City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
&
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Monday, September 15, 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
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Nigsarian (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:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1):
Francisco Ramirez vs. City of La Habra, et al, Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01372918- CU-PA-CJC.
Former City Attorney Richard D. Jones with Jones Mayer Law, Deputy City Attorney Melissa Ballard with Jones Mayer Law, Deputy Director of Human Resources Lucy Coelho-LaFreniere, and Human Resources Manager Melinda Rodriguez were also present for this item. Acting City Attorney Justin F. Spearman with Bordin Semmer LLP participated via telephone.
2. Worker's Compensation Claim per Government Code Section 54956.95; Claimant: Carmen Gonzalez Avila EAMS/WCAB Case No. ADJ14458935.
Former City Attorney Richard D. Jones with Jones Mayer Law, Deputy City Attorney Melissa Ballard with Jones Mayer Law, Deputy Director of Human Resources Lucy Coelho-LaFreniere, and Human Resources Manager Melinda Rodriguez were also present for this item.
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): In Re National Prescription Opiate Litigation; USDC, Northern District of Ohio, MDL No. 2804.
Former City Attorney Richard D. Jones with Jones M ayer Law and Deputy City Attorney Melissa Ballard with Jones Mayer Law were also present for this item.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council reconvened at 5:46 p .m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Espinoza adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 5:46 p.m.
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: Councilmember Lampkin
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Espinoza
Mayor Pro Tem Medrano
Councilmember Gomez
Councilmember Lampkin
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Nigsarian (excused absence) OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Collins
Assistant City Manager Yap
City Clerk Barone
Management Analyst II Hurt
Part-Time Clerk Martinez
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT: None.
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2025 AS "WORLD ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE
CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and City Council presented a proclamation to Orange County Representative Celina Berenguer.
2. PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 26, 2025, AS "HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONALS DAY" IN
THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Espinoza and City Council present a proclamation to Deputy Director of Human Resources Coelho-LaFreniere, Human Resources Manager Rodriguez, Human Resources Technician Rutz, Human Resources Technician Avalos, and Human Resources Assistant Acevedo.
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
3. RECOGNITION OF CITY ATTORNEY RICHARD D. JONES UPON HIS RETIREMENT
Mayor Espinoza and City Council recognized former City Attorney Richard D. Jones upon his retirement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Floyd Alvarado, La Habra resident, spoke.
Robert Amaro, La Habra resident, spoke.
Tim Nally, La Habra resident, spoke.
Frank Krall, La Habra resident, spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, seconded by Councilmember Gomez, and CARRIED (4-0) TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 20; WITH EXCEPTION OF ITEM 13 WHICH WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: Councilmember NIgsarian
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 Minutes of:
• August 18, 2025
• September 2, 2025
3. APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA MEETING MINUTES
That the City Council approve the Planning Commission of the City of La Habra minutes of:
May 12, 2025
May 27, 2025
June 9, 2025
July 14, 2025
July 28, 2025
July 28, 2025 (Special Meeting)
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
4. APPROVE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
That the City Council receive and file the Community Services Commission of the City of La Habra meeting minutes for:
March 12, 2025
April 9, 2025
May 14, 2025
June 11, 2025
5. APPROVE DENIAL OF LIABILITY CLAIM OF ANGELA SUAREZ AND JANESSA DURAN
That the City Council deny the claim of Angela Suarez and Janessa Duran in order to set a definite six-month Statute of Limitations date.
6. APPROVE THE SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. CC 2025 -09 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 12.30 (DOG PARKS) TO TITLE 12 (STREETS,
SIDEWALKS, AND PUBLIC PLACES) OF THE LA HABRA MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING
TO REGULATIONS FOR DOG PARKS
That the City Coun cil approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No.
CC 2025-09.
7. APPROVE A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 6113 AND CC 2025 -16
PERTAINING TO A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR GENERAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES' GROUP AND APPROVE A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025 -01
PERTAINING TO A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE LA HABRA MUNICIPAL
EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION
That the City Council:
A. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025-24 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDIN G RESOLUTION NO. 6113 AND CC 2025-16 PERTAINING TO A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR GENERAL SERVICES EMPLOYEES' GROUP; and,
B. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025-25 ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. CC 2025-01 PERTAINING TO A COMPENSATION PLAN FOR THE
LA HABRA MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION (FIELD/MAINTENANCE SERVICES EMPLOYEES' GROUP).
