MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
December 13, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Steggell called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Goodman
INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Agosto, City Church
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
Mike Belknap, Community Services Director
Joe Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Ryan Hallett-Hinton, Administrative Services Director
Scott Hutter, Planning Manager
Terry Kim, Police Chief
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRODECURAL ITEMS
PI-1. Resolution Declaring Result of the November 8, 2022, General Municipal Election. a) Adopt a Resolution reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 8, 2022, and declaring the result; adopt Initiative Ordinance 2022-12, affirming voter approved Measure P regarding the increase of the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate from eight percent (8%) to twelve percent (12%); and
Council Member Patel made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2022-52 reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 8, City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
2022, and declaring the result; and adopt Initiative Ordinance 2022-12, affirming voter approved Measure P regarding the increase of the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate from eight percent (8%) to twelve percent (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
b) Conduct presentations to outgoing Mayor Michele Steggell; and Outgoing Mayor Michele Steggell thanked the La Palma residents for placing their trust in her; thanked her family for their support; thanked several City Management team members and department staff including the Police Department, Administrative and General Government Departments, Public Works and Recreation Department, and the City Manager's leadership; listed the many positions, boards and committees she has served on representing La Palma's best interest; noted the many accomplishments achieved during her tenure; and thanked the City Council for their support during her last eight years of service.
Outgoing Mayor Steggell passed the gavel over to Mayor Pro Tem Baker.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker and the entire City Council issued a proclamation and gavel plaque, and made a presentation to outgoing Mayor Michele Steggell for her eight years of dedicated leadership and service to the City of La Palma.
Additional presentations were made to outgoing Mayor Michele Steggell for her dedicated service by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's office, Senator Josh Newman's office, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do's Office, and Cerritos Mayor Chuong Vo.
c) Perform the City Clerk’s administration of the official Oath of Office and Induction of Nitesh Patel and Janet Keo Conklin.
City Clerk Kenney administered the official Oath of Office and Induction to Incumbent Nitesh P. Patel and newly elected Council Member Janet Keo Conklin.
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Council Member Patel thanked his family and the residents of La Palma for their support and stated he looks forward to serving. Council Member Janet Keo Conklin thanked her family and the residents of La Palma for their support and stated she looks forward to serving.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker requested to take a short recess at 7:24 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Baker reconvened the City Council at 7:36 p.m.
PI-2. City Council Reorganization
The City Council conducted its annual reorganization by selecting the positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
City Clerk Kenney opened up the floor to nominations for Mayor.
A motion was made by Council Member Patel to nominate Mayor Pro Tem Baker for Mayor. The motion was seconded by Council Member Goodman.
Seeing there were no other nominations on the floor, City Clerk Kenney asked for a motion and vote to closed the nominations for Mayor. Motion to close the nominations for Mayor made by Council Member Patel. The motion was seconded by Council Member Goodman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Baker, Keo Conklin, Goodman, Patel, and Waldman
NOES: None
The motion to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Debbie S. Baker as Mayor for 2023 carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin,
Council Member Goodman, Council Member Patel,
and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
Mayor Baker thanked the City Council Members for their support and opened up the floor to nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Council Member Patel nominated Council Member Waldman as Mayor Pro Tem.
The Motion was seconded by Mayor Baker.
Council Member Keo Conklin nominated Council Member Goodman as Mayor Pro Tem.
A motion to close the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem was made by Council Member Patel. The motion was seconded by Council Member Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Baker, Conklin, Goodman, Patel, and Waldman
NOES: None
Seeing the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem were closed, City Clerk Kenney asked for a vote on the primary motion for Council Member Waldman as Mayor Pro Tem:
AYES: Baker, Patel, and Waldman
NOES: Conklin and Goodman
Seeing the motion carried for the appointment of Council Member Waldman as Mayor Pro Tem, no vote was taken on the secondary motion.
PRESENTATIONS
None Scheduled.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
No members of the public wished to speak.
RECESS THE CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE CITY OF LA PALMA AS
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA PALMA AT 7:41 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."
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Successor Agency Minutes
Minutes of the November 1, 2022, Regular Meeting of the Successor Agency.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Item A.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin, Council
Member Goodman, Council Member Patel, and
Mayor Pro Tem 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 7:42 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.
2. Approval of Council Minutes
Minutes of the November 1, 2022, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Resolution No. 2022-53 approving the Registers of Demands for November 15, 2022, and December 6, 2022.
4. Agreement for Financial Consulting Services
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Governmental Financial Services (“GFS”) for financial consulting services.
5. Notice of Completion and Acceptance of Work for the Houston Avenue, City Project No. ST-364; Crescent Avenue, City Project No. ST-366; and Zone 5 City Project No. ST-365, Slurry Seal Improvements
Accept the work and authorize the Community Services Director to file the Notice of Completion and Acceptance of Work with the Orange County Recorder for the Houston Avenue Project City Project No. ST-364, Crescent Avenue Project City Project No. ST-366, and Zone 5, City Project No. ST-365, Slurry Seal Improvements.
6. Second Reading and Adoption 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
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2022-13 of the City of La Palma amending Article II of Chapter 34 of the La Palma Municipal Code.
7. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend the Sequence of District Elections in the La Palma Municipal Code and Adopt a Resolution Amending Resolution 2022-40
Conduct the second reading and adopt an Ordinance No. 2022-14 amending and superseding district election sequencing in Ordinance No. 2022-08; and adopt Resolution No. 2022-54 amending Resolution No. 2022-40.
8. La Palma Police Association Side Letter
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-55 approving a side letter agreement with the La Palma Police Association regarding Holiday Pay.
9. Resolution Adopting a Part-time Salary Schedule
Adopt Resolution No. 2022-56 amending the salary schedule for part-time employees.
10. Execution of Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding Grant Agreement City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Authorize the City Manager (or designee) to execute the FY 2022 Community Project Funding Grant Agreement and other related documents.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 10.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin, Council
Member Goodman, Council Member Patel, and
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None Scheduled.
REGULAR ITEMS
None Scheduled.
11. Appointments to External Committees and Internal Subcommittees Recommendation that the City Council discuss the External Committee and Internal Committee appointments pursuant to revised Council Policy 1 – City Council Norms and appoint Representatives and Alternates, where appropriate, to the various External and Internal Committees.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to the appointments to the External Committees and Internal Subcommittees as follows:
Council Member Goodman appointed as the City's Representative and Mayor Baker as the City's Alternate Representative to the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA).
Council Member Goodman appointed as the City's Representative with Mayor Baker as the City's Alternate Representative to the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD).
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Mayor Pro Tem Baker appointed last year to a two-year term as the City's Representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) and will continue with her second year. No alternate is required.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman appointed as the City's Representative and Council Member Keo Conklin as the City's Alternate Representative to the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC).
Council Member Patel appointed as the City's Representative with Mayor Baker as the City's Alternate Representative to the Orange County Library Advisory Board (OCLAB).
Council Member Goodman appointed as the City's Representative to the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly. No alternate is required.
All Internal Subcommittees will have the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem serving in their respective capacities on an as needed basis except the Business Engagement Committee, which will have Mayor Baker and Council Member Patel serving on the committee.
Council Member Keo Conklin appointed as the City's Representative to the Homeless Sub-Committee (Bridges at Kraemer Place). No alternate is required.
Mayor Baker asked the City Attorney if the Business Task Force can be removed from the list of Committees as this committee has not met or been used since its inception in 2014. City Attorney Thind said the City Council can use their discretion on whether to take action to remove it, or decide to just not appoint a representative. Mayor Baker and the City Council took no action on this item.
Council Member Patel appointed as the City's Representative to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). City Attorney Thind added that although Council Member Patel has been appointed, a Resolution will need to be adopted at the next meeting confirming his appointment to the OCFA.
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin discussed her reason for running as a candidate for the City Council; that she attended the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon; passed on her appreciation for Police Department and Recreation Staff; thanked City Manager McNamara for his guidance; and looks forward to serving the community with the other Council Members.
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman attended the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Council Member Patel attended the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Council Member Goodman attended the Veteran's Day celebration and Hero's Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Orange County Fairgrounds; the CalPERS Local Elected Officials Forum; the CJPIA Executive Committee meeting; the OCSD Ad-Hoc General Manager Recruitment Committee meeting; the League of California Cities (LOCC) Leadership Workshop; the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon; the OCSD Operations Committee meeting where he was appointed as Chair; thanked outgoing Mayor Steggell for her dedicated service to the City of La Palma; and congratulated Mayor Baker and Mayor Pro Tem Waldman on their appointments.
Mayor Baker attended the CalPERS Local Elected Officials Forum; the OCMVCD Board of Trustees Special Meeting and Regular Meeting; the Veteran's Day celebration and Hero's Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony at the Orange County Fairgrounds; the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon; One Life Legacy's 20th Anniversary Donate Life's 2022 Rose Bowl Parade Float in progress of its construction; the Swearing-In Ceremony for new Police Officer Timothy Cruz; and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Mayor Baker requested to put an item on the January Agenda to research the option of adding two pickle ball courts at Central Park. City Manager McNamara responded that Staff can return at the next meeting with a discussion item for City Council review.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara announced his appreciation for City Council members over this past year and looks forward to working with them in the next upcoming year; that he wished everyone a very Happy Holidays to all residents, Staff, and City Council members.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind announced that he will coordinate the City Council's AB 1234 Ethics Training with the City Clerk and City Manager's office and wished everyone a very Happy Holiday season.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Baker adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 7:59 p.m.
City Council Meeting
December 13, 2022
_____________________________
Debbie S. Baker
Mayor
_____________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk