June 17, 2025
TO: City Manager, Finance Director, City Attorney, Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, City Council, Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Clerk, Police Chief, Communications Manager, Orange County Register, Sean Emery "THE CITY IS COMMITTED TO OPEN AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT
AND STRIVES TO CONSISTENTLY MEET ITS COMMUNITY'S EXPECTATION
BY PROVIDING EXCELLENT SERVICE IN A POSITIVE, TIMELY AND TRANSPARENT MANNER. IT IS THE DUTY OF CITY GOVERNMENT TO
SERVE THE PUBLIC, REACHING ITS DECISIONS AND CONDUCTING ITS ACTIVITIES IN FULL VIEW OF THE PUBLIC."
Lake Forest Milestones: Lake Forest Incorporates December 1991 Foothill Ranch & Portola Hills Annexed October 15, 1998 Sports Park November 2014 $86 Million Paid by 10 Residential Developer Fees. *** No 60 x 90 baseball field***
Civic Center December 2019 $100M Paid by 10 Residential Developer Fees.
Andrew Hamilton Recalled January 16, 2018.
Scott Voigts sues the residents $550,000.00 January 18, 2019 settles $150,000.00 Santiago Fire October 2007
Silverado Fire October 2020
Airport Fire September 2024
Serrano Summit Passive Park to IRWD 02-21-23
**Councilman Yu arrested for Domestic Violence June 2023 again February 2024. Yu has 3 names in the court system: Benjamin Miao Yu; Alias Benjamin M Yu; Alias Miao Yu. Next court appearance 04-17-25 1:30 PM H-2 Santa Ana Appearance #45!!!!
Civic Center Operating Costs 03-18-25
$43,500 yearly @$3,625 Monthly Bright View Civic Center Landscape $946,687 yearly @$78,890 Monthly Kidder-Matthews Maintenance $264,000 yearly @$22,000 Monthly SCE Civic Center Utilities $18,000 yearly @$1,500 Monthly SoCal Gas
$XXXX yearly @ $XXXX Monthly IRWD
$388,596 yearly @$32,383 Monthly Innovative Cleaning Services
Public Comments
Today D-2 councilman Benjamin Miao Yu made his 54th appearance to answer to the domestic violence charges. Once again, no plea of guilty or not guilty was entered so the victim(s) can have their day in court. Shame on you Councilman Yu for making a mockery of the justice. Soon it will be the 2 year anniversary of your first arrest. You were issued a restraining order, however, February 2024 you were arrested for the same crime and this time charged with a felony. You violated your Ethics pledge twice, and you have no remorse. How much longer will you continue to postpone your trial? You were arrested 06-27-25, 2 years ago.
Next court appearance is 07-22-25 “Military Diversion” who’s strategey is this? You or your attorney Grant Bettencourt?
Consent Calendar
#2 Minutes of the Regular Council meeting June 03, 2025 Golden Star Technology change order $20,092.73
13 “video conferencing systems” I submitted a request to see the video conference in action. Still waiting for a time and date. I cannot understand why we need 13 when referencing the telephone list there are only 8 “departments” they be necessary. Can I receive a list of each conference room and department name.
City Manager Debra Rose recent contract extension and salary increase I strongly disagree. The city manager salary as the same as Captain Pulz who as a much dangerous job the captain doesn’t work 9-5, he works 24 x 7. The city manager should be embarrassed for her $300K salary and $100K benefits. Lake Forest is a contract city, and she has no responsibility for fire, police, animal services or public works. Our $66M operating budget, should deduct the $22M for the OCSD budget bring it down to $42M which is actually handled by Kevin our Financial Director
#3 Certification of the Warrant Register
$7,500 Jos A Gonsalves Lobbyist
$46,525.00 Kidder-Matthews April
$17,159.27 SCE April can you imagine what our electric bill will be in August and September
$731.49 Gas Company April
$7,910.00 Bright View Civic Center April
$131,651.34 Best, Best and Krieger
$33,050.00 Ralph Andersen “compensation study” template has already been established. We are paying to much for a “review”
#4 2025 Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Map Getting no response from the city council for a pro active approach to combat wildfires.
#14 Crown Facility for Civic Center
Costing taxpayers $394K per year and $33K month. Reviewing the scope of services, appears to be way over the top for 60 employees and conference center that is hardly used.
Page End
Calendar Days
The amount of the Contract will be increased by the amount of twenty thousand ninety two dollars and seventy three cents ($ 20, 092. 73). The contract time will be increased by 45 calendar days.
The Contractor agrees to furnish all labor, equipment, and materials and to perform all other necessary work, inclusive of the directly or indirectly related work, within the approved time extension required to complete the above Change Order items. The undersigned Contractor approves the foregoing Change Order as to the changes, if any, in the Contract Price specified for each item including any and all supervision costs and other miscellaneous costs relating to the change in Work, and as to the extension of time allowed, if any, for the completion of the entire Work on account of said Change Order. The Owner and the Contractor hereby agree that this Change Order constitutes full mutual accord and satisfaction for all time, all costs, and all impacts related directly or indirectly to this Change Order. The Contractor hereby agrees that this Change Order represents the full equitable adjustment owed under the Contract, and further agrees on behalf of himself or herself that and all subcontractors to waive all right to file any further claims or requests for equitable adjustment arising out of or as a result of this Change Order or the cumulative effect of this Change Order on the performance of the overall Work under the Contract. This document will become a supplement of the contract and all provisions will apply hereto. It is understood
that the Change Order shall be effective when approved by the owner.
Recommended: ,
Michael Stone, Project Manager
Date: ___________________________
Contractor:$ 0. 000Golden Star Technology,
Inc. dba GST
Previous Approved
Changes:
45 Tax $ 498. 65
02/20/2025
Change Order No.1
City of Lake Forest
Video Conference System Upgrade Project
No. 01
Accepted: ,
Keith D. Neves, Assistant City Manager
Date: ___________________________
Approved: ,
City of Lake Forest, City Manager
Date: ___________________________
Attest:
Net Change in Contract $ 20, 092. 73 45
CO Number: 01 Revised Contract:$ 303, 307. 88
This change order covers changes to the subject contract as described herein. The Contractor shall supply all labor, equipment and materials to complete the Change Order items for the lump sum price agreed upon herein. All Change Order items must be submitted to the owner for approval prior to fabrication.
Item
No.
Reference Description of Changes Amount Time
Extension*
1 Newnex 5Gbps USB- C Extender over CAT 6a/ 7 $ 5,865. 65 2 Firm Fixed Price Services $ 13, 728. 43
3 CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 01
CITY OF LAKE FOREST
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ( 2024- IT- AV1)
Amount
Owner: City of Lake Forest Original Contract:$ 283, 215. 15 Project No.: 2024- IT- AV1 This Change Amount:$ 20, 092. 73 120
45 165
Calendar Days
Docusign Envelope ID: F00F652F- 37C8- 401B- BB75- FC814320E32C Michael Stone 2/ 26/ 2025
Keith Neves 2/ 27/ 2025
Debra Rose 2/ 27/ 2025
Lisa Berglund, City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 6/3/2025
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
SUBJECT:
NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR VIDEO CONFERENCE SYSTEM UPGRADE PROJECT (25F02)
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
1. Find that Golden Star Technology, Inc. has completed construction of the Video Conference System Upgrade Project (25F02).
2. Approve the Notice of Completion and authorize the Mayor to execute the document on behalf of the City.
3. Authorize City Clerk to submit Notice of Completion for recordation to the Office of the County Recorder of Orange County within fifteen days of the City Council approval, as required by Section 9204 of the California Civil Code.
4. Authorize staff to release any unencumbered retention in accordance with California law.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On June 18, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract to Golden Star Technology, Inc. in the amount of $283,215.15 for the Video Conference Upgrade Project (25F02). The project involved upgrading the video conferencing systems in thirteen (13) conference rooms located in the f Lake Forest Civic Center to enhance communication capabilities across City operations. A project kick-off meeting was held on October 11, 2024.
Contract Change Order No. 1, dated February 27, 2025, was issued to accommodate necessary adjustments and additions to equipment and integration work not included in the original scope. The change order amounted to $20,092.73, bringing the total project cost to $303,307.88.
Final inspection has confirmed that Golden Star Technology, Inc. has completed the contract scope of work and addressed all punch list items. The progress payment has been processed, and the Notice of Completion is now ready to be
executed by the City and recorded with the County of Orange. Staff recommend the City Council approve the Notice of Completion (Attachment 1) and direct staff to release any unencumbered retention in accordance with California law.
Sufficient funding exists in the 2023-30 Capital Improvement Projects Budget to cover the total project cost.
BACKGROUND:
At the June 18, 2024, City Council meeting, a contract in the amount of $283,215.15 was awarded to Golden Star Technology, Inc. for the Video Conference Upgrade Project (25F02). The project involved upgrading the video conferencing systems in thirteen (13) conference rooms throughout the Lake Forest Civic Center, improving audiovisual infrastructure and enhancing hybrid meeting functionality.
DISCUSSION:
Staff collaborated closely with Golden Star Technology, Inc. throughout the system upgrade implementation to ensure quality execution, minimal disruption to City operations, and alignment with project objectives. To address unforeseen technical challenges and incorporate additional integration services that enhance overall system performance, Contract Change Order No. 1 was issued in the amount of $20,092.73. This change order reflects necessary modifications to system configurations and ensured the system meets operational needs. As a result, the revised total contract amount is $303,307.88.
The Notice of Completion establishes the legal date that limits the time subcontractors and material suppliers may file stop notices or liens against the project. Following City Council approval, the City Clerk will submit the Notice of Completion to the Orange County Clerk Recorder within fifteen (15) days, as required by Section 9204 of the California Civil Code. Upon recordation, a 30-day lien period begins, after which the City may release the retention payment provided no stop notices are received.
Staff recommend City Council approve the Notice of Completion and the release of retention thirty (30) days following recordation, in accordance with California law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action finds the project complete and authorizes staff to release any unencumbered retention funds. Sufficient funding is available in the 2023-30 Capital Improvement Projects Budget to cover the final project cost of $303,307.88.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Notice of Completion for the Video Conference Upgrade Project (25F02) Initiated By: Joanne Jin, Information Technology Manager Submitted By: Keith Neves, Assistant City Manager
Approved By: Debra Rose, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL POLICY: ETHICS POLICY
Ratified: January 2, 2019
Preamble
The citizens of the City of Lake Forest are entitled to responsible, fair, and honest City government that operates in an atmosphere of respect and civility.
Accordingly, the Lake Forest City Council adopts this policy to:
1. Describe the standards of behavior to which its leaders aspire.
2. Provide an ongoing source of guidance to elected leaders and City officials in their day-to-day service to the City.
3. Promote and maintain a culture of ethics.
Pledge
On May 15, 2018, the City Council of the City of Lake Forest adopted this Ethics Policy which applies to all members of the City Council and members of City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces and requires the following pledge:
ETHICS POLICY
RESPONSIBILITY/PROTECTING THE PUBLIC INTEREST
� I comply with the laws of the nation, the State of California, and the City of I ..I Lake Forest in the performance of my duties.
(tY_ ,-I comply with the Oath of Office I took upon beginning my service for the I I City of Lake Forest.
c?'?'\_ My decisions are consistent with, among other things, the Fair Political I.IL Practices Act and other state and local laws.
Qi[ I do not accept gifts, services, or other special considerations inconsistent lt1. with the Political Reform Act because of my public position. _L_d I do not give special treatment or consideration to any individual or group I A. beyond that available to any other individual.
/Y.,E Unless authorized by the City Council, I do not involve myself in the '}_,,,�dministrative processes for acquiring goods and services. -�-' I I recognize that the City Council and other City Commissions are independent legislative bodies, and I refrain from using my position to unduly influence the deliberations or outcomes of those bodies.
�::-::
�. ---FF�-W-N -ES-S-/A_C_C_O_U_N_T _A_B_IL-ITY_____________ til -- /)J!:' I make decisions based on the merits of the issue, including research and LA facts.
P_ 0 I answer questions directly, telling the truth, and admitting a lack of knowledge if one exists.
_/dr. I do not knowingly use false or inaccurate information to support my JA"1, position or views.
_ro_ I deter rumors and misunderstandings by making factual information � available.
L!.6 If I receive substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideraUon from sources outside the public decision-making process, I publicly share it with my fellow Councilmembers or commissioners and staff at the public meeting where the matter is under consideration.
RESPECT FOR FELLOW ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS, STAFF, �� .. ,D THE PUBLIC
� I refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal attacks upon the character, motives, ethics, morals, or comments of other Councilmembers, commissioners, committee members, staff, and the L. public.
@" I do not, in the performance of my duties, discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition, and actual or perceived gender identity.
P_ROPER AND EFFICIENT USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES
f!t5" I do not use public resources, such as agency staff time, equipment,• supplies, or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes. /1.- I make decisions after prudent consideration of their impact on City resources, taking into account the long-term financial needs of the agency, 1A _especially its financial stability.
,r_ 0 I use my title(s) only when conducting official City business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise, carefully IA considering whether I am exceeding or appearing to exceed my authority. � efrain from making unauthorized commitments or promises of any kind urporting to bind the City.
refrain from gratuitous comments that may harm the City's position in litigation or potential litigation.
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CIT Y OF LAKE FOREST
ETH ICS POLICY
All current elected and appointed City officials, including current members of the City Council and City Commissions, will be given a copy of the newly adopted City Ethics Policy following its adoption on May 15, 2018, and will be asked to initial each provision of the Ethics Policy and sign an acknowledgement form at that time.
Thereafter:
Each new member of the City Council and City Commissions will be given a copy of the City Ethics Policy and asked to initial each provision of the Ethics Policy and sign an acknowledgement form prior to their first meeting.
Copies of the City Ethics Policy and acknowledgment forms for elected officials and members of commissions shall be maintained on file with the City Clerk.
ACK NOWLEDG MEN T OF RECEIPT
As an elected or appointed official of the City of Lake Forest, California, I certify that I have received a copy of the Ethics Policy of the City of Lake Forest, have been offered training and assistance in understanding the Ethics Policy, and am aware of the provisions of the Policy and its application to my responsibilities. Consistent with the Ethics Policy, I pledge that my conduct will adhere to the requirements of the Policy.
NAME:
TIT LE:
LEGISLATIVE
BODY:
SIG NATURE:
DATE:
(Please type print your first a e)
�(, hl&:f ��
City Manager
Debra Rose
City Manager
The City Manager's O ce implements the mission and vision established by the elected City Council. The City Manager supervises department directors and provides the executive leadership needed to ensure City services are e cient, e ective, and respond to the needs of the community. Additional duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Representing the city in legislative and regulatory matters;
2. Overseeing city operations and providing direction to the Executive Management Team;
3. Administering the personnel system;
4. Overseeing biannual Budget and Investment Policy; and
5. Working with other agencies to address regional issues;
6. Serving as Executive Director of the Lake Forest Housing Authority.
City Manager Organizational Chart
City Manager
Debra Rose
City Manager
Keith Neves
Assistant City
Manager
Sean McGovern
Deputy City
Manager
Amy Smith
Executive Assistant
Nidia Ruelas
Assistant to the City
Manager
City of Lake Forest | 2025-2027 Operating Budget Page 44