8. APPROVE TRACT MAP NO. 19280 AT 310 -330 EAST WHITTIER BOULEVARD, AS
SUBMITTED, AND ACCEPT THE DEDICATIONS FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR
EMERGENCY AND PUBLIC SECURITY VEHICLES AND TRASH COLLECTION PURPOSES
AS SHOWN ON SAID MAP
That the City Council approve Tract Map No. 19280 at 310 -330 East Whittier Boulevard, as submitted, and accept the dedication for ingress and egress for emergency and public security vehicles, and for trash collection purposes as shown on said map.
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
9. APPROVE TRACT MAP NO. 19281 AT 120 EAST WHITTIE R BOULEVARD, AS
SUBMITTED, AND ACCEPT THE DEDICATIONS FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS FOR
EMERGENCY AND PUBLIC SECURITY VEHICLES AND TRASH COLLECTION PURPOSES
AS SHOWN ON SAID MAP
That the City Council approve Tract Map No. 19281 at 120 East Whittier Boulevard, a s submitted, and accept the dedication for ingress and egress for emergency and public security vehicles, and for trash collection purposes as shown on said map.
10. APPROVE NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR EMERGENCY WATER MAIN, SIDEWALK AND
ROADWAY REPAIRS ON EUCLID STREET
That the City Council approve a Notice of Completion for the emergency water main, sidewalk and roadway repairs on Euclid Street between Montwood Avenue and Sandlewood Avenue; and authorize staff to submit the Notice of Completion for recordation.
11. APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF A RIGHT -OF-WAY GRANT DEED FOR 110 SOUTH
COLLEGE STREET
That the City Council:
A. Approve the acceptance of a dedication of additional right -of-way at 110 South College Street; and,
B. Approve and authorize recordation of the Grant Deed with the County of Orange.
12. APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF A RIGHT -OF-WAY GRANT DEED FOR 114 SOUTH
COLLEGE STREET
That the City Council:
A. Approve the acceptance of a dedication of additional right -of-way at 114 South College Street; and,
B. Approve and authorize recordation of the Grant Deed with the County of Orange.
13. REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH FEHR & PEERS FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FHWA SS4A GRANT AWARD
NO. 693JJ32340200, CITY PROJECT NO. 1-TC-24
14. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH WILLDAN
ENGINEERING FOR ON -CALL PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND PLAN CHECK
SERVICES
That the City Council:
A. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Willdan Engineering of Anaheim, California, in the annual amount of $100,000 for On-Call Private Development Review and Plan Check Services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 through Fiscal Year 2027-2028; and,
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
B. Authorize staff to issue an annual purchase order to Willdan Engineering for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 through 2027-2028 in the amount of $100,000.
15. APPROVE AWARD OF CONTRACT TO DASH CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF LA HABRA COMMUNITY CENTER PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 4-B-25
That the City Council:
A. Approve the Project Plans and Specifications for the La Habra Community Center Parking Lot Improvements Project, City Project No. 4-B-25;
B. Award a construction contract to Dash Construction Company, Inc. of Woodland Hills, California, for construction of the La Habra Community Center Parking Lot Improvements Project, City Project No. 4-B- 25, in the amount of $159,810.00 and reject all other bids; and,
C. Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Dash Construction Company, Inc., and authorize staff to issue a purchase order to Dash Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $191,772.00, which includes a twenty percent (20%) contingency.
16. APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HELP FOR BRAIN INJURED CHILDREN, INC.
That the City Council approve a new lease agreement with Help for Brain Injured Children, Inc. for the City property located at 981 North Euclid Street.
17. APPROVE A WORKFORCE INNOVATION OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,397.50 TO WINDSOR SCHOOL OF NURSING, AS A COMPONENT OF THE READY S.E.T. OC (EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING) GRANT FUNDED PROGRAM FOR FY 2025-2026
That the City Council approve a Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) payment in the amount of $70,397.50 to the Windsor School of Nursing a component of the READY S.E.T.
OC (Employment & Training) Grant funded program for FY 2025-2026.
18. RECEIVE AND FILE AN UPDATE FROM THE CITY'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
COMMITTEE AND CONSIDER A BUDGET APPROPRIATION TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL
ACTIVITIES
That the City Council:
A. Receive and file an update from the City's Centennial Celebration Committee; and,
B. Approve and authorize an additional $50,000 budget appropriation from the City's Special Events reserve to help fund the City's remaining centennial celebration activities through the end of 2025.
