City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Monday, April 7, 2025
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Espinoza 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 Espinoza
Mayor Pro Tem Medrano
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Lampkin
Councilmember Nigsarian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Collins
Assistant City Manager Yap
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: La Habra Police Association Sworn and Civilian employee(s).
Deputy Director of Human Resources Lucy Coelho-LaFreniere, Human Resources Manager Melinda Rodriguez, and Deputy Director of Finance Jack Ponvanit were also present for this item.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council reconvened at 6:11 p.m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Espinoza adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:21 p.m.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Espinoza 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 Collins
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Medrano
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Espinoza
Mayor Pro Tem Medrano
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Lampkin
Councilmember Nigsarian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Collins
Assistant City Manager Yap
Management Analyst II Hurt
City Clerk Barone
Assistant City Clerk Lopez
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. RECOGNITION OF NEWLY DESIGNATED CITY ATTORNEY KEITH F. COLLINS
City Clerk Barone and Vanessa Collins administered the Oath of Office to newly designated City Attorney Keith F. Collins.
2. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONER GABRIELA GARCIA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to outgoing Community Services Commissioner Gabriela Garcia.
3. RECOGNITION OF DEANNA PUTNAM AS THE ORANGE COUNTY CUE 2025
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Deanna Putnam.
4. RECOGNITION OF ALAN HUIZAR IN HONOR OF ARTWORK AT THE 2025 ORANGE
COUNTY MUSIC AND ARTS ADMINISTRATOR AWARDS
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Alan Huizar.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
5. PROCLAIM MAY 1, 2025, AS A DAY SET APART FOR THE ANNUAL MAYOR'S PRAYER
BREAKFAST IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Brian Burgess.
6. PROCLAIM APRIL 2025 AS DONATE LIFE MONTH IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to OneLegacy Ambassador Mona Castro.
7. PROCLAIM APRIL 2025 AS FAIR HOUSING MONTH IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Community Engagement for Fair Housing Foundation Liaison Martha Torres.
8. PROCLAIM APRIL 12, 2025, AS EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Director of Public Works Elias Saykali.
9. PROCLAIM APRIL 13 - 19, 2025, NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS
WEEK IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Chief of Police Adam Foster, Bureau Manager Jennifer Duong, and Police Department Dispatch staff.
10. PROCLAIM APRIL 13 - 19, 2025, AS NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
APPRECIATION WEEK IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Chief of Police Adam Foster, Bureau Manager Jennifer Duong, and Animal Control Officer Jennifer Magaña-Figueroa.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jenifer Paraska, La Habra resident, spoke.
Mike Paraska, La Habra resident, spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Councilmember Gomez requested that Consent Calendar I tem No. 8 be pulled for separate discussion.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, seconded by Councilmember Nigsarian, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 7, AND 9 THROUGH 11; WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM 8 WHICH WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin, Councilmember Nigsarian 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 THE SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. CC 2025-01 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA,
CALIFORNIA, MAKING THE REQUIRED FINDINGS AND APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (PUD2M24-0002) TO CONSTRUCT A 22 -UNIT RESIDENTIAL
COMPLEX (TOWNHOMES) (INCLUDING FOUR UNITS FOR SALE TO MODERATE- INCOME HOUSEHOLDS) AT 300 SOUTH WALNUT STREET (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 298 -066-16), AS PER THE APPROVED PLANS AND SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS, AND MAKING THE DETERMINATION THAT THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD2M24 -0002) IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332, CLASS 32:
"INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS" OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES
That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. CC 2025-01.
3. APPROVE THE SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. CC 2025-02 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA,
CALIFORNIA, MAKING THE REQUIRED FINDINGS AND APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (PUD2M24-0001) TO CONSTRUCT 21 DWELLING UNITS (APARTMENT HOMES), INCLUDING TWO AFFORDABLE UNITS FOR RENT TO MODERATE-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, ON A 1.59 ACRE LOT AT THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ADDRESSED AS 920 WEST LA HABRA BOULEVARD (ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER 298-011-021), AS PER THE APPROVED PLANS AND SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS, AND MAKING THE DETERMINATION THAT THE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD2M24 -0001) IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15332, CLASS 32:
"INFILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS" OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES
That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. CC 2025-02.
4. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF CRAWFORD PRAXIS RISK SERVICES, INC. ON BEHALF OF SUTTON NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY
That the City Council deny the claim of Crawford Praxis Risk Services, Inc. on behalf of Sutton National Insurance Company in order to set a definite six -month Statute of Limitations date.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
5. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF MS. VANESSA ESPINOZA
That the City C ouncil deny the claim of Ms. Vanessa Espinoza in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
6. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF MR. LUIS HERNANDEZ
That the City Council deny the claim of Mr. Luis Hernandez in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
7. APPROVE THE CITY'S EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL FOR A ONE-
YEAR TERM
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to place the City's primary earthquake policy with Landmark American Insurance Company at a policy limit of $5 million and assign excess coverage of $88.68 million to General Security Insurance, Palomar Excess and Surplus Insurance, Trisura Specialty Insurance, and Transverse Specialty Insurance for a one-year term from April 19, 2025, through April 19, 2026.
