CITY OF TUSTIN REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
John Nielsen, Mayor Pro Tem
Ryan Gallagher, Councilmember
Ray Schnell, Councilmember
Lee K. Fink, Councilmember
Austin Lumbard, Mayor
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
300 CENTENNIAL WAY, TUSTIN
Aldo E. Schindler, City Manager
David E. Kendig, City Attorney
Erica N. Yasuda, City Clerk
AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT INSTRUCTIONS
PRESENTATION - ROKY
PUBLIC COMMENT - ERIC HIGUCHI (ITEM 8)
PUBLIC COMMENT - ERIC HIGUCHI (ITEM 7)
PRESENTATION - ITEM 9
CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
- 4:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER – #3088
ROLL CALL - City Clerk
PUBLIC INPUT - Members of the public may provide comments in writing, in person or in real time via Zoom to address the City Council on items on the Closed Session Agenda.
CLOSED SESSION UPDATE - City Attorney David E. Kendig
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2): (2 cases)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(4): (2 cases)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2): (1 case) -related to the fire at the North Hangar owned by the Navy and the release of hazardous materials therefrom
4. LIABILITY CLAIM - [Government Code § 54956.95] Claimant: The Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, L.L.C Agency claimed against: City of Tustin
5. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS - [Government Code § 54956.8] (2 cases) A.
Property Address/Description: 15171 Del Amo Avenue
Agency: City of Tustin
City Negotiators: Aldo E. Schindler, City Manager; Nicole Bernard, Assistant City Manager; Brian Moncrief, Deputy City Manager/Real Property Negotiating Parties: KYA Services LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
B.
Property Address/Description: APN 430-481-12
Agency: City of Tustin
City Negotiators: Aldo E. Schindler, City Manager; Nicole Bernard, Assistant City Manager; Brian Moncrief, Deputy City Manager - Real Property; Ryan Swiontek, Deputy Director of Real Property Negotiating Parties: Matthew Derrick, Managing Director, CD-CW (Tustin) LLC Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
- 6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER – #3088
INVOCATION - Rabbi Marcia Tilchin, Jewish Collaborative of Orange County PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Fink
PRESENTATION – Tustin Police Department Service Dog Retirement: Roky PUBLIC INPUT – At this time, any member of the public may address the Council on matters which are not on this evening’s agenda, provided the matter is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT – City Attorney David E. Kendig
CONSENT CALENDAR - All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion without discussion. Persons wishing to speak regarding Consent Calendar matters should file a “Request to Speak” form with the City Clerk. (Agenda Items 1-8)
1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Recommendation:
That the City Council waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - THE SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING AND THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025.
Recommendation:
That the City Council approve the Action Minutes of the City Council Special Closed Session Meeting and Regular Meeting held on November 4, 2025.
AGENDA REPORT
3. RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL AND DEMANDS
The City Council has approved the use of Government Code Section 37208 to expedite the payment of City of Tustin obligations that are in accordance with the approved budget or continued operations authorizations.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council approve Payroll in the amount of $1,151,573.18 and Demands in the amount of $3,941,523.62.
AGENDA REPORT
4. ANNUAL WATER ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL PLAN UPDATE
On December 5, 2023, the City Council approved annual water rates effective January 1 of each year, with the final adjustment occurring on January 1, 2028. At the close of each fiscal year, staff reviews the financial position of the Water Enterprise and updates the Water Enterprise Financial Plan to ensure future annual rate adjustments are consistent with ongoing operating needs.
Recommendation:
That the City Council receive and file this report. Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
AGENDA REPORT
5. REJECTION OF ALL BIDS FOR THE ARMSTRONG AVENUE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AND NEIGHBORHOOD D-SOUTH PHASE 2 PACKAGE #2 PROJECTS Staff is recommending that the City Council reject all bids received for the Armstrong Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Neighborhood D-South Phase 2 Package #2 Projects.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council reject all bids received for the Armstrong Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Neighborhood D-South Phase 2 Package #2 Projects and direct the City Clerk to return all bid bonds.Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with rejecting all bids received for the Armstrong Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Neighborhood D-South Phase 2 Package #2 Projects.
AGENDA REPORT
6. AGREEMENT FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF POLICE SERVICE DOG Officer Eric Kent rotated out of the Canine Program and into the Professional Standards Division, effective November 3, 2025. Police Service Dog Roky will be retired from active service. Roky is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois and has served as a Tustin Police Canine for seven years. Based on the unique bond between canine and handler, Officer Eric Kent has agreed to accept ownership of Roky. The Agreement for Transfer of Ownership of a Police Service Canine has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Recommendation:
Approve the Agreement for Transfer of Ownership for a Police Service Dog between the City of Tustin and Eric Kent (in his individual capacity) so that Roky can live out the remainder of his days with the Kent family.Fiscal Impact: Mr. Kent will pay the City the sum of $1.00 for the transfer of ownership, and he will assume all future liability, maintenance, and care.
AGENDA REPORT
7. RECOMMENDATION OF PROPOSALS TO PROCEED TO THE FINAL ROUND FOR THE COMPETITIVE OFFERING WITHIN THE PACIFIC CENTER EAST SPECIFIC PLAN Two (2) proposals are recommended for City Council consideration to proceed to the Final Round for the competitive offering for Planning Area 10 of the Pacific Center East Specific Plan. The recommendation is made by a staff supported, Mayor appointed Ad-Hoc Committee composed of Council Members Ryan Gallagher and Ray Schnell.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff and the City’s broker Jones Lang LaSalle to inform two (2) proposers from the competitive offering for Planning Area 10 of the Pacific Center East Specific Plan that they will be proceeding to the Final Round.Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
AGENDA REPORT
8. EXTENSION TO CONSULTANT SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JPW COMMUNICATIONS FOR TUSTIN LEGACY OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Proposed extension to the Consultant Services Agreement with JPW Communications for continued outreach and communications support for the Tustin Legacy project. The continuation builds upon the successful outreach and communications campaigns JPW has conducted throughout 2024–2025.
The next phase of outreach activities continues to reflect a deliberate and structured approach to sustaining meaningful public engagement as the City advances the Tustin Legacy project. Building on JPW’s demonstrated success in increasing awareness, participation, and transparency, the planned series of outreach activities is intended to invite the community through a thoughtful progression of opportunities to learn, respond, and provide meaningful input. The activities move from initial information-gathering to more interactive formats, ultimately supporting informed direction from the City Council. Together, these steps enable residents, stakeholders, and regional partners to remain closely connected to the project’s development and that their feedback continues to shape its long-term vision.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an extension of the Consultant Services Agreement with JPW Communications, subject to non-substantive additions or modifications as may be deemed necessary and/or recommended by the City Attorney.Fiscal Impact: The proposed extension of the Consultant Services Agreement with JPW Communications is not to exceed $250,000. Sufficient funds have been appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM
9. SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1569 AMENDING CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE 8 OF THE TUSTIN CITY CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, RELATED MODEL CODES WITH CERTAIN APPENDICES, AND SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS, AND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS THERETO Every three years, the California Building Standards Commission updates and adopts new construction regulations based on internationally published model codes. These regulations are collectively known as the California Code of Regulations Title 24, or more commonly, the California Building Standards Code. State law requires the 2025 California Building Standards Code to be enforced by all California cities effective January 1, 2026.
Sections 17958.7 and 18941.5 of the California Health and Safety Code permit local governments to adopt amendments to the California Building Standards Code when they are administrative or procedural in nature, or when local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions warrant more restrictive requirements. These amendments, however, may not be less restrictive than the standards contained in Title 24.
To comply with State law, Ordinance No. 1569 is proposed to adopt and amend the 2025 California Building Standards Code, including certain appendices and supplemental regulations. City staff has worked in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority on relevant supplemental regulations, and Resolution No. 25-53 provides the express findings demonstrating that these amendments are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Tustin.
Recommendation:
That the City Council open the public hearing, conduct the second reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 1569 in accordance with California Government Code Title 5, Division 1, Part 1, as referenced in Building Standards Bulletin 25-02. ORDINANCE NO. 1569 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING CODE AMENDMENT 2025-0001 AMENDING CHAPTER 1 OF ARTICLE 8 OF THE TUSTIN CITY CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, RELATED MODEL CODES WITH CERTAIN APPENDICES, AND CERTAIN SUPPLEMENTAL REGULATIONS, INCLUDING: THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION, ADDING APPENDIX S; THE CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION, INCLUDING APPENDICES B, BB, C, CC, AND H; THE CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION; THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, 1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, 1997 EDITION; AND THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, 2024 EDITION; WITH CERTAIN ADDITIONS, AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS.
RESOLUTION NO. 25-53
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL CONDITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF TUSTIN WHICH MAKE NECESSARY CERTAIN MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE Fiscal Impact: There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
AGENDA REPORT
OTHER BUSINESS/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
CITY MANAGER ALDO E. SCHINDLER
CITY ATTORNEY DAVID E. KENDIG
MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
COUNCIL MEMBER FINK
COUNCIL MEMBER SCHNELL
COUNCIL MEMBER GALLAGHER
MAYOR PRO TEM NIELSEN
MAYOR LUMBARD
ADJOURNMENT
- The next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, for the Closed Session Meeting at 4:30 p.m. and the Regular Business Meeting at 6:00 p.m.