MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, November 20, 2023
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Regular Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, November 20, 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
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Emeline Noda, Recreation and Community Services Director Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Tom Oliver, Associate Planner
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager
Mayor Doby pulled item 5 forward.
5. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Daudt read the item aloud.
A. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Los Alamitos Police Officers Association Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 911
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Executive Management, Non-Represented Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
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RECESS
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 6:06 p.m.
City Attorney Daudt stated there was no reportable action.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Doby led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda gave the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Doby and the Council presented the listed items.
A. Presentation of a Proclamation to Jamie Tran and Cynthia Sanchez in Recognition of Nurse Practitioner’s Month
B. Presentation of a Proclamation to Joseph Luck and Nathan Peak, CoOwners of Lucky Peak's Barbershop, in Recognition of Small Business Saturday
C. Presentation of a Certificate to Joseph Luck and Nathan Peak, CoOwners of Lucky Peak's Barbershop, in Recognition of Being Featured in the Mayor's Business Spotlight
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.
Carol Churchill questioned when the Fiscal Year 2021/22 Financial Statements would be readdressed.
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.
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Mayor Doby provided an update regarding Small Business Saturday and Shop Local, Holiday Toy Drive, Winter Wonderland, and Holiday Decorating Contest.
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.
Chief Claborn congratulated Sergeant Nestor Rodriquez and Sergeant Delana Lopez on their recent promotions to Sergeant and recognized Officer Christian Cruz, currently deployed, in honor of Veteran’s Day.
Development Services Director Noda provided an overview regarding the upcoming Good Evening, Los Alamitos! Event.
Finance Director Koehler provided an update on the City’s AAA credit rating.
Mayor Doby moved item 12A forward.
12. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Quimby In-Lieu Fees ( Development Services)
Discussion of a proposed update to the Park In-Lieu Fees Pursuant to the Quimby Act Fees as studied through the 2023 City of Los Alamitos’ Quimby Land Dedication and In-Lieu Fee Study.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. Development Services Director Noda introduced Blair Aas, SCI consultant, summarized the Staff report and gave a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Doby opened the Public Hearing for public comments.
Carol Churchill spoke regarding the following: questioned the cost calculations of Laurel Park and if the fair market value of the land purchased matched what the city paid; believed the fee should be higher for the cost of land; referred to the purchase of Laurel Park and the debt incurred by interest; and, sought confirmation the actual fee would allow the City sufficient revenue to purchase land in the City of Los Alamitos.
Mayor Doby closed the Public Hearing for public comments.
Development Services Director Noda stated the City is supportive of purchasing land at fair market value; however, given the are Los Alamitos is located in property is highly south after. Every purchase of property is negotiable.
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Blair Aas, SCI consultant, added the last factor in determine the Quimby In - Lieu Fee pertained to the approximate cost of the land. He gave a brief explanation of the calculation. He indicated in Los Alamitos, 15 land sales were analyzed, excluding the property at the highest and property at the lowest ranges, to find the average sale price of vacant land. He stated the common approach to calculate land values was used and indicated that one comparable property sale was not representative of the land value of the whole areas.
City Attorney Daudt stated a clerical adjustment was required for the title of Ordinance No. 2023-05, wherein Section 16.18.080 should be changed to
16.18.090.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing; and
2. Consider the draft ordinance and resolution: and, if appropriate,
3. Introduced for first reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2023-05; and,
4. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2023 -05 entitled,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 16.18.040 AND
16.18.090 OF CHAPTER 16.18 ( DEDICATION OF LAND FOR
PARK FACILITIES AND PAYMENT OF IN- LIEU FEES) OF TITLE
16 (SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE
PURSUANT TO THE QUIMBY ACT, CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTION 66477 (CITY INITIATED).”
5. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-29, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING UPDATED PARKLAND DEDICATION AND IN-LIEU
FEES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE
APPROVAL OF NEW RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISIONS PURSUANT
TO THE QUIMBY ACT, CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE 66477
IN FULFILLMENT OF TITLE 16 (SUBDIVISIONS), CHAPTER 16.18
DEDICATION OF LAND FOR PARK FACILITIES AND PAYMENT
OF IN-LIEU FEES) OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE.”
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
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10. WARRANTS
A. Warrants ( Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contains checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from October 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023.
Mayor Doby advised the warrants were sent out in advance in line with the City Council’s Accelerated Warrant Policy.
Council Member Hibard advised she would vote no on this item as the Warrant presented had clerical errors and requested invoices were not provided.
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hasselbrink
Carried 4/1: The City Council ratified the Warrants for the period from October 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023, in the amount of $1,715,347.37.
Roll Call
Mayor Doby Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda Aye
Council Member Hasselbrink Aye
Council Member Hibard No
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 Hibard pulled Item 11B.
Council Member Murphy pulled items 11D and 11E.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar Items:
A. Approval of Minutes
Approved the City Council Special Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2023.
C. Update on City's Credit Rating ( Finance)
This report provided an update regarding the City's Credit Rating.
The City Council received and filed the update on the City’s Credit rating.
F. Resolution No. 2023-26 - Minimum Hourly Wage Increase Effective January 1, 2024 (Finance)
This report addressed the state-wide minimum wage increase that becomes DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
November 20, 2023
effective January 1, 2024.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-26, entitled, “ A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING THE HOURLY RATE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024 AND REPEALING
EXHIBIT B FROM RESOLUTION NO. 2022-31.”
G. Investment Policy Update (Finance)
This report provided the Council with an update on the City’s Investment Policy and recommends amendments for allowable investments per the State Government Code.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-25, entitled " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE STATEMENT OF
INVESTMENT POLICY DATED NOVEMBER 2023."
H. Resolution No. 2023-24 – Adopting the June 30, 2023 Measure M2 Expenditure Report (Finance)
Each agency that receives Measure M2 funds is required by the Orange County Transportation Authority to adopt an annual Expenditure Report to account for the use of Measure M2 funds.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-24, entitled " A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, CONCERNING THE MEASURE M2
EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2023."
I. Five-Year Contract with Flock Group, LLC (Police)
The Police Department sought authorization to extend the contract for the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program for an additional five years, expiring December 31, 2028.
The City Council approved entering into a five-year Master Service Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to lease twelve Automated License Plate Readers for a contract cost of $168,000.
J. Annual Military Equipment Report ( Police)
Assembly Bill 481 requires City Council approval of an Annual Military Equipment Report.
The City Council approved the 2023 Annual Military Equipment Report per Assembly Bill No. 481.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
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K. Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Rebid for the Bloomfield Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 22/23-06) (Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos is being provided $200,000 in federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) funding through the 2021 Pavement Management Relief Funding (PMRF) Program. This item seeks approval to facilitate the solicitation of bids to begin the Bloomfield Street Rehabilitation Project ( 22/23-06). The City rejected initial construction bids that were publicly opened for the project on September 07, 2023. Five proposals were received, and the submitted bids surpassed the allocated budget.
The City Council:
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the Bloomfield Street Rehabilitation Project (22/23-06); and,
2. Authorized Staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
L. Award of Plans and Specifications for the Demolition of Los Alamitos Television Production ( LATV) Building at 10921 Oak Street Project CIP No. 22/23-04) ( Development Services)
This item recommends awarding a bid to begin the demolition of the Los Alamitos Television ( LATV)/Public Works ( PW) Building at 10921 Oak Street Project (CIP No. 22/23-04).
The City Council:
1. Awarded construction for the LATV/PW Building at 10921 Oak Street Project (CIP No. 22/23-04) in the amount of $104,671.00 to Unlimited Environmental, Inc.; and,
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the contract with Unlimited Environmental, Inc. for the LATV/PW Building at 10921 Oak Street Project (CIP No. 22/23-04); and
3. Authorized the City Engineer to add work and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed the contingency reserve of 20% or 20,935.00.
M. Amendment No. 3 with North Star Land Care for Annual Park and Landscape Maintenance Services (citywide) (Development Services) This item sought approval of Amendment No. 3 with North Star for annual citywide park and landscape maintenance services for the amount of 114,067.92.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
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The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement with North Star Land Care for a one (1) year term for annual park and landscape maintenance services citywide through January 19, 2025, for a total amount of $114,067.92.
N. Amendment No. 10 with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC for Bus Shelter License and Maintenance Agreement (Development Services) This item sought approval of Amendment No. 10 with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC to continue providing Bus Shelter License and Maintenance Services until November 20, 2024. The current Professional Services Agreement (PSA) expires on December 31, 2023.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 10 of the Professional Services Agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC, with no fiscal impact and a term expiring on November 24, 2024.
O. Resolution No. 2023-27 – Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) (Development Services)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) requested the adoption of Resolution 2023-27 to affirm the City’s commitment to the projects submitted in the 2025 Federal Transportation Improvement Program FTIP).
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-27, entitled, “ A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, WHICH
CERTIFIES THAT LOS ALAMITOS HAS THE RESOURCES TO FUND
THE PROJECTS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 – 2029/30
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND AFFIRMS ITS
COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM".
End of Consent Calendar
Items Pulled from Consent Calendar
B. Ordinance No. 2023-04 - Purchasing Policy (Finance)
This report provides information in connection with the City’s current purchasing policy as codified in Chapter 2.60 (Purchasing System) of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code, and consideration of modifications.
Ordinance No. 2023-04 was introduced, read by title only, further readings waived and set for adoption at the August 21, 2023, Council meeting.
Council Member Hibard stated opposition to the Purchasing Policy due to perceived financial challenges during her tenure and financial accountability, particularly in regards to the Financial Statements.
Council Member Murphy stated opposition because she believed DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
November 20, 2023
purchases of $80,000 or more should be reported to the entire Council and not just the Budget Standing Committee
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hasselbrink
Motion Passed 3/2 ( Hibard and Murphy voted No): The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2023-04 entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING CHAPTER 2.60 ( PURCHASING SYSTEM) OF THE
LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE”.
D. Amendment to City's Authorized Check Signers ( Finance) This report provides the Council with an update of the City’s authorized check signers.
Council Member Murphy asked for and received clarification this would apply to all the City’s banking accounts, signers are not required to be physically present to sign checks and there are security measures in place to apply digital signatures, process increases checks and balances within the Finance Department, and this request was to update the two check signers on accounts.
Motion/Second: Murphy/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council authorized the City Manager to add the City Treasurer as a check signer and to remove the City Clerk.
E. PERS Trust Analysis (Finance)
Since adopting the City’s Fiscal Sustainability Plan, the Budget Standing Committee and the Los Alamitos City Council have been exploring different methods of maximizing investment opportunities that result in net savings for the City’s residents. Following 18 months of work with the Budget Standing Committee, a funding plan and policy was presented to the Council at the November 14, 2022, meeting, culminating in the adoption of Resolution 2022-33, PERS Unfunded Accrued Liability Pay-Down Funding Policy. This report provides the Council with a follow-up discussion on the PERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability ( UAL) and consideration of possible additional funding analysis. The Budget Standing Committee discussed and recommend Council approval at its November 6, 2023, Special meeting.
Council Member expressed support.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council authorized the City Treasurer to initiate funding the City's Section 115 Trust with PARS for $50,000 monthly installments to accelerate paying down the PERS Unfunded Liability.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 8EDA33F1- 3565-4DB3-96AF-CAD83E4F810A City Council Regular Minutes
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13. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Administrative Rules and Regulations Update; Discretionary Designations & Collateral Duty Assignments (Administration) The Administrative Rules and Regulations ( ARs) are an accumulation of policies that were adopted by Council, approved by the City Manager, and/or are administered by the Departments. This report requests amending and restating Administrative Rule 4.10 City Manager Discretionary Designations and Collateral Duty Assignments.
City Manager Simmons provided a summary of the Staff report.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Amended and Restated Administrative Regulation 4.10 – Deputy City Manager Designation that was adopted by Council action on February 1, 2023; and,
2. Authorize the City Manager to implement and modify as needed, Administrative
B. Resolution No. 2023-28 – Awarding the City Manager a Performance Based Incentive Bonus for Calendar Year 2023 (Administration) The City Council evaluated the City Manager’s performance during closed session on October 23, 2023. Pursuant to the City Manager’s Employment Agreement, the City Manager may be entitled to up to a two percent (2%) annual performance-based incentive bonus, which may be awarded at the sole discretion of the City Council.
City Attorney Daudt summarized the Staff report.
Council Member Murphy opposed the item as she felt there was room for improvement.
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hasselbrink
Carried 3/1 (Hibard Abstained. Murphy voted no): The City Council:
1. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54953(c)(3), an oral report summarizing the recommendation was made in open session prior to the City Council taking final action on this item.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-28, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS,
CALIFORNIA, AWARDING THE CITY MANAGER A
PERFORMANCE BASED INCENTIVE BONUS FOR CALENDAR
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YEAR 2023”.
14. 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 Commission; Orange County Library Board meeting; Orange County Water District Adventure Tour; Crime Survivors event; Police Department’s Sergeant Promotion; Veteran’s Day celebration; Joint Forces Training Base Thanksgiving Appreciation Luncheon; Good Evening, Los Alamitos! event; and, read Psalm 107:1.
Council Member Murphy spoke regarding attendance at the following: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for a bike lane in Garden Grove; Orange County Sanitation District State of the City; Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Lunch featuring Troy Edgar; tour the new Youth Center facility; Veteran’s Appreciation Lunch at Cottonwood Park; Orange County Sheriff’s Fentanyl discussion; Cypress’ Celebrate Women Conference; and Good Evening, Los Alamitos! event. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Hasselbrink spoke regarding attendance at the following: Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Lunch featuring Troy Edgar ; Orange County Fire Authority Board meeting; and, Good Evening, Los Alamitos! event. She advised of the one day trash delay due to the holidays and spoke regarding the upcoming Winter Wonderland event and Sunday Funday Military Support Fundraiser at Fiddler’s Green.
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at the following: Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Lunch featuring Troy Edgar ; Orange County Sanitation District Board and Committee meetings; and, Congresswomen Steel’s Veterans of Distinction event. He encouraged the community to support local businesses this weekend and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Doby spoke regarding attendance at the following: Governors Military Council conference; Orange County Council of Governments meeting; Youth Center’s Grand Opening; Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Lunch featuring Troy Edgar; City Selection Committee meeting; Police Department’s Sergeant Promotion; spoke at the Los Alamitos High School’s Kindness Club; and, the Good Evening, Los Alamitos! event.
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15. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
Tanya Doby, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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