8. APPROVE TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR THE LA HABRA CITRUS FAIR – REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION – See below.
9. APPROVE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE EMERGENCY ROOF BEAM REPAIRS AT THE CITY OF LA HABRA CHILD DEVELOPMENT MAIN OFFICE LOCATED AT 215 NORTH EUCLID STREET, LA HABRA, CA 90631
That the City Council approve the Notice of Completion for the Emergency Roof Beam Repairs at the City of La Habra Child Development Center Main Office located at 215 North Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631; and authoriz e staff to file a Notice of Completion for recordation.
10. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CABINETS INSTALLATION MASTER FOR THE
KITCHEN RENOVATION AT THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER (CDC)
That the City Council:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Cabinets Installation Master for an amount not to exceed $48,000; and, B. Approve an appropriation of $28,320 from the state grant-funded General Child Care Contract Fund and $19,680 from the state grant-funded California State Preschool Program to complete the necessary funding for this project.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
11. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH MDJ MANAGMENT LLC. FOR WALL REPAIRS AT THE
CHILD DEVELOPMENT MAIN OFFICE
That the City Council:
A. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for the City of La Habra Child Development Main Office Wall Repairs with MDJ Management, LLC., and authorize staff to issue a purchase order to MDJ Management, LLC, in the amount of $294,500; with a 20% contingency of $58,900; for a total project cost of$353,400;
B. Authorize staff to retain Willdan Engineering for construction management and inspection services from the City of La Habra Engineering Division's On Call Consultant Agreement to oversee the construction of this project, in an amount not to exceed $72,772;
C. Approve the waiver of the competitive bidding process per La Habra Municipal Code Section 4.20.070 (A) in case of an emergency as determined by the City Manager;
D. Approve an appropriation of $216,690.48 from the California State Preschool Contract Grant Fund and $150,581.52 from the General Child Care Contract Grant Fund to fully fund the costs of this project; and,
E. Approve an appropriation of $58,900 of General Capital Project Funds to fund the cost of Construction Contingency for this project.
12. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SECOND
AMENDMENT TO THE CITY 'S WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) AGREEMENT FOR YOUTH PROGRAM SERVICES WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE, CONTRACT NO. MA-012- 24010395
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the Second Amendment to the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Agreement for Youth Program Services with the County of Orange, increasing the City's Ready S.E.T. OC program funding from $2,835,000 in fiscal year 2024-2025 to $3,105,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026.
13. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 3262 THROUGH 3526 TOTALING $3,746,855.09
That the City Council approve Nos.3262 through 3526 totaling $3,746,855.09.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION:
8. APPROVE TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR THE LA HABRA CITRUS FAIR
Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development Cole-Corona presented the staff report.
City Manager Sadro and Deputy Director of Community and Economic Development Cole-Corona answered questions accordingly.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
City Council discussion included: land use agreement between Burch Ford property owners and the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce; City of La Habra involvement in the agreement; timeframe for removal of the temporary sign; consistency with past practice; and provisions for potential landscape damage.
Mayor Espinoza invited the public to testify at 7:08 p.m.
Marie Laveaga, La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, spoke.
Moved by Councilmember Gomez , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE TEMPORARY SIGNS FOR THE
LA HABRA CITRUS FAIR, TO BE DISPLAYED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LA HABRA
BOULEVARD AND EUCLID STREET AND THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF LA HABRA
BOULEVARD AND HARBOR BOULEVARD, SUBJECT TO THE FINAL DESIGNS AND
SPECIFICATIONS MEETING PARAMETERS ESTABLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin, Councilmember Nigsarian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None at this time.
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. LA HABRA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Management Analyst II Hurt presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: membership application and costs; City support and partnership with local businesses; role of the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce; function s of the City’s Community & Economic Development Division; potential conflicts of interests with the City of La Habra becoming a member of the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce ; business relationship between the City of La Habra and the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce; and current business outreach conducted by City Councilmembers.
Mayor Espinoza invited the public to testify at 7:17 p.m.
Marie Laveaga, La Habra resident and La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, spoke.
Linnette Falcon, La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, spoke.
Maria Mahecha, La Habra resident, spoke.
City Council
Monday, April 7, 2025
Moved by Councilmember Lampkin, seconded by Councilmember Nigsarian, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THIS REPORT.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin, Councilmember Nigsarian NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Espinoza announced upcoming community events and activities.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF: None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Each City Councilmember shared comments and reported on their attendance to past community events and activities.
Councilmember Gomez requested a future City Council Meeting Agenda include discussion of installation of solar energy panels at City Hall. Seconded by Mayor Espinoza.
Councilmember Gomez requested a future City Council Meeting Agenda include discussion of a moratorium on new smoke shops in the city. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano.
Councilmember Gomez requested a future City Council Meeting Agenda include recognition of the former Present of Northgate Market Miguel Gonzalez. Seconded by Mayor Espinoza.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Espinoza adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. to Monday, April 21, 2025, 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 May 5, 2025.