MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
November 4, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Waldman 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 California Government Code Section 54956. 9)
Name of Case: June 2, 2025 Claim from Unispec Construction, Inc.
CS- 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph ( 1) of subdivision ( d) of California Government Code Section 54956. 9)
Name of Case: David Casey, et al. v. City of Buena Park, et al.
Case No. OCSC 30- 2025- 01497184- CU- PA- NJC
CS- 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, INITIATION OF
LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956. 9( D)( 4)): One case CS-4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. 6)
Agency Designated Representative: Peter Kim, City Manager Employee Organizations: La Palma General Employees Association La Palma Police Association
La Palma Professional Employees Association
Unrepresented Employees: Executive Management
Mayor Waldman recessed the Open Session and convened the Closed Session at 5: 30 p. m. Mayor Waldman adjourned Closed Session at 5: 58 p. m. It was noted for the record that Council Member Keo Conklin arrived at 5: 32 p. m.
OPEN SESSION TO BEGIN AT 6: 30 P. M.
Mayor Waldman reconvened in Open Session at 6. 30 p. m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session. City Attorney Ajit Thind reported there was no reportable action for Items CS- 1, CS- 2, and CS- 4. He reported on Item CS- 3, the City Council voted 5 Yes/ 0 No to appeal the denial of coverage letter from California Joint Powers Insurance Authority on Claim No. CJP- 3054857.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tern N. Patel led the Pledge of Allegiance.
City Council Meeting
November 4, 2025
INVOCATION
Father Randy Sampinto, St. Irenaeus Catholic Parish, conducted the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Council Member Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin ( arrived at 5: 32 p. m.), Mayor Pro Tem N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Mayor Waldman
City Officials Present: Peter Kim, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Joe Cisneros, Deputy City Manager
Jake Chavira, Acting Community Development & Public Works Director Jesse Amend, Interim Police Chief
jaNell Adams, Community Services Supervisor
Norma Alley, City Clerk
PRESENTATIONS
Presentations were heard out of order of the Agenda.
Orange Council Supervisor Janet Nguyen provided a presentation of recent Board of Supervisor matters, upcoming County events, and updates on County projects.
Council Member Debbie Baker presented a certificate recognizing the outstanding accomplishment of Krishna Patel for winning a Global Essay Contest. Supervisor Nguyen presented Krishna Patel with a certificate and recognized and honored her exceptional achievement.
Mayor Pro Tem N. Patel presented a proclamation recognizing Nurse Practitioner Week.
Community Activities and Beatification Committee Member Mary Paningsoro presented the Home Spotlight Award to Charles and Meri Fedak.
Mayor Pro Tem N. Patel and Community Services Supervisor Adams presented Certificates of Appreciation to Meals on Wheels Volunteers for their dedication and hard work.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Waldman called for public comment.
Abe Waheed recognized Interim Police Chief for his dedication to the City.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor Waldman closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waive the Reading of All Ordinances: Waive the reading of all Ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
City Council Meeting
November 4, 2025
2. Approve Council Minutes: Approved the Minutes of October 7, 2025, and October 16, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes.
3. Approve Register of Demands: Adopted Resolution No. 2025- 45 approving the Registers of Demands for October 21, 2025, and November 4, 2025.
4. Adopt Resolution No. 2025-43 setting forth findings with respect to local climatic, topographic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Building Code, Wildland Urban Interface Code, California Residential Code, and California Electric Code as amended by the State of California, and adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 02 repealing Article III of Chapter 10 of the La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article III of Chapter 10 adopting by reference the 2025 Editions of the California Codes and related Model Codes which include the California Building, Residential, Energy, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, Wildland- Urban Interface Code, Existing Building Codes, the International Property Maintenance Code, and the Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Building, with appendices and amendments thereto. CEQA exempt pursuant to Section 15061( b) 3) [ 14 C. C. R. § 15061( b)( 3)].
5. Adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 03 repealing Article II of Chapter 16 of the City of La Palma Municipal Code, and adding thereto a new Article II of Chapter 16 adopting by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code with appendices and amendments thereto; and adopt Resolution No. 2025- 44 setting forth findings with respect to local climatic, topographic and geographic conditions within the City of La Palma to allow certain modifications and changes to the California Fire Code. CEQA exempt pursuant to Section 15061( b) ( 3) [ 14 C. C. R. § 15061( b)( 3)]
6. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 46 approving the annual Measure M2 expenditure report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025.
7. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 47 that updates and authorizes the allowed signatories for the deposit, investment, and payment of public funds in the Local Agency Investment Fund ( LAIF).
8. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 48 amending the City' s Council' s Regular Meeting Schedule for January, July, November, and December, 2026.
9. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 49 revising authorized signatories for the City' s banking and investment accounts.
10. Receive and file the Cash and Investment Report for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025-26.
11. Authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year service agreement with Fortinet for firewall services in an amount not to exceed $ 29, 362. 50.
12. Approve a Professional Consultant Services Agreement with City Advisors, LLC, a limited liability company, to provide professional planning and Community Development staff augmentation services; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, in the amount not -to -exceed of $50,060, and any necessary amendments, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
Council Member Baker made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items. The motion was seconded by Council Member Keo Conklin and carried on the following vote:
City Council Meeting
November 4, 2025
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin, Mayor Pro Tern Nitesh Patel, Council Member Vikesh Patel, and Mayor Waldman
NOES: None
City Manager Kim introduced the new Planning and Community Development Consultant Stephanie Tomaino.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
13. Adopt Resolution No. 2025- 50 approving proposed Water, Fire Flow, and Sewer Rates.
Mayor Waldman opened the public hearing. Deputy City Manager Cisneros presented a brief staff report, noted three written protests were received, and recommended approval of the resolution. He introduced Mr. Chris Fishe, Willdan Financial Services Vice President.
Mr. Fishe provided a brief overview of the study and analysis.
Mayor Waldman called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Waldman closed public comment and closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tern N. Patel made a motion approving a resolution approving proposed Water, Fire Flow, and Sewer Rates. The motion was seconded by Council Member Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baker, Council Member Keo Conklin, Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel, Council Member Vikesh Patel, and Mayor Waldman
NOES: None
REGULAR ITEMS
There were no Regular Items for consideration.
COUNCIL MEMBER AB1234 REPORTS REPORTS FROM CITY -AFFILIATED COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCIL REMARKS
Council Member Keo Conklin congratulated all the certificate and proclamation recipients. She reported she was honored to have spoke with the Cypress Political Science Club, announced the Veterans Day Celebration on November 8 and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4, and reminded people to be kind, compassionate, and open minded.
Council Member Debbie Baker congratulated Interim Police Chief Amend for his appointment to Interim Police Chief and welcomed the new City Manager Peter Kim. She announced she attended the League of California Cities ( Cal Cities) Annual Conference: M/ CM Business meeting - completed duties as the President of the department, OC Division meeting -sworn in as the 2nd Vice President, participated as part of a panel discussion session; Yorba Linda State of the City; Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District ( OCMVCD) Board of Trustees Meeting; La Palma' s State of the City; State of OC San at the new administration building for the Orange County Sanitation District; Meeting with the new Executive Director of Orange County Council of Governments ( OCCOG); La Palma' s Red Ribbon Challenge; Event in Fountain Valley honoring the outgoing Mayor Ted Bui; OC San Board of Directors City Council Meeting
November 4, 2025
Meeting; OCCOG Board of Directors Meeting; Formation and Retirement Reception for Chief Joe Guerrero; Cal Cities Orange County Division Board of Directors Orientation Meeting; and the Halloween Carnival and 70th Anniversary Celebration.
Council Member V. Patel reported he attended the Cal Cities Annual Conference, State of the City, BAPS Hindu Temple Diwali Celebration, Red Ribbon Challenge, Chief Guerrero's retirement ceremony, and Halloween Carnival and 70th Anniversary Celebration. He congratulated Council Member Baker for her appointment of 2nd Vice President to Cal Cities OC Division, congratulated Krisha Patel for her award, congratulated and welcomed the new City Manager Peter Kim, and congratulated Interim Police Chief Amend for his appointment as Interim Police Chief.
Mayor Pro Tern N. Patel reported he attended the State of the City, BAPS Hindu Temple Diwali Celebration, Chief Guerrero' s retirement ceremony, Halloween Carnival and 70th Anniversary Celebration, meeting with Orange County Local 3631 Union President, meeting with Townsends Public Affairs, and OCFA Human Resources Committee where he is serving as the Chair. He congratulated Council Member Baker for her appointment of 2nd Vice President to Cal Cities OC Division, congratulated and welcomed the new City Manager Peter Kim, and congratulated Interim Police Chief Amend for his appointment as Interim Police Chief.
Mayor Waldman reported he attended and gave the State of the City Address and the Halloween Carnival and 70t" Anniversary Celebration. He expressed appreciation to staff for their work.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager Kim thanked the City Council for the opportunity to serve the City, thanked staff and community for their warm welcome, recognized Interim City Manager Mike Egan for his contributions during his tenure and expressed his sincere gratitude for Mr. Egan' s steady leadership, and announced upcoming events.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Waldman adjourned the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council at 7. 53 p. m.
Nitesh P. Patel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Norma I. Alley, MM4Ciitr?k
City Council Meeting
November 4, 2025