MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS
REGULAR MEETING
April 20, 2026
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council met in Regular Session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026, in the Council Chamber located at 3191 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, Mayor Doby presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members: Hasselbrink, Hibard, Loe
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda, Mayor Doby
Absent: Council Members: None
Present: Staff: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Robert Acosta, Support Services Manager
Barbara Biscocho, Finance Manager
Michael Claborn, Chief of Police
Craig Covey, Battalion Chief, Orange County Fire Authority Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney
Kain Gallaguher, Operations Captain
Craig Koehler, Finance Director
Matthew Lightener, Management Analyst
Emeline Noda, Rec. & Comm. Svcs/Intergovt. Affairs Director Ron Noda, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk/Director of Communications Luke South, Administrative Services Captain
Chelsi Wilson, Administrative Services Manager
Veronica Wilson
3. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Daudt read the items aloud.
RECESS
The City Council recessed into Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
A. Conference With Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Teamsters Local 911
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
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B. Conference With Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Chet Simmons, City Manager
Employee Organization: Police Officers Association Employees 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
D. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957
E. Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Negotiator: Michael S. Daudt, City Attorney
Employee: City Manager
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6
RECONVENE
The City Council reconvened in Regular Session at 6:01 p.m.
City Attorney Daudt stated there was no reportable action.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Hibard led the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. INVOCATION
Council Member Loe gave the Invocation.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Doby presented awards to the listed presentations.
A. Presentation to Heidi Adams from EPSON in Recognition of Being Featured as the April 2026 Mayor's Business Spotlight
B. Presentation of Certificate to Barbara Biscocho, Finance Manager, in Recognition of Being Named the Los Alamitos Employee of the Quarter
C. Presentation by Assistant City Manager, Ron Noda, regarding the Los Alamitos Storm Drain and Catch Basin System Overview
Assistant City Manager Noda gave a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions from the City Council.
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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.
Maria Teresa Diaz shared St. Isidore Chapel is celebrating 100 years. Vice President Cindy Powers spoke regarding upcoming events: Spanish Festival, Hundredth Celebration, Open House, and Gala.
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.
Mayor Doby thanked staff for their work during the Spring Carnival, congratulated Officer Flynn for being awarded the annual ATAC awards, requested Staff review the structure of the Los Al Loop, requested an update on the Council Strategic Plan Workshop, and stated attendance at the California Parks and Recreation Society District 10 Awards and Installation Banquet.
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 to provide direction to Staff to place an item on a future agenda.
Recreation and Community Services Director Noda spoke regarding upcoming events Paws for the Planet and Senior Prom.
Chief Claborn provided an update on Neighborhood Business Watch and Bike Team Enforcement.
City Manager Simmons spoke regarding the Management Analyst positions within the City.
10. WARRANTS
A. Warrants (Finance)
The attached Warrant Register contains checks and electronic funds transfers for the period from March 1, to March 31, 2026.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council ratified the Warrants from March 1 Docusign Envelope ID: F3FDEF8E-0188-87A4-8194-39081ECED170 City Council Regular Minutes
April 20, 2026
to March 31, 2026, for $2,503,440.18
Roll Call
Mayor Doby Aye
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda Aye
Council Member Hasselbrink Aye
Council Member Hibard Aye
Council Member Loe 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.
Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda pulled item 11G.
Motion/Second: Hibard/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council approved the following Consent Calendar items:
A. Approval of Minutes (Administration)
Approved the City Council Special Minutes and City Council Special Workshop Minutes of March 23, 2026.
B. Ordinance No. 2026-01 - Adding Chapter 9.24 to Title 9 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code Regulating the Sale of Nitrous Oxide (Administration)
Consideration of a proposed ordinance to ban the sale, distribution, and advertisement for sale of nitrous oxide, devices designed to dispense nitrous oxide, and any device which contains any amount of nitrous oxide, except for specified medicinal or industrial purposes. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the public health and welfare against the sale and distribution of products which can cause serious and potentially lifethreatening health complications such as low blood pressure, low oxygen, fainting, heart attack, and nerve damage, as well as long term effects such as increased risk of depression, psychosis, memory loss, muscle spasms, tinnitus, numbness, weakened immune system, and birth defects (if used during pregnancy).
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-01 entitled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9.24 TO TITLE 9 OF THE LOS
ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE SALE AND
DISTRIBUTION OF NITROUS OXIDE”
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C. Ordinance No. 2026-02 — Adding Chapter 9.28 to Title 9 of the Los Alamitos Municipal Code Relating to the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Products (Administration)
Consideration of a proposed ordinance to restrict the sale, distribution, and advertisement for sale of products containing any part of the leaf of the plant Mitragyna speciosa (more commonly known as the kratom plant), including a ban on products with a level of 7-hydroxymitragynine that is greater than 2 percent of the total alkaloids in the product. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the public health and welfare against the sale and distribution of products which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified as having opioid-like characteristics, and which pose a threat to the public health and safety. The City Council first considered this item at its February 9, 2026, Adjourned Regular meeting. Feedback was provided to staff, and a revised Ordinance No. 2026-02 was introduced, read by title, and further reading waived at its March 23, 2026, Special meeting.
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-02, entitled, “AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 9.28 TO TITLE 9 OF THE LOS
ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE SALE AND
DISTRIBUTION OF KRATOM PRODUCTS”
D. Amendment No. 3 to Consulting Services Agreement with MV Cheng and Associates Inc. (Administration)
The purpose of this report is to continue the consulting services with MV Cheng and Associates Inc. to provide Administrative Support Services at the consultant level for tasks including Finance and Human Resources until February 01, 2027, for a cost of no more than $75,000 at $60/hour.
The City Council authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Consulting Services Agreement (CSA) with MV Cheng and Associates Inc. for an extension of the contract ending on February 01, 2027, for a total cost of no more than $75,000 at $60/hour.
E. Approval of Master Service Agreement with Lexipol, LLC (Administration)
Approval of Master Service Agreement with Lexipol, LLC for Policy Management, Training, and Professional Services Utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Contract.
The City Council:
1. Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Lexipol, LLC, for policy management, training, and related professional services, utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement; and,
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2. Authorized the City Manager to make adjustments to compensation as needed within his purchasing authority.
F. Resolution No. 2026-02 – Pavement Management Plan Update (Development Services)
The City of Los Alamitos is required to submit eligibility documentation in conformance with criteria stated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Ordinance No. 3. As part of the qualifications, a current Pavement Management Plan (PMP) must be in place and maintained to qualify for allocation of Measure M2 (M2) sales tax revenue funds.
In line with these requirements, OCTA reviewed the Pavement Management Plan and submitted a request for revisions. City staff addressed the deficiencies, provided revised inspection certifications that were incorporated into the Pavement Management Plan, and resubmitted the plan to OCTA. The revised plan provided was reviewed and approved by OCTA.
The 2026 Pavement Management Plan requires updating through a resolution of the City Council of the City of Los Alamitos to meet eligibility requirements and submit eligibility verification packages to Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in order to remain eligible to receive M2 funds.
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-02, entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, CONCERNING THE STATUS AND UPDATE
OF THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MEASURE M2
(M2) PROGRAM."
H. Approval of Plans and Specifications – Authorization to Bid for Reagan Street Improvements Project (CIP 25/26-06) (Development Services)
This item recommends actions to begin facilitating the construction of the Street Improvements under CIP 25/26-06 on Reagan Street.
The City Council:
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the construction of the Reagan St. Street Improvement Project - CIP 25/26-06; and,
2. Authorized Staff to advertise and solicit bid proposals.
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I. Approval of Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement (Development Services)
This item is for the approval of the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement.
The City Council:
1. Approved the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement ("Agreement") between the County of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District (District), and participating Orange County cities (collectively called Permittees); and,
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the Agreement.
End of Consent Calendar
Items Pulled from Consent Calendar
G. Citywide Speed Survey Report (Development Services)
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires that Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) be conducted to establish or revise prima facie speed limits on roadways where radar or other electronic speed enforcement methods are to be utilized. These surveys analyze prevailing vehicle speeds, roadway conditions, collision history, and surrounding land uses to ensure that posted speed limits are reasonable, safe, and legally enforceable. To maintain compliance with State of California requirements and preserve the City’s ability to effectively enforce speed limits, these surveys must be updated at regular intervals, typically every five (5) to seven (7) years, or sooner if significant roadway or traffic pattern changes occur.
City Council and Staff discussed the formula for adjusting speed limits.
City Manager Simmons pulled item 11G to allow the Traffic Engineer to attend and provide additional information.
Recommendation:
1. Review the speed survey report; and,
2. Based on the speed survey performed, the staff recommends maintaining the posted speed limits on City streets, except within the Docusign Envelope ID: F3FDEF8E-0188-87A4-8194-39081ECED170 City Council Regular Minutes
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following street segment: “The study recommends reducing the posted speed on Los Alamitos Boulevard, between Katella Avenue and Bradbury Road, from 40 miles per hour (mph) to 35 miles per hour.”
12. DISCUSSION ITEM
A. Review the Draft Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 2027-28 (Finance)
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 gave a PowerPoint presentation, which included overviews from City Manager Simmons, City Clerk/Communications Director Quintanar, Assistant City Manager Noda, Recreation and Community Services/Intergovernmental Affairs Director Noda, Police Chief Claborn, Operations Captain Gallaguher, Administrative Services Captain South, and Support Services Manager Acosta.
City Manager Simmons encouraged Council to contact the City Clerk’s office to schedule one-on-one meetings with Staff to discuss any questions regarding the budget.
City Council reviewed, received, and filed the department overviews for Administration (City Manager, City Clerk/Communications), Administrative Services (Finance and Human Resources), Development Services, Recreation and Community Services, and Police for Fiscal Year 2026-27 and Fiscal Year 2027-28.
B. Resolution No. 2026-03 – Personnel Changes for Non-Represented Employees (Administration)
This report outlines and seeks consideration to approve personnel changes that will update and add new job descriptions and salary schedule for NonRepresented Employees.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. City Attorney Daudt provided an oral report on the executive compensation.
Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-03, entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR
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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR, CITY CLERK/DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND UPDATING THE EXECUTIVE
MANAGEMENT AND NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES SALARY
SCHEDULE”
13. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Annual AB 2561 Reporting Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts (Administration)
This report provides an overview of the City of Los Alamitos’ compliance with the legal requirements of Assembly Bill 2561 and Government Code Section 3502.3. These laws require cities to hold an annual public hearing to disclose and discuss current vacancies, recruitment efforts, and employee retention strategies. The report confirms the city has complied with applicable law to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to community needs regarding the City’s staffing practices.
City Manager Simmons introduced the item. Administrative Services Manager Wilson provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Doby opened the Public Hearing for public comment. There being no requests to speak, Mayor Doby closed the Public Hearing for public comment.
Motion/Second: Nefulda/Hibard
Unanimously Carried: The City Council received and filed the Annual Report regarding AB 2561 Reporting Vacancies, Recruitment and Retention Efforts.
14. ORDINANCE
A. Ordinance No. 2026-03 – Commission Restructuring (Development Services)
The City Council at their March 23, 2026 City Council Meeting discussed, during their study session, the realignment of the Traffic and Planning Commission. The result of the Study Session was a request for staff to bring back an ordinance to improve operational efficiency, streamline development review procedures, and better align the City's organizational structure with current practices. The ordinance would expand the Planning Commission’s responsibilities, dissolve the Traffic Commission and the Architectural Review Committee, and reserve their respective chapters in the Municipal Code for future use.
City Manager Simmons summarized the Staff report.
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Motion/Second: Hasselbrink/Nefulda
Unanimously Carried: The City Council:
1. Introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance amending the Los Alamitos Municipal Code to dissolve the Traffic Commission and Architectural Review Committee; and,
2. City Attorney Daudt read the title of Ordinance No. 2026-03, entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS
ALAMITOS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2.38
(PLANNING COMMISSION) AND DELETING CHAPTERS 2.40
(TRAFFIC COMMISSION) AND 2.52 (ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMITTEE) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL)
OF THE LOS ALAMITOS MUNICIPAL CODE"; and,
3. Directed staff to return with updated bylaws, membership structures, and transition procedures.
15. 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 Loe and Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda stated there was nothing to report.
Council Member Hibard provided information for America 250, reported her attendance at Airport Land Use Commission, Spring Air Academy at John Wayne Airport, announced an opportunity for any local artist to repurpose this historic wood, and reported that she will be visiting Reagan Street residents.
Council Member Hasselbrink spoke regarding her attendance at Orange County Fire Authority (OCTA) Capital Improvement Project (CIP) committee, Fire Ops, the Spring Carnival, Cal Cities Board meeting, and We Care fundraiser at Navy Golf Course. She requested the meeting be closed in memory of Vincent Cisneros “Vinny”, a long-time resident and Army Veteran.
Mayor Doby spoke regarding attendance at Orange County Council of Governments Board Meeting, League of California Cities Policy Committee Meeting, Weekend of Art, National League Fair Committee Overview Meeting, Orange County Transportation Authority Mayors Forum for District 1, Southern California Association of Governments Policy Committee Meeting, a harbor boat tour for the Los Angeles port, Joint Forces Training Base Stronger Together 5k Race, XBN Annual Supplier Outreach Event, Association of California Cities Orange County Executive Meeting, Finance, Administration, and Docusign Envelope ID: F3FDEF8E-0188-87A4-8194-39081ECED170 City Council Regular Minutes
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Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting for National League of Cities, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Policy and Board meeting, Women in Leadership Summit, ribbon cutting for Dairy Market by Breezy, and the Police Department Employee Awards Banquet.
16. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 9:03 p.m. to Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6 p.m. in memory of Vincent Cisneros.
Tanya Doby, Mayor
Attest:
Windmera Quintanar, MMC, City Clerk
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