City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.
Monday, April 6, 2026
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Medrano 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 Medrano
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez
Councilmember Espinoza
Councilmember Nigsarian
Councilmember Lampkin
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Collins
City Clerk Barone
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS: None.
City Manager Sadro stated Closed Session Item No. 3 would be held prior to Item Nos. 1 and 2.
City Attorney Collins and Mayor Pro Tem Gomez recused themselves from Closed Session Item No. 3 due to conflicts of interest; and left the Closed Session Conference Room at 5:31 p.m.
City Attorney Collins and Mayor Pro Tem Gomez returned to the Closed Session Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. Conference with Labor Negotiator per Government Code Section 54957.6 -- Agency Representative: Jim Sadro, City Manager; Employee Organizations: Field Services Employees' Group.
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator per Government Code Section 54957.6 -- Agency Representative: Jim Sadro, City Manager; Employee Organizations: General Services Employees' Group.
Deputy Director of Finance Jack Ponvanit, Human Resources Manager Melinda Rodriguez, and Interim Deputy Director of Human Resources/Risk Manager Elvie Balderrama were present for Closed Session Item Nos. 1 and 2.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pending Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1); Lennar Homes of California, Inc., et al. v. City of La Habra; Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2021-01179515-CU- WM-WJC.
Lennar Homes of California, Inc., et al. v. City of La Habra; Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2021-01221710-CU-BC-WJC.
Californians for Homeownership v. City of La Habra; Orange County Superi or Court, Case No. 30-2023-01325471-CU-WM-NJC.
Acting City Attorney Craig Steele with Richards, Watson Gershon (RWG), Director of Community and Economic Development Susan Kim, and Special Advisor to City Council Steve Simonian were also present for this item. Acting City Attorney Ginetta Giovinco with Richards, Watson Gershon (RWG) participated via telephone.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Council reconvened at 6:15 p.m. There were no Closed Session announcements. Mayor Medrano adjourned the Adjourned Regular Meeting at 6:15 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING 6:30 P.M.:
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Medrano 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: Alejandra Zelaya with Senator Tom Umberg’s Office
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Medrano
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez
Councilmember Espinoza
Councilmember Nigsarian
Councilmember Lampkin
COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
OTHER OFFICIALS PRESENT: City Manager Sadro
City Attorney Collins
City Clerk Barone
Assistant City Clerk Lopez
Management Analyst II Hurt
Part-Time Clerk Martinez
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT:
City Attorney Collins announced that at the City Council Closed Session held on February 17, 2026, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, seconded by Mayor Medrano and carried unanimously to approve a settlement in the amount of $515,000 regarding Haichang Lu. He stated City staff will begin paying out on this settlement.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. PROCLAIM APRIL 2026 AS DONATE LIFE MONTH IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Medrano and City Council presented a Proclamation to OneLegacy Ambassador Mona Castro.
2. PROCLAIM MAY 7, 2026, AS A DAY SET APART FOR THE ANNUAL MAYOR'S PRAYER
BREAKFAST IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Mayor Medrano and City Council presented a Proclamation to Brian Burgess.
3. PROCLAIM APRIL 12 -18, 2026, AS NATIONAL ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
APPRECIATION WEEK IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Medrano and City Council presented a Proclamation to Police Chief Foster, Administrative Bureau Manager Duong, and Animal Control Officer Hernandez.
4. PROCLAIM APRIL 12-18, 2026, NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS
WEEK IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Medrano and City Council presented a Proclamation to Police Chief Foster, Administrative Bureau Manager Duong, and Communication Supervisor Wyse.
5. PROCLAIM APRIL 25, 2026, AS EARTH DAY/ARBOR DAY IN THE CITY OF LA HABRA
Mayor Medrano and City Council presented a Proclamation to Public Works Director Saykali.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Michael Shaw, La Habra resident, spoke.
Annette Limon, La Habra resident and Community Services Commissioner, spoke.
Norma Perez, La Habra resident, spoke.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Lampkin , and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 10.
Said motion CARRIED by the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
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 2026-01 ENTITLED: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 26 -0001 TO REPEAL CHAPTER 18.74 (NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION, CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ABATEMENT) OF TITLE 18 (ZONING) AND CHAPTER 10.36 (ABANDONED, WRECKED, DISMANTLED OR INOPERATIVE VEHICLES) OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC), ADD CHAPTER
8.16 (PUBLIC NUISANCES) TO TITLE 8 (HEALTH AND SAFETY), AMEND CHAPTER
18.72 (ENFORCEMENT) AND SECTIONS 18.12.120 (EXCEPTIONS TO PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 18.12.100 AND 18.12.11 0) OF CHAPTER 18.12 (SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS), 18.16.060 (GENERAL REQUIREMENTS) OF CHAPTER
18.16 (WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING AND WATER CONSERVATION), 18.23.100 (REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL SIGNS AND ABANDONED SIGNS -- PUBLIC NUISANCE ABATEMENT) AND 18.23.110 (NONCONFORMING SIGNS) OF CHAPTER 18.23 (SIGN STANDARDS), AND 18.62.060 (STANDARDS OF DEVELOPMENT) OF CHAPTER 18.62 (WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES), 18.64.040 (APPLICATIONS -- CONTENTS) OF CHAPTER 18.64 (COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION) OF TITLE 18 (ZONING), SECTIONS 13.20.030 (DESIGN) OF CHAPTER 13.20 (TEMPORARY SANITARY FACILITIES) AND 13.31.030 (IMPLEMENTATION) OF CHAPTER 13.31 (GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION AND EXPORTATION) OF TITLE 13 (PUBLIC SERVICES), AND SECTION 10.26.02 0 (BAIL SCHEDULE) OF CHAPTER 10.26 (BAIL SCHEDULE FOR PARKING OFFENSES) OF TITLE 10 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF THE LA HABRA MUNICIPAL CODE AND
MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 15378(b)(5) AND 15061(b)(3) OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES
That the City Council approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. CC 2026-01.
3. 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:
March 16, 2026 (Special Meeting)
March 16, 2026
4. APPROVE THE CITY'S EXCESS WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE POLICY FOR A 15 MONTH TERM
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to renew the City's excess Workers' Compensation reinsurance policy with Midwest Employers Casualty Company and a Self-Insured Retention (SIR), or deductible, of $1 million per claim for all employees at an annual premium cost of $254,916 for the period of March 20, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
5. APPROVE THE CITY'S EARTHQUAKE INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL FOR A 15 MONTH 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 $89.76 million to General Security Insurance, Palomar Exce ss and Surplus Insurance, Trisura Specialty Insurance, and Transverse Specialty Insurance for the term from April 19, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
6. APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LA HABRA ART ASSOCIATION That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an updated lease agreement with the La Habra Art Association.
7. APPROVE LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE LA HABRA WOMAN'S CLUB That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an updated lease agreement with the La Habra Woman's Club.
8. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE REGARDING LANDFILL
RATES WHICH WILL AFFECT MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL RATES AND
SERVICES
That the City Council:
A. Approve the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement with the County of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services; and, B. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the County of Orange (County) for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services.
9. APPROVE A PROJECT CHANGE TO THE AGREEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES RELATED TO
THE ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEM
That the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a Project Change in the amount of $57,600 to the existing agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for additional implementation services to support Phase II of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for the Human Resources and Payroll modules.
10. WARRANTS: APPROVE NOS.8340 THROUGH 8646 TOTALING $4,971,890.49
That the City Council approve Nos. 8340 through 8646 totaling $4,971,890.49.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION: None.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. DULY NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND CHAPTER 5.40 ("TOWING SERVICES") OF TITLE 5 ("BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS") OF THE LA HABRA
MUNICIPAL CODE
Police Chief Foster presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included: tow companies in La Habra and approved tow storage yards.
City Attorney Collins spoke regarding excessive checking.
Mayor Medrano opened the public hearing at 7:02 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Mayor Medrano closed the public hearing at 7:02 p.m.
Moved by Councilmember Nigsarian , seconded by Mayor Medrano , and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. CC 2026-02 ENTITLED: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.40 ("TOWING SERVICES") OF TITLE 5 ("BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS") OF THE LA HABRA
MUNICIPAL CODE AND MAKING A DETERMINATION THAT THIS ORDINANCE IS EXEMP T FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)".
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
CONSIDERATION ITEMS:
1. CONSIDER CITY OF LA HABRA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
Management Analyst II Hurt presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included transparency of the City’s Goals and Objectives.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 7:06 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez , seconded by Councilmember Lampkin , and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5 -0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE PROPOSED CITY OF LA HABRA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
2. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONERS AND ALTERNATES TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
City Clerk Barone presented the staff report.
City Council discussion included support for the appointment of three alternates to the Community Services Commission.
Mayor Medrano invited the public to testify at 7:14 p.m. There was no public testimony.
Moved by Councilmember Nigsarian, seconded by Councilmember Lampkin, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT:
A. ROY RAMSLAND TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 4 -YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2030;
B. THOMAS LUDWINSKI AS FIRST ALTERNATE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION; AND
C. NATALIE SAENZ AS SECOND ALTERNATE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, seconded by Mayor Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT ANNETTE LIMON TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION TO FILL ONE 3 -YEAR TERM THAT WILL EXPIRE ON MARCH 31, 2029.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, seconded by Mayor Medrano, and CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY (5-0) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT KANDACE GUTIERREZ AS FIRST ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian, Councilmember Lampkin NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Moved by Councilmember Nigsarian, seconded by Mayor Medrano, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
APPOINT NOHEMI VALENZUELA AS SECOND ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
A substitute motion was moved by Councilmember Lampkin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT GISELLE VELA AS SECOND ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
Said motion FAILED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, Councilmember Lampkin
NOES: Mayor Medrano, Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Moved by Mayor Medrano, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, and CARRIED (4-1) THAT THE
CITY COUNCIL APPOINT NOHEMI VALENZUELA AS SECOND ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez,
Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Nigsarian
NOES: Councilmember Lampkin
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Moved by Councilmember Lampkin, seconded by Councilmember Espinoza, THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPOINT GISELLE VELA AS THIRD ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
City Council
Monday, April 6, 2026
A substitute motion was moved by Councilmember Nigsarian, seconded by Mayor Medrano, and CARRIED (3-2) THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINT KEITH ACKE R AS THIRD ALTERNATE TO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION.
Said motion CARRIED by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Medrano, Mayor Pro Tem Gomez, Councilmember Nigsarian NOES: Councilmember Espinoza, Councilmember Lampkin
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
MAYOR'S COMMUNITY CALENDAR:
Mayor Medrano announced upcoming community events and activities.
COMMENTS FROM STAFF:
City Manager Sadro commended Acting Director of Community Services Albarian on the success of the Egg Night Late Night Egg Hunt and the Spring Family Eggstravaganza events.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS:
Each City Councilmember commented and reported on their attendance to past community events and activities ; congratulated Mayor Medrano on his retirement ; congratulated the appointed commissioners and thanked all commission applicants; congratulated Annette Limon on being one of the recipients of the Women of the Year Award by 46th District Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco ; expressed their condolences on the passing of La Habra resident Buffy Swodeck; recognized community members; and thanked City staff for their work and dedication.
Mayor Pro Tem Gomez requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Buffy Swodeck.
Mayor Medrano requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Levi Vargas.
Mayor Medrano invited Kenzlee Eddington to the dais to assist with adjourning the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Medrano adjourned the meeting in memory of Buffy Swodeck and Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Levi Vargas at 7:49 p.m. to Monday, April 20, 2026 , 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 20, 2026.