MINUTES OF THE REGULAR STUDY SESSION MEETING
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - 5 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lewis called the meeting to order at 5 p.m. in Conference Room 1, La Mirada City Hall, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California.
2. ROLL CALL
The City Council was present with Councilmember Bean, Councilmember De Ruse, and Mayor Lewis responding to roll call. Councilmember Otero and Mayor Pro Tem Eng were absent.
The following staff members were present: City Manager Jeff Boynton, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Anne Haraksin, and City Attorney James Markman.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mike Meza commented on item 4.2.
4. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION
4.1 INTERVIEW OF A POTENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSIONER
Members of the City Council invited Erin Berry to provide information on her interest, qualifications, and experience, as they relate to the Community Services Commission.
Members of the City Council asked Ms. Berry questions related to her potential role on the Community Services Commission. The City Manager said an item regarding her potential appointment would be placed on an upcoming City Council meeting agenda.
4.2 INTERVIEW OF A POTENTIAL PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC
COMMISSIONER
Members of the City Council invited Albert Maldonado to provide information on his interest, qualifications, and experience, as they relate to the Public Safety and Traffic Commission.
Members of the City Council asked Mr. Maldonado questions related to his potential role on the Public Safety and Traffic Commission. The City Manager said an item regarding his potential appointment would be placed on an upcoming City Council meeting agenda.
Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 11, 2025
4.3 2024 ANNUAL CRIME REPORT
City Manager Jeff Boynton introduced the item. Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin, Norwalk Sheriff's Station Captain Rick Conti, and Service Area Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez were present to give a report Captain Conti said there were 875 Part 1 crimes reported in 2024 compared to 981 reported in 2023. He said 95 percent of Part 1 crimes were property crimes. He also said crimes against persons decreased from 59 incidents in 2023 to 43 incidents in 2024. He said with the implementation of Proposition 36 and the support of the new District Attorney, he hopes to see a continued decline in property crimes.
Captain Conti provided information on the number of homicides, rapes, larceny incidents, burglaries, automobile thefts, robberies, assaults and arsons. He also provided information on response times and the number of arrests.
Captain Conti said the Public Safety Team plans to continue prioritizing high-visibility enforcement to maintain a low crime rate and keep the community safe. He said the team would continue to monitor crime trends and collaborate closely with Patrol Deputies and Detectives to identify issues and develop strategies for crime suppression and nuisance abatement. Additionally, he mentioned the City would continue using the La Mirada Living newsletter and a variety of social media platforms to inform residents about Public Safety programs, new laws, crime trends, and prevention tips.
Members of the City Council asked questions regarding the 2024 Annual Crime Report. The City Council expressed its appreciation to Captain Conti, the Sheriffs Department, and Public Safety Team for keeping La Mirada a safe community.
4.4 TREE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
City Manager Boynton introduced the item.
Public Works Manager Marlin Munoz said to maintain high standards of safety and aesthetics and to receive quality service at a reasonable cost, proposals for tree maintenance services are periodically solicited from qualified firms. He said since 2008, the City has awarded several contracts to West Coast Arborist (WCA). He said an agreement was last awarded to WCA in 2019, following a competitive bidding process. He said the agreement expired on October 14, 2024, and services have continued according to the terms of the agreement.
2 Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
February 11, 2025
Public Works Manager Munoz said WCA has submitted an offer to the City to hold current contract costs in place in exchange for a one-year contract extension and an optional second-year extension with a maximum CPI adjustment of three percent. He said inquiries of other Los Angeles County cities that have recently bid tree maintenance services indicate average rate increases of 10 to 15 percent. He said the increases are primarily due to rises in labor, fuel, and disposal costs.
Members of the City Council expressed support for the proposed extension of the tree maintenance agreement.
5. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
There was no City Manager report.
ADJOURNMENT
6h15p being no further business, the City Council adjourned the meeting al Leticia Revilla, Assistant City Clerk
ATTEST:
John Lewis, Mayor
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