MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
November 5, 2024
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Goodman called the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council to order at 5:31 p.m. in the Council Chamber of La Palma City Hall, 7822 Walker Street, La Palma, California.
CLOSED SESSION
CS-1. 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-2. 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
Association
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
CS-3. 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
CS-4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 5022 Crescent Avenue, La Palma, California
Agency negotiator: Conal McNamara, City Manager
Ryan Hallett, Assistant City Manager
Negotiating parties: George Adamian
Under negotiations: Price and/or terms of a purchase
CS-5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2), (e)(2), (e)(3): (1 case – Unispec Notice of Potential Claim #1 – attached without enclosures)
Mayor Goodman recessed to Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
OPEN SESSION:
Mayor Goodman reconvened the City Council in Open Session at 6:33 p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind announced that there were no reportable actions from Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Patel
INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Bland, La Palma Christian Church 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
Belinda Deines, Community Development Manager
Joe Guerrero, Police Chief
Ryan Hallett, Assistant City Manager
Andy Ramirez, Public Works & Community Services
Director
Kimberly Kenney, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
1. Mayor Goodman presented a proclamation to outgoing Orange County Fire Authority Chief Steve Dohman for his 30 years of dedicated service and congratulated him on his retirement. Chief Dohman introduced new Division Chief Matthew Schuetz as his replacement.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Reginald Surles, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding his opposition to the duration of time it is taking for the median project on Moody Street to be completed; his opposition to the inconvenience involved; and requested to get the project manager involved.
Gerard Goedhart,a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council by congratulating Police Chief Guerrero on his appointment; that this is Mayor Goodman's final meeting and congratulated him on his 8 years of dedicated service to the City of La Palma; and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
Mayor Goodman thanked Mr. Goedhart for his role as a mentor on City Council during his tenure.
Pamela Jenkins, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the recent loss of her beloved mother; thanked the City Council for their support. Mayor Goodman presented a Certificate to Ms. Jenkins in recognition of her mother's memory.
Chad Berlinghieri, announced the founding of a new service club-the Seal Beach City Rotary Club- a non-profit; reported on their launch party on June 24th; their meeting schedule;agencies that they support; and announced upcoming events.
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 October 1, 2024,Regular Meeting, and October 22, Special Meeting of the City Council.
3. Approval of Register of Demands
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-42 approving the Register of Demands for October 15, 2024, and November 5,2024.
4. City of La Palma First Quarter Cash and Investment Report, Fiscal Year 2024-25 Receive and file the Cash and Investment Report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25.
5. Additional Appropriation for the Service Line Inventory Assessment Appropriate an additional $25,000 from the Water Fund for the previously ratified amendment with the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) for the Service Line Inventory Assessment.
6. Resolution Adopting the Measure M2 Expenditure Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024
Adopt a Resolution No. 2024-43 approving the annual Measure M2 expenditure report for Fiscal Year ending June 30,2024.
7. Award a Contract to Golden Meters Service. Inc. for the Neptune MIU Endpoint & Antenna Installation.
1. Award a contract to Golden Meters Service, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $57,200 for the Neptune Meter Interface Unit Endpoints and Antenna Installation;
2. Authorize a 15% contingency for unforeseen needs for materials and labor; and
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the agreement and all necessary documents.
8. Second Amendment to On-Call Citv Engineering Services Contract
1. Approved the 2nd Amendment to the On-Call City Engineer Services contract for one (1) year with Infrastructure Engineers, a Bowman Company; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the 2nd Amendment.
9. Resolution Amending the City Council's Regular Meeting Schedule for January 2025.
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-44 amending the City's Council's Regular Meeting Schedule for January 2025.
10. Award a Contract for Water Leak Asphalt Repairs
1. Award a Contract to G.M. Sager Construction Co., Inc. for an amount not to exceed $28,727 for water leak asphalt repairs; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents
11. Award of Contract for a Citywide Cost Allocation Plan and Comprehensive User Fee Study.
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Revenue & Cost Specialists (RCS) in the amount of not to exceed $23,450 to complete a Citywide Cost Allocation Plan and Comprehensive User Fee Study, and
2. Allocate $23,450 from the General Fund's unreserved fund balance to cover the cost of the project.
12. Approval of Upgrades for Citywide Information Technology OTJ Infrastructure.
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement to upgrade all City computers currently using Office 2019 to Office 365 for $14,040 annually,with a 5% annual increase for subscription services;
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a 36-month agreement with RingCentral to upgrade all City phones and phone support services for $18,200 annually;
3. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Verve for 1OOM Dedicated Backup Internet Access at a cost of $8,100 annually;
4. Approve and authorize expenditures with Infinity Technologies to implement the IT infrastructure upgrades in the amount not to exceed $40,000; and
5. Appropriate and transfer $81,000 from the Information Technology Replacement Fund (IT Fund) unreserved fund balance to IT Fund's Office Equipment expense account (064-650-8030-00000).
13. Approval to Purchase Three Electronic Portable Message Boards Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached quote from All Traffic Solutions Inc. for the purchase of three electronic portable message boards.
Council Member Patel made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 1.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman 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
14. Review and Consideration of Conditional Use Permit 393 to Establish an Adult Day Care Use (My Day Program, Inc.) Located at 7252 Walker Street (APN 263- 061-12)
a) Mayor Goodman opened the Public Hearing at 6:59p.m.
b) Community Development Manager Deines gave the Staff Report. c) Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding the limitation of 30 individuals on-site was self imposed by the applicant; that the Fire Marshall is still working on the maximum capacity allowance; the mix of attendees that will be using the park and be inside; that the occupancy number from the Fire Marshall would include staff; concerns of the business being on a busy street and impact to clients with disabilities; City Council support for providing services to challenged and special needs adults; whether this site will be a residence; how the applicant will address ADA parking; that requirements are set by the State for this type of business; that Community Development Manager Deines recommended to add a condition that the maximum occupants allowed be set at 30 individuals on-site and any change to that would require the applicant to return to the City Council for approval; that the property is zoned Single Family R1;and that additional necessary ADA improvements will be included.
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November 5, 2024
Elizabeth Santos, the applicant,noted that clients will have intellectual and/or physical disabilities; that all clients will have their own assistants on a one to one, or one to two ratio; that full capacity could be around 60-70 including staff; that there is a designated pick-up and drop-off area, but no parking except for the vans will be allowed on site; that some clients will be at the park in sessions while the others will be inside on-site; that attendees will be driven to the park in the vans provided as part of the service and not walking down busy Walker Street; and hat this site is and has been empty for almost two years and will not be used as a residence.
Chris Festin, the applicant's son, runs another program like this in Stanton and added that groups going to the park will be broken down into small groups during morning and afternoon sessions.
City Attorney Thind added that according to the Zoning code,this is an allowable use with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit and that the CUP allows this to be a commercial use.
d) Public Input:
Joel Van Soelen,an Anaheim resident and Pastor,addressed the City Council regarding the special needs program at his church working with cognitively disabled adults; that he supports this proposal; and his appreciation for the compassion the City Council is giving towards these challenged adults.
e) Mayor Goodman closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m. f) Adopt a Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 393 Council Member Baker made a motion to Resolution No. 2024-45 approving Conditional Use Permit 393 to establish an Adult Day Care Use (My Day Program, Inc) Located at 7252 Walker Street (APN 263-061-12) with the condition that capacity is limited to 30 individuals and anything over that amount would require the applicant to return to the City Council for approval.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
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NOES: None
15. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Portions of the City Zoning Code (Chapter 44 of the La Palma Municipal Code) for Parking, Signage, and Housing Definitions in Compliance with State Housing Laws and City's Housing Element
a) Mayor Goodman opened the Public Hearing at 7:23 p.m. b) Community Development Manager Deines 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 7:24 p.m.
Council Member Patel made a motion introduce for First Reading an Ordinance Amending Portions of the City Zoning Code (Chapter 44 of the La Palma Municipal Code) for Parking, Signage, and Housing Definitions in Compliance with State Housing Laws and City's Housing Element.
The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Waldman 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
REGULAR ITEMS
16. Award of Contract for Testing, Dynamic Profiling, and Pump and Motor Replacement for Water Quality Improvements at the City Yard Recommendation that the City Council take the following action:
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1. Award a Contract to BESST Inc. for Testing, Dynamic Profiling, and Well Pump and Motor Replacement for Water Quality Improvements at the City Yard for an amount not to exceed $321,000;
2. Authorize a 15% contingency for unforeseen issues;
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all required documents; and
4. Approve reallocating $321,000 in the FY 24/25 Capital Improvement Program budget from the Water Treatment Feasibility Study account (055-900-9330- 00000) to the Pump & Well Repair account (055-900-7100-00000).
Public Works and Community Services Director Ramirez gave the Staff Report.
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding the funds being pulled from the Water Fund and not the General Fund; that Staff is fairly confident that this work would alleviate the cost of having to install a treatment facility; that the City did not go out to bid because the vendor has patented technology for this type of work and the process has proven positive results; that this company has worked with La Palma in the past and is best suited for this type of work; and that this is a professional services contract and therefore, not bound by public contract law that requires bids.
Public Input:
Karen Zagorski, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding whether the City gets penalized if the City goes over the limits of contaminant levels or mandated to replace the City's water system.
Public Works and Community Services Director Ramirez responded that the City is required to report that to the State and notify residents, Discussion further ensued regarding this project helping the City to alleviate the need for a treatment facility; that Staff tests the water on a daily basis in order to provide quality water to residents; that this is a proactive maneuver versus reactive; that the City's water enterprise fund is well managed and used properly, that funds cannot be used for anything other than providing safe water for residents; and that Mayor Goodman would still like to see what type of Federal and/or State grants are available to assist in the manganese levels in the water to address the brown water issue
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman made a motion to Award a Contract to BESST Inc. for Testing, Dynamic Profiling, and Well Pump and Motor Replacement for Water Quality Improvements at the City Yard for an amount not to exceed $321,000; City Council Meeting
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Authorize a 15% contingency for unforeseen issues; Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all required documents; and Approve reallocating $321,000 in the FY 24/25 Capital Improvement Program budget from the Water Treatment Feasibility Study account (055-900-9330-00000) to the Pump & Well Repair account (055-900-7100-00000).
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel 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
17. Consideration of Agreement to Lease 5410-14 La Palma Avenue to Elite Taekwondo Center, Inc.
Recommendation that the City Council take the following action:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an Agreement to Lease 5410-14 La Palma Ave by Elite Taekwondo Center, Inc.; and
2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the Lease Agreement and any other real estate documents to effectuate the provisions of the Lease Agreement.
Assistant City Manager Hallett gave the Staff Report.
City Council Comments and Questions:
None.
Public Input:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2024-46 approving an Agreement to Lease 5410-14 La Palma Ave by Elite Taekwondo Center, Inc.; and authorize the Mayor to execute the Lease Agreement and any other real estate documents to effectuate the provisions of the Lease Agreement.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Conklin and carried on the following vote:
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AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Conklin,
Mayor Goodman, Council Member Patel, and Mayor
Pro Tem Waldman
NOES: None
18. Economic Development/Land Use Ad-Hoc Subcommittee Findings and Recommendations
Recommendation that the City Council take the following action:
1. Approve the update to the City of La Palma Economic Development Plan 2030 and direct City staff to implement its programs and policies;
2. Adopt a resolution to establish the Economic Development Oversight Task Force;
3. Direct staff to solicit Statements of Interest for the Economic Development Oversight Task Force; and
4. Direct staff to request proposals from qualified consulting firms to prepare an Economic and Market Analysis.
Community Development Manager Deines gave the Staff Report.
City Council Comments and Questions:
None.
Public Input:
Gerard Goedhart, a La Palma resident, addressed the City Council regarding the history of the City's financial crisis a few years ago and the approach the City Council took to resolve the issue; that it gave the City time to bring more businesses to La Palma; that hiring a City Manager with Economic Development experience was a priority; that this issue is the responsibility of the City Council and does not support the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee; and that the City should conduct an economic development study.
Discussion ensued regarding the existing issue of declining interest from public involvement on Citizen Committees and City Council; that the existing economic development task forced moved the housing element forward and it got approved; that the task force proposed this subcommittee; support for waiting until after the election and after goal setting; support for lowering the number of members on the City Council Meeting
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subcommittee from 9 to 5; that Mayor Goodman's goals for joining the City Council was economic development and the need to improve existing commercial centers; that the residents can get involved including existing members of Citizens Committees; that with the right leadership at the table, the dialogue and feedback going to the City Council would benefit the City; that Mayor Goodman supports a full two year term; that Council Member Baker supports the idea of engaging the public in a Town Hall meeting format to get the community's input instead of establishing the task force with continual meetings; that Mayor Goodman noted the task force will be applicant based and the Council will vet the applicants; that learning about the City's economic development plan inspired Mayor Goodman's need to improve our commercial centers; that he created the Ad-Hoc committee to best see how to use the commercial properties; that this task force is a step to get residents involved, get them engaged in this important topic; that he supports two year terms as one year is too short for such a complex subject; that even if some seats are still vacant, the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem will be members of this task force at the very least and will contribute; that the City has difficulty recruiting Citizen Committee members and that this would pose the same problem; whether this committee would require a quorum; that City Attorney Thind responded that this would be Brown Act body and that to take action, a quorum would be required; that there cannot be meetings of the body if the quorum is not met; that the only way to make this a non-qualifying Brown Act body is to make this an Ad Hoc committee of the City Council; that Mayor Goodman does not feel like this needs to be a task force, it could be an Ad Hoc committee of the City Council; that this could be proposed as part of the strategic planning and goal setting session by the City Council next year; that Mayor Goodman supports whatever decision the City Council decides on how to address economic development; that Council Member Patel supports the goal of the task force, but it needs to be developed more; that he would like to see more community and business engagement; that he supports moving forward with an economic development study; and that Mayor Pro Tem Waldman reminded the City Council of the Fiscal Sustainability Committee for Measure JJ and noted the value in having a citizen committee to assist and provide recommendations to the City Council.
Council Member Baker made a motion to approve Item 4, to direct staff to request proposals from qualified consulting firms to prepare an Economic and Market Analysis, to request proposals from qualified Consultant Firms to prepare an economic and Market Analysis, and to keep the current Ad Hoc Committee.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Patel.
City Manager McNamara asked for clarification on the motion as to whether this includes the approval of the update to the Economic Development Plan 2030 listed as recommended in Item 1 and to remove the nine member Task Force body as City Council Meeting
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recommended in Item 2, but to have that task force be brought back to the City Council at a future date.
Council Member Baker amended the motion to approve Items 1, 3, and 4 as recommended by staff and to have the Item 2 – the Task Force – be brought back to the City Council in the future.
The friendly amendment was seconded by Council Member Patel 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
Mayor Goodman requested to take a short recess at 8:23 p.m.
Mayor Goodman reconvened the City Council at 8:28 p.m.
19. Good Governance Policy Discussion
Recommendation that the City Council receive the report and provide direction to staff.
City Manager McNamara gave the Staff Report.
City Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding this being a City Council's goal during their last strategic planning and goal setting session; that Mayor Goodman supports the code of conduct to help achieve Council Norms in Policy 1; that Mayor Goodman has spent time with previous City Council members, City Attorney, and the City's department heads to understand the workings, policies, for orientation purposes; that the Code of Conduct is not part of the Norms, but orientation is crucial; that orientation should be mandatory in coordination with the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) because of the risk management component; that City Council Orientation should be added to our code of conduct; that good governance should be revisited every year; that the City Council should emphasize the norms to bring questions in advance to City Staff so they have enough time to prepare for a successful and productive City Council meeting; that Council Member Baker would prefer to move this item to the January meeting; that this should be changed City Council Meeting
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from City Council norms to City Council Code of Conduct; that for the Council's travel and meetings, that the City should not pay for any conferences that we're not a member of it; that she has lots of updates and really feels this policy needs to be cleaned up and overhauled; that Council Member Keo Conklin agrees with updating the policies; that she feels mentorship is necessary; that admonishment should not make the Council Member feel like an outcast; that regardless of the City Council's political party membership and disagreements on how votes were cast, a coalition should ensue; she supports having an official orientation and mentorship; that Council Member Patel noted that the City currently has an orientation protocol that's followed and staff conducts it consistently; that the City Council does not vote on party politics, only on what is best for the residents; that when Council Member Patel took the time to conduct a full orientation with City staff before and after his election; that City Council's conduct and attendance at conferences should be focused on what we can bring back the city's residents, not for personal purposes; that voting on the City Council should not be based on how a resident wants you to vote; that being prepared for City Council meetings is equally important by thoroughly reading through the agendas and not ask questions during the meeting that were answered in the Staff Report; that during a City Council's member first year is a learning curve; that mutual respect for fellow Council members is required even if there is a disagreement; that Council Member Patel supports Council Member Baker's position to clean up the City Council norms and clarify policy through an overhaul; that Mayor Pro Tem Waldman cautioned the City Council that as independently elected officers, mandating behavior cannot be enforced; that Mayor Goodman noted that in the Council Policy 1 - norms - it says Council is responsible for holding each other accountable; that without a Code of Conduct, the City Council would not know how to hold each other accountable; that political parties do not fix potholes or manage the Tiny Tots program, it is the sole duty of the City; that Council Member Keo Conklin commented on the possible conflict of interest of Mayor Goodman's Executive Committee position at the CJPIA and that he should recuse himself from voting on any future matters regarding the CJPIA as those businesses no longer at the CJPIA site impacted the City's tax revenue, and this should be in the Code of Conduct; that she noted the budget impacts of having Staff attend conferences as well, the budget impacts and the impact of their absence from duties while at such conferences; that if a Council member wants to attend a conference, it should be their prerogative; that Mayor Goodman responded that he has no conflict of interest in serving on the Executive Committee of the CJPIA Board and that the local businesses that were forced to leave the CJPIA site had nothing to do with his Committee Appointment, but rather a property owner exchange; that Mayor Goodman and the City Council support having staff attend conferences to bring back advice and recommendations to the City Council on matters affecting the City's operations and community investments; that he does not want the public to be misled and noted that the City Council does not squander City funds on these meetings for staff to attend conferences; that Council Member Conklin added that City Council Meeting
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when staff attends conferences, the City - the taxpayer - also pays for their hotel accommodations while paying them to work; that she is concerned that staff is wearing the lapel pins with the City Seal, the same as City Council; her question as to whether the City Council is acting with integrity, especially when it comes to campaign information; that Mayor Goodman noted the norms require the City Council to be respectful and keep decorum among the City Council and plan to continue that pattern; and that Mayor Goodman is requesting to continue this item to January and provide Staff with direction to include some type of mandatory orientation with Staff and CJPIA.
City Manager McNamara asked for direction on how the City Council would like to address staff attendance at conferences.
Discussion further ensued regarding Council Member Patel noting that staff attendance is a budget matter and has nothing to do with Council Member norms, but rather to help the City grow with knowledge; that conference attendance for staff can be discussed during the budget discussions; that City Manager McNamara responded that staff stays within the budget approved by the City Council for conference attendance and that staff only attends sessions applicable and key to their positions; and that staff will take the direction to bring this back to the January meeting and notice it properly with the Agenda.
By consensus, the City Council agreed to bring the matter back to City Council in January for further discussion and direction.
20. Council Member Request: La Palma Chamber of Commerce Presentation Recommendation that the City Council consider Council Member Keo Conklin's request to receive the presentation and discuss the La Palma Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Conklin gave the presentation and report.
Council Comments and Questions:
Discussion ensued regarding the conflict between the presentation title's "City of La Palma" vs "La Palma" Chamber of Commerce; clarification of an error on the presentation and that it should be "The La Palma Chamber of La Palma"; that Mayor Goodman encouraged Council Member Conklin to go directly to the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce (NOCCC) to collaborate since they already have a large commercial base to start with; that Mayor Goodman noted he disagrees with her previous statement and has provided several opportunities in mentorship, spending much time with her; that Council Member Patel asked her to clarify if this is a non-profit by her versus a La Palma organization; that Council City Council Meeting
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Member Conklin responded that this is a separate entity from the City of La Palma; that she consulted with the City Attorney; that City Attorney Thind responded that no advice was given regarding using the name of this entity, nor using "City of La Palma Chamber of Commerce", but that the advice was given that any City Council may open their own non-profit at any time, but that is not a City matter and he does not provide advice on matters unrelated to the City of La Palma; and that the articles of organization have it listed as the La Palma Chamber of Commerce under the State.
Ngoc Tinh Nguyen, Vice-Chair & Executive Director of the La Palma Chamber of Commerce addressed the City Council noting that she was invited to be part of this endeavor by Council Member Conklin; that she clarified that on the Articles of Organization, it says "La Palma Chamber of Commerce" and not "City of La Palma"; that the individual who made the Power Point presentation made the error; and that the new Chamber wishes to have the support from the City Council.
Discussion further ensued regarding the City Council's goal during the strategic planning session to be 'vetting' the idea of a chamber of commerce before making any decisions; that the La Palma Chamber of Commerce non-profit was formed in May of 2024; the services provided by the La Palma Chamber of Commerce; that they asking for use of the City's facilities, put them on our website, and to partner with the City; that the Chamber of Commerce is looking at $5000 a year in membership from La Palma; that Chamber Chairman JJ Kim helped the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce increase their growth to a thousand members; that the City Council wants to make a decision that would benefit La Palma and it's residents; how much a La Palma business would have to pay for membership; what the Chamber is looking for from the City Council; who the list of officers are; the number of members this new Chamber of Commerce already has on the books; that most Chambers are not supported by City Councils, but by membership; whether the Westminster Chamber of Commerce had any existing Council Members sitting on their Board of Directors; what business owners will receive for their monthly membership dues; whether they have full time employees; and if the Chamber has had any events to date.
Ngoc Tinh Nguyen added that they are asking for City Council support to allow a platform for businesses to connect with each other, to network; that if the City cannot afford the membership fee, they would appreciate use of the facilities for their events at no costly; that this would be a service for approximately 300 La Palma businesses; that although they just started, each business would be looking at $100 per month membership fee, but the Board of Directors (BOD) has not approved that yet; that the money requested from the City Council would be for an initial event to invite all the local businesses to; that all BOD members are volunteers and listed their names and titles along with other officers; that they plan to have their first event on the 14th; that she was on the former Board of Directors City Council Meeting
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for the City of Westminster; that the Westminster Chamber of Commerce did not have any existing Council Members sitting on their Board of Directors; and that membership gives the business owner networking opportunities not afforded to them before.
Aloha Ley, Business Advisor for the La Palma Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council regarding the proposal being put forward to the City Council; that this is an opportunity for the City Council and Chamber to work together to provide businesses an opportunity to grow; that the Chamber would like to operate like a small business administration, helping business navigate the systems, access resources that are traditionally not available to them; listed her previous experience in local government agencies; that the service provided for membership would include networking, advice and direction, and training; that they are just starting up the Chamber and hoping the proposal will be the start to garnering interest from the City Council to support the Chamber of Commerce; and that whether the City Council supports this endeavor, they will move forward.
Discussion further ensued regarding the City Council being presented with this proposal as part of this agenda; that there was little time for the Council to vet anything and questions have arisen as a result; that the City Council is not saying they won't support this endeavor, but rather evaluate whether this would benefit La Palma residents and commercial businesses.
Aloha Ley responded that their Chamber will take this direction back to their members, address the questions that arose, and then repurpose and represent this at a future date.
Council Member Patel noted that the intentions of this new Chamber of Commerce are wonderful, however the plan is very premature in its stage; that he asked for them to address the potential conflict of interest with having a Council Member as the President and then asking the City Council for public funds; referenced the current legal situation with Supervisor Do; that the Chamber's attorney needs to vet this question; that although the Chamber is non-profit, it is a business none the less; and that he would defer to the City Attorney on the matter.
City Attorney Thind responded that there are certainly potential legal issues; there are issues regarding misuse of public funds; potential conflict of interest issues; that this all depends on the particular facts of the situation; that although all those laws are an issue, it is possible to do it in a way that would satisfy those laws; that because there are still many unanswered questions, he cannot opine on the matter; and that there are many legal issues that need to be explored before the City Council can take any final action.
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Council discussion further ensued regarding support for this proposal to be brought back at a future date; that Mayor Goodman noted that this was placed on the agenda prematurely; that there are a lot of issues that need to be resolved; that it is crucial to get feedback from Council beforehand, without having serial meetings; that Council Member Conklin added that the Chamber was asking for funds so they could be a member and collaborate with them; that she apologized for the type-o in the presentation; that she appreciated the City Council hearing her proposal; and apologized for not vetting the proposal properly.
Mayor Goodman responded that matters like this are a learning experiences; noted the Supervisor Do's legal situation having to do with the misuse of public funds related to how the City must avoid any conflict of interest; and added this matter is not directed by Staff, but by City Council, and that any further direction will be provided in the future.
COUNCILMEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED
COMMITTEES, AND COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin attended the Buena Park State of the City; a Sexual Harrassment Forum by Radiant Future; the Cypress State of the City; League of California Cities (Cal Cities) where she was elected treasurer for the Women's Caucus; La Palma's State of the City; the Library Advisory Board (LAB) Committee meeting; and the Orange County Housing forum.
Council Member Baker attended the Buena Park State of the City; the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Operations Committee Meeting; the Cal Cities Mayors and Council Members Department Orientation and Policy Committee Appointments Meeting; the Arte Cafe Grand Opening; the Recycle, Shred, E-Waste, Mulch Event with EDCO; the Cal Cities Annual Conference Business Meeting Run of Show - Mayors and Council Members Department; the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) 29th Annual Risk Management Educational Forum; the Cal Cities Orange County Division Board Meeting; the Cypress State of the City; the Magnolia High School Student Field Trip of Civic Center/Facilities; the Cal Cities Annual Conference; the La Palma State of the City; the OC San Board of Directors Meeting; the OC San State of the District; the Badge Pinning and Swearing ceremony in for our new Chief, Joe Guerrero, Captain James Roche, Sergeant Justin Braasch, and Corporal Brad Stene.
Council Member Patel attended the La Palma Community Foundation fundraiser event; hosted Magnolia High School students on a Field Trip to the Civic Center; the La Palma State of the City; the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board of Directors meeting; the Neighborhood "meet and greet"; tthe Badge Pinning and Swearing ceremony in for our new Chief, Joe Guerrero, Captain James Roche, Sergeant Justin Braasch, and Corporal Brad Stene; and congratulated Chief Dohman on his retirement.
City Council Meeting
November 5, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Waldman attended the La Palma State of the City; the La Palma Halloween Carnival; and the Badge Pinning and Swearing ceremony in for our new Chief, Joe Guerrero, Captain James Roche, Sergeant Justin Braasch, and Corporal Brad Stene.
Mayor Goodman attended the CJPIA 29th Annual Risk Management Educational Forum; the Cypress State of the City; the Cal Cities Annual Conference; the La Palma State of the City; the CJPIA Executive and Claims Committee meeting; the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board meeting; the OC San State of the District; and congratulated Chief Dohman on his retirement.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager McNamara congratulated Chief Dohman on his retirement; recognized the new OCFA Chief Schuetz; recognized Mayor Goodman for his eight years of dedicated service; and wished everyone a very happy Thanksgiving holiday.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goodman adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council at 10:07 p.m. ____________________________
Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Kimberly Kenney, CMC
City Clerk