City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
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
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA,
LA HABRA CIVIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY,
CITY OF LA HABRA HOUSING AUTHORITY,
AND LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY
Monday, April 21, 2025
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Espinoza called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council o f 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 Lampkin
Councilmember Nigsarian
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Gomez (excused absence) 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:
CITY COUNCIL:
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.
ADJOURNMENT: The Ci ty Council reconvened at 6:12 p.m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Espinoza adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:12 p.m.
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
REGULAR MEETING & REGULAR JOINT MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor/Chair Espinoza called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of La Habra and Regular Joint Meeting with the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of La Habra, La Habra Civic Improvement Authority, City of La Habra Housing Authority, and La Habra Utility Authority to or der 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 Collins
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember/Director Gomez
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Medrano
COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS PRESENT: Mayor/Chair Espinoza
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Medrano
Councilmember/Director Lampkin
Councilmember/Director Nigsarian
COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS ABSENT: Councilmember/Director Gomez (arrived at 6:46 p.m.) OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager/Executive Director Sadro City Attorney/Legal Counsel Collins
Assistant City Manager Yap
Management Analyst II Hurt
City Clerk/Secretary Barone
Assistant City Clerk Lopez
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
The proclamations were presented out of order.
2. PROCLAIM APRIL 2025 AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to a La Habra youth and his family.
On behalf of Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco’s Office, Christopher Kent presented a Certificate of Recognition to the La Habra youth and his family.
On behalf of Senator Tom Umberg’s office, Alejandra Zelayah presented a Certificate of Recognition to the La Habra youth and his family.
1. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO ARBOLITA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN BEING NAMED A 2025 CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented La Habra City School District Superintendent Dr. Mario Carlos and his staff with a Certificate of Recognition.
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
4. PROCLAIM APRIL 5 -11, 2025, AS THE WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Mayor Espinoza and the City Council presented a Proclamation to Child Development Division staff and program participants.
3. PROCLAIM APRIL 21- 25, 2025, AS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH IN THE CITY OF
LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza announced the Proclamation, and the Donor & Volunteer Reception to be held on April 24, 2025.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Kristen DeLeon, La Habra resident, spoke.
Jack Miranda, Director of Jesse Miranda Center, spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Councilmember/Director Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chair Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 7; CITY COUNCIL, AGENCY & AUTHORITIES ITEM 1, SUCCESSOR AGENCY ITEM 1, CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ATHORITY ITEM 1, HOUSING AUTHORITY ITEM 1, and UTILITY AUTHORITY ITEM 1.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor/Chair Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Medrano, Councilmember/Director Gomez, Councilmember/Director Lampkin, Councilmember/Director Nigsarian
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
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 MR. RICHARD AKLES
That the City Council deny the claim of Mr. Richard Akles in order to set a definite six -month Statute of Limitations date.
3. APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 -2026 (FY25-26) CITY OF LA HABRA LEGISLATIVE
PLATFORM
That the City Council adopt the proposed FY25-26 City of La Habra Legislative Platform and authorize staff to prepare letters of support or opposition to legislative bills for the Mayor's signature, as needed and in accordance with the approved Legislative Platform.
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
4. APPROVE THE ANNUAL SOFTWARE RENEWAL OF TWO PALO ALTO FIREWALLS AND CORTEX END-POINT SECURITY SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,790.20
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the software license with Palo Alto (PA) Network through Dell Computers for a total cost of $71,790.20.
5. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH DFS FLOORING FOR THE FLOOR REPAIRS AT THE CHILD
DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
That the City Council:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with DFS Flooring for an amount not to exceed $74,342.85; and,
B. Approve an appropriation of $45,034.80 from the state grant-funded General Child Care Contract Fund (CCTR), $23,828.18 from the state grant-funded California State Preschool Program (CSPP), and $5,479.87 from Day Care Home Food Program (DCH) to complete the necessary funding for this project.
6. APPROVE A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH PROVIDENCE ST. JUDE MEDICAL CENTER ACCEPTING FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,899
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a grant agreement with Providence St. Jude Medical Center accepting funding in the amount of $23,899 to fund the cost of a grant writing consultant, support for the implementation of the SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) Physical Education Curriculum and rollover funding to purchase outdoor fitness equipment, distance markers, activity promotion materials, and "Move More Eat Healthy" signage at the new Vin Scully Centennial Park currently under construction.
7. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 3527 THROUGH 3709 TOTALING $1,526,580.51
That the City Council approve Nos. 3527 through 3709 totaling $1,526,580.51.
CITY COUNCIL, AGENCY & AUTHORITIES:
1. FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
Receive and file the audited Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of La Habra.
SUCCESSOR AGENCY:
1. APPROVE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
LA HABRA MEETING MINUTES
That the Successor Agency approve the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of La Habra Meeting Minutes of:
January 21, 2025
February 3, 2025
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 3, 2025
March 17, 2025
April 7, 2025
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY:
1. APPROVE LA HABRA CIVIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES
That the Civic Improvement Authority approve the La Habra Civic Improvement Authority Meeting Minutes of:
December 16, 2024
January 6, 2025
January 21, 2025
February 3, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 3, 2025
March 17, 2025
April 7, 2025
HOUSING AUTHORITY:
1. APPROVE CITY OF LA HABRA HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES
That the Housing Authority approve the City of La Habra Housing Authority Meeting Minutes of April 7, 2025.
UTILITY AUTHORITY:
1. APPROVE CITY OF LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES
That the City of La Habra Utility Authority approve the Utility Authority Meeting Minutes of:
December 16, 2024
January 6, 2025
January 21, 2025
February 3, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 3, 2025
March 17, 2025
April 7, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None.
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CITY COUNCIL:
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM APPROVAL OF 2025-2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN, FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND 2025-2029
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING (AFH)
Community & Economic Development Project Manager Louie presented the staff report.
Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development Cole-Corona provided additional information and answered questions.
City Council discussion included: public outreach and input; potential financial cuts by the government; funding filing deadline; and the fiscal year cycle.
Mayor Espinoza opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m. There was no public testimony. Mayor Espinoza closed the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Moved by Councilmember Nigsarian, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS;
B. CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE 2025 -2029 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA HABRA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM;
C. CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE 2025 -2029 ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING;
D. CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA HABRA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM; AND,
E. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CITY OF LA HABRA'S ANNUAL APPLICATION AND CERTIFICATIONS AND SUBMIT THEM TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT FOR ITS COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDING APPROVAL/AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $594,000. STAFF WILL PROPORTIONALLY INCREASE/DECREASE RECO MMENDED
AMOUNTS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES PROJECTS BASED ON THE INCREASED/DECREASED PERCENTAGE OF THE FINAL CDBG ALLOCATION.
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
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
CITY COUNCIL & UTILITY AUTHORITY:
1. APPROVE RESOLUTIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE UTILITY AUTHORITY
AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF THE LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY WATER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2025 AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER
ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
Assistant City Manager Yap presented the staff report. She stated that James Fabian with Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc.; Vanessa Legbandt with Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth; Rick Brandis with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.; Director of Finance Mel Shannon, and Deputy Director of Finance Jack Ponvanit are in attendance and available to answer questions.
Jim Fabian, Fieldman, Rolapp & Associates, Inc., Principal, presented a PowerPoint.
City Council/Directors discussion included: current instability in the bond market; and the City’s current financial rating.
Mayor/Chair Espinoza invited the public to testify at 7:24 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chair Medrano, seconded by Councilmember/Director Gomez , and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AND UTILITY AUTHORITY:
A. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025-03 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE LA HABRA
UTILITY AUTHORITY OF ITS LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY (ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) WATER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2025, TO REFUND THE
OUTSTANDING LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY (ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2013A, AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH; AND,
B. APPROVE AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION NO. UA 2025-01 ENTITLED: RESOLUTION OF THE
LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF LA HABRA
UTILITY AUTHORITY (ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) WATER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2025, TO REFUND THE OUTSTANDING LA HABRA UTILITY AUTHORITY (ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA) REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2013A, AUTHORIZING THE
FORMS OF AND DIRECTING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF A SUPPLEMENTAL
WATER REVENUE BOND INDENTURE, A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT, A BOND
PURCHASE AGREEMENT, A CONTINUING DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATE , AN ESCROW
AGREEMENT AND RELATED FINANCING DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS, AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
City Council
Monday, April 21, 2025
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor/Chair Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Medrano, Councilmember/Director Gomez, Councilmember/Director Lampkin, Councilmember/Director Nigsarian
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Espinoza announced upcoming community events and activities.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF:
City Manager Sadro recognized Community Services, Police, Community & Economic Development, and the Public Works D epartments for their work during the Egg Night and Spring Family Eggstravaganza events held this past weekend.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS:
Each City Councilmember /Director commented and reported on their attendance to past community events and activities.
Councilmember/Director Gomez requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of former KTLA broadcaster Ed Arnold and Recreation Specialist Bernard Nolen’s grandmother InaFaye Reese.
Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Medrano requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of his uncle Miguel Gomez.
Councilmember/Director Nigsarian acknowledged the passing of Roman Catholic Pope Francis.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor/Chair Espinoza adjourned the meeting in memory of Ed Arnold, InaFaye Reese, Miguel Gomez, and Pope Francis at 8:00 p.m. to Monday, May 5, 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/Secretary
These Minutes were approved on May 5, 2025.