MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, May 20, 2024
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Regular Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, May 20, 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
Robert Acosta, Support Services Manager
Michael Claborn, Chief of Police
Craig Covey, OCFA Division Chief
Michael Daudt, City Attorney
Kain Gallaugher, Police Captain
Eleanor Granflor, Deputy City Clerk
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Matthew Lightener, Management Analyst
Irving Montenegro, Jr., Development Services Manager
Emeline Noda, Recreation and Community Services Director Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
Jennifer Sisoev, Recreation Manager
Luke South, Police Captain
Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager
3. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Daudt read the items aloud.
A. Public Employee Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957
B. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Property: 10911 Oak St., Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Agency Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Los Alamitos Unified School District Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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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 6:02 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 Nefulda gave the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation from Elected Representatives to Los Alamitos Police Department in Recognition of National Police Week
Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative for Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Joe Peña, District Representative for the Office of Senator Janet Nguyen, and Michelle Schuetz, Senior Field Representative for Assemblyman Tri Ta, presented Certificates to Chief Claborn and the Los Alamitos Police Department. Representatives spoke briefly.
B. Presentation to Lina Lumme, of The Youth Center, in Recognition of Being Featured in the Mayor’s Business Spotlight
Mayor Nefulda, Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative for Congresswoman Michelle Steel, and Michelle Schuetz, Senior Field Representative for Assemblyman Tri Ta presented a Certificate to Ms.
Lumme. Ms. Lumme spoke briefly.
C. Presentation of Proclamation to the Public Works Team in Recognition of Public Works Week
Mayor Nefulda presented a Proclamation to the Los Alamitos Public Works Team. Ron Noda, Development Services Director, spoke briefly. Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative for Congresswoman Michelle Steel, and Michelle Schuetz, Senior Field Representative for Assemblyman Tri Ta presented a Certificate to the Public Works Team.
D. Presentation by Carlos Oregon, Board Member, of Working Wardrobes Regarding Services Available
Mr. Oregon gave a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions from the City Council.
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E. Presentation by Irving Montenegro, Jr., Development Services Manager, Regarding MyLosAl App
Mr. Montenegro gave a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions from 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.
Aaron Leal, representative of Alzheimer’s Orange County, spoke regarding the programs offered by the organization.
Eric Franklin, United Pacific Services, questioned the Award of Bid for Tree Maintenance Services.
Dan Gallagher, Los Alamitos Community Foundation Board Member, read a letter for the record regarding concerns of Council Member Murphy requesting financial information from TNT Fireworks.
Mayor Nefulda 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 Nefulda spoke regarding the continuation of the Parklet Series – Party on Pine, and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Project on Cerritos Avenue.
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.
City Manager Simmons spoke regarding the upcoming Summer Concert Series, the demolition of the LATV building, and commended the Public Works Team.
10. WARRANTS
A. Warrants (Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contained checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from April 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024.
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Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council ratified the Warrants from April 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024, for $1,663,099.58
ROLL CALL
Mayor Nefulda Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Hasselbrink Aye
Council Member Doby 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 Hibard pulled item K.
Council Member Murphy pulled items F and G.
Motion/Second: Doby/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar items:
A. Approval of Minutes (Administration)
Approved the City Council Regular minutes of April 15, 2024 and the Adjourned Regular minutes of April 29, 2024.
B. Adopt Ordinance 2024-01 - Noise Standard Exemptions Associated with Construction and Property Maintenance Activities
(Development Services)
This item facilitated the consideration of a draft Ordinance concerning noise standard exemptions associated with construction and property maintenance activities.
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2024-01 entitled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTION 17.20.020 OF
THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING NOISE
STANDARD EXEMPTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION AND
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES (ZOA 23-05) (CITY
INITIATED).".
C. Resolutions Pertaining to the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election (Administration)
This item facilitated the City's policy to consolidate the local election with the County of Orange.
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The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-15 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
CALLING FOR A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN
OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY’S
CHARTER”; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-16 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF
ORANGE TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 WITH THE
STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE
PURSUANT TO § 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE”; and,
3. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-17 entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE
OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE'S STATEMENTS SUBMITTED
TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 5, 2024.”
D. City Council Meeting Summer Schedule (Administration) This item facilitated the importance of having as many City Council members as possible present at Council meetings and with summer scheduling upon us, Staff thought it prudent to bring an item to the Council to ensure transparency and another layer of noticing the public of the change in Council meeting dates.
The City Council approved the following dates for City Council Adjourned Regular Meetings at 6:00 p.m.: Monday, June 24, 2024; Monday, July 22, 2024; Monday August 19, 2024 (no change); and, Monday, September 23, 2024.
E. 2024 Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Notice (Administration) This item facilitated the Political Reform Act requirement for each city to review its conflict of interest code biennially and notify the City Council as to whether or not the code needs to be amended. The completed biennial notice must be submitted to the City Council no later than October 1, 2024.
The City Council received and filed the 2024 Conflict of Interest Code Biennial Notice.
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H. Approval of the Request for Proposals (RFP) 2024-05 and Authorization to Bid Animal Control and Sheltering Services (Development Services)
This item recommended actions to facilitate the solicitation of bids for contractual services to provide animal control and sheltering services.
The City Council:
1. Approved the Request for Proposals (RFP) 2024-05 Animal Control and Sheltering Services; and,
2. Authorized staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
I. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Signing and Striping Improvements on Lexington Drive between Katella Avenue and Farquhar Avenue (CIP 23/24-09) (Development Services)
This item facilitated the striping and pavement marking assist in maintaining safe and up-to-date standards that comply with current Federal and State guidelines.
The City Council:
1. Approved the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the plans and specifications for the Signing and Striping Improvements on Lexington Drive between Katella Avenue and Farquhar Avenue (CIP 23/24-09); and,
2. Authorized Staff to advertise and solicit proposals.
J. Amended Joint Powers Agreement with Integrated Law and Justice Agency for Orange County (ILJAOC) (Police)
This item facilitated minor amendments proposed to further clarify the Agreement and ensure the practices of the Board conform with the requirements of the Agreement.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute the Joint Powers Agreement with Integrated Law and Justice Agency for Orange County to facilitate the integration and sharing of criminal justice information/data.
L. Notice of Completion (NOC) for the Bloomfield Street Improvement Project (CIP No. 22/23-06) (Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos hired a roadway contractor for street improvements to grind and overlay for the Bloomfield Street Rehabilitation Project (CIP No. 22/23-06) as part of the City’s ongoing pavement management program.
Staff recommends that Council accept the work as completed, direct filing of the Notice of Completion, and authorize retention release as prescribed by the Public Contract Code.
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The City Council:
1. Accepted as complete the construction by Hardy and Harper, Inc. for the Bloomfield Street Improvement Project (CIP No. 22/23-06); and,
2. Authorized the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion/Final Report with the County Recorder’s Office; and,
3. Authorized Staff to release the 5% retention to the contractor, in the amount of $10,182.50, thirty-five (35) days after recordation of the Notice of Completion.
M. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Hirsch & Associates, Inc. (Development Services)
This item would extend the contract term to an existing agreement for construction management and inspection services for the Sterns Park Improvement Project.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Hirsch and Associates, Inc. for construction management and inspection services for the Sterns Park Improvement Project, extending the term through December 14, 2024.
End of Consent Calendar
Items Pulled from Consent Calendar
F. City Council Travel and Reimbursement Policy (Administration) This item facilitated the adoption of a Travel Policy specific to City Council and Appointed Officials.
Council and Staff discussed the definition of a local event and the approved list of organizations,
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Murphy
Unanimously Carried: The City Council adopted Revised Administrative Regulation 6.2 - City Council Travel and Reimbursement Policy.
G. Treasurer's Quarterly Investment Report - March 2024 (Finance) This item facilitated City Council consideration in receipt of the Treasurer’s Quarterly Investment Report.
Council and Staff discussed alternative investment portfolio, amortized cost, and market value.
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Motion/Second: Hasselbrink /Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council received and filed the Treasurer’s Quarterly Investment Report.
K. Award of Bid for Tree Maintenance Services (RFP 2024-01) (Development Services)
This item facilitated Staff recommends awarding the bid to West Coast Arborists, Inc.(WCA) for the City's tree maintenance services.
Development Services Director Noda summarized the Staff report and answered questions from the City Council.
Council and Staff discussed the evaluation and award process.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Awarded bid for the tree maintenance services in the amount not to exceed $105,000 annually for a three-year contract to West Coast Arborists, Inc.; and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to approve two optional three-year extensions subject to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase with a cap of 2.5%; and,
3. Authorized the City Manager to execute the contract with West Coast Arborists, Inc. in a form approved by the City Attorney.
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Operating Budget (Finance)
This item facilitated City Charter Sections 1201-1205 govern the development and adoption of the City’s Annual Budget. Section 1203 requires a public hearing for public input on the proposed budget.
Thereafter, the City Council shall adopt the budget with revisions, if any; establish estimated revenues, expenditure appropriations, and transfers of funds of the City.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item.
Finance Director Koehler summarized the Staff report and provided a PowerPoint Presentation with overviews from each department. Staff answered questions from the City Council.
Mayor Nefulda opened the Public Hearing for comments.
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Dean Grose, former Council Member, commended the staff in their work efforts to present the proposed budget in May. He stated support for ensuring continued funding for the replacement of radio communications within the Police Department.
Mayor Nefulda Closed the Public Hearing for comments.
Council and staff discussed the following:
Reserve funding to replace the software system used by the Police Department
Sales Tax Revenue in regards the possible change of Rossmoor Zip Code
Credit card processing fees absorbed by the City
Reimbursement for Police Department armored vehicle
Asset forfeiture to fund a 26th sworn peace officer position Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed, received, and filed the department overviews for Administration (City Manager, City Clerk, Human Resources), Finance, Police, Development Services, and Recreation and Community Services for Fiscal Year 2024-25; and,
2. Conducted a Public Hearing on the Proposed Annual Operating Budget; and,
3. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-18, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR
2024-25.
B. Master Fee Schedule Update - Fiscal Year 2024-25 (Finance) This item facilitated an effort to keep cost recovery in parity with the services rendered, it is recommended that the City Council approve the proposed Master Fee Schedule update, which update includes a 4.0% increase in applicable fees commensurate with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Finance Director Koehler summarized the Staff report.
Mayor Nefulda opened the Public Hearing for comments. There being no one present wishing to speak, Mayor Nefulda closed the Public Hearing for comments.
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City Council and staff discussed advertising Notary service for Veterans Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Reviewed the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Master Fee Schedule Update, and;
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2024-19, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE BY
ADJUSTING CERTAIN USER FEES BASED ON THE INCREASE IN
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)”.
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 Doby spoke regarding attendance at the Association of California Cities, Orange County (ACC-OC) Board of Directors meeting, tour of the Orange County (OC) Vibe in Anaheim, Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Board meeting, ACC-OC Leadership Summit, and the Art with Heart Gala hosted by the Casa Youth Shelter.
Council Member Hibard spoke regarding speaking with residents in Apartment Row, attendance at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, the Regional Affairs Military Committee (RMAC) meeting at the Joint Forces Training Base, We Care Fundraiser, National Day of Prayer event at Cottonwood Church, and the ACC-OC Inspection at the Colorado River Aqueduct. Council Member Hibard also spoke in remembrance of her neighbor, a World War II Veteran.
Council Member Murphy spoke regarding attendance at We Care Fundraiser, Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Senior Prom, ACC-OC Leadership Summit, and Casa Youth Shelter’s Art with Heart Gala.
Mayor Pro Tem Hasselbrink commended the new Los Alamitos Canine, and spoke regarding attendance at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit, We Care Fundraiser, Defense Leadership Summit, Casa Youth Shelter’s Art with Heart Gala, and met with Congressman Michelle Steel’s office regarding funding for Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) remodel of Station 2.
Mayor Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Conference, and thanked City staff for all their hard work.
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15. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 9:16 p.m. to Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
Jordan B. Nefulda, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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