MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
January 16, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Goodman 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, with Council Member Keo Conklin and Council Member Patel being absent.
CLOSED SESSION
CS-1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Consideration of whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): (1 case)
CS-2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9) Torres Claim No. CJP-3050117, regarding physical altercation Mayor Goodman recessed to Closed Session at 6:01 p.m.
Council Member Keo Conklin joined the Closed Session at 6:06 p.m.
Mayor Goodman adjourned Closed Session at 6:25 p.m.
Mayor Goodman reconvened in Open Session at 6:32 p.m. and asked for a report.
City Attorney Thind announced that there was no reportable action on Item CS-1; that on Item CS-2 - the Torres Claim No. CJP-3050117 - the City Council voted to reject The claim and that vote carried with four (4) in favor and with Council Member Patel being absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Baker called up resident and WWII Veteran, Cal Rowell, who led the Pledge of Allegiance
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January 16, 2024
INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Agosto, City Church
ROLL CALL: Council Members
Council Members present: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin, Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
Council Members absent: Council Member Patel
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Jesse Amend, Police Captain
Joseph Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Belinda Deines, Planning Manager
Andy Ramirez, Public Works/Community Services
Director
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. City Manager McNamara introduced Belinda Deines as La Palma’s new Planning Manager
2. Noella Lew, La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee, Home Spotlight Committee Chair, recognized the home of Erik Gutierrez & Margarita Velasco, at 7512 Anthony Circle.
Benjamin Montelongo representing Senator Nguyen's Office and Congresswoman Michelle Steel's office presented Certificates of Recognition to Erik Gutierrez & Margarita Velasco, for their home at 7512 Anthony Circle
3. Mayor Goodman presented a Proclamation in recognition of January 13, 2024, as Korean-American Day.
4. Mayor Goodman presented a Proclamation to Police Officer Jay Choi in recognition of being named La Palma’s 2023 Employee of the Year.
Benjamin Montelongo representing Senator Nguyen's Office and Congresswoman Michelle Steel's office presented Certificates of Recognition to Police Officer Jay Choi for being named 2023 Employee of the Year.
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January 16, 2024
5. Mayor Goodman presented a Proclamation to City Clerk Kimberly Kenney in recognition of being named La Palma’s 2023 Supervisor/Professional Employee of the Year.
Benjamin Montelongo representing Senator Nguyen's Office and Congresswoman Michelle Steel's office presented Certificates of Recognition to City Clerk Kimberly Kenney for being named 2023 Supervisor/Professional Employee of the Year.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Breta Nosaka, a La Palma resident and Home Owner's Association (HOA) Board Member for the La Palma Village, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the rehabilitation construction at Arnold Cypress Park; her appreciation for City Staff's assistance through the process to date; her disappointment with the response from the City of Cypress; concerns with the property line and new fencing; opposition to potential noise and lighting issues and lack of review or concern from Cypress; water draining issues; and is looking forward to meeting with City Staff to help facilitate discussions.
Matt Storm, a La Palma resident and member of the same HOA Board, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the cost of bulky item pick-ups; that the HOA pays thousands of dollars a month for basic trash service; and that the consistent trash dumping by individuals other than residents is increasing in frequency and in removal costs for the HOA.
Teddy Lloyd, a Cerritos resident, addressed the City Council wishing them a happy new year and congratulated City Clerk Kenney on her recognition; that he supports the City of La Palma having pickleball courts; that existing tennis players were opposed to the proposed changes of having dual usage on the courts; that the sport of tennis is not growing like pickleball; and that he is happy to serve as a neutral party for the tennis players and pickleball players.
Jack Haber, Unispec business owner, addressed the City Council regarding the median project that he bid on and appreciated being part of the process; his desire to resolve the outcome of the two bidders; that he acquired a limited bond as a small company and as such, would like to know who won the contract; and noted his previous work for other cities.
Warren Williams, a project inspector for Artesia, addressed the City Council regarding his positive history and reference of working with Unispec.
Cal and Shirley Rowell, La Palma Residents, addressed the City Council regarding their opposition to the changes being made at Cypress Arnold Park; and that there has never City Council Meeting
January 16, 2024
been an issue with noise, but supports a taller fence height than the 6-foot fence being proposed.
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 December 12, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-01 approving the Registers of Demands for December 19, 2023, January 2, 2024, and January 16, 2024.
4. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2023
Receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) of the City of La Palma for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023.
5. 2024 Legislative Platform
Adopt the City of La Palma’s 2024 State and Federal Legislative Platform.
6. West Orange County Community Emergency Response Team Memorandum of Understanding
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-02 approving the City of La Palma’s participation in the West Orange County Community Emergency Response Team Memorandum of Understanding dated October 4, 2023; and authorize the City Manager and the Police Chief, or their designees, to complete and sign all necessary documents and materials.
7. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Approving a Development Agreement Between the City of La Palma and Outfront Foster Interstate, LLC for a Double-sided Digital Display Billboard at 6951 Walker Street.
Conduct the second reading and Adopt Ordinance 2024-01 Approving a Development Agreement Between the City of La Palma and Outfront Foster Interstate, LLC for a Double-sided Digital Display Billboard at 6951 Walker Street.
8. Traffic Signal Controller and Battery Backup Equipment Purchases Authorize the City Manager or designee to purchase six (6) traffic signal control devices from Econolite of Anaheim, California, totaling $45,150 and authorize the City Council Meeting
January 16, 2024
purchase of eight (8) traffic signal controller battery backup systems from Clary Corp/NexTech Systems of Irvine, California, totaling $47,410.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 8.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member
Conklin, Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Pro
Tem Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patel
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Resolution Confirming Outstanding Costs of Abatement and Directing that Such Costs be Assessed Pursuant to La Palma Municipal Code Chapter 26 Against Property Located at 5782 Warwick Circle as Special Assessment if not Timely Remitted
a) Mayor Goodman opened the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m. b) City Attorney Thind gave the Staff Report
c) City Council Comments and Questions:
None.
d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Goodman closed the Public Hearing at 7:25 p.m. f) Adopt a Resolution Confirming Outstanding Costs of Abatement in the Amount of $10,051.42 and Directing that such Costs be Assessed Pursuant to City Municipal Code Chapter 26 Against the Property Located at 5782 Warwick Circle as a Special Assessment if not Timely Remitted.
Council Member Conklin made a motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2024-03 Confirming Outstanding Costs of Abatement in the Amount of $10,051.42 and Directing that such Costs be Assessed Pursuant to City Municipal Code City Council Meeting
January 16, 2024
Chapter 26 Against the Property Located at 5782 Warwick Circle as a Special Assessment if not Timely Remitted.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member
Conklin, Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Pro
Tem Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patel
REGULAR ITEMS
10. Consideration of Agenda Management Software and City Council Meeting Media Streaming Services
Recommendation that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC for the purchase of Agenda Management Software and City Council Meeting Media Streaming Services.
Assistant to the City Manager Cisneros gave the Staff Report.
Discussion ensued regarding support for technology upgrades; support for streamlining the City's processes; that this should automate the agenda process for the City Clerk.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Council Member Baker made a motion to authorize the City Manager to enter into an Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC for the purchase of Agenda Management Software and City Council Meeting Media Streaming Services.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member
Conklin, Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Pro
Tem Waldman
NOES: None
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January 16, 2024
ABSENT: Council Member Patel
11. Community Activities and Beautification Committee (CAB) Recommendation Regarding Concerts in the Park Date Change
Recommendation that the City Council consider moving the Concerts in the Park series from Saturday nights to Thursday nights to help procure high quality entertainment and increase community engagement for this family focused event.
Public Works/Community Services Director Ramirez gave the Staff Report.
Discussion ensued regarding support for moving the date; consensus for the City Council to reserve the right to go back to Saturdays if Thursdays do not produce results; support for the cost savings; how these changes have affected other adjacent cities who made these same changes who've seen no decrease in attendance; that the majority of cities have their concerts in the park on weekdays; that La Palma would not compete on days that Cypress and Buena Park have their concerts; that these concerts is what drew Mayor Goodman to serve on the CAB committee and later on the City Council; that these recommendations are made with analysis and research; that the City Council can always make adjustments in the future; that City Manager McNamara reported that Council Member Patel shares the same position as Council Member Baker to be able to review it and go back to Saturdays if the proposal does not work out; and overall support of the project not being in conflict with neighboring cities and added financial savings.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Council Member Conklin made a motion to move the Concerts in the Park series from Saturday nights to Thursday nights to help procure high quality entertainment and increase community engagement for this family focused event.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member
Conklin, Mayor Goodman, and Mayor Pro
Tem Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Patel
City Council Meeting
January 16, 2024
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin wished everyone a happy New Year; thanked the residents and City Council for their support after serving a year on the City Council; welcomed Belinda Deines into her new role as the City's Planning Manager; thanked the CAB Committee and home owners for keeping La Palma beautiful; and congratulated Officer Jay Choi and City Clerk Kimberly Kenney on their recognition.
Council Member Baker wished everyone a happy New Year; attended the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) joint meeting of the Budget and Finance and Building Property and Equipment committees; the OCMVCD Board of Trustees meeting; the Cal Cities Representatives Virtual Committee introduction meeting; the Senior Citizens Advisory Council meeting; the Cal Cities Speaker Series meeting and department meeting; welcomed Belinda Deines into her new role as the City's Planning Manager; and congratulated Officer Jay Choi and City Clerk Kimberly Kenney on their recognition; and recognized resident Cal Rowell, a Navy WWII Veteran, and thanked him for his service.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman had nothing to report.
Mayor Goodman attended the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Claims and Executive committee meeting; the CJPIA Ground Breaking ceremony on the corner lot; a recognition event for resident and WWII Veteran, Stansbury Johnson, for his service in the Montford Point Marines; the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Executive committee meeting; the Cal Cities Community Economic and Human Development Committee; the Cal Cities Regional Council meeting; the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Division meeting; welcomed Belinda Deines into her new role as the City's Planning Manager; congratulated Officer Jay Choi and City Clerk Kimberly Kenney on their recognition; and wished everyone a happy New Year.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara welcomed everyone back and wished them a happy New Year; welcomed Belinda Deines into her new role as the City's Planning Manager; congratulated Officer Jay Choi and City Clerk Kimberly Kenney on their recognition; and announced the upcoming Citizens Academy in March on Wednesday evenings.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
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January 16, 2024
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 7:51 p.m. ____________________________
Marshall Goodman
Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk