MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
October 4, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Steggell called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California.
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 Police Association
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
Mayor Steggell recessed to Closed Session at 6:01 p.m.
Mayor Steggell adjourned Closed Session at 6:29 p.m.
OPEN SESSION:
Mayor Steggel reconvened in Open Session at 6:31 p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind responded that there are no reportable actions out of Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Patel
INVOCATION: Pastor Tommy Hinostroza, La Palma Christian Center City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
ROLL CALL: Council and Commission Members
Council Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman, Council Member Patel, Mayor Steggell
Council Members absent: Council Member Waldman
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Joseph Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Ryan Hallett-Hinton, Administrative Services Director
Scott Hutter, Planning Manager
Terry Kim, Police Chief
Jake Chavira, Water/Maintenance Supervisor
Robert Zubiate, Management Analyst
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Steggell presented a Certificate of Recognition to Kristen Valdimiano, a Walker Junior High School Student, for her accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the La Palma / Cerritos AAUW 2022 Tech Trek Program.
2. Mayor Steggell presented a proclamation Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division Chief Steve Dohman in Recognition of October 9-15 as “Fire Prevention Week”
3. Mayor Steggell introduced Council Member Patel who presented a Proclamation in Recognition of October as Hindu Heritage Month.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Onkar Bhaskar, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his hope of running for a future City Council position; his request to install pickle ball courts at Central Park; and the benefits of this sport to one's health.
Leo Gauthier, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his support for public safety services provided by the City from a car accident and finding an alleged perpetrator hiding in his backyard; support of Fire Prevention Week; and opposition to the City's sign code not allowing any signs in the public right-of-way and a request to modify the code as he's a real estate broker.
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE CITY OF LA PALMA AS
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AT 7:04 P.M.
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 September 6, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Successor Agency.
Council Member Goodman made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Item A.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None Scheduled.
REGULAR ITEMS
None Scheduled.
ADJOURN THE CITY OF LA PALMA AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL AT 7:05 P.M.
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
Waive the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Approval of Council Minutes
Minutes of the September 6, 2022, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Resolution No. 2022-38 approving the Registers of Demands for September 20, 2022, and October 4, 2022.
4. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Single Audit Report
Receive and file the Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2021.
5. City’s Responses to Grand Jury Report "How is Orange County Addressing Homelessness?"
Approve the City's response to the Orange County Grand Jury findings and recommendations and authorize the Mayor to sign the attached transmittal letter to The Honorable Erick L. Larsh, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County.
6. Resolution Amending the City Council’s Regular Meeting Schedule Resolution No. 2022-39 amending the City’s Council’s Regular Meeting Schedule.
7. Award of Contract to BESST Inc. for City Yard Well, Water Supply Diagnostic Services including Dynamic Profile of our City Yard Well Award a Contract to BESST Inc. in an amount not to exceed $39,000 for City Yard Well Dynamic Profile.
8. Approve Purchase of Hydrant Check Valves from Hydrant Guard LLC Approve the purchase of 29 Hydrant Check Valves from Hydrant Guard LLC in an amount not to exceed $77,000.
9. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance to Establish City Council ByDistrict Elections and Sequence of Elections and Adoption of a Resolution to Establish a District Map
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2022-08 establishing City Council By-District Elections and Sequence of Elections; and adopt Resolution No. 2022-40 establishing the City of La Palma’s Council District Map.
10. Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Articles III and VI of Chapter 28 of the La Palma Municipal Code
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance 2022-09 of the City of La Palma Amending Articles III and VI of Chapter 28 of the La Palma Municipal Code.
11. Award of Contract to Provide California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Services On A Digital Billboard Project At 6591 Walker Street, La Palma, CA Award a Contract in the amount of $35,310.00, to MIG Planning and Environmental Services, to provide California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) services on a digital billboard project at 6591 Walker Street, La Palma, CA (Project No: Precise Plan 288, Conditional Use Permit 390, and Development Agreement).
12. Resolution Updating the Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines Pursuant to Chapter 2 Section §2-384 of the La Palma Municipal Code and Rescinding Resolution No. 2007-41
Resolution No. 2022-41 updating the Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines pursuant to Chapter 2 Section §2-384 of the La Palma City Municipal Code and rescind Resolution No. 2007-41.
As a point of order, City Attorney Thind noted that Item 11 is being pulled from the Consent Calendar due to contractual changes needing to be made, and added that a motion to approve the Consent Calendar will not include Item 11.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 - 10 and 12.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST TO CONTINUE Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending City Municipal Code Chapter 34 (Sewers and Storm Drains) Article II Pertaining to the Regulation of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program TO THE NOVEMBER 1, 2022 COUNCIL MEETING.
a) Mayor Steggell opened the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m. b) City Manager McNamara introduced the Item and Management Analyst Zubiate gave the Staff Report.
c) City Council Comments and Questions:
None.
d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Steggell closed the Public Hearing at 7:07 p.m. f) APPROVE REQUEST TO CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING ON introduction of an Ordinance amending City Municipal Code Chapter 34 (Sewers and Storm Drains) Article II pertaining to the regulation of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program TO THE NOVEMBER 1, 2022 COUNCIL
MEETING
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve the request to continue the Public Hearing on the introduction of an Ordinance amending City Municipal Code Chapter 34 (Sewers and Storm Drains) Article II pertaining to the regulation of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program TO THE NOVEMBER 1, 2022 COUNCIL MEETING.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Goodman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
14. Review and Consideration of Conditional Use Permit 391 (CUP 391) A Request by Honey Pharmacy to Expand Their Existing Pharmacy Land Use Located at 7002 Moody Street Suite 106 (APNs 263-011-07, 09, 10, 13) in the Planned Neighborhood Development (PND) Zone
a) Mayor Steggell opened the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m. b) City Manager McNamara introduced the item and Planning Manager Hutter gave the Staff Report.
c) Council Member Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding the City Council remembering Honey Pharmacy’s grand opening event just a couple of years ago and support for expanding their business.
d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Steggell closed the Public Hearing at 7:14 p.m. f) Adopt a Resolution of the City Council approving and authorizing the Applicant’s request for Conditional Use Permit 391 to expand the Honey Pharmacy at 7002 Moody Street Suite 106.
Mayor Steggell made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-42 of the City Council approving and authorizing the Applicant’s request for Conditional Use Permit 391 to expand the Honey Pharmacy at 7002 Moody Street Suite 106.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
15. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Palma, California repealing Article III of Chapter 10 of the La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article III of Chapter 10 adopting by reference the 2022 Editions of the California Codes and related Model Codes which include the California Building, Residential, City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
Energy, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Existing Building Codes, the International Property Maintenance Code, and the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Building, with appendices and amendments thereto.
City Manager McNamara introduced the item and Planning Manager Hutter gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
None.
Public Input:
Leo Gauthier, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding whether these new building codes apply to ADU construction; and whether Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are required to have additional parking and charging facilities.
Planning Manager Hutter responded that these new building code updates do apply to ADU's; however, the City has a separate Ordinance that governs ADUs, their construction, and other requirements.
Mayor Steggell closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m.
a) Adopt a Resolution setting forth findings with respect to local climatic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and California Electric Code as amended by the State of California; and,
b) Introduce an Ordinance repealing Article III of Chapter 10 of the La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article III of Chapter 10 adopting by reference the 2022 Editions of the California Codes and related Model Codes which include the California Building, Residential, Energy, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Existing Building Codes, the International Property Maintenance Code, and the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Building, with appendices and amendments thereto.; and
Mayor Pro Tem Baker made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-42 setting forth findings with respect to local climatic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and California Electric Code as amended by the State of California; and Introduce an City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
Ordinance repealing Article III of Chapter 10 of the La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article III of Chapter 10 adopting by reference the 2022 Editions of the California Codes and related Model Codes which include the California Building, Residential, Energy, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Existing Building Codes, the International Property Maintenance Code, and the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Building, with appendices and amendments thereto.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
16. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of La Palma, California repealing Article II of Chapter 16 of the City of La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article II of Chapter 16 adopting by reference the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code with appendices and amendments thereto.
City Manager McNamara introduced the item and Planning Manager Hutter gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
None.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Mayor Steggell closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m.
a) Adopt a Resolution setting forth findings with respect to local climatic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Fire Code; and b) Introduce an Ordinance repealing Article II of Chapter 16 of the City of La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article II of Chapter 16 adopting by reference the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code with appendices and amendments thereto; and
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
c) Set a Public Hearing date for November 1, 2022, to adopt the Ordinance identified in item (b).
Council Member Patel made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-44 setting forth findings with respect to local climatic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Fire Code; introduce an Ordinance repealing Article II of Chapter 16 of the City of La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article II of Chapter 16 adopting by reference the 2022 Edition of the California Fire Code with appendices and amendments thereto; and set a Public Hearing date for November 1, 2022, to adopt said Ordinance.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
REGULAR ITEMS
17. Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Update
City Manager McNamara introduced the item and Administrative Services Director Hallett-Hinton gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
None.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
a) Approve a Resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget; and b) Authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with ClearGov for budgeting software services totaling $79,200; and City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
c) Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies for building and planning permitting software services totaling $22,000 for first-year services.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-45 amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget; authorize the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with ClearGov for budgeting software services totaling $79,200; and authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies for building and planning permitting software services totaling $22,000 for first-year services.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Goodman,
Council Member Patel, and Mayor Steggell
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Waldman
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Patel attended the Hope School Buena Park "Kicks for Kids" event; the Pacific Air Show opening ceremonies and new cadet swearing in ceremony at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces base; the International Day of Non-Violence and Peace at Cerritos College; and represented La Palma at the Pacific Air Show.
Council Member Goodman attended the League of California Cities (LOCC) Annual Conference where he was officially appointed to serve on the Board; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Statewide Insurance Conference; the CJPIA Executive Committee meeting; the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Board meeting; and the Placentia State of the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker attended the LOCC Annual Conference and Expo; the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) meeting: the OCMVCD Board of Trustees Meeting; the John F. Kennedy Singers’ performance, “Broadway Magic”; Cerritos State of the City; the Placentia State of the City; and represented La Palma at the Pacific Air Show.
Mayor Steggell paused the AB 1234 Reporting to ask for an update on the City's gasoline company credit cards.
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
City Manager McNamara reported that for a prolonged period of time, the City only had Union 76 Credit Cards that were used to gas up the City's fleet vehicles from Police, Public Works, to Community Development Departments; that ARCO recently reinstated their credit card program in July of this year; that prior to that, using ARCO was not always feasible as the individual would need to physically go inside the station to pay for gasoline; that that the City does not issue debit cards to Staff for fiscal control reasons and is why ARCO was not a choice at that time; that it was brought to our attention of the cost difference between Union 76 and ARCO gasoline; that as a result of the cost, City staff reached out to ARCO who have now provided La Palma with Credit Cards for their gasoline; that the City is currently armed with both gas company credit cards and department direction is to use the ARCO credit cards at every opportunity to spend less unless there's a reason; that the Police Chief can elaborate as to why having a police presence at both stations in the city is justifiable; that most of the newer vehicles purchased by the City use flex fuel which is only available at Union 76 stations; that internally, the City is working to make improvements with gasoline purchases as much as possible.
Police Chief Kim added that all Police Officers are doing their best to fill up with ARCO gasoline.
Mayor Steggell continued with her AB 1234 Report by noting she attended an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) 9/11 Ceremony; the OCFA Board of Directors meeting; Placentia State of the City; represented La Palma at the Pacific Air Show; invited the public to her Smores with the Mayor tomorrow afternoon; and reminded everyone about the upcoming State of the City on October 11th at 6:00 p.m.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara also announced the upcoming State of the City as our opportunity to highlight the City's accomplishments over the past year as the City’s coming out of the pandemic.
Police Chief Kim announced that West Orange County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program will be holding a four day academy; that a graduating ceremony for CERT students will be planned for Saturday, October 8; that five of those students are La Palma residents; reported on the armed robbery case at ARCO AM/PM on August 31, and within a few short weeks, the primary suspect has been arrested; and that normally, these investigation take much longer and is a small example of the outstanding work from the La Palma Police Department.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
City Council Meeting
October 4, 2022
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Steggell adjourned the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council at 7:47 p.m. __________________________
Michele Steggell
Mayor
__________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk