MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, October 23, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Special Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, October 23, 2023, in the Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, Mayor Doby presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members: Hasselbrink, Hibard, Murphy
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda, Mayor Doby
Absent: Council Members: None
Present: Staff: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Michael Claborn, Chief of Police
Michael Daudt, City Attorney
Eleanor Granflor, Deputy City Clerk
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Irving Montenegro Jr., Development Services Manager
Emeline Noda, Recreation and Community Services Director Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager
3. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Daudt read the item aloud.
A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Cal. Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
(Claim No. 0057769)
C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Los Alamitos Police Officers Association Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
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D. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 911
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
E. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Executive Management, Non-Represented Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
RECESS
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 5:30 p.m.
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 6:14 p.m.
City Attorney Daudt stated there was no reportable action.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Murphy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. INVOCATION
Mayor Doby gave the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Doby and the City Council presented the listed items. Item 6B was presented last.
A. Presentation of a Tile Plaque to Trini Zenovka for Her Service to the City of Los Alamitos
B. Presentation by Lora Young, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, Regarding Vector and Vector-Borne Disease in Orange County
Ms. Young gave a PowerPoint presentation.
C. Presentation of a Certificate to Debbie Jackobs, Owner of Flags with a Flair, in Recognition of Being Featured in the Mayor's Business Spotlight
D. Presentation of a Commendation to the Los Alamitos Code Enforcement Staff in Recognition of Code Enforcement Appreciation Month
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7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time, any individual in the audience may come forward to speak on any item within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. Remarks are to be limited to not more than five minutes per speaker.\
Mayor Doby opened Oral Communications.
Sallie Rodman, resident, spoke regarding the rodent infestation in her neighborhood due to the solar project at the Joint Forces Training Base.
Mayor Doby closed Oral Communications.
8. UPDATES FROM THE MAYOR
At this time, the Mayor may report on items not specifically described on the Agenda that are of interest to the community, provided no action or discussion is taken.
Mayor Doby advised of the upcoming Good Evening, Los Alamitos! Event on November 16, 2023.
9. UPDATES FROM THE CITY STAFF
At this time, City Staff may also report on items not specifically described on the Agenda that are of interest to the community, provided no action or discussion is taken except.
Police Chief Claborn provided an update regarding the canine program.
Finance Director Koehler gave an overview of accrued interest on investments over the last quarter.
10. WARRANTS
A. Warrants (Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contains checks and electronic fund transfers for the period September 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023.
Council Member Hibard and Council Member Murphy Council Member asked questions regarding several charges and received answers from Staff.
City Manager Simmons explained the history of the City Council supply budget and advised a reallocation to a new budget account could occur at Council’s direction to help provide clarification on expenses.
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Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council ratified the Warrants for the period from September 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023 in the amount of $2,026,800.64.
Roll Call
Mayor Doby Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda Aye
Council Member Hasselbrink Aye
Council Member Hibard Aye
Council Member Murphy Aye
11. CONSENT CALENDAR
All Consent Calendar items may be acted upon by one motion unless a Council Member requests separate action on a specific item.
Council Member Murphy had questions regarding item 11B.
Council Member Hibard had questions regarding items 11A, 11D, and 11E.
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar items:
A. Approval of Minutes (Administration)
Approved the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 18, 2023.
Council Member Hibard requested the vote on page 6 be corrected to reflect she had voted no and Murphy had abstained.
B. Treasurer's Quarterly Investment Report - September 2023 (Finance) The item for City Council consideration was receipt of the Treasurer’s Quarterly Investment Report.
Council Member Murphy asked questions regarding the investment holdings and requested a list of brokers.
The City Council received and filed the Treasurer’s Quarterly Investment Report – September, 2023.
C. Crossing Guard Services with All City Management, Inc. (Police) The City of Los Alamitos has outsourced crossing guard services to All City Management Services, Inc. (ACMS) since FY 2016-2017. ACMS has successfully and effectively provided crossing-guard services since that time. The contract between the City and ACMS has exhausted all allowed extensions to date, and staff is supportive of continuing this relationship for DocuSign Envelope ID: 5531E063-949F-4DA7-9448-E2025719227E City Council Special Minutes
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crossing guard services. This item proposes entering a new agreement with ACMS for the contained provision of crossing guard services.
