City Council Regular Minutes
March 24, 2025
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
March 24, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Adjourned Regular Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 24, 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
Kyle Cain, Orange County Fire Authority Captain
Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney
Kain Gallaugher, Police Captain
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Matthew Lightener, Management Analyst
Irving Montenegro, Development Services Manager
Emeline Noda, Recreation and Community Services Director Ron Noda, Development Services Director
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk/Dir. of Communications Jennifer Sisoev, Recreation Manager
Luke South, Police Captain
Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Hibard led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Doby gave the Invocation.
5. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Administration) Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph ( 2) of subdivision d) of Government Code section 54956.9: (One potential case).
City Attorney Daudt read the item aloud.
RECESS
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The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
Council Member Hibard recused herself.
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened in Adjourned Regular Session at 5:58 p.m.
City Attorney Daudt stated there was no reportable action.
6. PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of Certificates to the Los Alamitos Football Club – 7th Grade Team
Chief Claborn invited the team forward. He recognized high school seniors Jackson Raguse and Taeden Rogers for their volunteer hours and dedication to team. Mr. Raguse and Mr. Rogers spoke briefly.
B. Presentation by Jenna Holcomb of Shining Light Social Media Regarding Discover Los Al
Ms. Holcomb gave a PowerPoint presentation.
2. 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.
Anne Mallari, Executive Director of WeCare, spoke regarding WeCares focus on preventing homelessness and upcoming fundraisers.
Cathie Salai spoke in opposition to the restriping at Cerritos and Los Alamitos Blvd., expressed concerns with social media outreach and location of the Senior Bread program, and stated support for the Senior Lab through the Orange County Public Library.
Female resident spoke in opposition to the restriping at Cerritos and Los Alamitos Blvd.
Residents, Irma, Frank and Maggie Marchese, and Kristina spoke in opposition to the restriping on Lexington.
Mayor Hasselbrink 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 Hasselbrink spoke regarding the upcoming Arbor Day and Spring Carnival events. She reported attendance at the following Orange County Business Council Red Carpet Award Ceremony, Airport Land Use Commission Board Meeting, League of California Cities Women’s Caucus, Race on the Base, Americana Awards, and Orange County Fire Authority Ad Hoc Committee. She thanked Staff for the monthly newsletter, The Los Al Loop.
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 a billing error for the Los Alamitos Education Foundation that was identified by staff and in the process of being corrected, provided an update on the traffic study at Cerritos and Los Alamitos Blvd., and stated he would be a panelist to discuss planning and growing a community.
Mayor Pro Tem Doby highlighted the significance of being invited to share our best practices with larger cities such as Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Mission Viejo.
10. WARRANTS
a. Warrants ( Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contains checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025.
Motion/Second: Doby/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council ratified the Warrants from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2025, for $2,189,700.39.
Roll Call
Mayor Hasselbrink Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Doby Aye
Council Member Hibard Aye
Council Member Loe Aye
Council Member Nefulda 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.
City Manager Simmons requested a clerical correction on Item 11F. City Attorney Daudt Stated that Resolution No. 2025-07 should have section 4 removed.
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Council Member Hibard pulled Item 11B and 11D.
Motion/Second: Hibard/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 18, 2025.
C. Award Professional Services Agreement with Rogers, Anderson, Malody, & Scott, LLP for Auditing Services ( Finance)
This report seeks consideration of a Professional Services Agreement with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott (RAMS) for auditing services in the amount of $61,860.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to enter into a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP (RAMS) in an amount not to exceed $61,860 for auditing services for a three-year contract for FY2024- 25, 2025-26, and FY2026- 27.
E. Request for Additional Appropriation of Funds for Labourdette Park Project CIP 24/25-02) ( Development Services)
This item requests authorization to appropriate additional funds in the amount of $650,000 for the Labourdette Park Project (CIP 24/25-02).
The City Council appropriated an additional $650,000 to the Labourdette Park Project (CIP 24/25-02) from the General Fund, which will result in a project total of $1,350,000.
F. Resolution No. 2025-07 - Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual Development Services)
This item recommends adopting Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) Chapter 10 Consultant Selection - Section 10.1: Federally Funded Architectural and Engineering (A&E) Contracts.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-07, entitled, "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING CALTRANS LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROCEDURES MANUAL
CHAPTER 10: CONSULTANT SELECTION."
G. Resolution No. 2025-08 - Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards for Construction (Development Services)
This item recommends adopting the 2024 Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, commonly known as the "Green Book," as the City's Public Works construction standards.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-08, entitled, "A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA APPROVING
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEERING STANDARDS FOR
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CONSTRUCTION."
H. Orange County Transit Authority Project V Extension ( Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos is requesting an extension for the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) Project V - Community-Based Transit Circulator Program Project.
The City Council authorized the City Manager to sign and submit a letter to the Orange County Transit Authority ( OCTA) requesting an extension in the Project V - Community-Based Transit Circulator Project.
End of Consent Calendar
Items Pulled from Consent Calendar
B. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for June 30, 2024 (Finance) The fiscal year 2023-24 audit reports are presented for the Council's receipt and consideration.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item and stated that these documents have continually won the Awards of Excellence, the most recent being last year.
Finance Director Koehler summarized the staff report.
Council Member Hibard and Staff discussed the following topics: processing of business license tax through HdL and staff enforcement, onboarding processes for new businesses in Los Alamitos, market conditions impact on investment income, and, the staffing impact on journal entries and bank reconciliation.
Motion/Second: Doby/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council received and filed the Fiscal Year 2023- 24 audit reports.
D. Resolution No. 2025-09 - 2025 Legislative Platform ( Recreation) The City of Los Alamitos' 2025 Legislative Platform provides program procedures for the City to effectively participate in the legislative process.
City Manager Simmons summarized the Staff report.
Motion/Second: Doby/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-09, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM."
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12. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Resolution No. 2025-10 – Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos Economic Development Strategic Plan is a five-year 2025- 2030) plan with four core goals. Included in the plan are strategic priorities, several sub-priorities, and actions that support these goals, and they were developed through the collaboration of City Council members, city staff, and community stakeholders. A draft Economic Development Strategic Plan report is provided.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. Development Services Director Noda and Development Services Manager Montenegro introduced John Andrews, Jacob Green and Associates, who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Council and Staff discussed the following:
Council’s support for maintaining green space
Possibility of doing a land swap for Laurel Park for park space in a more conducive location for residents and parking, and freeing up Laurel Park for mixed-use development
Portion of Laurel Park was included in the City’s RHNA inventory Opposition to additional homes and traffic on Katella
Goal is to have a general Council-approved idea that will ensure Los Alamitos maintains its character and the community is not heavily impacted
Support for adding parking at Laurel Park to allow for more community utilization
Goal to maximize the amenities already established in the community Developers will invest in communities that already have Council approved plans
Support for working with property owners to learn what they need and how that compares to what the City needs
Concern this plan does not benefit the residents
Resident benefits from the long-term vision of sustainable growth because continued revenue allows the City to continue providing essential services (i.e. park maintenance, Police department, facility improvements, road maintenance)
Council Member Hibard stated uncertainty regarding the benefits for the residents.
Motion/Second: Doby/Nefulda
Carried 4/1 (Hibard voted no): The City Council:
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1. Received and discussed the presentation of the Los Alamitos Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP); and,
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-10, entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN DATED MARCH 24, 2025".
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 stated she continues to reach out to her neighbors and stated attendance at the Swearing-In Ceremony of Derek Tran and a presentation on the effects of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) regarding Military Recruitment.
Council Member Nefulda spoke regarding attendance at the Orange County Sanitation District Board Meeting, West-Comm Board Meeting, Los Alamitos Unified School District and City Working Group meeting, Reopening of Sterns Park, and construction at Labourdette Park. He stated support for increased park space.
Council Member Loe spoke regarding attendance at the Orange County Business Council Red Carpet Award event and Cal Cities Legislative Update. He stated he continues to meet with his neighbors and stated support for park space.
Mayor Pro Tem Doby spoke regarding attendance at the Association of California Cities – Orange County Executive Board meeting, Orange County Sanitation Districts Board meeting, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) New Member Orientation, Orange County Business Council Red Carpet Award event, Orange County Transportation Authority construction update, SCAG Board meeting, Los Alamitos Unified School District and City Working Group meeting, Americana Awards, Advocacy trips to Sacramento, and Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board meeting. She stated that information regarding the Orange County Public Library is available on the City’s website and is shared on social media outlets.
14. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 8:13 p.m. to Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Attest: Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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5/ 12/ 2025