MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
May 3, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Steggell called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 5:22 p.m. in the Council Chambers of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California, with all members present.
CLOSED SESSION
CS-1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6.
Agency Designated Representatives: Conal McNamara, City Manager Ryan Hallett Hinton, Administrative
Services Director
Employee Organizations: La Palma General Employees
Association
La Palma Police Association
La Palma Professional Employees
Association
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
CS-2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION:
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
County of Santa Barbara Case No.: 20CV02026 (City of Arcadia et al. v. Southern California Edison Co.)
CS-3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
Property: 5062 La Palma Avenue, La Palma, California
APN: 262-081-04
Agency negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
Negotiating parties: David Andaya
Under negotiations: Price and terms of payment
CS-4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957
Position Title: City Attorney
Mayor Steggell recessed into Closed Session at 5:23 p.m.
Mayor Steggell adjourned the Closed Session at 6:25 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Mayor Steggell reconvened the City Council in Open Session at 6:30 p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind announced that there were no reportable actions out of Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND
FLAG CEREMONY: Boy Scout Troop 650
INVOCATION: Pastor Tommy Hinostroza, La Palma Christian Center
ROLL CALL: Council and Commission Members
Council Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman, Council Member Patel, Mayor
Steggell, and Council Member Waldman
Council Members absent: None
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Terry Kim, Police Chief
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
Joe Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Scott Hutter, Planning Manager
Mike Matsumoto, Financial Consultant
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Steggell presented a Proclamation to Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Dohman in recognition of May – August as Drowning Prevention Awareness.
2. Noella Lew, member of the La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee and the Home Spotlight Sub-Committee, recognized the home of Ron and Joyce Eguchi, 7661 Blackstar Lane, La Palma.
Joe Pak, representing Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's office, also presented a Certificate of Recognition to homeowners Ron and Joyce Eguchi.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Joe Pak, addressed the City Council regarding Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's appreciation for the recent Festival of Nations event that was enjoyed by all present and thanked Staff for all their work.
Jack Amsell, Martial Arts instructor, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to City notification that his martial arts class will no longer be permitted to continue; that he has supportive students; that he has had large to small class sizes over time; and the value his class has provided to its students.
Vicki Tanner, a student of Jack Amsell's, addressed the City Council regarding her support for Mr. Amsell's martial arts class.
Preston Tanner, a student of Jack Amsell's, addressed the City Council regarding his support for Mr. Amsell's martial arts class.
Khemlal Adhikari, a student of Jack Amsell's, addressed the City Council regarding his suport for Mr. Amsell's martial arts class.
RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE THE CITY OF LA PALMA AS
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AT 6:58 P.M.
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
City Clerk Kenney stated, "The City Council will now recess and convene as the Successor Agency to the Dissolved Community Development Commission of the City of La Palma. Members of the La Palma City Council receive no compensation or stipend as a result of convening or participating in either the Successor Agency or otherwise as serving as members of the Successor Agency."
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Successor Agency Minutes
Minutes of the April 5, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Successor Agency.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Item A.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, Mayor Steggell, and Council
Member Waldman
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None Scheduled.
REGULAR ITEMS
None Scheduled.
ADJOURN THE CITY OF LA PALMA AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AND RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL AT 6:59 P.M.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waive the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
2. Approval of Council Minutes
Minutes of the April 5, 2022, Regular Meeting, and the Minutes of the April 19 and 21, 2022, Special Meetings of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Resolution No. 2022-23 approving the Registers of Demands for April 19, 2022, and May 3, 2022.
4. Third Quarter Operating Report, Fiscal Year 2021-22
Receive and file the Third Quarter Operating Report, Fiscal Year 2021-22.
5. City of La Palma Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report, Fiscal Year 2021-22, as of March 31, 2022
Receive and file the Cash and Investment Report for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2021-22.
6. Billboard Annual Monitoring Review Statements and Operational Written Report.
Receive and file the Billboard Annual Monitoring Review Statements and Operational Written report.
7. Award of Contract to JDL Design, LLC for City Yard Well PLC Maintenance.
Award a contract in an amount not to exceed $50,000 to JDL Design, LLC for City Yard Well PLC Maintenance.
8. Purchase of Replacement Vehicles
Authorize the purchase of the following vehicles:
a) One (1) 2023 Freightliner/West-Mark Dust Control Tank Truck for an amount of $138,148 from West-Mark of Ceres, CA, in conjunction with Sourcewell (Formerly known as National Joint Powers Alliance) contract number 060920-CER; and
b) One (1) 2022 Ford F-450/Terrex Hi-Ranger L13i Articulating / Telescoping Aerial Device for an amount of $209,852 from Terrex Utilities, Inc. of Watertown SD, in conjunction with Sourcewell (Formerly known as National Joint Powers Alliance) contract number 110421-TER.
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
9. Award of Contract to Control Air of Anaheim, CA for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Replacements
Award a Contract in the amount of $59,961 to Control Air of Anaheim, CA for HVAC replacements.
10. City Council Policy 3 Update to Include High School Students on the Community Activities & Beautification Committee
Amend City Council Policy 3 to include La Palma high school students on the Community Activities and Beautification Committee.
11. Agreement with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority for Animal Care Services
Execute an Amendment to the Agreement with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for the delivery of animal care services in FY 2022-23.
12. Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending City Municipal Code (Chapters 34 and 44) Pertaining To The Regulation Of Single Family Residential Duplexes And Urban Lot Splits, And Amending City Municipal Code (Chapter 44) Pertaining to Zoning Text Clean Up Amendments Addressing Planned Unit Development (PUD), Village Residential Overlay (VRO), Single Family Residential Remodels, Residential Parking Standards, And Residential Development Standards
Conduct the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance 2022-01 of the City of La Palma amending City Municipal Code (Chapters 34 and 44) pertaining to the regulation of single family residential duplexes and urban lot splits, and amending City Municipal Code (Chapter 44) pertaining to zoning text clean up amendments addressing Planned Unit Development (PUD), Village Residential Overlay (VRO), single family residential remodels, residential parking standards, and residential development standards.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 12.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, Mayor Steggell, and Council
Member Waldman
NOES: None
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. Public Hearing to Receive Input from the Community Regarding the Creation of a City Council District-Based Electoral System Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010
a) Mayor Steggell opened the Public Hearing at 7:01 p.m. b) City Attorney Thing gave an overview of the Staff Report and introduced Dr.
Justin Levitt, Vice President of National Demographics Corporation (NDC), who gave the presentation.
c) Council Comments and Questions
Discussion ensued regarding the factors that caused the difference in settlement amounts; that the highest settlement amount was due to Palmdale taking this to trial and the settlement issued by the Judge included attorney costs; that the laws changed in 2013 to set up the 90 day window after a demand letter was received; that most of the fees were from the legal work preparing for trial; inquiring about the community engagement tools; that NDC are looking to start "draw La Palma" tool that will be put on the City's website - www.drawlapalma.org - along with a community workshop; and that the public will have the ability to reach out to the City directly through the contact form being prepared; and that the City Council will get a copy of every comment and map received as part of the record. d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Steggell closed the Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m. f) Consider whether to:
1) Include an online mapping tool in addition to the paper-based public mapping tools;
2) Create an Ad Hoc committee comprised of two (2) City Council Members;
3) Adopt the proposed meeting schedule; and
4) Continue incumbent term limits.
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
Council Member Goodman supported public engagement including online mapping tools and news releases; support for an Ad-Hoc Committee; support for the timeline as detailed in the Staff Report; not taking a position on term limits, but asked for clarification on having no changes to term limits if the City plans to move towards district based elections; and support for four districts with an at-large mayor.
Council Member Waldman supported public engagement including online mapping tools versus paper; support for an Ad-Hoc Committee; support for the timeline as detailed in the Staff Report; leaving term limits as-is; and support for four districts with an at-large mayor.
Council Member Patel supported public engagement including online and paper mapping tools for those not tech savvy; oppose an Ad-Hoc Committee as this discussion needs to have every Council Member's participation; support for the timeline as detailed in the Staff Report; open to having a discussion on term limits; and support for having a more robust discussion on the value in having an at-large mayor.
Mayor Steggell cannot take a position on having an at-large mayor as there is not enough information; and that she voiced her opposition to having to move forward with district elections as the City is well known for its diversity and has never received a complaint.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker supported the idea of an Ad-Hoc Committee that reports back to the entire City Council; however, she understands that this discussion needs to have every Council Member's participation.
Dr. Levitt responded by noting he will report back on May 17 with more detail on having an at-large mayor; giving the City Council an update on NDC's tools/engagement plan to include not just an online mapping tool, but a paper mapping option as well; more information on term limits; and that by then, the City should have more detail on the 90-day extension allowing for more room in the schedule.
City Manager McNamara added that Staff can present much more detail on term limits; that clarification for outreach is that NDC will provide an online mapping tool on top of a paper map tool that will be made available for the public.
City Attorney Thind explained that term limits will be a discussion item only as to how term limits should be in place in conjunction with district elections; that term limits are voter approved; and that the existing term limits would stay intact if the City Council takes no action on the matter regardless of having district elections.
City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
City Manager McNamara addressed the City Council regarding having taken all the recommendations from them, and returning back to the second Public Hearing on May 17th with responses to requests for more information and addressing Council's other concerns.
Monty Baker, a La Palma resident, suggested that the City Council create a selection of maps to choose from and let the public decide from that batch as most residents are not knowledgeable on district maps should look like or what's best for the City; and that if the City Council does not provide a selection of maps, the City could be in receipt of many different versions of maps that would require many Staff hours to sift through.
REGULAR ITEMS
14. Long-Term Fiscal Status and Fiscal Year 2022/23 Budget 1) City Manager McNamara introduced Financial Consultant Matsumoto who gave the Staff Report and presentation on the Long-Term Fiscal Status Update.
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding details of the $620 thousand being transfered out is going to the Reserve Funds - other set aside funds. 2) Receive the overview of the Draft FY 2022/23 Budget, and provide direction for additional materials or information needed for Proposed Budget to be presented on June 7, 2022.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to receive and file the report and that staff will return on June 7, 2022, to have the City Council adopt the FY 2022-23 Budget.
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Mayor Pro Tem Baker attended the Metropolitan Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Annual Elected Officials’ Forum; the Community Conversation w/Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva; the League of California Cities (LOCC) Mayors & Council Members Roundtable and Community Services Policy Committee Meeting; the Swearing-In/Badge Pinning Ceremony for Officer Jay Choi; the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) Board of Trustees Special and Regular Meeting; the ‘Every 15 Minutes’ campaign event; the LOCC Speaker Series featuring Daniel Hahn, City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
Retired Sacramento Chief of Police; the Arbor Day Ceremony; the LOCC Orange County Division General Membership Meeting; Orange County Library Advisory Board (OCLAB) Executive Committee Meeting; the Festival of Nations and Parade; and toured the Buena Park and Placentia Navigation Centers.
Council Member Goodman attended the Community Conversation w/Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva; the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Legislative and Public Affairs Committee and Administration Committee meeting; a Special Meeting of the La Palma City Council; the OCSD Special Meeting for the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee; the OCSD Board Meeting; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Annual Workshop for the Executive Committee; the LOCC Orange County Division General Membership Meeting; the LOCC Housing Community and Economic Development Policy Committee meeting; and noted that although the City Council was unable to get to recognize Congresswoman Sanchez during the presentation portion of the meeting and that she had to leave prior to the completion of the urgent public hearing, he thanked her for the federal funding she got earmarked for La Palma's median project and is hopeful the presentation can be rescheduled.
Council Member Waldman attended the Festival of Nations and Parade.
Council Member Patel attended the ‘Every 15 Minutes’ campaign event and thanked Staff, Police Department, and La Palma Community Foundation for all their efforts; the Festival of Nations and Parade; and thanked Congresswoman Sanchez for the federal funding she got earmarked for La Palma's median project and thanked the City Manager for facilitating and coordinating the funding with the Congresswoman's office.
Mayor Stegged attended the Swearing-In/Badge Pinning Ceremony for Officer Jay Choi; the Lunch with the Mayor event with CJPIA's CEO; the ‘Every 15 Minutes’ campaign event and thanked Staff and the Fire Department Staff's participation; and the Festival of Nations and Parade.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara attended the Festival of Nations and Parade and echoed all the appreciation for Staff's work on this event and looks forward to next year's event; noted his disappointment that Staff was unable to recognize Congresswoman Sanchez tonight, but thanked her for all the efforts made to secure funding for the City's median projects and looks forward to rescheduling this recognition in the future; and congratulated Assistant to the City Manager Cisneros for his promotion and the benefits of the City Council's succession planning.
Police Chief Kim reported that the Police Department's social media platform is progressing, making preparations to have an effective launch; that today was its 'soft City Council Meeting
May 3, 2022
launch'; and that they have already had requests from the public to get involved in the application.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Steggell adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 8:07 p.m.
Michele Steggell
Mayor
Attest:
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk