CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal Hill, CA 90755-3799
MEETING MINUTES
City Council Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
A Regular Meeting of the Signal Hill City Council was held in-person in the City Council Chamber on May 12, 2026.
(01) CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 P.M.
(02) ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR HANSEN
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND (excused)
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES (excused)
(03) CLOSED SESSION
a. A CLOSED SESSION WAS HELD ON THE FOLLOWING MATTER:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
PROPERTY: APPROXIMATELY 1.9 ACRES OF CITY OWNED LAND LOCATED AT THE 2400 BLOCK OF GARDENA AVENUE; HERITAGE SQUARE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN; APNS: 7214-005-900, 7214-005-901, 7214-005-902, 7214-005-903 AND 7214-005-904
AGENCY NEGOTIATORS: MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: CITY OF SIGNAL HILL; SIGNAL HILL PETROLEUM;
AND THEIR AUTHORIZED AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
b. A CLOSED SESSION WAS HELD ON THE FOLLOWING MATTER:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
PROPERTY: APPROXIMATELY 4.92 ACRE PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3201 WALNUT AVENUE IN SIGNAL HILL APNS: 7148-015-009, 7148- 015-010, 7148-015-011, 7148-015-012, 7148-015-013 AND 7148-015-014 AGENCY DESIGNATED NEGOTIATORS: MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER
NEGOTIATING PARTIES: CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, 3201 WALNUT XC, LLC, AND THEIR AUTHORIZED AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES.
UNDER NEGOTIATION: PRICE AND TERMS OF PAYMENT
(04) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS There was no public business from the floor.
(05) RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:02 p.m. (06) RECONVENE REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Hansen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. City Clerk Perez called the Roll.
Council Member Copeland and Council Member Jones remained absent (excused). (07) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Hansen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
(08) CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Richardson stated there was no reportable action. (09) PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA (SPEAKERS WILL BE GIVEN THREE MINUTES FOR EACH DISTINCT ITEM) There was no public business from the floor.
(10) PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
a. MAYOR’S MINUTE
Mayor Tina Hansen shared an update of exciting events in the city and noted the Spring Mini Concert Series have returned each Friday in May at the Zinnia Courtyard in the Library from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. She remarked that the series features a great lineup of live music for all ages and musical taste. Mayor Hansen encouraged everyone to come and enjoy an evening of live entertainment in an intimate outdoor setting perfect for singing along, relaxing and connecting with the community. She also highly recommended checking out the artwork in the Zinnia Courtyard. She stated that all the performances are free and open to the public. In addition, Mayor Hansen announced that this Friday, May 15th the City will be hosting Amadou Fall and Ame Kora. Music for a special live performance.
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
Mayor Hansen solicited the community to join the Library’s Book Club. She noted that the Romance Book Club meets for the latest romance book discussion every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–7:00 p.m. at the Zinnia Courtyard, Signal Hill Public Library and indicated that meetings would move indoors in case of inclement weather. She stated the next book is Wild Side by Elsie Silver on May 21 and noted you may contact Parks, Recreation Library Services to reserve your spot.
Mayor Hansen encouraged residents to download the “Signal Hill Now App” to save time with instant access to services and updates. She indicated that with the Signal Hill Now App, you can register for City programs and events, request services, manage water services, including viewing usage and paying bills, and much more, all right from your phone.
Mayor Hansen’s last remarks highlighted the one City Council meeting you don’t want to miss is the Budget Workshop. She stated the meeting will take place on Tuesday May 19th at 6:00 p.m. and encouraged attending in-person at the Council Chamber or watching the meeting online. Mayor Hansen urged residents to learn about how City Council prioritizes the budget, and why Signal Hill is a great place to live, work, and visit.
b. PROCLAMATION – PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
Mayor Hansen presented a proclamation in recognition of Works Week, May 17- 23, 2026. Public Works Director Gabino Luna accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the dedication of staff in making a difference in the quality of life in the Signal Hill community.
c. PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Mayor Hansen presented a proclamation to the Signal Hill Police Department in recognition of National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026. Police Chief Kenneally accepted the proclamation and extended gratitude for all police officers across the Nation serving and protecting all citizens.
d. LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH PROGRAM PRESENTATION
Library staff presented a slide presentation about scheduled programming to commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride Month and acknowledged Council Member Keir Jones will be Morris Knight Political Grand Marshall for the 2026 Long Beach Pride Parade.
(11) PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING - INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING
A PIPELINE FRANCHISE TO ZENITH ENERGY WEST COAST TERMINALS
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
Public Works staff provided a slide presentation to introduce a proposed ordinance for review and conduct a discussion of the information as part of the Public Hearing.
Mayor Hansen inquired if Council has any comments or questions.
Vice Mayor Honeycutt voiced one question regarding the rate charged per foot of line being established by the State.
Staff confirmed the rate is established through CPUC Code and a base rate schedule is established in the Public Utility Code which is adjusted annually via CPI index.
Mayor Hansen opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments
.
Mayor Hansen closed the Public Hearing.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Honeycutt, seconded by Council Member Woods to approve proposed ordinance.
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-05-1557
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL,
CALIFORNIA, GRANTING A FRANCHISE TO ZENITH ENERGY WEST COAST
TERMINALS LLC AND THE INTERESTS, RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, AND DUTIES TO
LAY AND USE PIPES AND APPURTENANCES FOR TRANSMITTING AND
DISTRIBUTING OIL AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS FOR ANY AND ALL LAWFUL
PURPOSES UNDER AND ALONG THE PUBLIC STREETS, WAYS, ALLEYS, AND
PLACES, AS THE SAME NOW OR MAY HEREAFTER EXIST, WITHIN THIS CITY The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR HANSEN
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
ABSTAIN: NONE
Mayor Hansen stated the second reading of the proposed ordinance will be scheduled for the City Council meeting on May 26, 2026.
b. AB 2561 Vacancy Rate Reporting
Human Resources staff provided a slide presentation in compliance with AB 2561 Vacancy Rate Annual Reporting.
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
The following individuals provided comments:
Sergeant Don Moreau, President of Police Officers Association conveyed that a hiring and retention crisis has been in effect for the past several years. He noted that an exodus of officers due to early retirements and resignations has contributed to the crisis along with the reduction of people seeking this career path. He stated that this has resulted in a small pool of candidates. Sergeant Moreau acknowledged the Police Department is activity supported by both City Council and City Management, which has created a positive work environment for the employees. He mentioned that the Police Officer Association will be considering several questions at their next meeting as to what will make Signal Hill Police Department the place to work and what will bring the highest caliber candidates and retaining those officers.
Phyllis Thorne, President of Signal Hill Employees Association stated she was appreciative to speak tonight in the newly renovated City Hall and presented a few comments about vacant positions. She noted that vacancy positions add stress, but they are also hidden issues, and she wanted to bring light to those issues. She indicated that vacancies do not just affect the department which has the vacancy, but every vacancy has ripples. She provided an example of the current vacancy in Finance that impacts purchase orders, which affects every department, and in turn causes the workflow to be delegated to other staff members. She remarked that during the City Hall renovation there were many unique work environments formed as staff members worked side by side with other department staff. She acknowledged that due to the close proximately staff learned more about other department tasks and these observations created learning experiences. She indicated this resulted in unexpected cross training by exposure and highlighted the importance of cross training and how it relates to vacancies and teamwork. She presented two specific ways that the City can mitigate some of those issues and noted the first consideration involves conditions that feel like recruitment for open positions sometimes gets delayed in posting process and recommended the need to focus on publishing the openings as soon as possible. Secondly, she stated that teams need time and support for cross training and noted the benefits of cross training also foster collaboration amongst teams, development of new ideas and recognition that we all work with awesome people.
Mayor Hansen inquired if Council has any comments or questions. .
Vice Mayor Honeycutt and Council Member Woods indicated they had no questions or comments.
Mayor Hansen opened the Public Hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Hansen closed the Public Hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Woods, seconded by Vice Mayor Honeycutt to approve the AB 2561 Vacancy Rate Report.
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR HANSEN
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
ABSTAIN: NONE
(12) CITY MANAGER REPORTS
a. Proposed Updates to Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities Policy Parks/Library staff presented a slide presentation that provided proposed updates to Fee Waiver Request for Use of City Facilities Policy
It was moved by Council Member Woods, seconded by Vice Mayor Honeycutt to approve the proposed updates to the Policy 4.16 Fee Waiver Request for use of City Facilities The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR HANSEN
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
ABSTAIN: NONE
(13) CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items were routine and non-controversial. Items were acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion, unless removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
a. Warrant Register Dated May 12, 2026
b. Approval of Meeting Minutes for April 28, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting It was moved by Council Member Woods, seconded by Vice Mayor Honeycutt to approve the Consent Calendar.
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR HANSEN
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER COPELAND
COUNCIL MEMBER JONES
ABSTAIN: NONE
(14) COUNCIL AGENDA-NEW BUSINESS
COUNCIL MEMBER WOODS – Council Member Woods reported that Vice Mayor Honeycutt and herself attending California Contract Cities Association Annual Municipal Seminar next week.
VICE MAYOR HONEYCUTT - None
MAYOR HANSEN - None
(15) ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Council Member Woods, seconded by Vice Mayor Honeycutt to adjourn tonight’s meeting to the regular meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
Mayor Hansen adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
MAYOR TINA L. HANSEN
Attest:
DARITZA PEREZ, CITY CLERK
City Council Minutes of a Regular Meeting
May 12, 2026