MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA
APRIL 17, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. on April 17, 2026 in City Hall Meeting Room A/B, 13700 La Mirada Boulevard, La Mirada, California. The City Council was present with Councilmember Bean, Councilmember De Ruse, Councilmember Lewis, Mayor Pro Tem Otero, and Mayor Eng responding to roll call. City Manager Jeff Boynton and Assistant City Manager Anne Haraksin were also present.
1. Call to Order
Mayor Eng called the meeting to order.
2. Roll Call
City Manager Boynton conducted roll call.
3. Public Comments
Jack Miranda expressed support for the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce and small businesses.
Ellen Peters said she enjoys serving on the Public Safety and Traffic Commission and she thanked the City Councilmembers for their leadership.
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.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the Code of Ethical Conduct. The City Council expressed support for combining Sections 1 and 2 related to the Mission and Conduct of Members and for adding a new section to address public communication and the use of social media. The City Council also expressed support for the development of a workshop or onboarding process for new advisory body members to reinforce the City's values and expectations.
4.6 Chamber of Commerce Funding Request Discussion
City Manager Boynton provided an overview of the City's history of funding given to the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and the recent funding request submitted by the Chamber in the amount of $86,435.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the funding request submitted by the Chamber. The City Council requested additional data pertaining to membership, how businesses are positively impacted by the Chamber, and its benefit to the City. Chamber Board President John Gutierrez and Executive Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 17, 2026
Annual Workshop
Director Tammye McDuff provided information regarding the funding request and responded to questions.
Members of the City Council expressed support for providing in-kind funding for some Chamber events. The City Council discussed the idea of providing event funding in the amount of up to 40 percent of the cost, with 20 percent serving as initial funding and 20 percent as gap funding if needed. The City Councilmembers expressed support for providing startup funding in the amount of $8,500, which is a similar amount as the State of the City event.
City Manager Boynton said an item will be placed on a future agenda for Council's consideration and approval.
4.4 Priorities, Projects, and Programs
City Manager Boynton presented project and program ideas proposed by Councilmembers that would require additional capital, and potentially ongoing operational, funding.
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:
• Park Camera System Expansion
The City Council expressed support for expanding cameras to various park sites and for Mayor Eng and City Manager Boynton to meet with Los Angeles County representatives to discuss the idea of expanding the camera system to La Mirada Regional Park.
• City Hall Fountain Plaza Sculpture and Seating Areas
The City Council expressed interest in the installation of benches and/or tables in the fountain area so that residents can enjoy the area near the fountain. City Manager Boynton said staff would identify outdoor furniture options and present them for consideration at a Study Session meeting. The City Council also expressed support for the La Mirada Arts Colony presenting ideas for the selection and placement of a sculpture in the Fountain Plaza.
• Sculpture at New Non-Turf Landscape Area
The City Council discussed the placement of a sculpture in the non-turf landscape area at Alondra Boulevard and Stage Road. The City Council expressed support for the City exploring the idea of a public art program with the initial emphasis being on the Cily Hall Fountain • Hillsborough Park: Land Conversion
The City Council discussed the idea of the City owning and maintaining the land currently owned by The Manors on Hillsborough Drive.
Members of the City Council supported the idea of Mayor Eng inquiring 2 Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 17, 2026
Annual Workshop
if the Manors HOA would be interested in donating the property to the City.
• Arterial Streets Parkway/Side Panel Landscaping Enhancements The City Council discussed the landscaping of the La Mirada Boulevard frontage road near Tacuba Drive. City Manager Boynton said he would discuss the status of the project with the Public Works Department and provide an update to the City Council.
• Sensory-friendly Spaces at Community Events
The City Council discussed the idea of providing sensory-friendly spaces at community events. City Manager Boynton said staff members are currently exploring sensory-friendly areas and are planning on providing an area during the Halloweenfest event. • Senior Programs and Services Showcase Fair
The City Council discussed ways to promote senior programs and services. It was suggested the City promote free senior activities at community events. City Manager Boynton said an item related to senior programs and services will be placed on a future Study Session agenda.
• Childcare Needs Assessment
The City Council discussed the City's Tiny Tots program. It was suggested the City survey parents to obtain information pertaining to their childcare needs. City Manager Boynton said the City is currently in the process of developing a Community Services Needs Assessment and the assessment could include questions pertaining to childcare needs.
• Winter Holiday Social Media Business Promotion Campaign The City Council discussed a winter holiday business promotion campaign that could include a calendar of events and promotions at local businesses. It was suggested City staff and the Chamber of Commerce explore the idea.
Historical Preservation Items
The City Council discussed the Newberry Library documents and ways to make the documents accessible to the public. City Manager Boynton said the Historical Preservation Advisory Council is working on digitally and archiving the documents. The City Council also discussed the historical olive press. Members of the City Council expressed support for obtaining the olive press and displaying it possibly at Neff Park. 3 Minutes of the Special Meeting of April 17, 2026
Annual Workshop
4.2 Advisory Bodies Discussion
City Manager Boynton provided an update on the appointment and removal processes for advisory body members.
The City Council reviewed and discussed the status of advisory bodies and the appointment and removal processes. The City Council expressed support for the use of an ad hoc committee to interview potential Commissioners rather than conducting the interviews at a Study Session meeting. The ad hoc committee would be comprised of the appointing Councilmember, the Mayor or his designee, and the City Manager or his designee. Interviews for other potential advisory body members would be conducted by the Chairperson of the advisory body and the staff liaison.
4.3 SB 707 Brown Act Revisions Discussion
City Manager Boynton provided information on Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) and the modifications required for the City to comply with the new public meeting requirements. Members of the City Council reviewed and discussed SB 707.
The City Council recommended a minor change be made to the policy pertaining to the disruption of internet or telephonic services during public meetings. It was recommended section 6.3 specify that the meeting may reconvene after an hour with a vote by the City Council.
City Departments Update
The City Council reviewed and discussed the City Departments update.
5. Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Pro Tem Otero adjourned the meeting at 1:14 p.m.
Anne Haraksin, Assistant City Manager
Attest:
Ed Eng, Mayor
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