Placentia City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Minutes December 17, 2024 Page 1 of 7
Placentia City Council Regular Meeting
Placentia City Council acting as Successor Agency to the Placentia Redevelopment Agency , Placentia Industrial Commercial Development Authority , Placentia Public Financing Authority
MINUTES
December 17, 2024
City Council Chambers - 401 E. Chapman Avenue, Placentia, CA MINUTES OF THE PLACENTIA CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:30 PM CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Yamaguchi called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmember/Board Member Shader, Smith, Wanke, Kirwin, Yamaguchi None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
City Clerk McKinnell stated that the City Clerk’s Office had received no public comment for the Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION PROCEEDINGS:
City Clerk McKinnell announced the Closed Session items.
The City Council and Boards of Directors recessed to the City Council Caucus Room for the purpose of conducting their Closed Session proceedings on the following:
1. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT/RECRUITMENT
Title: City Administrator
2. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
1 case)
3. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Property:
Agency Negotiator:
Negotiating Parties:
Under Negotiations:
207-209 W. Crowther Avenue
Rosanna Ramirez, Acting City Administrator
USA Properties
Price and Terms of Payment
RECESS: The City Council and Boards of Directors recessed to their 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting.
MINUTES OF THE PLACENTIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 P.M CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Yamaguchi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmember/Board Member Shader, Smith, Wanke, Kirwin, Yamaguchi None
STAFF PRESENT:
City Attorney/Authority Counsel Christian Bettenhausen; Acting City Administrator Rosanna Ramirez; Deputy Director of Administrative Services Jeannette Ortega; Director of Finance Jennifer Lampman; Director of
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Human Resources Alice Burnett; Director of Community Services Lydie Gutfeld, Police Chief Brad Butts; Fire Chief Jason Dobine; Director of Development Services Joe Lambert; City Treasurer Kevin Larson; City Clerk Robert McKinnell; Deputy City Clerk Carole M. Wayman.
INVOCATION: Chaplain Kenneth Milhander
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Yamaguchi
PRESENTATION:
A. Presentation of Plaque honoring Police Lieutenant Scott Millsap for 31 Years of Service to the City of Placentia
Presenters:
Recipient:
Mayor Yamaguchi and City Council
Police Lieutenant Scott Millsap
Police Chief Butts presented a plaque to Lieutenant Scott Millsap in recognition of 31 years of service to the City of Placentia Police Department and expressed appreciation for his contributions.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney/Authority Counsel Bettenhausen reported a discussion was held on the Closed Session items.
There was no reportable action.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT:
Acting City Administrator Ramirez announced an employee promotion for Gabriel Gabany-Guerrero to the position of Deputy Director of Public Works.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Julie Suchard expressed concerns regarding the City Treasurer’s statement about meals and airline tickets purchased on City credit cards, alleged misappropriation of funds and misconduct, and requested access to the investigation report.
John Beltran expressed concerns about curb and street conditions in Ponderosa South and requested City Council repair the road conditions.
Scott King expressed concerns regarding the allegations and investigation report involving the former City Administrator, and requested that the City Council prioritize street and road repairs before approving new projects.
Kevin Larson expressed his personal opinion that there was no evidence of improper spending by former City Administrator Damien Arrula and questioned the need and expense of a forensic audit.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
Councilmember Shader thanked her family and friends for their support and reflected on her eight years of service on the City Council.
Councilmember Smith reported attending the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Transportation Committee meeting.
Councilmember Wanke reported attending meetings of the Orange County Sanitation District Board, Administration Committee, Association of California Cities, and the California Water Agencies conference in Palm Springs.
Mayor Yamaguchi thanked the community, Community Services Department, Santa Fe Merchants Chamber, and nonprofits for the successful Tamale Festival and Civic Center Tree Lighting events. He addressed
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concerns regarding City Treasurer Kevin Larson’s conduct, cautioned against potential Brown Act violations, and suggested further review may be warranted.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR (1.a through 1.e):
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Smith, and carried a 5-0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar, as recommended.
1.a CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Fiscal Impact: None
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.b MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR/ICDA/PPFA REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.c CITY FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 REGISTERS FOR DECEMBER 17, 2024 Check Register
Fiscal Impact: $ 1,321,065.44
Electronic Disbursement Register
Fiscal Impact: $ 1,451,285.56
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Receive and file.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.d APPROVAL OF THE DESIGN CONCEPT PLAN FOR PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS AT MCFADDEN PARK AND APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS AGREEMENT WITH PLAYCORE D.B.A. GAMETIME FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, CIP PROJECTS NO. 7210 AND 7504
Fiscal Impact:
Expense: $510,000.00 Total Cost
497,999.05 Contract Amount
12,000.95 Contract Contingency Amount
Available Budget:
510,000.00 FY 2024-25 CIP Budget
500,000.00 County of Orange SLFRF Funding
10,000.00 Park & Rec Impact Fee (637504-6760)
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Provide Staff with input to incorporate into the design plan for the renovation of the McFadden Park Playground Renovation Project; and
2. Approve the design concept plan for the McFadden Park Playground Renovation Project; and
3. Approve the purchase of the McFadden Park playground equipment utilizing the budgeted CIP funding in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for projects 7210 and 7504; and
4. Award a Public Works Agreement to PlayCore d.b.a. GameTime for the McFadden Park playground equipment renovation project in the amount of $497,999.05; and
5. Authorize the City Administrator to approve contract change orders up to a total of 12,000.95 or a not-to-exceed total contract amount of $510,000; and
6. Authorize the City Administrator and/or his designee to execute all necessary documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
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1.e RESOLUTION APPOINTING AN INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND APPROVING THE RETIRED
ANNUITANT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY
Fiscal Impact:
The City Administrator is a regularly allocated position within the City's budget. The costs associated with an Interim City Administrator can be covered in the current year's FY 2024-25 budget.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution R-2024-86, approving the appointment of an Interim City Administrator; and
2. Approve the Retired Annuitant Employment Agreement.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
City Attorney Bettenhausen announced Thomas R. Hatch will become the Interim City Administrator for Placentia starting January 6, 2025. Mr. Hatch is a retired annuitant and will serve temporarily while the City begins the process of recruiting a permanent city administrator. This transition was formally approved as part of the meeting's agenda.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
RECOGNITIONS:
I. RECOGNITION OUTGOING COUNCILMEMBER RHONDA SHADER
a. Office of U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Steel, California’s 45th District Presenter: Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative
Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Councilmember Shader and acknowledged her leadership and advocacy for the City at the local and congressional levels.
b. Office of State Assemblyman Phillip Chen, 55th District Presenter: Newton Viengkhou, Field Representative
Newton Viengkhou, Field Representative, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Councilmember Shader and recognized her leadership and contributions to the City. He also commended the City’s Fire Department for its top-ranked response time in Orange County. c. Office of Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Orange County 4th District Presenters: Emma Fisher, Policy Advisor and Communications Director and Al Jabber, Chief of Staff
Emma Fisher, Policy Advisor, and Al Jabber, Chief of Staff, presented Certificates of Recognition to Councilmember Shader and expressed appreciation for her leadership and years of public service.
d. City of Placentia
Presenters: Mayor Yamaguchi and City Council Members
Mayor Yamaguchi and City Council Members presented a plaque and Certificate of Recognition to Councilmember Shader in honor of her service on the City Council from December 2020 to December 2024.
e. Comments from Outgoing Councilmember Rhonda Shader
Councilmember Shader reflected on her eight years of service, highlighting the City’s progress from financial and infrastructure challenges to growth and stability. She expressed pride in the City’s achievements and thanked the City Council, Staff, and community for their support.
II. RECOGNITION OF 2024 MAYOR JEREMY B. YAMAGUCHI
a. Office of U.S. Congresswoman Michelle Steel, California’s 45th District
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Presenter: Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative
Zechariah Jauregui, District Representative, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mayor Yamaguchi and commended his project preparation, attention to detail, and leadership. He also recognized Mayor Yamaguchi’s efforts to inspire civic engagement among youth in Orange County.
b. Office of State Assemblyman Phillip Chen, 55th District Presenter: Newton Viengkhou, Field Representative
Newton Viengkhou, Field Representative, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mayor Yamaguchi and acknowledged his contributions to the City, highlighting growth, new businesses, and community traditions.
c. Office of Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Orange County 4th District Presenters: Emma Fisher, Policy Advisor and Communications Director and Al Jabber, Chief of Staff
Emma Fisher, Policy Advisor, and Al Jabber, Chief of Staff, presented Certificates of Recognition to Mayor Yamaguchi and expressed appreciation for his leadership and continued involvement in City matters.
d. City of Placentia
Presenters: Mayor Pro Tem Kirwin and City Council Members Mayor Pro Tem Kirwin and City Council Members presented a gift of appreciation and a Certificate of Recognition to Mayor Yamaguchi in recognition of his service as Mayor from December 2023 to December 2024.
e. Comments from Outgoing Mayor Jeremy Yamaguchi
Mayor Yamaguchi reflected on his term, thanked his family and friends for their support, and expressed gratitude to City Council and Staff for their collaboration throughout the year.
3. REGULAR AGENDA:
3.a CERTIFICATION OF THE CANVASS OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
RESULTS
Fiscal Impact: None
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Receive and file the Certificate of Registrar of Voters to Result of the Canvass of the General Election Returns; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. R-2024-87, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Placentia, California, reciting the fact of the General Municipal Election held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, declaring the result and such other matters as provided by law.
Approved 5-0, as recommended)
City Clerk McKinnell read the certified election results into the record. The following were elected:
Kevin Larson, City Treasurer; Thomas Hummer, District 1; Jeremy B. Yamaguchi, District 3; Ward L.
Smith, District 5.
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Shader, and carried a 5-0 vote, to receive and file the Certificate of Registrar of Voters to Result of the Canvass of the General Election Returns and to approve Resolution No. R-2024-87.
OATHS OF OFFICE AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION:
Oaths administered by City Clerk McKinnell:
a. Kevin A. Larson, City Treasurer
b. Thomas Hummer, Councilmember, District 1
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c. Jeremy B. Yamaguchi, Councilmember, District 3
d. Ward L. Smith, Councilmember, District 5
Mayor Yamaguchi welcomed Councilmember Hummer. City Clerk McKinnell congratulated the re-elected and newly elected officials.
REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL:
I. Selection Of Mayor
City Clerk McKinnell opened nominations for the position of Mayor of the City of Placentia for the term of December 17, 2024, through December 9, 2025. Councilmember Wanke nominated Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Kirwin. There were no further nominations.
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, to close the nominations. City Clerk McKinnell declared the nominations closed, and pursuant to a unanimous roll call vote, Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Kirwin was elected to serve as Mayor of the City of Placentia for the term of December 17, 2024, through December 9, 2025.
Mayor Kirwin thanked the City Council, attendees, and community, reflecting on his lifelong connection to Placentia and its unique, close-knit character. He emphasized preserving the City’s character while focusing on core services such as safe streets, clean parks, and responsible budgeting. Acknowledging the City’s financial limitations, he emphasized the need to maintain existing infrastructure before pursuing new projects. He encouraged public participation, noted the value of collaboration, and introduced his theme for the year, “Back to Basics,” committing to accessible, thoughtful, and down-to-earth leadership.
City Clerk McKinnell administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Kirwin.
II. Selection of Mayor Pro Tem
Mayor Kirwin then called for nominations for the position of Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Placentia for the term of December 17, 2024, through December 9, 2025. He nominated Councilmember Wanke. There were no further nominations.
Motion by Kirwin, seconded by Yamaguchi, to close the nominations. City Clerk McKinnell declared the nominations closed, and pursuant to a unanimous roll call vote, Councilmember Wanke was selected to serve as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Placentia or the term of December 17, 2024, through December 9, 2025.
COMMENTS BY RE-ELECTED AND NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS:
City Treasurer Larson thanked the citizens of Placentia for electing him for another term as City Treasurer. He reflected on his ten years of service. He acknowledged the Finance Staff, including Director Jennifer Lampman, and former City Administrator Damien Arrula. He noted that the City generated over $3 million in investment returns during his tenure and expressed appreciation to the City Council and community for their continued trust.
Councilmember Hummer thanked his supporters, wife, and family, and expressed his commitment to continue the initiatives and work established by outgoing Councilmember Rhonda Shader.
Councilmember Yamaguchi wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season, welcomed new Councilmember Thomas Hummer to the team, and expressed his anticipation for continued collaboration and new developments in the coming year.
Councilmember Smith reflected on his 47 years of service to the City in various roles and announced that this would be his third and final term on the City Council. He thanked Councilmember Yamaguchi for his leadership as both Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor, welcomed new Councilmember Tom Hummer, and expressed appreciation for the hard work of City Staff and the engagement of the community. He concluded by congratulating his colleagues and wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a strong start to the new year.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBERS REQUESTS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Board of Directors adjourned at 8:55 p.m. to a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 7//
Wremy Yamaguh i, Mayor/Agency Chair
ATTEST:
Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk/Agency Secretary
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