MINUTES OF THE REGULAR STUDY SESSION MEETING
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 – 5 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Eng 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 , Councilmember Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Otero, and Mayor Eng responding to roll call.
The following staff members were present: City Manager Jeff Boynton , Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin, City Clerk Leticia Revilla, and City Attorney James Markman.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Jack Miranda commented on providing additional funding to non -profit organizations.
4. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION
4.1 PREVIEW OF THE LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2025-26 SEASON
City Manager Boynton introduced the item.
Theatre Director BT McNicholl presented information on the 2025- 26 season. He said the last four seasons have seen record- breaking attendance and revenues. He said the four musicals and one comedy in the Broadway series and the 27 one- night shows that comprise the Presentations series constitute the core of the Theatre’s programming.
Additionally, the Theatre’s programming includes performances by the Resident Groups (La Mirada Symphony and Phantom Projects) as well as rentals to other organizations for d ance recitals, concerts, and graduation ceremonies.
Theatre Director McNicholl said the Theatre continues to focus on expanding the use of its new patio café, which received high marks from patrons after its inaugural season. He said the Theatre patio recently held outdoor summer attractions including a kar aoke night, paint ‘n sip event, and a live jazz concert. He said the goal would be to use the space for non- theatre-related experiences that engage the community and draw patrons to the area. Additionally, he said the Theatre has also begun to make plans to celebrate its 50
th anniversary, which would take place in September 2027.
Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
September 9, 2025
2 Members of the City Council asked questions about the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts 2025- 26 season and expressed their appreciation to Theatre staff for their creative programming.
4.2 LA MIRADA SYMPHONY FUNDING REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 City Manager Boynton introduced the item. Theatre Director BT McNicholl and La Mirada Symphony President David Derks presented the report.
Mr. Derks provided information on the Symphony’s upcoming concerts for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
City Manager Boynton provided information on the funding request. He said, if approved, the funding would be used as follows: $30,000 in-kind funding to be used towards performances at the Theatr e; $5,000 in-kind funding to be used towards rehearsals at the Activity Center; and $5,000 in direct funding to support Symphony operations.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the La Mirada Symphony’s funding request for Fiscal Year 2025- 26. Members of the City Council expressed support for the La Mirada Symphony’s direct funding request in the amount of $5,000 and $35,000 in-kind contribution for house charges to use the La Mirada Theatre for performances and the Activity Center for rehearsals.
4.3 PHANTOM PROJECTS FUNDING REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
City Manager Boynton introduced the item. Theatre Director BT McNicholl and Artistic Director Steven Cisneros were present to give a report.
Artistic Director Steven Cisneros provided information on the upcoming 2025-26 season, which includes three productions at La Mirada Theatre:
“Stand and Deliver,” “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” and “The Center of the Universe.” He said Phantom Projects w ould also conduct its annual “Young Artist Project” workshop at the Theatre. He said in addition to the funds in the La Mirada Theatre budget, Phantom Project’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 funding request is $137,950 which is the same as its request from the previous year. The funding is provided in kind for use of the Theatre and warehouse space.
Members of the City Council expressed support for Phantom Projects’ Fiscal Year 2025-26 in-kind funding request in the amount of $137,950.
5. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Boynton introduced Infinity Technologies President Mohammad Ahmed. Mr. Ahmed provided an update on the recent incident regarding cybersecurity. He said the IT team, along with federal, state , and local law Minutes of the Study Session Meeting
September 9, 2025
3 enforcement agencies, and cybersecurity consultants have worked diligently t o safeguard the City’s computer systems. He said in the upcoming weeks he would provide City staff with an update and cybersecurity training and resources.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the City Council adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.
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Leticia Revilla, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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Ed Eng, Mayor