MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2025, in the Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, Mayor Hasselbrink presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members: Hibard, Loe, Nefulda
Mayor Pro Tem Doby, Mayor Hasselbrink
Absent: Council Members: None
Present: Staff: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Barbara Biscocho, Finance Manager
Michael Claborn, Chief of Police
Craig Covey, Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney
Kain Gallaguher, Police Captain
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Matthew Lightener, Management Analyst
Emeline Noda, Recreation and Community Services Director Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk/Dir. of Communications
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hasselbrink led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Doby gave the Invocation.
5. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Hasselbrink presented the listed recognitions.
A. Presentation of a Certificate to Lisa Patino, Motivated by Lisa, in Recognition on Being Featured in the Mayor's Business Spotlight B. Presentation of a Certificate to Luis Reyes in Recognition of Being Named the Employee of the Quarter
C. Presentation of a Certificate to the Finance Department in Recognition of Being Awarded the Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
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D. Presentation of Certificates to Chet Simmons, City Manager; Ron Noda, Deputy City Manager; and, Craig Koehler, Finance Director, in Recognition of Outstanding Leadership
E. Presentation of a Certificate to City Manager Simmons for his Outstanding Service
6. 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 Hasselbrink opened Oral Communications.
Cathie Salai, a resident, spoke in opposition to the City’s customer service, reserved spaces for Council Members, and the Los Alamitos Blvd. street striping.
Frank Marchese, a resident, thanked the Council and Staff for the great job they’re doing as civil servants and spoke in favor of the Los Alamitos Blvd. street striping.
Maggie Marchese, a resident, spoke in favor of keeping City Commission appointments citywide versus district-based.
Donisha Quiller, a resident, expressed interest in serving on a City Commission.
Mayor Hasselbrink closed Oral Communications.
7. 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 Hasselbrink spoke regarding the upcoming Race on the Base and Weekend of Art. She reported attendance at the Budget Standing Committee meeting, the swearing-in of Board Supervisor Janet Nguyen, the Association of California Cities—Orange County (ACC-OC) Board Installation, and the Grand Opening of the Laurel Park tennis and pickleball court.
8. 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.
City Manager Simmons asked for and received an update on the recent wildfires from Chief Covey.
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Development Services Director Noda spoke regarding the upcoming Lexington street striping project and Good Evening Los Alamitos event.
City Manager Simmons spoke regarding the Active Transportation Plan and how the recent striping projects are tied in.
Mayor Hasselbrink stated the meeting would be closed in honor of Theresa Sherrin and Wayne Byerly.
9. WARRANTS
A. Warrants ( Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contained checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council ratified the Warrants from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, for $2,515,858.71.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Hasselbrink Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Doby Aye
Council Member Hibard Aye
Council Member Loe Aye
Council Member Nefulda Aye
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
All Consent Calendar items may be acted upon by one motion unless a Council Member requests separate action on a specific item.
Mayor Pro Tem Doby questioned item 10G.
Council Member Hibard questioned item 10A and pulled item 10C.
Council Member Loe indicated he would abstain from item 10A, November 18, 2024, December 12, 2024, and December 16, 2024, Special minutes, as he did not attend those meetings.
Motion/Second: Hibard/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar items:
A. Approval of Minutes (Administration)
Approve the Regular City Council Minutes of November 18, 2024, the Special City Council Minutes of December 12, 2024, and the Special and Regular Minutes of December 16, 2024.
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Council Member Loe abstained from November 18, 2024 , and December 12, 2024, and the Special meeting of December 16, 2024, minutes.
Council Member Hibard referred to page 54 of the packet and requested her Roll Call vote on 12A of the minutes be reflected as no.
B. 2025 Budget Calendar (Finance)
This report seeks to establish the 2025 budget calendar.
The City Council approved the recommended budget calendar for 2025.
D. Auction of City Vehicles and Equipment (Development Services) This item sets forth a recommendation to auction City vehicles and equipment valued between $1,000-$6,000.
The City Council authorized the listed equipment and fleet as surplus and authorize its auction and disposal in accordance with Los Alamitos Municipal Code (LAMC), Section 2.60.040.
E. Approval of Final Parcel Map 2022-133 ( 4665 Lampson Project) Development Services)
This item is to adopt Resolution No. 2025-02 approving the final Parcel Map 2022-133 for Finance and Conveyance Purposes, located at 4665 Lampson Avenue, which is ready for submission to the County Recorder’s Office for final review (Applicant: Lampson Park Place, LLC).
The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-02 entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING PARCEL MAP NO. 2022-133 FOR THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 4665 LAMPSON AVE”; and,
2. Directed the City Clerk to endorse the certificate on the title sheet of Parcel Map 2022-133, which embodies the approval of said maps, and submit the maps to the County of Orange Recorder’s Office.
F. Amendment No. 11 with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC for Bus Shelter License and Maintenance Agreement (Development Services) This item seeks approval of Amendment No. 11 with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC to continue providing Bus Shelter License and Maintenance Services until December 31, 2025.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 11 of the Professional Services Agreement with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC, with no fiscal impact and a term expiring on December 31, 2025.
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H. Award of Plans and Specifications for the CDBG Street Improvements on Maple Street (CIP 24/25-04) (Development Services)
This item recommends the award of bid to Copp Contracting, Inc. to facilitate the CDBG Street Improvements on Maple Street (CIP 24/25-04).
The City of Los Alamitos proposes to grind and overlay asphalt streets and repair damaged concrete as part of its ongoing pavement management program.
The City Council:
1. Awarded construction for the CDBG Street Improvements on Maple Street (CIP 24/25-04) Project in the amount of $323,256.07 to Copp Contracting, Inc.; and,
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the contract in a form to be approved by the City Attorney with Copp Contracting, Inc. for the project; and,
3. Authorized the City Engineer to add work and execute change orders in an amount not to exceed the contingency reserve of 8% 25,860.49) for a total construction cost of $349,116.56.
I. Notice of Completion (NOC) for the Community Center Renovation Project - Phase I (Development Services)
The Community Center Renovation Project – Phase 1 has been completed.
Staff is recommending that City Council accept the work as completed, direct filing of the Notice of Completion, and authorize retention release as prescribed by the Public Contracts Codes.
The roof of the Community Center building incurred significant damage from storms at the beginning of 2023. At the March 2023 Council meeting, 500,000 was appropriated, with an additional $1,290,952 appropriated at the October 2023 meeting for a total of $ 1,790,952 to repair damages caused by the storm. During the planning process for this project, a number of building issues were identified, and repair recommendations were made.
This item recommends action to facilitate the renovation of the Community Center.
The City Council:
1. Accepted as complete the construction by the KYA Group for the Community Center Renovation Project – Phase 1; and,
2. Directed the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion/Final Report with the County Recorder’s Office; and,
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3. Authorized Staff to release the 5% retention to the contractor, in the amount of $ 5,233.55, thirty-five ( 35) days after recordation of the Notice of Completion.
End of Consent Calendar
Items Pulled from Consent Calendar
C. Police Officer Association (POA); Hiring Referral Incentive Program Side Letter (Administration)
This item seeks approval of the Police Officers Association (POA) side letter amending April 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028, Memorandum of Understanding MOU) between the City of Los Alamitos (“City”) and the Los Alamitos Police Officers Association (“POA”).
City Manager Simmons introduced the item and Chief Claborn summarized the staff report and answered questions from the City Council.
City Council and Staff discussed the timing of bonuses, the Police Department recruitment team, internal recruiting benefits, cost savings for outside recruiters, and negatives for signing bonuses.
Motion/Second: Hibard/Doby
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No.2025-01, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING A SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT REGARDING THE
HIRING REFERRAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM AMENDING THE
APRIL 1, 2024 TO JUNE 30, 2028 MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
CITY”) AND THE LOS ALAMITOS POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION (“POA”)”; and,
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the side letter agreement amending the Police Officers Association ( POA) Memorandum of
Understanding ( MOU) to include a Hiring Referral Incentive Program.
G. Approval of Plans and Specifications for Striping Improvements on Katella Avenue (CIP 24/25-07) (Development Services)
Striping and pavement marking assist in maintaining safe, up -to-date standards that comply with current Federal and State guidelines. This item requests the approval of plans to be noticed and to receive bids for completion of the project.
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City Council and Staff discussed the plans for bike lanes and concern the price seemed low for the Scope of the Project.
Council Member Hibard questioned if the project included the portion from Los Alamitos Blvd. to the 605 freeway, as it was not included in the plans.
City Manager Simmons requested to pull the item to review the engineering estimate and confirm it's correct.
Recommendation:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Striping Improvements on Katella Avenue (CIP 24/25-07) project; and,
2. Authorize Staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
11. ORDINANCE
A. Ordinance 2025-01 - E-Conveyances Relating to Vehicles such as EBikes (Police) Like many other cities in Orange County, Los Alamitos has experienced a notable increase in the number of electric bicycles in the community. Both law enforcement and residents have encountered significant safety concerns related to E-bike use. A recent investigation by the Orange County Grand Jury highlighted an urgent need for consistent ordinances to regulate and enforce safe E-bike practices across cities, school districts, parks, and unincorporated areas.
Chief Claborn summarized the staff report and answered questions from the City Council.
City Council and Staff discussed regulating the speed for e -bikes, Vehicle Code provision for unsafe conditions, State allowance for e -bikes on sidewalks, incorporation of the regulations into future e-bike training programs, enforcement and guardian contact for minors, cost for third-party collection agencies, and geographical area for citations.
Motion/Second: Doby/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Introduced for first reading, read by title only, waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2025-01, and set for adoption; and,
2. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-01, entitled,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 10.45 ( EDocusign Envelope ID: 3D11DA5B- 982A-49EA-812D-B02D97B4708A City Council Regular Minutes
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CONVEYANCES) TO TITLE 10 OF THE LOS ALAMITOS
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO VEHICLES SUCH AS E -
BIKES".
B. Ordinance 2025-02 - Informal Bidding - Public Works (Development Services)
This item recommends adoption of an ordinance establishing informal bidding policies and procedures for public works projects involving an expenditure at or below the $125,000 formal bidding threshold set forth in Section 1206 of the City Charter.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item, and Development Services Director Noda summarized the Staff report and answered questions from the City Council.
City Council and Staff discussed provisions for emergency situations, communication of expenses, and required Council approval of the budget.
Motion/Second: Doby/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Introduced for first reading, read by title only, waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2025-02, and set for adoption; and,
2. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-02, entitled,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 2.62 (INFORMAL
BIDDING – PUBLIC WORKS) TO THE LOS ALAMITOS
MUNICIPAL CODE.”
C. Ordinance 2025-03 - Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Administration)
This item recommends adoption of an ordinance establishing lobbyist registration and reporting policies, procedures and regulations to implement Section 505 of the City Charter.
City Clerk Quintanar summarized the Staff report.
Motion/Second: Doby/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Introduced for first reading, read by title only, waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2025-03, and set for adoption; and,
2. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-03, entitled,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
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ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 2.58 ( LOBBYIST
REGISTRATION AND REPORTING) TO THE LOS ALAMITOS
MUNICIPAL CODE.”
D. Ordinance 2025-04 - Commission Membership (Administration) The City of Los Alamitos has four commissions consisting of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts, Personnel Appeals, Planning, and Traffic.
Excluding the Personnel Appeals Commission, these commissions consist of seven members. This item proposes reducing the membership to five, consistent with the makeup of the City Council and Personnel Appeals Commission.
City Manager Simmons summarized the Staff report and answered questions from the City Council.
City Council and Staff discussed the following:
Difficulty in recruitment
Requirements for a quorum
Current Code allows removal of members for lack of attendance Majority support for reducing members to five
Future agenda item to rework attendance and quorum requirements Support for the appointment process to remain the same and to continue with the current recruitment as scheduled
Motion/Second:
Unanimously Carried:
1. Introduce dfor first reading, read by title only, waive further reading of Ordinance No. 2025-04, and set for adoption; and,
2. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2025-04, entitled,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A FIVE-PERSON
MEMBERSHIP FOR CITY COMMISSIONS AND BOARDS"; and,
4. Direct the City Clerk to continue with the recruitment efforts.
12. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG) 2025 Regional Conference and General Assembly (Administration) The Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, CA on May 1-2, 2025.
Each year, SCAG’s member cities select a Delegate and/or Alternate to Docusign Envelope ID: 3D11DA5B- 982A-49EA-812D-B02D97B4708A City Council Regular Minutes
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represent their City and participate at the conference.
City Manager Simmons summarized the staff report.
Mayor Hasselbrink expressed interest in being the voting delegate.
Motion/Second: Doby/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council appointed Mayor Hasselbrink to attend and serve as the City’s Voting Delegate for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) General Assembly.
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 Sunburst Youth Academy Graduation, participation in Maderas’ delivery of Christmas meals to the Veteran’s Affairs in Long Beach, the swearing-in of Board Supervisor Janet Nguyen, the Grand Opening of the Laurel Park tennis and pickleball court, red light camera overview with the Police Department, the Association of California Cities— Orange County (ACC-OC) AB1234 Ethics training, Chamber of Commerce Board Installation, and thanked District 5 for electing her to serve.
Council Member Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at the West -Comm Board meeting, Orange County Sanitation District Board meeting and its upcoming project on Cerritos Ave. between Bloomfield and Los Alamitos Blvd. scheduled for this summer.
Council Member Loe Spoke regarding the swearing-in of Board Supervisor Janet Nguyen, the Association of California Cities—Orange County ( ACC-OC) New Council Member Academy, and the Grand Opening of the Laurel Park tennis and pickleball court, and Executive Leadership training hosted by the Police Department.
Mayor Pro Tem Doby spoke regarding attendance at the Sunburst Youth Academy Graduation, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board meeting, the Grand Opening of the Laurel Park tennis and pickleball court, being sworn in as the First Vice President of the Association of California Cities —Orange County ACC-OC), and, requested an update on the speed bumps in the alleyways.
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14. CLOSED SESSION – 8:03
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Executive Management, Non-Represented Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
B. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957
City Attorney Daudt read the titles aloud.
RECESS
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 8:03 p.m.
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened in Regular session at 8:51 p.m.
City Attorney Daudt stated there was no reportable action.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:51 p.m. in memory of Theresa Sherrin and Wayne Byerly.
Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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