The City Council:
1. Authorized the City Manager to enter into the Crossing Guard Services Agreement between All Cities Management and the City of Los Alamitos for the term of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025; and,
2. Allocated an additional $30,500 to the Police Department account 10- 528-5260, for Crossing Guard Services.
D. Approval of the Request for Proposals (RFP) 2023-06 and Authorization to Bid for an Armored Rescue and Response Vehicle (Police) This item facilitated the solicitation of bids for the purchase of an armored rescue and response vehicle.
Council Member Hibard questioned why Los Alamitos would need to acquire an armored vehicle. Chief Claborn referred to the information contained in the Staff report and provided a response.
The City Council:
1. Approved the Request for Proposals (RFP) 2023-06 Armored Rescue and Response vehicle; and,
2. Authorized Staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
E. Award of Bid for Concrete Remediation (CIP 22/23-08) (Development Services)
This item recommended awarding a two-year contract to Southern California Precision Cutting Inc. to conduct a citywide sidewalk assessment and provide “On-Call” remediation services of sidewalk trip hazards with a lift of one-quarter inch to two inches in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Council Member Hibard referred to the Highlands and inquired about the City’s current concrete replacement expenses. City Manager Simmons and Development Services Director Noda clarified the first step of this contract would be to provide an assessment to identify areas that need to be repaired.
Depending on the scope of the repair Precision Cutting would shave the concrete or Staff would coordinate the complete removal and replacement.
The City Council:
1. Awarded the bid for the on-call sidewalk assessment and remediation of concrete sidewalk trip hazards (CIP 22/23-08) in the amount not to DocuSign Envelope ID: 5531E063-949F-4DA7-9448-E2025719227E City Council Special Minutes
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exceed $200,000 for two years to Southern California Precision Cutting Inc.; and,
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the contract with Southern California Precision Cutting Inc. for the project.
F. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application Resolution for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 (Development Services)
This item recommended adoption of a Resolution of approval for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project application with the County of Orange.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-22, entitled “A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE FISCAL YEAR
2024/2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
PROGRAM WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE.”
G. Reject Bid for the Bloomfield Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 22/23-06) (Development Services)
Construction bids were publicly opened for the Bloomfield Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 22/23-06) on September 7, 2023 with five bids received. The submitted acceptable bids surpassed a feasible budget. Therefore, staff is recommending that Council reject the bid submitted and go back out for additional bids.
The City Council rejected all bids received for the Bloomfield Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 22/23-06).
H. Purchase of one (1) 2024 Ford Super Duty F-550 Stakebed Truck via the Sourcewell Competitive Purchasing Program from National Auto Fleet Group Contract No. 091521-NAF (Development Services)
This item sought approval to purchase one (1) 2024 Ford Super Duty F-550 Stakebed Truck via the Sourcewell Competitive Purchasing Program at a cost of $83,524.46.
The City Council approved the purchase of one (1) 2024 Ford Super Duty F550 DRW Stakebed Truck from National Auto Fleet Group via Sourcewell Contract No. 091521-NAF for an amount not to exceed $83,524.46.
I. Disposal of Surplus Equipment (City Fleet and Equipment) (Development Services)
This item set forth a recommendation to dispose of surplus equipment and a fleet vehicle valued between $8,975 - $17,175.
The City Council declared the listed equipment and fleet as surplus and DocuSign Envelope ID: 5531E063-949F-4DA7-9448-E2025719227E City Council Special Minutes
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authorize its disposal in accordance with Los Alamitos Municipal Code (LAMC), Section 2.60.020.
12. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Projects of Significance Update - MyLosAlEngage (Administration) This Item provided an update on automation processes related to enhancing the City’s notification efforts related to projects of significance in the City.
City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein and answered questions from the City Council.
Council Member Hibard questioned if this platform would replace the Friday eNewsletter and if notification could be segmented by district.
City Manager Simmons advised it would not replace the eNewsletter and that Staff is currently exploring all capabilities.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council received and filed.
B. Consideration of an Accelerated Warrant Report Policy (Finance) This report provides information in connection with a proposed acceleration of the Warrant Report Policy.
City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein and answered questions from the City Council.
Council Member Hibard asked if this report would have more detailed information and a copy of the invoice. City Manager Simmons stated no and indicated the intent was to allow Council to ask questions and allow staff time to provide the answers.
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hasselbrink
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the proposed accelerated distribution of the Warrant Register.
C. Resolution to Express Support for Actions to Retain Local Control Related to Local Zoning and Housing Issues (Administration) This agenda item provides information on SB 9 which allows homeowners to create up to four homes on an existing parcel, in effect, eliminating singlefamily-only zoning. The item includes information on the charter cities of Carson, Del Mar, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Whittier (Petitioner Cities) and their day in court arguing against the State of California on the constitutionality of SB 9.
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City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein.
Motion/Second: Hibard/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council supported retaining local control by adopting Resolution No. 2023-23, entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, EXPRESSING
SUPPORT FOR ACTIONS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN LOCAL
DEMOCRACY, AUTHORITY, AND CONTROL AS RELATED TO LOCAL
ZONING AND HOUSING ISSUES".
D. Los Alamitos Community Foundation and City of Los Alamitos Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Los Alamitos Senior Club and City of Los Alamitos Agreement, Los Alamitos Museum Insurance (Recreation)
This agenda item provides draft Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) between the Los Alamitos Community Foundation and the City of Los Alamitos and the Agreement between the Los Alamitos Senior Club and the City of Los Alamitos. This item also addresses the reimbursement cost of insurance for both organizations, including the Los Alamitos Museum.
City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein and answered questions from the City Council.
Council and Staff discussed the following:
The type of insurance currently carried by the Los Alamitos Community Foundation (LACF)
MOUs would clarify the obligations of each entity and ensure adequate coverage
LACF obtained a separate insurance policy for the sale of fireworks 501(c)3 status of all three city established entities Liability at events and ensuring there is no lapse in coverage Insurance coverage would be paid outright
LACF sole purpose is to generate money for city and provides a direct benefit back to the City
Senior Club provides volunteers to staff programming the City could not Staff otherwise
Motion/Second: Murphy/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Los Alamitos Community Foundation and the Agreement with the Los Alamitos Senior Club; and,
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2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Alamitos Community Foundation; and,
3. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement with the Los Alamitos Senior Club; and,
4. Approved covering the cost of insurance for the Los Alamitos Community Foundation, Los Alamitos Senior Club, and Los Alamitos Museum.
E. Senior Services Master Plan (Recreation)
This item for Council consideration is the concept of a Senior Services Master Plan to serve as a framework for future programming and infrastructure needs to serve the older adult community in Los Alamitos for the next 20 years.
Recreation and Community Services Director Noda summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein and answered questions from the City Council.
Council and Staff discussed the following:
Adoption of Master Plan allows the City to access additional funding sources and invest in the City’s future
Allows the City to properly serve the largest growing segment of our population
Would allow the City to be one of the first cities to adopt a Senior Services Master Plan
20-year plan would allow for the consideration of aging infrastructure Interest for having resources and actives available to all different age and health groups of seniors
Interest in providing services to keep the community together even when elderly neighbors have to move to assisted care facilities Interest in providing support for Alzheimer and Dementia Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Murphy
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Discussed the need and desire for a Senior Services Master Plan; and,
2. Directed Staff to proceed with facilitating a Senior Services Master plan; and,
3. Supported appropriating funds out of General Fund Reserves for the Senior Services Master Plan.
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F. Staffing Recommendations (Administration)
This item proposed the conversion of three part-time Community Services Coordinators to full-time Recreation Coordinators in the Recreation & Community Services Department and a new full-time Department Secretary for Administration at Mid-Year. If the proposed plan of conversion from parttime to full-time occurs at Mid-Year, the fiscal impact to the Recreation & Community Services Department will be $67,054. Annually, the fiscal impact will be approximately $134,108. The cost for the Department Secretary for Administration will be at Mid-Year is $58,047 and the annual fiscal impact is $116,095.
City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report, referring to the information contained therein and answered questions from the City Council.
Council and Staff discussed the complete fiscal impact each position was listed; clarification regarding creative writing and video production requirement; and, differing skills and job sets were needed for a Clerical Assistant and Department Secretary.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council reviewed, discussed, and approved the proposal to convert three part-time Community Services Coordinators to full-time Coordinators and adding a new Department Secretary for Administration at Mid-Year.
G. Consideration to Implement "Revive Los Alamitos" (Development Services)
A discussion concerning the implementation of an Economic Development program intended to financially assist Los Alamitos-based businesses and commercial establishments by investing in their property through various methods.
Development Services Manager Montenegro summarized the Staff report referring to the information contained there and gave a PowerPoint Presentation.
City Council and Staff discussed the following:
Façade improvement program working as a catalyst to get businesses to invest in their property
Interest in incentives for blocks of businesses that participate Concern that property owners would use the façade improvements to raise rent
Goal to build relationships between the City, property owners, and business owners
Program would follow existing regulations within the Los Alamitos DocuSign Envelope ID: 5531E063-949F-4DA7-9448-E2025719227E City Council Special Minutes
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Municipal Code
Possibility of establishing a city-wide look in the future Interest in providing tax advise to property owners
Non-profit organizations are required to obtain a no fee business license Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed the program structure and criteria; and,
2. Provided feedback; and,
3. Approved funding for the program at a cost of $105,000.
H. Community Center Roof Project (Development Services) The roof of the Community Center building has incurred significant damage from storms in the beginning of 2023. This item recommends actions to begin facilitating the repairs of the roof and damaged infrastructure.
Development Services Director Noda summarized the Staff report referring to the information contained therein and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the following:
The difference between a roof repair and a roof replacement Potential State grant funding due to the state of emergency at the time Grant funding could be received at 12 months and 18 months If grant funding is not successful, funding could be pursued through insurance
Community Center roof would remain flat do to structural limitations Overview of the issues with current roof and pooling effects at the drain pipe
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Approved the Carryover the $500,000 for the Community Center Roof Project approved by Council at the March 20, 2023, Council Meeting; and,
2. Appropriated an additional $1,290,952 from the General fund for the Community Center Roof Project; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute a construction contract for the Community Center Roof Project, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, in amount not to exceed $1,790,952.
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I. Award Sterns Park Playground and Fitness Equipment Purchase (Development Services)
This item was for the purchase of playground and fitness equipment directly from the manufacturer, GameTime, through the use of a cooperative purchasing agreement via OMNIA Partners. The purchase of the playground and fitness equipment is part of the Sterns Park Rehab Project and would enable greater cost savings and assurance that the project continues forward on its intended timeline.
Development Services Director Noda introduced the item and consultant Charles Foley with Hirsh and Associates.
Development Services Manager Montenegro summarized the Staff report referring to the information contained there and gave a PowerPoint Presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the following the estimated timeline for the project, the all-inclusive park redesign, and the benefits of utilizing a rubber surface.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed the proposal and purchasing agreement for GameTime playground and fitness equipment; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to use a cooperative purchasing agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the playground and fitness equipment in the amount of $239,899,85.
13. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
At this time, Council Members may also report on items not specifically described on the Agenda that are of interest to the community, provided no action or discussion is taken except to provide Staff direction to report back or to place the item on a future Agenda.
Council Member Hibard spoke regarding attendance at the following: Regional Military Affairs Committee (RMAC); Pacific Air Show; Chamber of Commerce Breakfast; Orange County Tax Legislative Update; Cypress Prayer Breakfast; and, Cypress State of the City.
Council Member Murphy spoke regarding attendance at the following: Food Finder Farm to Tableau Event; hosted College Park Safety Meeting; Yorba Linda State of the City; Trunk or Treat; and Taste of Los Al.
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Council Member Hasselbrink spoke regarding attendance at the following: Pilot Welcome at the Joint Forces Training Base; Pacific Air show; Tast of Los Al; Los Alamitos Elevate Women’s Conference; and, Trunk or Treat. She requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of Rob Lowenberg.
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at the following: Pacific Air Show; Chamber Breakfast; Orange County Sanitation District Board and Committee Meetings; and the Working Group meeting with the Los Alamitos Unified School District.
Mayor Doby spoke regarding attendance at the following: League of California Cities Annual Conference; Pilot Welcome at the Joint Forces Training Base; Youth Center Crystal Hearts Ball; filming at Flags with a Flair for the Business Spotlight; State of the District; Chamber Breakfast, Los Alamitos Elevate Women’s Conference; Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board Meeting; and, Trunk or Treat.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Rob Lowenberg, We Care.
Tanya Doby, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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