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
19. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH CLEARSOURCE
FINANCIAL CONSULTING TO CONDUCT A FEE STUDY, COST ALLOCATION PLAN, AND
INDIRECT COST RATE STUDY
That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement with ClearSource Financial Consulting of Aptos, California, in the amount of $58,500 for a Comprehensive User Fee Study, Cost Allocation Plan and Indirect Cost Rate Study.
20. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS. 5422 THROUGH 5862 TOTALING $6,659,141.78
That the City Council approve Nos. 5422 through 5862 totaling $6,659,141.78.
CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION:
13. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH FEHR & PEERS FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FHWA SS4A GRANT AWARD NO. 693JJ32340200, CITY PROJECT NO. 1-TC-24
Deputy Director of Public Works/ City Engineer Mendoza presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: examples of a Safe Routes to School Action Plan; assessment of initial areas; timing of implementation; concerns with recent traffic accidents; and funding allocation.
Mayor Espinoza invited the public to testify at 6:58 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Lampkin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, and CARRIED (4-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH
FEHR & PEERS OF IRVI NE, CALIFORNIA, FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOO L ACTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT FHWA SS4A GRANT AWARD NO. 693JJ32340200, CITY PROJECT NO. 1-TC-24 IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,331.00; AND,
B. AUTHORIZE STAFF TO I SSUE A PURCHASE ORDE R TO FEHR & PEERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $400,000, WHICH INCLUDES A FIVE PERCENT (5%) CONTINGENCY, AND REJECT ALL OTHER BIDS.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: Councilmember Nigsarian
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE 2024 -2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT THE REPORT TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
That the City Council conduct a public hearing to review and approve the 2024 -2025 Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Authorize Staff to submit the CAPER to the U.S. Department of H ousing and Urban Development.
Community Development Project Manager Louie presented the staff report.
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 Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano and CARRIED (4-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE 2024-2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO SUBMIT T HE REPORT TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: Councilmember Nigsarian
2. DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA EXTENDING URGENCY ORDINANCE NO.
CC 2025-08 THAT ESTABLISHED A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON SMOKE SHOPS Director of Community and Economic Development Kim presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included : increase of smoke shops in the City; current business license regulations; whether the urgency ordinance applies to new or existing smoke shops businesses; and potential elements to add to the ordinance in the future.
City Attorney Collins clarified that City Council action would only be an extension of the temporary moratorium set to expire on October 2, 2025.
City Manager Sadro indicated that City Council may propose additional elements to the ordinance in the future.
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
Mayor Espinoza opened the public hearing for those who wish to speak in favor of th is item at 7:16 p.m.
Frank Krall, La Habra resident, spoke.
Norma Perez, La Habra resident, spoke.
Yaneth Rodriguez, University of Southern California (USC), spoke.
For the record, two public comment letters in support of this item were submitted to City Clerk Barone.
Mayor Espinoza opened the public hearing for those who wish to speak in opposition of this item at 7:28 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Mayor Espinoza closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Medrano left the dais at 7:28 p.m.; he returned to the dais at 7:29 p.m.
Councilmember Lampkin requested the following items for inclusion in the study of the Ordinance:
1. Increased Enforcement: Assess the cost implications and design of increasing inspection enforcement for new and existing tobacco resellers.
2. Licensing Fee Structure : Evaluate the implementation of a City licensing fee on current and new tobacco retailers.
3. Density Restrictions: A comparative study of density restrictions for tobacco sellers in other cities.
4. Crime Impact Analysis: Investigate any evidence connecting increased crime to tobacco resellers.
Moved by Councilmember Lampkin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, and CARRIED (4-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
A. APPROVE AND ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. CC 2025-10 ENTITLED: AN
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. CC 2025 -08 THAT ESTABLISHED A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON SMOKE SHOPS ; AND
B. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN THE STUDY OF THE ORDINANCE: INCREASED
ENFORCEMENT, LICENSING FEE STRUCTURE, DENSITY RESTRICTIONS, AND CRIME IMPACT ANALYSIS.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tem Medrano,
Councilmember Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: Councilmember Nigsarian,
City Council
Monday, September 15, 2025
CONSIDERATION ITEMS: None at this time.
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Espinoza announced upcoming community events and activities.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF: None.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Each City Councilmember commented and reported on their attendance to past community events and activities , recognized community members, public comment speakers in attendance and thanked City staff for their work and dedication to the La Habra community.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Espinoza adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. to Monday, October 6, 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 October 6, 2025.