MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
May 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Goodman called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California.
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): (2 cases)
CS-2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9) Name of Case:
Torres vs. City of La Palma Case No. OCSC TC24-3498
CS-3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 paragraph (1) of subdivision (d)) CS-4. THE CITY COUNCIL WILL MEET IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957(B)(1):
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Position Title: City Manager
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
The City Council adjourned the Closed Session at 6:25 p.m.
OPEN SESSION:
Mayor Goodman reconvened in Open Session at 6:31 p.m. and asked the City Attorney for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind announced that there was no reportable action on any of the Items in Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Baker
City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
INVOCATION: Pastor Peter Hernandez, La Palma Christian Center ROLL CALL: Council Members
Council Members present: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin, Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
Council Members absent: None
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Ryan Hallett, Assistant City Manager/Administrative
Services Director
Joe Cisneros, Assistant to the City Manager
Andy Ramirez, Public Works/Community Services
Director
Ron Wilkerson, Police Chief
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. City Manager McNamara introduced Marilyn Tap as the City’s new Human Resource Intern and Medina Avdic as the City’s new Community Development Intern.
2. Mayor Goodman presented a proclamation to Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) Chief Steve Dohman in Recognition of May through August as Drowning Prevention.
3. Mayor Goodman presented a proclamation to Public Works/Community Services Director Ramirez in Recognition of May 19-25, 2024, as National Public Works Recognition Week.
4. Mayor Goodman presented a proclamation to Miles Moreau in honor of his attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Field Representatives Benjamin Montelongo from Senator Janet Nguyen's office and Joe Pak from Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's office presented Certificates of Recognition to Miles Moreau in honor of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
5. Mayor Goodman issued Certificates of Recognition to Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) Soapbox Speech Champions.
Field Representatives Benjamin Montelongo from Senator Janet Nguyen's office and Joe Pak from Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's office presented Certificates of Recognition to the AUHSD Soapbox Speech Champions.
6. Mayor Goodman and Council Member Patel issued Certificates of Recognition for all the participants and faculty who worked on the "Every 15 Minutes" campaign program. They also recognized the La Palma Community Foundation for their efforts in partnering with Kennedy High School for this program.
Field Representatives Benjamin Montelongo from Senator Janet Nguyen's office and Joe Pak from Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's office presented Certificates of Recognition to all the student participants and faculty who worked on the "Every 15 Minutes" campaign program.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Linda Nguyen, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding her opposition to the installation of pickleball courts; opposition to the sport's noise level; submitted a petition of residents who are opposed to having pickleball next to their homes; opposition to the size of the courts resulting in disputes; and requested to be notified of any changes to these plans.
Teddy Lloyd, a Cerritos resident, addressed the City Council regarding inviting the City Council to the City of Artesia's dual pickleball and tennis courts; that Liberty Park in Cerritos is making two new pickleball courts and is planning to install even more due to public demand; and that he is hopeful that installing the overlays will satisfy both tennis and pickleball groups.
Keith Nelson, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the construction of six new pickleball courts at Cypress Arnold Park that La Palma residents could have access to; his opposition to the conditions of the vacant Walgreen's property; and support for the City addressing the issue.
Precious Jane Tell, from Singapore, addressed the City Council regarding being recognized by the 68th Assembly District for her musical and artistic contributions; that she wrote a poem for La Palma and read it into the record.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances
City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
Waive the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Approval of Council Minutes
Approve the Minutes of the April 2, 2024, Regular Meeting, and the April 4, 2024, Special Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-11 approving the Register of Demands for April 16, 2024, and May 7, 2024.
4. Third Quarter Operating Report, Fiscal Year 2023-24
Receive and file the Third Quarter Operating Report, Fiscal Year 2023-24.
5. Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report, Fiscal Year 2023-24, as of March 31, 2024
Receive and file the Cash and Investment Report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2023-24.
6. Destruction of Obsolete Records
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-12 authorizing the destruction of obsolete records pursuant to the California Government Code Section 34090
7. Notification of Rate Adjustment for Waste and Recycling Services Receive and file the report regarding the rate adjustment for residential and commercial waste and recycling services, effective July 1st, 2024.
8. Professional Services Agreement with Infinity Technologies for Information Technology Management Services
Approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a three-year professional services agreement with Infinity Technologies for Information Technology Management Services (ITMS) for the period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2027.
9. Spectrum Service Agreement for Internet at City Facilities City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the attached three-year agreement with Spectrum for internet at City facilities, including City Hall, Community Center, Police Department, Wi-Fi, City Yard, and Walker Well.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 9.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Resolution of Intention to Vacate a portion of a 20-foot Sidewalk Easement located at 6951 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623 (APN 276-071-11). a) Mayor Goodman opened the Public Hearing at 7:29 p.m. b) City Manager McNamara gave the Staff Report
c) Council Comments and Questions:
None.
d) Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
e) Mayor Goodman closed the Public Hearing at 7:33 p.m. f) Adopt a Resolution of intention to vacate a portion of a 20-foot sidewalk easement at 6951 Walker Street
Council Member Conklin made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-13, a resolution of intention to vacate a portion of a 20-foot sidewalk easement at 6951 Walker Street.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
REGULAR ITEMS
11. Discussion for Integrating a Health and Wellness Fair to Upcoming Events Review and discuss incorporating a Health and Wellness Fair component at the upcoming Fitness Run for Fun on July 4 and Concerts in the Park on July 18, 2024.
Public Works/Community Services Director Ramirez gave the Staff Report.
Council Comment and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding recruiting local fitness clubs in La Palma for this event; that having access to health care is preferable over getting memberships to health clubs; that Council Member Patel wants a health care and resources component integrated into the health fair versus a commercial marketing event with vendors; that the Community Activities and Beautification (CAB) Committee should discuss proposals for a health fair and flush out details; that Council Member Patel did not want the health fair on the same day as the Run for Fun; that Kiwanis is also at the Run for Fun, making pancakes; that Council Member Keo Conklin was opposed to commercializing this event; that she supported providing healthy snacks or something light at the Run for Fun event; support for integrating a senior component that offers flu shots; that the City could partner with the County Health Department; that combining this health fair with another City event could help curb costs; support for working and giving priority to local businesses; and a request by Staff to provide more clarity on their direction for a health and wellness fair.
Public Input:
Keith Nelson, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding support for a defined direction for this health and wellness fair; that the City could partner with the local hospital, doctor’s offices, and dentists; opposition to combining this with the Run for Fun event as the Kiwanis serve a pancake breakfast; support for a stand-alone event; and that previously, this event was done on the hospital campus and included a blood drive.
Further discussion ensued regarding Council Member Patel's support for a standalone event with CAB working out the details; that this should be brought back to City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
Council for approval and budgeting; that Council Member Keo Conklin expressed support for integrating some of our current fitness vendors into the Run for Fun, to possibly add a stretching component to the Run; that mental health needs to be addressed; that the City has valuable resources in the community for this event; support for putting this item forward to CAB to work out the details and shape this event; support for an organized plan; and that due to the time frame, the City Council will not be combining any features into the July 4th Run for Fun.
Council Member Patel made a motion to direct staff to engage Council Member Keo Conklin to determine the vision for this event and budget impacts; that this event not be a commercialized event; integrate La Palma businesses and organizations to provide value to the community; and work with the CAB Committee to provide an organized plan for a stand-alone Health and Wellness Fair; and return back to the City Council with their recommendations.
Council Member Keo Conklin announced that she supports working with the City's interns on this project.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Conklin and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
12. Monument Lighting Repairs and Design Services
Recommendation that the City Council provide direction to Staff on this matter.
Public Works/Community Services Director Ramirez gave the Staff Report and Presentation
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding clarification of the end of life cycle for electrical conduit lines; that the existing monument signs need upgrading; that cost for these upgrades includes traffic control measures, concrete cutting, and electrical work; that this project is preparation for new monument signs in the future; that it makes sense to do these upgrades since the medians are being worked on as it could be more expensive if pushed to a future date; that the City Council can direct staff to put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Citywide branding in addition to monument design services; that with the City's surpluses, it would be in the City's City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
best interest to invest that money back into the City; and that Mayor Goodman supports upgrading the conduit and designing the City's monument signs.
Public Input
Karen Zagorski, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding needing clarification of the designated monument locations that will be getting the upgrades and a detailed explanation of what the $288 thousand is being used for.
Discussion ensued regarding detailed locations of what monument sites would be upgraded; that the priority will be given to the monuments in the medians project sites that are happening now and the others can wait; that the change order can be approved by the City Council at the June meeting and incorporated into the existing construction schedules; that a discussion needs to be had about where the City Council wants the monument signs in the City; that there are five monument signs included into this median project and two that are not; that the City Attorney would review the contract to see if the Change Order can be authorized by the City Manager without having to go back to the City Council and can incorporate the City Council's decisions into that change order; and that City branding is another subject matter.
Council Member Patel made a motion to direct staff to upgrade the conduit infrastructure in the monument signs for the medians that are part of the Median Islands Project.
Discussion further ensued regarding the cost estimates being given by the current contractor per linear foot; and that the Orangethorpe site would require more traffic control than other median sites.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, and Council Member Patel
NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
Discussion ensued regarding Citywide Branding and Monument Design services; that the City has existing older monument signs and the City can either go back and redesign the signage, or discuss a larger program that identifies the City in the public eye; that branding could include street banners in the right-of-way, monument signs, Walker Well signage, Civic Center Complex signs, and could cover new logos as well depending on Council direction; that next year will be the City's 70th anniversary and that Council Member Baker would like to address this in time for that event, but should first address the monument signs; that Council City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
Member Patel would like to see the Citywide Branding on a future agenda with detail and costs for all the City's signage; and that the intent of this item would be to solicit the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Citywide Branding for the monument signs and their redesign; that the RFP would also include a new design for the City that includes detailed charges for creating a new brand for the City that could be used on street banners, monument signs, and any other sites the City Council chooses; and that the RFP won't cost the City Council any money and will provide them with the opportunity to award a contract to a firm to assist the City in rebranding.
Council Member Baker made a motion to direct staff to solicit a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Citywide Branding and Monument Design Services.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, and Council Member Patel
NOES: Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
13. Long-Term Fiscal Status and Draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget 1) Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director Hallett gave the staff presentation on the Long-Term Fiscal Status Update.
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding Council's appreciation for all of Staff's work on presenting the proposed FY 2024-25 Budget; support for the City's fiscal prudence in taking a conservative approach for revenue and expenses; that although the City has lost some businesses, the funds are being replaced with new businesses; that without Measure JJ, the City would be at a revenue loss; that getting Congressional funding for City projects is important; that the Various Median Islands project received federal earmark funding and noted appreciation to Congresswoman Sanchez for her efforts in getting those funds allocated; support for Staff finding surpluses; that Mayor Goodman supports spending money when a return on investment is clear; suggested to put another Citizen Survey back into the budget; and that Council Member Keo Conklin also supports a Citizen Survey.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
2) Receive an overview of the Draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget and provide direction for additional materials or information needed for the final budget to be presented on June 4, 2024.
City Manager McNamara confirmed that this matter was to be received and filed by the City Council and that Staff would return in June with a Formal FY 2024-25 Budget for adoption.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to receive and file the Long-Term Fiscal Status and Draft Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget.
14. Recap of the April 4, 2024, Special Meeting of the City Council and Community Conversation Event
City Manager McNamara gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding appreciation for Staff and partnering agencies to show what is happening besides what the public sees in the Council Chambers; that the public got to see how the Council interacts with outside agencies like our Sanitation District and Fire Authority; that the attendees were happy with this format; that about a dozen of those in attendance called Council Member Patel later and asked about why term limits were not a topic of discussion; that Council Member Patel noted that this event was because the City Council did not want to make this meeting all about term limits, but make it part of an overall discussion; support for bringing partnering agencies; that Council is hopeful that the public got to see the reason why the Community Conversation was had; that this event was the biggest turn out considering there was no food offering; that with Mayor Goodman terming out and seeing Citizen Committee sizes shrinking, the lack of interest in civic engagement leads to a lack of leadership in the City Council; that citizens present and those listening, should be encouraged to truly get engaged in the municipal process; that moving to districts is going to make this situation more challenging; and that the public practiced good decorum. and that City Attorney Thind noted the Council could make a motion to move the matter forward, but should take public comment prior to making a motion.
Council Member Patel made a motion to direct staff to create a ballot measure limiting City Council to 4 consecutive terms with a two-year break in service, and that the ballot measure would include a sunset provision if the City were to revert back to the original at-large format.
Further discussion ensued regarding clarification a sunset provision; that Council Member Patel received feedback from residents to revert back to the existing atlarge format with two consecutive terms if district elections were to be eliminated City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
in the future; and that the City Attorney noted the Council should take public comment prior to deciding on a motion.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Council Member Baker requested to amend the original motion to remove the sunset language.
The amendment failed due to the lack of support by the maker of the motion; that the ballot measure could be approved, with a resolution as an attachment; that the City Council will include the sunset provision; that the City Attorney noted that language in the ballot measure could be revised.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman seconded the motion.
Council Comments and Questions regarding the motion on floor:
Discussion ensued regarding the cost for this proposed ballot measure; that the cost for this ballot measure with the County would be somewhere between $20 - $50 thousand; that the City has not spent any funds on this to date; that Staff would need to contract with an outside firm to help guide the City on the ballot measure process; that the consultant would be around $10 - $15 thousand; that they would help produce the documents required; that Staff would use the City Attorney to prepare resolutions and ordinances; that all together without City Attorney fees, the City would be looking at something around $35 - $40 thousand for this ballot measure with the majority of costs being to consolidate with the Orange County Registrar of Voters; and that the public will have the opportunity to provide input in this process after Staff brings this back to the City Council at the June meeting.
The motion was seconded by 0 and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin recognized May as Asian Heritage Month; announced that she'd like to work on a project with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and Senator City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
Newman to recognize this; noted that she attended the Bridges at Kraemer Place homeless shelter tour; the League of California Cities (LOCC) City Leadership Summit; the FY 2024-25 Budget Review meeting with Staff; the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly; the City's Community Conversation Special meeting; and congratulated the interns and all the winners presented at tonight's meeting.
Council Member Baker attended the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) Operations Committee meeting; the City's Community Conversation Special meeting; the Every 15 Minutes campaign event with local schools and agencies; the LOCC Mayors and Council Members Roundtable; the LOCC City Leadership Summit; the Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission meeting; the John F. Kennedy High School Scholarship dinner; the Police Interaction with Youth (PIY) graduation at Steve Luther Elementary School; the Walker Junior High School Earth Day event; the OCSD Board Meeting; the Festival of Nations (FON) parade and event; the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District's (OCMVCD) Joint Committee meeting; the FY 2024-25 Budget Review meeting with Staff; the OCMVCD Budget meeting; the Area Agency on Aging Council of California meeting; the Various Median Islands Project Ground Breaking Ceremony and thanked Congresswoman Sanchez for earmarking federal funds for this project; welcomed the new Interns introduced tonight; congratulated Miles Moreau for achieving Eagle Scout rank; congratulated the Soapbox speech champions and all participants of the Every 15 Minutes campaign; and wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
Council Member Patel attended the City's Community Conversation Special meeting; the Every 15 Minutes campaign event with local schools and agencies; the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Budget Committee meeting; the Economic Development/Land Use Advisory Ad Hoc Committee meeting; the Arbor Day Celebration; the OCFA Board meeting; the FON parade and event; the FY 2024-25 Budget Review meeting with Staff; the OCFA Human Resources Committee meeting and was appointed as Vice Chair; the Various Median Islands Project Ground Breaking Ceremony and thanked Congresswoman Sanchez for earmarking federal funds for this project; welcomed the new Interns introduced tonight; congratulated Miles Moreau for achieving Eagle Scout rank; and congratulated the Soapbox speech champions and all participants of the Every 15 Minutes campaign.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman attended the City's Community Conversation Special meeting and the FON parade and event.
Mayor Goodman attended the SCAG Executive Committee meeting; the SCAG Regional Council meeting; the City's Community Conversation Special meeting; the LOCC Orange County Division Executive Committee meeting; the Every 15 Minutes campaign event with local schools and agencies; the LOCC Legislative Working Group meeting; the Garden Grove State of the City; the Economic Development/Land Use Advisory Ad Hoc Committee; the LOCC City Leadership Summit and Board of Directors meeting; the Police Interaction with Youth (PIY) graduation at Steve Luther Elementary City Council Meeting
May 7, 2024
School; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Personnel committee meeting; the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board of Directors meeting; the CJPIA's 35th annual Executive Committee Strategic Planning Workshop; announced the history of support of FON parade and event; the farewell reception for SCAG President Art Brown; the SCAG General Assembly; and the Various Median Islands Project Ground Breaking Ceremony and thanked Congresswoman Sanchez for earmarking federal funds for this project.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara thanked Staff for their efforts on the FY 2024-25 Budget preparations and forecasting; thanked Public Works and Community Services Director Ramirez and his team for all the recent events including FON and the Various Median Islands Project Ground Breaking Ceremony; and recognized resident and Citizen Committee Member Noella Lew for Congresswoman Steel's Asian Pacific Islander (API) Woman of Distinction award.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Regular Meeting the City Council at 9:30 p.m. _________________________
Marshall Goodman
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk