MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
October 1, 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- EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9) Name of Case: Janee L. Pacheco v. Anaheim Union High School District et al.
Case No. USDC 8:24-cv-00525-JFW-PVC
CS-2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Consideration of whether to initiate litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4 ): (1 case)
CS-3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 paragraph (1) of subdivision (d))
Name of Case: Ross Byer v. City of La Palma
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01394359-CU-OE- CJC CS-4. 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-5. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6)
Agency Designated Representatives: Conal McNamara, City Manager Ryan Hallett, Assistant City Manager
Employee Organizations: La Palma General Employees
Association
La Palma Police Association
La Palma Professional Employees
City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
Association
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
CS-6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 5410-14 La Palma Avenue, La Palma, California Agency negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ryan Hallett, Assistant City Manager
Negotiating parties: Victor Chung, Elite Taekwondo Center, LLC Under negotiations: Price and/or terms of a lease
CS-7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9) Name of Case: Sarkis Tatarian v. City of La Palma, et al.
Case No. OCSC 30-2024-01375931-CU-WM-CJC
OPEN SESSION TO BEGIN AT 6:30PM
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Closed Session at 6:06 p.m.
Mayor Goodman reconvened the City Council in Open Session at 6:30p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind noted that there were no reportable actions out of Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Walker Junior High School Kindness Club INVOCATION: Pastor Matthew Agosto, City Church
ROLL CALL: Council Members
Council Members present: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin, Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
Council Members absent: None
City Officials present: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Belinda Deines, Community Development Manager
Joe Cisneros, Deputy City Manager
Andy Ramirez, Public Works & Community Services
Director
Joe Guerrero, Police Chief
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS:
• Mayor Goodman presented a Proclamation to Orange County Fire Authority Chief Dohman in Recognition of October 6-12 as "Fire Prevention Week". • Mayor Goodman and Council Member Patel presented a Proclamation to Nitin Deshpande and the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh group in recognition of October as Hindu Heritage Month.
• Public Works & Community Services Director introduced Gary Robinson as the City's new Water Worker.
• Noella Lew, La Palma Community Activities and Beautification Committee, Home Spotlight Committee, recognized the home of Wayne and Betty Zehner. • Senator Nguyen gave a Legislative Update.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Andi Chen, La Palma resident and business owner, addressed the City Council by announcing the formation of the new La Palma Chamber of Commerce as their C.E.O.; that she met Council Member Keo Conklin at Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's Small Business Expo on August 16 and discussed the start of a La Palma Chamber of Commerce; introduced two volunteer board members; and hoped this venture would be a great opportunity for La Palma businesses.
Dr. Shauna Harris, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the mission of the La Palma Chamber of Commerce; that she met Council Member Keo Conklin at Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's Small Business Expo on August 16 and discussed the start of a La Palma Chamber of Commerce; and presented local City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
engagement plans.
Jesse Alvarado, a Hawaiian Gardens Resident, addressed the City Council regarding the need for a Chamber of Commerce to assist and stimulate local businesses; that he met Council Member Keo Conklin at Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva's Small Business Expo on August 16 and discussed the start of a La Palma Chamber of Commerce; that he'd like to collaborate with other Chambers of Commerce from adjacent cities.
Kyle McCune, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the unkept condition of City trees in the public right-of-way; complaint about loud neighbors having a party; that he called for police response three separate times; his opposition to having to call repeatedly and supports Orange County Sheriffs if local police cannot resolve complaints.
Robert Carruth, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the history of the City's sign code ordinance regarding temporary signage; his opposition to the City Council's process moving Measure W forward to the voters; and his opposition to the lack of code enforcement regarding temporary signs.
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 3, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
4. Amendment to the Signal Maintenance Agreement with Crosstown Electric and Data, Inc.
Approve an amendment to the contract for the maintenance of traffic signal services with Crosstown Electric and Data, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
5. Agreement with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACAJ for Animal Care Services
Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a five-year agreement with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for the delivery of animal care services in FY 2025-2029 with the option of terminating the agreement City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
upon 90-days written notice.
6. Agreement with All City Management Services (ACMSJ. Inc. for Providing School Crossing Guard Services
Approve and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement with All City Management Services (ACMS), Inc. to provide school crossing guard services for one year, commencing July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
7. Side Letter between the City and La Palma General Employees Association Adopt Resolution No. 2024-40 amending the Memorandum of Understanding for the La Palma General Employees Association and authorize the City Manager or designee to sign the Side Letter on behalf of the City.
8. Various Median Islands Capita/Improvement Project Update Appropriate $202,800 from project savings to the project contingency funds.
9. Beverage Container Recycling Grant
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-40 authorizing the submittal of an application for the Cal Recycle Beverage Container Recycling Grant Program for $54,995.84 for the installation of four (4) water refill stations in various locations within Central Park.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 and 2, and 4 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
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Approval of Register of Demands
It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024- 39 approving the Register of Demands for September 17, 2024, and October 1, 2024.
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October 1, 2024
Item 3 was pulled from the Consent Calendar to allow for Public Comment by a resident.
Robert Carruth, a La Palma resident, requested to have this item pulled to address the City Council regarding his concerns regarding payment to Tripepi Smith and listed questions regarding the services provided.
Council Member Patel reported his concerns regarding some comments made by Mr. Carruth on social media that he viewed as inappropriate; that he encouraged Mr. Carruth to sign the Campaign Code of Conduct; and that La Palma celebrates and respects its diversity.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 3.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Mayor Goodman, Council
Member Patel, and Mayor Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: Council Member Conklin
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None Scheduled.
REGULAR ITEMS
None Scheduled.
COUNCIL MEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin clarified that the La Palma Chamber of Commerce that was founded by herself and other members, has no affiliation with the City; requested to have the matter placed on the next City Council agenda in order to collaborate efforts in supporting local businesses; attended a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Civic Center; and the “Honoring our Fallen” gala recognizing our veterans.
City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
Council Member Baker attended the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Operations Committee meeting; a surprise celebration for outgoing Police Chief Ron Wilkerson; the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Civic Center; the La Palma Prayer Breakfast at La Palma Christian Center; the Orange County Older Adults Advisory Commission (OCOAAC); the Cal Cities Orange County Division Board of Directors meeting; a search party event for missing La Palma resident Geetaben Patel; the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) Board of Trustees meeting; the Regional Military Affairs Committee (RMAC) meeting; the OC San Board of Directors Meeting; the Placentia State of the City; reminded the public of EDCO's ewaste, recycle, compost, and shredding event this weekend; and congratulated Police Chief Guerrero on his appointment.
Council Member Patel attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Budget and Finance meeting; the La Palma Prayer Breakfast at La Palma Christian Center; a search party event for missing La Palma resident Geetaben Patel; the OCFA Board of Directors meeting; reported on the injuries of OCFA personnel from recent wild fires; and announced his daughter's celebration of her 16th birthday.
Mayor Pro Tern Waldman had nothing to report.
Mayor Goodman attended the Economic Development and Land Use Ad-Hoc committee meeting; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Claims and Executive Committee meeting; the Placentia State of the City; the Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner; and congratulated Police Chief Guerrero on his appointment.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara announced the upcoming State of the City on October 22; and wished Council Member Patel's daughter a wonderful 16th Birthday.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 7:49 p.m.
City Council Meeting
October 1, 2024
_________________________
Marshall Goodman
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk