MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Lake Forest held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the Lake Forest City Council Chamber, 100 Civic Center Drive, Lake Forest, California, was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Robert Pequeño
Scott Voigts
Benjamin Yu
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Tettemer
Mayor: Doug Cirbo
City Manager: Debra Rose
City Attorney: Matthew Richardson
City Clerk: Lisa Berglund
PUBLIC SESSION:
INVOCATION: The Invocation was provided by Chaplain John Siu, Orange County Sheriff's Department.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of our Country was led by Council Member Voigts.
PRESENTATIONS: (Item No. 1)
2. NEW EMPLOYEE INTRODUCTIONS
ACTION: A report was received from the Deputy City Manager introducing Winston Karuga Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Lake Forest.
Public comment was received from Andrew O'Connor. Mr. O'Connor welcomed Mr. Karuga to the City of Lake Forest. He also questioned how many unpermitted sober living houses are in the city. Mr. O'Connor criticized Council Member Voigts for advocating for the approval of marijuana testing labs in the City.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Charlene Fell informed the City Council about the number of street vendors that are setting up business on the sidewalk in the city. She is unsure if they are permitted or Michael Fell informed the City Council about the number of street vendors that are setting up business on the sidewalk in the city. He shared that he previously lived in Riverside and street vendors caused problems with litter and traffic safety issues.
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Randy Johnson voiced his support for the resolution supporting the Iranian American people. He questioned why the City Council has not proposed resolutions condemning the importation of Fentanyl and illegal immigration.
Bob Holtzclaw reported a location in the city where the recent storms have washed the footing away near a sewer line belonging to Irvine Ranch Water District. He shared photos with the City Council that show the trees in that area have shifted since the storms. He urged the City to inspect the location.
Andrew O'Connor made comments on several issues. He requested a copy of the bid Best Best & Krieger provided to the City for legal services. He also requested the City's current fee schedule for City Attorney services and requested the City Council place an item on the agenda to request new bids for legal services. He stated that during the January 3, 2023, City Council meeting, more time was provided to the Iranian American community than to Lake Forest residents. He reminded the City Council that the City spent $50,000 on a consultant for redistricting services and criticized the City Council tratie on Regey La narticipation at public meetings. He asked if staff has studied Abigail Fachtman introduced herself as the field representative to U.S. Representative Young Kim, California 40th Congressional District. The 40th Congressional District includes the City of Lake Forest.
CONSENT CALENDAR: (Item Nos. 2-9)
MOTION: It was moved by Council Member Voigts and seconded by Council Member Pequeño to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 2-9. The motion was carried by a vote of 5/0.
2. MOTION TO WAIVE RESOLUTIONS OF RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES ACTION: Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appeared on the public agenda were determined to have been read by title and further reading was waived.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON DECEMBER 6, 2022
ACTION: The minutes were approved as submitted.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2022
ACTION: The minutes were approved as submitted.
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5. GRANT AGREEMENT WITH AGE WELL SENIOR SERVICES FOR CDBG-CV
FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO PURCHASE AN ADA-COMPLIANT VAN FOR
SENIOR RESIDENT TRANSPORTATION
A grant agreement with Age Well Senior Services, Inc. was approved to provide an award of $33,500 of Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus funds to assist with the purchase of an ADA-compliant van for senior transportation services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that the agreement was not a project subject to CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15378, and 15061(b)(3). The Mayor was authorized to execute the agreement, with Age Well Senior Services, Inc., substantially in the form presented and the City Clerk was authorized to attest.
6. SUMMARY RELINQUISHMENT OF AN EXCESS PUBLIC SERVICE STORM DRAIN EASEMENT OVER 21141 CANADA ROAD PURSUANT TO
CALIFORNIA STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE SECTIONS 8330, ET SEQ.
ACTION: A Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA SUMMARILY VACATING A PUBLIC SERVICE STORM DRAIN EASEMENT OVER 21141 CANADA ROAD
PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA STREETS & HIGHWAYS CODE SECTIONS 8330, ET SEQ. was adopted.
7. AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR ON-CALL GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES ACTION: A contract was awarded in the amount of $150,000 to GMU Geotechnical, Inc. for professional on-call geotechnical services. A contract was awarded in the amount of $150,000 to LGC Geotechnical, Inc. for professional on-call geotechnical services. A contract was awarded in the amount of $150,000 to GEOCON West, Inc. for professional on-call geotechnical services.
The Mayor was authorized to sign, and the City Clerk to attest to the agreements, substantially in the form presented.
8. APPROVAL OF EASEMENT DEED WITH THE TERESINA COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATION
ACTION: The Easement Deed with the Teresina Community Association for maintenance of a drainage structure was approved. The Mayor was authorized to sign the Easement Deed.
9. SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 359, AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 1 (PUBLIC NUISANCE) OF CHAPTER
6.14 (NUISANCES, GENERAL) OF TITLE 6 (HEALTH AND SANITATION) AND SECTION 1.01.250 OF THE LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE
FOR SUMMARY NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES, RECOVERY OF
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EXPENSES; AND MODIFYING THE PROCESS FOR NOTICE, HEARING, AND APPEALS REGARDING INVOLUNTARY ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE; AND
DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
Public comment was received by Randy Johnson. Mr. Johnson indicated that the tem is related to marijuana dispensaries.
meeting. He also shared that he has submitted a public records request and is waiting for a complete response.
Mayor Cirbo asked the City Attorney to explain the process for listing matters on the closed session agenda. City Attorney Richardson explained the requirements of the Brown Act related to closed session.
ACTION: The second reading of Ordinance No. 359, AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE 1 (PUBLIC NUISANCE) OF CHAPTER 6.14 (NUISANCES, GENERAL) OF TITLE 6 (HEALTH AND SANITATION) AND SECTION 1.01.250
OF THE LAKE FOREST MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROVIDE FOR SUMMARY NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES, RECOVERY OF EXPENSES; AND
MODIFYING THE PROCESS FOR NOTICE, HEARING, AND APPEALS
REGARDING INVOLUNTARY ABATEMENT OF A NUISANCE; AND
DETERMINING THE ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA was
approved and adopted.
DISCUSSION: (Item Nos. 10 - 13)
10. STRATEGIC PLAN QUARTERLY UPDATE
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Assistant to the City Manager Sean McGovern to provide the quarterly update on the City's Strategic Plan. The presentation was received by the Mayor and Council.
Public comment was received from Andrew O'Connor. Mr. O'Connor asked if the LED lighting was installed at the Civic Center or the Sport Park.
He criticized the City Manager for the launch of City's BOGO program and criticized her for not hiring additional Sheriff's deputies. He furthered criticized the elimination of remote participation during public meetings, and he further criticized the City Manager for utilizing a consultant for the development of an asset management plan.
Mayor Cirbo allowed the City Manager to respond. The City Manager explained le significance of an accurate asset management plan and reported that LAKE FOREST CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 17, 2023
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Council Member Tettemer suggested that a column for the operational costs be added to the informational matrix for each of the items listed on the City's Strategic Plan.
Council member Voigts asked the City Manager to explain the source of the funds for the Community Gift Card program and to explain how the program works. City Manager Rose elaborated on the funding for the program.
Council Member Yu asked the City Manager about the cost for the redistricting consultant. The City budgeted $70,000 and only spent $50,000. City Manager Rose explained that the remaining $20,000 was unspent and absorbed back into the budget.
ACTION: The report was received and filed.
11. LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM FOR 2023
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited Assistant to the City Manager Sean McGovern to give a presentation on the City's legislative platform. The presentation was received by the Mayor and Council.
Public comment was received by Randy Johnson and Andrew O'Connor.
Randy Johnson criticized the City Council for not discussing SB 1338 Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment Act (CARE) court. He criticized Council Member Pequeño for opposing CARE court during an interview with the California Insider.
Andrew O'Connor criticized the City Council for incurring certain travel expenses when attending legislative conferences. He further criticized the Council Members for not sharing with the public what they learned during the conferences.
Council Member Yu read a statement into the record and requested that the City oppose legislation promoting affirmative action. Mayor Cirbo deferred to the City Attorney. The City Attorney confirmed that such language may be added at the City Council's discretion and staff would then monitor any legislation related to affirmative action and report back to the City Council.
MOTION: Council Member Tettemer made a motion to continue this item to a future meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pequeño.
Council Member Voigts suggested that the City Council support the development of desalination and add to the City's legislative platform. No response was heard from the City Council.
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The motion passed by a vote of 5/0.
12. MEMBERSHIP IN ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA CITIES, ORANGE COUNTY
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited City Clerk Berglund to give a presentation on the City's membership with ACC-OC. The presentation was received by the Mayor and Council.
Public comment was received from Andrew O'Connor. Mr. O'Connor asked the cost of the membership and the purpose of the Association.
Public comment was received from Mayor Janine Heft of Laguna Hills. Mayor Heft encouraged the City Council to vote to renew their membership with ACC- OC.
City Council questions were asked and answered.
MOTION: Mayor Cirbo made a motion to table the decision and bring this item back for discussion at future meeting. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pequeño. The motion passed by a vote of 5/0.
13. CONSIDER A CONTRIBUTION TO WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
City Manager Rose introduced this item and invited City Clerk Berglund to give a presentation on Wreaths Across America. The presentation was received by the Mayor and Council. No public comment was offered. City Council questions were asked and answered. Council Member Pequeno suggested the City Council consider making a $500 donation to Wreaths Across America.
MOTION: Council Member Yu made a motion to donate $1,500. The motion was seconded by Council Member Pequeño.
MOTION: Council Member Tettemer made a motion to have staff inquire about the number of veterans that are buried at both El Toro and Ascension Cemeteries in Lake Forest and bring that information back to the City Council at a future Council meeting. Mayor Pequeño seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4/1 with Council Member Yu abstaining.
CITY MANAGERS REPORT: City Manager Rose had nothing further to report.
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CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS:
Council Member Pequeño: Council Member Pequeño thanked staff for all of their hard work and thanked his colleagues for supporting
Wreaths Across America.
Council Member Voigts: Council Member Voigts thanked Council Member Pequeño for bringing Wreaths Across America to the
City Council for consideration.
Council Member Yu: Council Member Yu spent last week meeting with the City Manager and staff to discuss several key issues
including the budget, employee compensation plan
and the Safe Lake Forest plan. He has been meeting
with several residents to discuss City matters. Next
week is the Lunar New Year. Council Member Yu
wished those that celebrate Lunar New Year a Happy
New Year.
Mayor Pro Tem Tettemer: Mayor Pro Tem Tettemer had nothing further to report.
Mayor Cirbo: Mayor Cirbo thanked the residents for attending the meeting this evening. Mayor Cirbo announced that
tomorrow evening the Lake Forest Chamber of
Commerce will hold the new business mixer and
announced Snowfest will be held on Saturday,
January 28, 2023. Mayor Cirbo thanked staff for all of
their hard work.
ADJOURNMENT: The regular meeting of the City Council was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: APPROVED:
umber dud Do Cals
LISA BERGLUND, MPA DOUG CIRB(
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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