MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA
MAY 31, 2024
The meeting was called to order at 8:10 a.m. on May 31, 2024 in City Hall Meeting Room AlB, 13/00 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California. City Council was present with Councilmember De Ruse, Councilmember Otero, Mayor Pro Tem Eng, and Mayor Lewis responding to roll call. City Manager Jeff Boynton and Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Anne Haraksin were also present.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order.
2. Roll Call
Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Haraksin conducted roll call.
3. Public Comments
There were no public comments.
4. City Council Workshop
4.1 Code of Ethical Conduct & Council Procedures Review City Manager Boynton led the discussion regarding the Code of Ethical Conduct. He said that the Code of Ethical Conduct is annually reviewed by the City Council during the retreat meeting. He also provided information on the City's recognition programs.
The City Council discussed the Council recognition process and methods of recognition. The City Council expressed support for redesigning the recognition certificates and for recognizing persons featured as exceptional neighbors by the Love La Mirada committee.
4.2 Council Vacancy & Special Election Timeline
City Manager Boynton provided an update on the Special Election that will be held on November 5.
The City Council expressed support for amending the La Mirada Municipal Code to set the date of the annual Council reorganization to the second meeting in July.
State of the Departments Report
City Manager Boynton presented a report on the State of the Departments.
The report included information on Department strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats (SWOT) for Administration and Administrative Services, Community Development, Community Services, Public Safety, Public Works, and the Theatre.
Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 31, 2024
Annual Workshop
Members of the City Council expressed support for the following Department projects to enhance services:
• Administration and Administrative Services - host business roundtables and a business recognition luncheon; upgrade the City's imaging system to include cloud migration and automation; redesign the City's website; provide a chart showing a trendline for revenues and expenditures; and provide periodic reports of trends and analytics from the My La Mirada app.
• Community Services - survey community event participants using a QR code at the event or posting a survey on the City's website; offer an opportunity for Youth Council members and Youth in Government students to attend a youth camp at Biola University; and explore the idea of purchasing or leasing former school sites to be used as athletic fields. • Public Safety - consider creating full-time Public Safety Officer positions to assist with recruitment and retention; and track visits and the number of calls to the La Mirada Community Sheriff's Station to determine if the hours of operation should be modified.
• Theatre - explore the idea of the City managing the sale of concessions.
4.4 2030 Strategic Plan Update
City Manager Boynton gave an overview of the strategic plan.
Members of the City Council recommended the 2030 Strategic Plan be renamed the 2028 Strategic Plan to reflect a shorter period. It was recommended the strategies be renamed priorities and the goals be renamed strategies. It was also recommended the City Council receive periodic updates on the status of the strategies.
4.5 City Financial Update
City Manager Boynton presented a review of the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 with a primary focus on the General Fund.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the financial update.
4.6 Capital Improvement Projects Schedule & Funding Discussion City Manager Boynton provided information on projects currently under construction, projects pending construction, and projects currently in design.
Members of the City Council discussed the capital projects status update.
4.7 City Priorities, Projects, and Programs
City Manager Boynton presented some of the proposed project and program ideas that would require additional capital, and potentially ongoing operational, funding.
2 Minutes of the Special Meeting of May 31, 2024
Annual Workshop
The City Council reviewed and discussed the presented ideas. Members of the City Council expressed support for further exploring and/or moving forward with the following proposed ideas:
• Expand the video camera system to include additional City parks and encourage the County to use a system in La Mirada Regional Park. • Increase the meeting attendance stipend that Commissioners receive to $100.
• Explore a Theatre bathroom expansion.
• Explore technology to build out the fiber optic internet throughout the City. • Expand the Santa's Caravan to Hawks Pointe.
• Explore ways to enhance the crosswalk on Hillsborough Drive west of Beach Boulevard.
• Require dogs and cats to be microchipped and spayed/neutered. • Enhance the foliage on Marquardt Avenue.
• Explore the idea of hosting a drone show.
• Explore the idea of purchasing the Fiske Foundry's Sphynx.
4.8 City Advisory Bodies Discussion
City Manager Boynton provided an update on the appointment process for advisory body members.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the status of advisory bodies and the appointment process. Members of the City Council expressed support for moving forward with the following ideas:
• Require new advisory body members to complete a background process after an application is received and before interviews are scheduled. • Host a Coffee with Commission Candidates in the Spring. • Schedule meetings with Commissions.
5. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Lewis adjourned the meeting at 12 p.m.
Anne Haraksin, City Clerk
Attest:
John Lewis, Mayor
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