City Council February 3, 2026
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MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL 4:30 P.M.
Assistant City Clerk Carrie Woodward announced that the Closed Session meeting was cancelled.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER – #3092 at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL – Assistant City Clerk Carrie Woodward noted for the record that all members were present.
INVOCATION – Pastor Kyle Bleeker, Friends Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Austin Lumbard
PRESENTATION – Chief Sean Thuilliez presented an overview of the career accomplishments of Police Service Dog Azzurri and his handler, Seargent Leah Barrett, in recognition of Azzurri’s retirement.
PUBLIC INPUT – None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1-8 –
PUBLIC INPUT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS – None
CITY OF TUSTIN MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2026
OF THE CITY COUNCIL 300 CENTENNIAL WAY, TUSTIN
COUNCIL CHAMBER
VIDEO CONFERENCE
Ray Schnell, Mayor Pro Tem
Ryan Gallagher, Council Member Austin Lumbard, Mayor Aldo E. Schindler, City Manager Lee K. Fink, Council Member Erica N. Yasuda, City Clerk John Nielsen, Council Member David E. Kendig, City Attorney
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Council Member Fink requested to pull Item 7.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Schnell and seconded by Council Member Gallagher to pull Item 7 and approve the balance as recommended by staff.
Roll Call Vote – Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA
Motion: The City Council waived reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declared 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 JANUARY 20, 2026.
Motion: The City Council approve d the Action Minutes of the City Council Special Closed Session Meeting and Regular Meeting held on January 20, 2026.
3. RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL AND DEMANDS
The City Council 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.
Motion: The City Council approve d Payroll in the amount of $1,110,415.15 and Demands in the amount of $5,919,766.74.
4. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF TUSTIN AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE TUSTIN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025
Government Code Section 53646 requires that the Treasurer make an Investment Report to the City Council at least quarterly showing balances by authorized investment and certifying its compliance with the adopted Investment Policy.
Motion: Received and filed the report.
Fiscal Impact: There was no fiscal impact associated with this item.
5. AGREEMENT FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF POLICE SERVICE DOG
On December 29, 2025, Sergeant Leah Barrett rotated out of the Canine Program after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Police Service Dog Azzurri will be retired from active service. Azzurri is a 9 -year-old Belgian Malinois and has served Docusign Envelope ID: 50073470-DD33-4A2F-91D6-DACFA9AF3AC3
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as a Tustin Police Canine for almost six years. Based on the unique bond between canine and handler, Sergeant Barrett has agreed to accept ownership of Azzurri. The Agreement for Transfer of Ownership of a Police Service Canine has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Motion: The City Council approved the Agreement for Transfer of Ownership for a Police Service Dog between the City of Tustin and Leah Barrett (in her individual capacity) so that Azzurri can live out the remainder of her days with the Barrett family.
Fiscal Impact: Leah Barrett will pay the City the sum of $1.00 for the transfer of ownership, and she will assume all future liability, maintenance, and care of Azzurri.
6. FISCAL YEAR 2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT
The City of Anaheim, in its capacity as a Core City for the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area, has applied for, received and accepted a grant entitled “Fiscal Year 2024 Urban Areas Security Initiative” Grant Program. This grant is from the Federal Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the State of California Office of Emergency Services. It is intended to enhance countywide emergency preparedness, and to help the Operational Area prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism, as set forth in the grant guidelines and assurances that are incorporated into the Agreement by reference.
The Office of Grants and Training has awarded $4,731,981 to the City of Anaheim for use
in the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area, for the performance term of September 1, 2024 through March 31, 2027 (Fiscal Year 2024). In which, the grant period for sub-recipients (e.g., City of Tustin) can be awarded through the period of November 12, 2025 to March 31, 2027. The funds are now available for distribution throughout the Operational Area, and the City of Tustin, as a sub- recipient, is authorized to participate in the grant funding.
Motion: That the City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution 26-01, designating the Chief of Police or his designee as the City’s authorized representative for the Fiscal Year 2024.
2. Approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Transfer Agreement between the City of Anaheim and the City of Tustin.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE CHIEF OF POLICE OR HIS DESIGNEE AS THE CITY’S AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE FY 2024 URBAN AREAS SECURITY
INITIATIVE (UASI)
Fiscal Impact: There was no fiscal impact associated with this item.
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7. APPROVAL OF COST -SHARING AGREEMENT WITH COSTCO WHOLESALE
CORPORATION FOR THE EL CAMINO REAL / AUTO CENTER DRIVE TRAFFIC
SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a Traffic Signal Cost -Sharing Agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation. The agreement establishes shared financial responsibilities for the Traffic Signal Improvement Project at the intersection of El Camino Real and Auto Center Drive. This agreement has been reviewed and approved as to form by Costco and the City Attorney’s Office. The total estimated project cost is $250,000 and per the agreement, Costco would reimburse the City for 50% of the actual project cost up to $125,000.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Schnell and seconded by Council Member Nielsen that the City Council:
1. Approved the Traffic Signal Cost -Sharing Agreement between the City and Costco Wholesale Corporation for the Traffic Signal Improvement Project at El Camino Real /Auto Center Drive intersection; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or his designee, the Director of Public Works, and the City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Roll Call Vote – Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
Fiscal Impact: Sufficient funds in the amount of $100,000 for the project design phase have been appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Capital Improvement Program Budget. Funding for the construction phase will be requested through a future City Council action as part of the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget process.
8. RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE NEED TO CONTINUE THE PROCLAIMED
LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO THE NAVY NORTH HANGAR
At its meeting on November 10, 2023, the City Council ratified the Acting City Manager’s Proclamation of Local Emergency related to the fire at the Navy’s North Hangar and release of chemicals of public health concern, including asbestos. At a special meeting of the City Council on January 9, 2024, and at its regular meetings on March 5, 2024, April 16. 2024, June 4, 2024, June 18, 2024, July 16, 2024, August 20, 2024, October 15, 2024, December 3, 2024, January 21, 2025, March 18, 2025, Ma
y 6, 2025, June 17, 2025, August 5, 2025, September 16, 2025, November 4, 2025, and December 16, 2025, the City Council reviewed and determined the need to continue the local emergency. This item recommends that the City Council once again review and determine that the need exists to continue the local emergency, as required by State law.
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Motion: The City Council adopted Resolution 26-06 determining the need exists to continue the local emergency related to the fire and release of chemicals of public health concern from the Navy’s North Hangar, in the form attached as Attachment 2.
RESOLUTION 26-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA,
DETERMINING THE NEED TO CONTINUE LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO
FIRE AND RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FROM NAVY NORTH HANGAR.
Fiscal Impact : There was no direct impact from a determination that a local emergency continues to exist.
REGULAR BUSINESS ITEM 9
9. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1575 FOR CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
In December 2023, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, which establishes new statewide standards for protecting public water supplies from cross-contamination. Taking effect in July 2024, the Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook established new statewide standards for protecting public water supplies from contamination.
Adoption of Cross -Connection Control Ordinance No. 1575 formally establishes regulatory authority, program requirements, and appropriate enforcement mechanisms necessary to protect the City’s potable water system from contamination due to cross- connections and backflow events.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Schnell and seconded by Council Member Nielsen that the City Council conduct the first reading by title only of Ordinance No. 1575.
Roll Call Vote – Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
ORDINANCE NO. 1575
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 4907 TO THE TUSTIN CITY CODE
INSTITUTING A CROSS -CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM TO PROTECT
THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
Fiscal Impact: Adoption of Ordinance 1575 does not result in additional fiscal impacts. In July 2025, the City Council approved an additional budget appropriation in the amount of $70,000 for the program implementation costs. Ongoing program costs are estimated at $100,000 annually and will be requested each year through the City’s budget process.
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OTHER BUSINESS/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Aldo E. Schindler
Announced the launch of NextRequest, the City’s new online public records request system for those seeking public records; explained how the system allows the public to submit and track requests online while helping staff streamline the request process; added that the software supports the City’s commitment to transparency and service.
Shared the completion of the updates to Tustin Sports Park’s field 3 , which included regrading of the outfield, replacement of the irrigation and turf, and enhancements to drainage; added that use of the field by youth organizations and adult City softball leagues will resume next month.
Announced renovations to the Camino Real Park picnic shelter and playground will begin on February 9 and are anticipated to be completed in May 2026; included that the playground will be replaced first, followed by the picnic shelter , and that informational postcards have been distributed to nearby residents outlining the improvements, along with directions for visiting the City website for more information.
City Attorney David E. Kendig
Reported the cancellation of the Closed Session meeting of the City Council at 4:30 p.m.
OTHER BUSINESS/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
Council Member Nielsen
Wished all in attendance a happy February.
January 28
Represented the City of Tustin at the Joint Capital Programs and Projects Committee Meeting for The Toll Roads Joint Transportation Corridor Agencies in place of Mayor Pro Tem Schnell; approved an Architectural and Remodel Services contract for the headquarters building, located on Pacifica Street in Irvine, in need of updates; participated in the approval of the replacement of multiple generators located on the Toll Roads, which are 30 or more years old.
January 29
Attended the City of Tustin ’s New Business Reception; commented that Mayor Austin Lumbard did a wonderful job presenting; enjoyed meeting and interacting with business owners and learning more about their businesses; added that the City’s presentations, led by City Manager Aldo Schindler and the Economic Development Department’s Micah Weichbrodt, were enriching and helpful for the small businesses in attendance; thanked the City for their efforts.
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January 30
Led a presentation at the Tustin Area Historical Area Society Museum’s Night at the Museum on the History of Orange County Scouting; commented that it was great to attend; enjoyed giving the presentation due to the subject matter’s deep connection to Orange County history.
Council Member Fink
January 22
Attended the first Orange County Public Libraries’ Library Advisory Board meeting of the year; announced his election as Chair of the Library Advisory Board; added he hopes to work with the Board to introduce a library vending machine at Tustin Sports Park.
January 26
Attended the Tustin Chamber of Commerce’s Top of the Morning Tustin event; commented that Erin Nielsen, Executive Director of the Tustin Community Foundation, was the guest speaker; the event was the first of the year-long series.
January 30
Attended the vigil for Alex Pretti on the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Santa Ana; Congressman Dave Min, Congressman Lou Correa, Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento, several councilmembers, and several members of the medical community, including doctors and nurses, attended to honor his life and service.
Confirmed that the upcoming Sip & Stroll event, hosted by the Tustin Community Foundation, is scheduled for February 28; commented that he will attend the Paper Football Challenge XI event on February 7; added that he will attend Smooches ‘n’ Pooches at th e Bark Barracks on February 14.
Announced that Operation Warm Wishes will have their Kindness Hour on Saturday, February 14 from 12-3pm at Baskin-Robbins on Newport Avenue in Tustin; added that the Tustin 2026 Communities Come Together event will occur in the Clifton C. Miller Community Center on February 7 concurrently with the Paper Football Challenge XI; Communities Come Together will be attended by the Orange County Fire Authority, California Highway Patrol, and Tustin Police Department, and its purpose is to teach safety skills; comm ented the event is a great opportunity to learn new safety information from the Andy and Aiden and Safety Group.
Commented he was unable to attend the New Business Reception on Thursday as he teaches an Administrative Law class on Thursday nights at Western State College of Law; the college began operations in Tustin this year; welcomed Western State College of Law to the City of Tustin and mentioned the nearby Raised by Lions coffee shop, encouraging all to visit.
Council Member Gallagher
January 26
Attended the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s Water Policy Dinner; the keynote Docusign Envelope ID: 50073470-DD33-4A2F-91D6-DACFA9AF3AC3
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speaker was Shivaji Deshmukh, the recently appointed General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; emphasized the importance of the Metropolitan Water District for those who are unfamiliar, noting that it is the largest water purveyor in the country and one of the largest in the world, serving 19 million residents; Shivaji is an Orange County native, began his career in the Metropolitan Water District, and is a Costa Mesa resident; added that he looks forward to Shivaji’s leader ship in his new role.
January 28
Attended the Orange County Sanitation District Board Meeting; topics included the mid-year update of the General Manager Rob Thompson’s work plan, which is progressing well; a main item within the update outlined improvements for deep well injection, an in novative approach to addressing per -
and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and biosolids for Orange County and a method in which the Orange County Sanitation District is taking a leadership role; their new budget cycle has begun, in addition to another yea r of the Wastewater 101 - Citizens’ Academy, which is a great way to get involved and learn more about the work of the Orange County Sanitation District.
Wished all in attendance a Happy Valentine’s Day; encouraged all to do something nice for a loved one.
Mayor Pro Tem Schnell
Thanked Councilmember Gallagher for sharing his information on per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and biosolids from the Orange County Sanitation District Board Meeting.
Commented that the recent City progress is made possible by tax revenues, following the meeting’s discussion regarding tax revenue related to the Tustin Costco, updates from City Manager Aldo Schindler regarding renovations to Camino Real Park and Tustin S ports Park, and the introduction of new public records software to increase transparency and service for residents; commented the City is very fortunate to have a strong tax revenue base that can be poured back into the City and its residents to improve quality of life for all.
Wished all in attendance a belated Happy Groundhog Day; added that, during a recent business trip to New York and Chicago for business, he experienced frigid temperatures and is grateful to endure an additional six weeks of winter in California’s pleasant climate.
Mayor Lumbard
Reflected on City Manager Aldo Schindler’s report of recent updates throughout the City; thanked City staff for working to maintain the current speed of citywide progress; acknowledged that the City Council and residents notice the progress and that much positive feedback has been received following recent updates, especially to City infrastructure; enjoys seeing taxpayer dollars at work to beautify the City.
Congratulated the Economic Development Department on their successful New Business Reception; added that Tustin is a medium - to large-sized city with a small town feel, and Docusign Envelope ID: 50073470-DD33-4A2F-91D6-DACFA9AF3AC3
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such events showcase this; emphasized to Economic Development Deputy Director Valentin Flores, Management Analyst Micah Weichbrodt , and other involved staff that the event captured the charm of Tustin; felt that the event was very well -received and that the new businesses felt welcome; appreciate staff’s careful attention to the event and to Tustin businesses as they, too, contribute to our City tax revenue; expressed his excitement and interest to partner in their success.
Highlighted several upcoming events, including:
• Paper Football Challenge XI, hosted by the Tustin Community Foundation, taking place at Columbus Tustin Recreation Center on February 7; • Smooches ‘n’ Pooches, taking place on Saturday, February 14 at 10 am at the Bark Barracks at Tustin Legacy Park; and
• The Tustin Police Department’s Citizens Academy, with applications accepted on a year-round basis and upcoming classes taking place on Wednesdays, from March 11 through May 20, from 6:30 to 9pm; more information can be found on the City website.
ADJOURNED at 6:36 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for the Closed Session Meeting at 4:30 p.m. and the Regular Business Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
___________________________ _____________________________ AUSTIN LUMBARD, ERICA N. YASUDA,
Mayor City Clerk
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