2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal Hill, California 90755-3799
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
WELCOMES YOU TO A REGULAR
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 25, 2025
The November 25, 2025 meeting of the Signal Hill City Council will take place in the Community Room of the Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755.
The City of Signal Hill appreciates your attendance. Public interest provides the Council and Agency with valuable information regarding issues of the community. Regular meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month.
Regular meetings begin at 6:00 pm with the conduct of any business permitted to be conducted in closed session by the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950, et seq.), if any, and with the public portion of the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm. There is a period for public comment on closed session matters at 6:00 pm prior to the closed session. In the event there is no business to be conducted in closed session, the Regular meeting shall begin at 7:00 pm. There is a public comment period at the beginning of the Regular meeting. Any person wishing to comment shall be allotted three minutes per distinct item. Any meeting may be adjourned to a time and place stated in the order of adjournment.
The agenda is posted 72 hours prior to each meeting on the City’s website and outside of City Hall. The agenda and related reports are also available for review online at www.cityofsignalhill.org.
To participate (closed session at 6:00 p.m. and regular meeting at 7:00 p.m.):
• In-person Participation: Community Room of the Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E.
Hill Street, Signal Hill, California.
• To make a general public comment or comment on a specific agenda item, you may also submit your comment, limited to 250 words or less, to the City Clerk at [email protected] not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Written comments will be provided electronically to the City Council and attached to the meeting minutes. Written comments will not be read into the record.
City Council Members are compensated $794.40 per month. City Clerk and City Treasurer are compensated $482.04 per month.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
(1) CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 P.M.
(2) ROLL CALL
MAYOR JONES
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
(3) CLOSED SESSION
a. A CLOSED SESSION WILL BE HELD PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2).
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(2).
NUMBER OF POTENTIAL CASES: 1
(4) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS (5) RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
(6) RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
(7) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
(8) CLOSED SESSION REPORT
(9) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA (SPEAKERS WILL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES FOR EACH DISTINCT ITEM) (10) PRESENTATIONS
a. LIBRARIAN GELLI NOCON WILL PROVIDE A PRESENTATION ABOUT
SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING TO COMMEMORATE INTERFAITH MONTH
OF GRATITUDE.
b. POLICE CHIEF BRAD KENNEALLY WILL SWEAR IN NEWLY PROMOTED LIEUTENANT RUSSELL HEFTE.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
(11) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
a. PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT WITH CABD CONSTRUCTION
INCORPORATED FOR THE AMPHITHEATER PROJECT (PROJECT NO.
90.24013)
Summary:
The City’s Civic Center Master Plan, adopted by the City Council on August 27, 2024, designates the Signal Hill Amphitheater as Phase I of the implementation plan. In alignment with this plan, on November 12, 2024, the City Council awarded SVA Architects, Incorporated (SVA) the Architectural and Engineering Design Services contract for the Amphitheater Project. SVA completed an 11-month design phase in collaboration with Public Works and the Parks, Recreation & Library Services Department. The design integrates the Amphitheater into the existing Civic Center environment, enhances visual continuity with City facilities, uses natural grade changes, and maintains full operations at the Community Center, the Signal Hill Library, and City Hall throughout construction. The Civic Center Master Plan (CCMP) is supported through a combination of funding sources, including the City’s General Fund and a $5 million grant from the California Arts Council (CAC).
The Public Works Department advertised the construction phase on October 8, 2025. Following a comprehensive competitive bidding process, staff recommends that the City Council award a Public Works Contract to CABD Construction, Incorporated, the lowest responsible bidder, for a contract amount of $9,677,000. This amount is a savings compared to the final engineer's cost estimate of $10.3 million. Staff also recommends an 18% contingency to align with industry standards for outdoor performance venues and multi-disciplinary civic infrastructure projects of similar complexity, bringing the proposed total construction budget to $11,418,860. Staff confirmed the contractor is qualified to perform the work and that its schedule aligns with the City’s required project timeline and CAC’s grant requirements. The proposed project duration would be 282 calendar days, with construction beginning in December 2025 and reaching completion by September 2026. Staff recommends a budget transfer of $4,259,004.58 from the CCMP Reserve to fully fund the construction phase of the project.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Public Works Contract with CABD Construction, Incorporated for the construction of the Amphitheater Project (Project No. 90.24013), for a term of 282 calendar days and a not-to-exceed contract amount of $9,677,000, in a form approved by the City Attorney;
2. Authorize the Deputy Public Works Director to utilize a project contingency of up to 18% ($1,741,860) and to approve a 180 -calendar-day term extension to accommodate unforeseen conditions, for a total construction budget of $11,418,860; and
3. Adopt a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL
HILL, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET AND
AUTHORIZING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
2025-26.
b. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE AGREEMENT WITH THE GATEWAY CITIES COUNCIL
OF GOVERNMENTS FOR INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE, AND
OPERATION OF THE GATEWAY CITIES REGIONAL FIBER OPTIC
NETWORK
Summary:
The Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) partnered with the California Department of Technology (CDT) and secured a $46.1 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to construct the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network (GCRFON). The project would install fiber infrastructure within the public rights-of-way of participating cities, including Signal Hill, with the intent to improve broadband access, reliability, and affordability throughout the Gateway region.
The proposed Right-of-Way (ROW) Use Agreement between the City and the GCCOG would authorize the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network within City rights-of-way and grant the City the right to use two strands of dark fiber for municipal purposes. If approved by the City Council, the GCCOG would be responsible for maintaining the City’s fiber strands throughout the network's useful life. The GCCOG is working on other aspects of this project and has not yet secured an Internet Service Provider or provided an estimate of ongoing cost to staff; this information will become available once the GCCOG receives proposals from qualified providers.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Recommendation:
1. Discuss the proposed Right-of-Way Use Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for the installation, maintenance, and operation of the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network and provide direction to staff as desired; and
2. Subject to City Council direction, authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement and the City Manager, or designee, to administer the Agreement, approve finalized design plans, and take any other actions necessary to implement the Agreement.
c. CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AXON ENTERPRISE,
INCORPORATED FOR TASER EQUIPMENT
Summary:
The Signal Hill Police Department has utilized less-lethal devices to enhance officer safety for the past twenty years. The preferred brand has been the “Taser” manufactured by Axon Enterprise, Incorporated (Axon). In 2018, the Police Department upgraded the taser equipment to the Axon Taser X26 model.
The current devices are now out of warranty, no longer manufactured by Axon, and have been replaced by the newer Taser- 10 model. The Taser-10 offers several advancements, including an extended effective range of up to 45 feet, which is nearly double that of the current Taser X26, giving officers more time and distance during critical situations. The new multi-probe cartridge allows for single probe deployment, greater accuracy, and the ability to address more than one suspect if needed. The updated technology also reduces voltage during deployment, improving safety. Axon has been producing Tasers for more than 30 years and is considered an industry standard. Axon’s systems integrate with the Police Department’s body worn cameras, incorporate data-based accountability features, and emphasize safety. Staff recommends the City Council enter into a five-year Contract Services Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Incorporated, for a sole-source purchase not-to-exceed amount of $159,250.88, for the new Taser-10 model, with deployment anticipated in February 2026.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 2 Community Safety: Maintain community safety by supporting public safety services and increasing emergency preparedness.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
Recommendation:
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Contract Services Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Incorporated, in the amount of $159,250.88 for a 5 -year term, for the Signal Hill Police Department taser equipment.
2. Approve the procurement as a sole-source contract, pursuant to the Signal Hill Municipal Code Section 3.20.120; based on the need for compatibility with existing body-worn camera systems and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the purchase order or contract in accordance with the City’s purchasing guidelines.
d. RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2026 COMMEMORATIVE FLAG DISPLAY
SCHEDULE
Summary:
The City Council will consider adopting the 2026 Commemorative Flag Display Schedule by Resolution.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
Adopt a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2026 COMMEMORATIVE FLAG DISPLAY SCHEDULE.
e. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATES TO
THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE LOS ANGELES GATEWAY REGION
INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS
AUTHORITY
Summary:
The City is a member of the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority (GWMA) and participates on the Governing Board. In accordance with the Governing Board’s bylaws, Board Members and alternate Board Members serve in consecutive two-year terms without requiring reappointment, unless the City desires to change its representative or must fill a vacancy. Staff recommends appointing the Deputy Director of Public Works as the City’s Board Member and appointing the City Manager and Deputy City Manager as alternate Board Members.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Recommendation:
Adopt of a Resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,
CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATES TO THE LOS
ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL WATER
MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY GOVERNING BOARD.
