MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE LA PALMA CITY COUNCIL
June 2, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor N. Patel 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.
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: David Casey, et al. v. City of Buena Park, et al.
Case No. OCSC 30-2025-01497184-CU-PA-NJC
CS-z. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9)
Name of Case: Ross Byer v. City of La Palma
Case No. OCSC 30-2024-01394359-CU-OE-CJC
CS-3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9)
Name of Case: Misty Torres v. City of La Palma
Case No. OCSC 30-2026-01561451-CU-OE-NJC
CS-4 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - INITIATION OF LITIGATION (Pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9)
Number of potential cases: 1
Mayor N. Patel recessed the Open Session and convened the Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. Mayor N.
Patel adjourned Closed Session at 6:11 p.m.
OPEN SESSION TO BEGIN AT 6:30 P.M.
Mayor N. Patel reconvened in Open Session at 6:30 p.m. and asked for a report out of Closed Session.
City Attorney Thind reported there were no reportable actions for Items CS-1, CS-2, CS-3, or CS-4.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Keo Conklin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
La Palma Police Chaplain Matthew Agosto conducted the Invocation.
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026
ROLL CALL
Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tem Debbie Baker, Council Member Janet Keo Conklin, Mayor Nitesh Patel, Council Member Vikesh Patel, and Council Member Mark Waldman
City Officials Present: Peter Kim, City Manager
Ajit Thind, City Attorney
Joe Cisneros, Deputy City Manager
Todd Mattern, Interim Police Chief
Jake Chavira, Acting Community Development & Public Works Director Jesse Amend, Police Captain
Norma I. Alley, MMC, City Clerk
Alisha Farnell, Assistant to the City Manager
PRESENTATIONS
Acting Community Development & Public Works Director Chavira introduced the new Community Development Intern Ezequiel Nunez.
Mayor N. Patel presented a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
Mayor N. Patel presented a proclamation celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and Birth of the United States.
Mayor N. Patel presented a certificate recognizing Maxwell Chicken Rice as the recipient of the Business Spotlight Award.
Mayor N. Patel presented a proclamation recognizing Wildfire Awareness Month and received updates from Orange County Fire Authority.
Council Member Keo Conklin left the meeting at 7:07 p.m.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor N. Patel closed public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Waived the reading of all ordinances in their entirety and read by title only.
2. Approved the May 5, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes and April 7, 2026, Joint City Council and Community Activities and Beautification Committee Special Joint Meeting Minutes.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-19 approving the Register of Demands for May 19, 2026, and June 2, 2026.
4. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-20 calling and giving notice of the holding of a Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in conjunction with the General Municipal Election, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026
to general law cities; and Resolution No. 2026-21 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to consolidate a Municipal Election to be held on November 3, 2026, with the Statewide General Election to be held on the date pursuant to the Elections Code Section 10403.
5. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-22 to identify a list of projects to be funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), The Road Repair and Accountability Act, for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
6. Adopted Resolution No. 2026-23 updating the Local Signal Synchronization Plan for the Measure M2 Program; adopted Resolution No. 2026-24 updating the Pavement Management Plan for the Measure M2 Program; and authorized the Acting Community Development & Public Works Director to submit the City's Measure M2 Eligibility Package to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).
7. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an amendment extending the term through December 31, 2026, to the Professional Consultant Services Agreement (agreement) with City Advisors, LLC, to provide professional planning and community development staff augmentation services and allocating an additional amount not-to-exceed $75,000, and any necessary amendments.
8. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the agreement with Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. for building and safety services.
9. Received and filed the Emergency Purchase Orders Report.
10. Authorized the City Manager to approve payment in the amount of $70,670.44 to Kordich Construction Inc. for the La Palma Avenue/Rose Street watermain break repair.
11. Received and filed the 2026 Annual Water Quality Report and direct staff to distribute the report to the City of La Palma residents and businesses.
Council Member Waldman made a motion to approve Consent Calendar Items. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
PUBLIC HEARINGS
12. Adoption of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan Mayor N. Patel opened the public hearing and called for the staff report.
Acting Community Development and Public Works Director Chavira introduced the item, provided a summary of the staff report, and fielded inquiries from the City Council.
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, he closed the public comment.
Mayor N. Patel closed the Public Hearing.
Council Member Waldman made a motion to adopt the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baker and carried on the following vote:
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
13. Report on City of La Palma's Staff Vacancies, and Recruitment and Retention Efforts in Compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2561 (Gov. Code § 3502.3).
Mayor N. Patel opened the public hearing and called for the staff report.
Deputy City Manager Cisneros introduced the item and provided a summary of the staff report.
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, he closed public comment.
Mayor N. Patel closed the Public Hearing. He noted the item was a receive and file of the report and no motion was needed
14. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Operating and Capital Improvement Program Budgets and Appropriations Limit.
Mayor N. Patel opened the public hearing and called for the staff report.
Deputy City Manager Cisneros introduced the item and provided a summary of the staff report regarding the long-term fiscal status and provided an overview of the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.
Mayor Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, he closed public comment.
Mayor N. Patel closed the public hearing.
Council Member V. Patel made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-25 approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-26 approving the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The motion was seconded by Council Member Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
REGULAR ITEMS
15. Placement of a Paver for Former Mayor Edward J. Byrne in the Community Commemorative Area
Mayor N. Patel provided a summary of the report and recommended approval. He recognized Mrs.
Marilyn Byrne and daughter Margaret Chavez, who were in attendance.
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, he closed public comment.
City Council Meeting Minutes
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Council Member Waldman made a motion to approve the placement of a paver for Former Mayor Edward J. Byrne in the Community Commemorative Area. The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baker and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
16. Annual Military Equipment Report, Per Assembly Bill (AB) 481 Police Captain Amend provided a brief summary of the staff report.
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, he closed public comment.
Council Member Waldman made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2026-27 renewing Ordinance No. 2022-03 in compliance with Assembly Bill 481. The motion was seconded by Council Member V. Patel and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
17. Council Chambers Video Streaming System
Assistant to the City Manager Farnell presented the staff report and fielded inquiry from the City Council.
Mayor N. Patel called for public comment.
Monte Baker provided general comments regarding the need of a screen, display, and camera.
Mary Paningsoro provided general comments regarding the use of the monitor in the lobby.
Seeing no further comments, Mayor N. Patel closed public comment.
Mayor N. Patel made a motion authorizing the installation of one camera; upgrade of the sound system, microphone, and speakers; and upgrade of the displays, if needed, upon the discretion of the City Manager. The motion was seconded by Council Member Waldman and carried on the following vote:
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Baker, Mayor N. Patel, Council Member V. Patel, and Council Member Waldman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Keo Conklin
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026
COUNCIL MEMBER AB1234 REPORTS, REPORTS FROM CITY-AFFILIATED COMMITTEES, AND
COUNCIL REMARKS
Mayor Pro Tem Baker reported she attended the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly; Orange County Women's Business Chamber Meeting; funeral service for former Mayor Ed Byrne; facilitated the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) Mayors and Council Members Roundtable; Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) Administration Meeting; Cal Cities Orange County Division Board Meeting; participated in a zoom survey for Cal Cities; Special Meeting for Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board Meeting; JFK High shelter for residents who were evacuated from the Garden Grove chemical incident; Memorial Day Ceremony; OCCOG Annual Conference; OC San Board of Directors Meeting; OCCOG Board of Directors Meeting; Orange County Fire Authority's Best & Bravest Awards Ceremony; Joint Meeting with the City Council and Development and Circulation Committee. She congratulated all the award recipients and welcomed the new employee.
Council Member V. Patel reported he attended the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) Budget Review Meeting and Facility Tour, cultural immersion program, OCMVCD Board Meeting, Memorial Day Ceremony, and Library Advisory Board Meeting. He congratulated all the award recipients and welcomed the new employee.
Council Member Waldman reported he attended the Memorial Day Ceremony.
Mayor N. Patel reported he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Recruitment Meetings, OCFA Budget and Finance Subcommittee Meetings, memorial service for former Mayor Ed Byrne, Orange County Women's Business Chamber Meeting, hosted an appreciation dinner for the recreation staff thanking them for their hard work on the Festival of Nations, OCFA Labor Negotiation Meeting, ACC-OC Board Meeting, JFK High School evacuation shelter for residents impacted by the Garden Grove Hazmat Incident (GGHI), GGHI close out meeting, Latter Day Saints celebration, Memorial Day Ceremony, OCFA Board Meeting, OCFA Best & Bravest Awards Ceremony, and Joint Meeting with City Council and Development and Circulation Committee. He thanked the American Red Cross, OC Supervisor Nguyen, Congressman Tran, Senator Schiff, City staff, OCFA for all their dedication and hard work during the GHI and to the shelter at the JFK High School. He congratulated all the award recipients and welcomed the new employee.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
City Manager Kim announced upcoming events.
CITY ATTORNEY REMARKS
City Attorney Thind had nothing to report.
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor N. Patel adjourned the Regular Meeting of the La Palma City Council at 8:11 p.m. in memoriam of former Mayor Edward J. Byrne who passed away April 24, 2026. He served La Palma taithtully trom 1971-1984 on the City Council and as Mayor from 1972-1976 and then again from 1983-1984. He will be remembered for his dedication and leadership to the La Palma community. The City Council shares their heartfelt condolences to his wife Marilyn Byrne and family.
With A. Matil
Nitesh P. Patel, Mayor
ATTEST:
Mean, Aley
City Council Meeting Minutes
June 2, 2026