MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, March 18, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Regular Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2024, in the Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, Mayor Nefulda presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members: Doby, Hibard, Murphy
Mayor Pro Tem Hasselbrink, Mayor Nefulda
Absent: Council Members: None
Present: Staff: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Michael Claborn, Chief of Police
Craig Covey, OCFA Division Chief
Michael Daudt, City Attorney
Eleanor Granflor, Deputy City Clerk
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
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 items aloud.
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 911
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
B. Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Executive Management, Non-Represented Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
C. Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Police Officers Association
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
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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 Doby led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. INVOCATION
Council Member Hibard gave the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of a Certificate to Amber and Tony Tran, owners of Formula Fitness, in Recognition of Being Featured in the Mayor's Business Spotlight
Mayor Nefulda presented a certificate to Amber and Tony Tran. Mr. Tran spoke briefly.
B. Introduction of the Newest Additions to the Los Alamitos Police Department's Volunteers in Policing (VIP) Program
Support Services Manager Acosta introduced the newest VIPs.
B. Presentation to the City of Los Alamitos from Jenni Worsham, California Park and Recreation Society Vice President, in Recognition of Receiving the Creating Community Award of Excellence in Economic Vitality for Celebrate Los Al
Ms. Worsham spoke briefly and presented the Council and staff with the Award of Excellence.
C. Presentation from Michael Balliet, City Green Consulting President, Regarding SB 1383, Organic Waste Reduction
Mr. Balliet provided a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions form the City Council.
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 Nefulda opened Oral Communications. There being no one present wishing to speak, Mayor Nefulda closed Oral Communications.
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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 Nefulda advised of the upcoming Spring Carnival on March 30, 2024.
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.
Development Services Director Noda spoke regarding Good Morning Los Alamitos on March 26, 2024 at the Community Center.
Recreation and Community Service Director Noda spoke regarding the upcoming Race on the Base on April 13, 2024 at the Joint Forces Training Base.
Chief Claborn spoke regarding Michelle Steele roundtable meetings and Women of Distinction of Award and provided an update regarding the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force and the Beard and Tattoo policy within the Los Alamitos Police Department.
City Manager Simmons spoke regarding the transition of Los Al Medical Center to UCI.
10. WARRANTS
A. Warrants (Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contains checks and electronic fund transfers from February 1, 2024, to February 29, 2024.
Council Member Hibard asked several questions regarding the warrants and stated concern she does not receive the information she requests.
Council Member Hibard questioned if it was the City’s position to withhold financial documentation from Council Members. City Manager Simmons advised he had received Council consent to not expend staff time and resources on producing warrants and that direction had led to the creation and adoption of the Accelerated Warrant Policy.
Mayor Nefulda added questions that are provided in advance allow Staff time to properly address concerns.
Council Member Murphy stated she could not support the warrants.
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Motion/Second: Doby/Hasselbrink
Carried 3/2 (Hibard and Murphy voted no): The City Council ratified the Warrants from February 1, 2024, to February 29, 2024, for $1,702,650.18.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Nefulda Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Hasselbrink Aye
Council Member Doby Aye
Council Member Hibard No
Council Member Murphy No
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.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar Items:
A. Approval of Minutes (Administration)
Approved the City Council Regular minutes of February 20, 2024.
B. Signing and Striping Improvements on Los Alamitos Boulevard Between Katella Avenue to Coyote Creek Trail (CIP No. 23/24-06) (Development Services)
Striping and pavement marking assist in maintaining safe and up-to-date standards that comply with current Federal and State guidelines. Currently, the existing striping is faded on Los Alamitos Boulevard between Katella Avenue and the Coyote Creek Trail/Bridge and needs re-striping. This Capital Improvement Project (CIP No. 23/24- 06) is proposing to re-stripe and modify the striping to include bike lanes and create a safer environment for all modes of transportation.
The City Council:
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the Signing and Striping Improvements on Los Alamitos Boulevard between Katella Avenue to Coyote Creek Trail (CIP No. 23/24-06) Project; and,
2. Authorized staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
C. Request for Proposal (RFP 2024-01) for Citywide Tree Maintenance Services (Development Services)
This item facilitated the solicitation of requests for proposals (RFP) for the Citywide Tree Maintenance Services.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D35A7D-1F19-47B4-873E-61A4ED66D19C City Council Regular Minutes
March 18, 2024
The City Council:
1. Approved Requests for Proposals (RFP) 2024-01 for Citywide Tree Maintenance Services; and,
2. Authorized staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
D. Labourdette Park Playground and Fitness Equipment Purchase (Development Services)
This item was for the purchase of playground and fitness equipment directly from the manufacturer, Landscape Structures Inc., through the use of a cooperative purchasing agreement via Sourcewell for $297,238 (excluding taxes and delivery). The purchase of the playground and fitness equipment is part of the Labourdette Park Project and would enable greater cost savings and an assurance that the project continues forward on its intended timeline.
The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed the proposal and purchasing agreement for Landscape Structures Inc. 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 $297,238 (excluding taxes and delivery).
E. Employee of the Quarter; California Teamsters 911 and Police Officers Association (POA) Side Letter Agreements (Administration) This report sought approval of the Employee of the Quarter side letter agreements for; California Teamsters (“Teamsters”) 911 amending the November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Police Officers Association (“POA”) amending the July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-10, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS AND
THE TEAMSTERS LOCAL 911 EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2021
THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2024; EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER”;
and,
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2. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-11, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS AND
THE POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION EFFECTIVE JULY 1,
2021 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024; EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER";
and,
3. Authorized the Mayor to execute the side letter agreements amending the California Teamsters 911 and Police Officers Association (“POA”) Memorandum of Understandings (MOU).
12. WORKSHOP DISCUSSION
A. Mid-Year General Fund Budget Review and Financial Update for Fiscal Year 2023-24 (Finance)
This report provided the Council with a review of Mid-Year General Fund budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 and a projection for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. Finance Director Koehler provided a PowerPoint presentation and summarized the information contained in the staff report.
Council and Staff discussed the following topics:
Various sources used for economic forecasting including Bank of America, Cal State University Fullerton, and HdL
Repair and timeline of the of red-light camera
Additional funding for the General Municipal Election to account for three Council seats
Additional litigation fees can be partiality attributed to the Los Alamitos Luxury Apartment lawsuit
Additional red-light camera approaches
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Carried 3/2 (Hibard voted No, Murphy abstained): The City Council:
1. Reviewed the Mid-Year General Fund budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-24 and the projection for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024; and,
2. Approved the following appropriations: Administration $20,000; City Attorney $30,000; Police $168,000; Development Services $626,000; Non-Departmental $300,000; Technology $47,477; and Economic Development $200,000.
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13. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Apartment Row Name Change (Development Services)
Renaming of the Apartment Row neighborhood by surveying the residents of Apartment Row with three alternatives and a write-in option.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. Development Services Director Noda summarized the Staff report.
Council discussed preferences.
Motion/Second: Doby/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed; and,
2. Directed Staff to conduct a survey with the following options:
Midtown
Cottonwood Place
Cottonwood
Write In Option
B. Neighborhood Permit Parking and Street Sweeping Survey Results (Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos is seeking the community’s feedback on the current neighborhood permit parking and street sweeping schedule. The online survey was conducted from October 23, 2023, to January 19, 2024.
Several public workshops were held to gain additional feedback.
Development Services Director Noda summarized the Staff report and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the following topics:
Soft launching any new programs to get public feedback Recent changes in street sweeping for some residents and concern asking for additional changes
Residents appreciate being asked for their feedback and look forward to reviewing the results
Some residents are not impacted by street sweeping due to the ability to utilize garages and driveways
Process for permit parking and no current requests
Potential redesigns of streets to address overall lack of parking within the City
Possibility of a parking garage in Apartment Row would require approximately 5-7 properties and zoning amendments
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Concern ticketing still occurs when pick-ups get pushed a day due to holidays
Survey is the first step to gather information before any further action is taken
The City Council:
1. Reviewed and discussed; and,
2. Received and filed the Neighborhood Permit Parking and Street Sweeping Survey Results.
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Hasselbrink spoke regarding attendance at a 90th Birthday Celebration for long time resident Helen La Casto, Precious Life Shelter Hooray for Hollywood Gala, Americana Awards, and Business Roundtable with Michelle Steele. She encouraged attendance at the Spring Carnival on March 30.
Council Member Murphy spoke regarding attendance at the Black Chamber of Commerce Lunch, League of California Cities Division Meeting, International Women’s Day, Orange County Women in Leaders Summit, Janet Nguyen’s Election Day Watch Party, Precious Life Shelter Hooray for Hollywood Gala, Weekend of Art, and Americana Awards.
Council Member Hibard spoke regarding attendance at Senior Bingo Night, Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Direct Escrow, Americana Awards, Business Roundtable with Michelle Stelle, and Congresswomen Steele’s Women of Distinction. She encouraged anyone interested in civil service to reach out to her.
Council Member Doby spoke regarding attendance at the Association of California Cities – Orange County Executive Committee, Orange County Council of Governments Legislative committee, Cal-Cities Policy Committee, Weekend of Art, Americana Awards, Southern California Association of Government Policy Committee meeting, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board meeting, and the Orange County Library Advisory Board meeting.
Mayor Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at a tour of the Youth Center, School District/City working group meeting, meeting with CEO of Cal Optima, meeting with Supervisor Andrew Do, and meeting with Congresswomen Michelle Steele.
DocuSign Envelope ID: D1D35A7D-1F19-47B4-873E-61A4ED66D19C City Council Regular Minutes
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15. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
Jordan B. Nefulda, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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