(12) CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non-controversial. Items will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion. Any item may be removed by a Council Member for discussion. a. FACILITY USE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF THE SIGNAL HILL SOFTBALL FIELD BY SAINT ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL FOR ITS 2026 GIRLS’
SOFTBALL TEAM SEASON
Summary:
Saint Anthony High School approached the City in August 2025 and indicated a desire to utilize Spud Field for its girls’ softball team practices and games for the 2026 season. City staff worked with Saint Anthony High School representatives to identify improvements to Spud Field, to ensure the space is safe for regular, intensified use of the space for the intended purpose. Due to the proposed duration of the facility use, staff worked with the City Attorney’s Office to draft a Facility Use Agreement for the temporary non-exclusive use and identified improvements to Spud Field that will be facilitated and paid for by Saint Anthony High School. In addition, staff proposes the City Council review and approve an exception to Standard Management Policy 4.17 “Field and Court Allocation” in relation to the proposed use of Spud Field for Saint Anthony’s High School girls’ softball team. Staff recommends entering into a Facility Use Agreement (“Agreement”) with Saint Anthony High School for the temporary, non-exclusive use of the Signal Hill Softball Field (“Spud Field”) to hold its girls’ softball team practices and games from January 2026 through May 2026.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
1. Staff recommends the City Council consider entering into a Facility Use
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
Agreement with Saint Anthony High School for the temporary, non-exclusive use of Spud Field to host its girls’ softball team practices and games, from January 2026 through May 2026, and approve an exception to Standard Management Policy 4.17 Field and Court Allocation to allow play for ages older than 12 years; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the proposed Facility Use Agreement with Saint Anthony High School for the proposed temporary, non-exclusive use of Spud Field for its upcoming 2026 girls’ softball season.
b. CONTRACT AMENDMENT REGISTER DATED NOVEMBER 25, 2025
Summary:
The attached Contract Amendment Register is a listing of proposed contract amendments and project change orders eligible for streamlined processing based upon the following criteria, as documented in the City’s Purchasing Policy:
· The City Council authorized funds for the adopted fiscal year Operating Budget.
· Staff are satisfied with the goods/services received to date. · The City Manager reviewed and approved each amendment for streamlined processing.
There is one contract amendment for City Council consideration as follows:
1. Parkwood Landscape Maintenance, Incorporated, Third Amendment for Maintenance Services, extending the term through December 20, 2026, and increasing the contract amount by $32,472.00 for a new not-to exceed amount of $120,435.31.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Recommendation:
Authorize the Contract Amendment Register dated November 25, 2025. c. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS AND MONTHLY TRANSACTION REPORT Summary:
The Schedule of Investments is a listing of funds invested for both the City and the Successor Agency to the former Signal Hill Redevelopment Agency as of the date shown in the report. The monthly transaction report provides a list of the changes in investments for the prior month.
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
Strategic Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Recommendation:
Receive and file.
d. WARRANT REGISTER PRESENTED NOVEMBER 25, 2025
Summary:
The Warrant Register is a listing of all general disbursements issued since the prior warrant register and are requested to be approved by the City Council.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 1 Financial Stability: Ensure the City’s long-term financial stability and resilience.
Recommendation:
Authorize payment of the Warrant Registers presented November 25, 2025. e. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Summary:
Special Meeting of November 13, 2025.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5. High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting minutes.
(13) COUNCIL AGENDA--NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
COUNCIL MEMBER HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
VICE MAYOR HANSEN
MAYOR JONES
City Council Regular November 25, 2025
(14) ADJOURNMENT
Tonight’s meeting will be adjourned to the next Regular meeting of the Signal Hill City Council to be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the Community Room of the Signal Hill Public Library, 1800 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Routine matters are handled most quickly and efficiently if contact is made with the City department directly concerned. However, if you would like to request that a matter be presented for City Council consideration, you may do so by writing to the City Council, City Clerk, or City Manager. The deadline for agenda items is 12 noon on the Tuesday preceding the Council and Agency meetings. The complete agenda, including back up materials, is available on the City website on the Friday preceding the meeting.
If you need special assistance beyond what is normally provided to participate in City meetings, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner.
Please call the City Clerk's office at (562) 989-7305 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible.