Congratulated those recognized at the 2024 Women of Distinction event hosted b y California Senator Tom Umberg on March 12, 2024.
• Thanked City staff for displaying seasonal decorations at City Hall. • Thanked City staff for the mid-year budget presentation.
Councilmember Gomez
• Attended the Phantom Projects Theatre Group at La Habra production of Mariachi Girl held March 15-17, 2024.
• Attended the 2024 La Habra Races held on March 9, 2024. • Spoke regarding potential plans for the vacant property on Euclid Street. • Congratulated Maria Mahecha on her reappointment to the Planning Commission. • Attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for The Cajun Crab held on March 16, 2024.
• Congratulated La Habra alumni Caia Elisaldez on her participation in the upcoming NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and announced a watch party for her game will be held on March 23, 2024.
Councilmember Simonian
• Thanked City staff for their hard work.
• Congratulated those recognized at the 2024 Women of Distinction event hosted by California Senator Tom Umberg on March 12, 2024.
• Attended the 2024 La Habra Races held on March 9, 2024. • Expressed appreciation for being able to participate in tonight’s meeting virtually.
Mayor Nigsarian
• Congratulated incumbent Community Services Commissioner Richard Rojas and incumbent Planning Commissioner Maria Mahecha on their reappointments. • Welcomed and congratulated Veronica Hannah and Danitza Cardenas on their commission appointments.
• Attended the 2024 La Habra Races held on March 9, 2024. • Participated in two Read Across America events hosted by the La Habra City School District. • Attended Las Lomas Elementary School’s production of Disney’s The Jungle Book held on March 9, 2024.
• Announced State of California grants awarded to the Orange County Public Libraries with matching grant funds provided to the La Habra Library.
City Council
Monday, March 18, 2024
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Nigsarian adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m. to Monday, April 1, 2024, 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
These Minutes were approved on April 15, 2024.