CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY May 25, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Pursuant to the State of California Executive Order N- 29- 20 related to coronavirus Isommr COVID- 19), the City Council of the City of Westminster, California convened on May 25, 2022 at 5: 09 p. m. in a Closed Session via In- Person Hybrid ( teleconference/ web conference), City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
CLOSED SESSION
5: 00 P. M.
IN- PERSON HYBRID
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tri Ta called the Closed Session Meeting of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. via In-Person Hybrid, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL MAYOR TRI TA
PRESENT: VICE MAYOR CARLOS MANZO
COUNCIL MEMBER TAI DO
COUNCIL MEMBER KIMBERLY HO( Arrived - 5: 17 PM)
COUNCIL MEMBER CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
ABSENT: NONE
Interim City Clerk Colombo announced a quorum of the City Council.
STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Christine Cordon City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Interim Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
Interim City Clerk Lucie Colombo
Assistant City Clerk Abigail Y. Alcala
Administrative Assistant II Tanya Ramirez
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
1. Terry Rains spoke regarding hiring Interim City Manager Cordon as the City Manager. She asked that the city not hire a consultant to conduct recruitment. She supports hiring Adolfo Ozeata as her Assistant City Manager.
2. Camilla Overbeek spoke in support of hiring Christine Cordon as City Manager.
3. Amy Walsh echoed previous statements made by Camilla Overbeek and Terry Rains.
Council Member Ho arrived at 5: 17 PM.
City Attorney Bettenhausen stated the Closed Session is authorized under California Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 2) because existing facts and circumstances indicate there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City. Any discussion of these matters in open session would certainly prejudice the City' s position.
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:20 p.m. for the following purpose:
1. Continued from May 11, 2022 Meeting: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
2. Continued from May 11, 2022 Meeting: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Public Employee Appointment - City Manager
RECESS: Mayor Ta recessed the meeting at 7:00 p.m. from Closed Session at the City Council Chambers, Executive Conference Room.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened from Closed Session at 7:07 p.m.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
REGULAR MEETING
7: 00 PM
IN- PERSON HYBRID
Mayor Tri Ta called the Regular Meeting of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 7: 07 p. m. via In- Person Hybrid, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL MAYOR TRI TA
PRESENT: VICE MAYOR CARLOS MANZO
COUNCIL MEMBER TAI DO
COUNCIL MEMBER KIMBERLY HO
COUNCIL MEMBER CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
ABSENT: NONE
Interim City Clerk Colombo announced a quorum with all members present.
STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Christine Cordon City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Interim Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
Interim City Clerk Lucie Colombo
Finance Director Erin Backs
Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Public Works Director/ City Engineer Jake Ngo
Interim Community Development Director Debra Kurita
Assistant City Clerk Abigail Y. Alcala
Administrative Assistant II Tanya Ramirez
Police Commander Ron Weber
Police Commander Alan Iwashita
Information Technology System Supervisor Carl Glaze
Sergeant at Arms Stewart DeJong
Sergeant at Arms Robert Farro
Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Ron
Roberts
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
The Flag Salute was led by Council Member Do.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was conducted by Mayor Ta.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
CITY ATTORNEY/ CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Bettenhausen reported
Motion was by Vice Mayor Manzo, and seconded by Council Member Do to appoint Interim City Manager Cordon as the City Manager, motion carried, unanimously 5-0 vote.
He stated a contract would be presented at the next City Council meeting.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Ex Parte Communications to be presented at this time.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK
Interim City Clerk Colombo invited residents to apply for Commission and Committee vacancies and visit the City' s website for the application.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Interim City Manager Cordon made various announcements regarding the following matters:
2022 Westminster Police Department Memorial Ceremony moved to June 1, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on June 10, 2022 New personnel IT Department— Jeff Zito
Project S.H.U.E. students graduating from program on May 26, 2022 Recruiting applicants for 2022- 2023 for Youth Committee Sigler Park Splash Pad opens for the season on May 28, 2022
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Westminster Police Officer Steven Vo.
Mayor Ta recognized Police Officer Steven Vo.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
In- Person
1. Claudia Steinmetz spoke in opposition of Agenda Item No. 5. 1, specifically concerning crossing guards, various financial concerns, tax measure, defunding police, public safety, and city resources.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
2. Quan Nguyen, Quang Tri Committee member, spoke regarding a revised description on the Quang Tri Monument summary and requested additional time for the proposed revisions ( Agenda Item No. 7. 1).
3. Tony Phan, Public Information Officer of the Westminster School District, spoke in opposition of the elimination of crossing guards in the Westminster School District ( Agenda Item No. 5. 1).
4. Tony Bui spoke regarding Council Member turmoil, violation of the Brown Act and spoke in opposition of Measure C.
5. Roger Mindrum congratulated Interim City Manager Cordon on her appointment to City Manager, spoke regarding Measure C and spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 3. 5. He echoed Claudia Steimetz ( comments regarding Agenda Item No. 5. 1) and stated the Quang Tri Monument does not belong on public property ( Agenda Item No. 7.1).
6. Robert L. Harrison spoke in opposition of the current Quang Tri Monument depiction and location ( Agenda Item No. 7. 1).
7. Terry Rains congratulated Interim City Manager Cordon on her appointment, spoke regarding the City' s budget ( Agenda Item No. 5. 1), opposed to Agenda Item No. 7.1 regarding Quang Tri Monument and spoke in support of Ballot Measure C.
8. Camilla Overbeek spoke in opposition of the Quang Tri Monument ( Agenda Item No. 7.1) and regarding the adoption of the military equipment ordinance, and raised concerns regarding the lack of a public hearing.
9. D' vorah Mariscal congratulated the Westminster Police Department for shutting down another slap house, requested the tax measure be placed on the ballot, and spoke regarding homelessness in the City.
10. Mark Lawrence spoke regarding showing respect for the country by removing hats during the flag salute.
11. Khai Dao congratulated newly appointed City Manager. He commented regarding false comments by City Council Members, election, Measure C, and made various comments regarding the Mayor and City finances.
Council Member Nguyen briefly left the dais at 8:01 p.m.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 8: 03 p. m.
12. Jessica Lostaunau spoke regarding the effects of budget cuts ( Agenda Item No. 5. 1) and requested the tax measure be placed on the ballot.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
13. Son Do spoke regarding the Quang Tri Monument ( Agenda Item No. 7.1).
Zoom Speakers
14. Amy Walsh congratulated Interim City Manager Cordon on her appointment to City Manager, expressed concern regarding the adoption of AB 141 military equipment ordinance, and expressed concern regarding Jones & Mayer.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
MINUTES
3. 1 Minutes of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the amended minutes as presented for the dates listed below:
A. April 27, 2022 — Regular Meeting ( Closed and Regular Session; and B. May 11, 2022 — Regular Meeting ( Closed and Regular Session).
ROUTINE MATTERS
3. 2 Resolution Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2022- 2023 Funded by Senate Bill 1 ( SB 1), the " Road Repair and Accountability Act." ACTION: The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 5119 entitled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022- 2023 FUNDED BY SENATE BILL 1 ( SB 1), THE " ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT."
WARRANT REGISTER
3. 3 ( City Council and Successor Agency) Warrant Register dated May 5, 2022 through May 18, 2022.
ACTION: Received and filed.
REPORTS
3. 4 Treasurer' s Report for April 2022.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed this report.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
ORDINANCES
3. 5 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2587 to Establish Regulations and Prohibit the Unlawful Possession of Catalytic Converters in the City.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council conduct second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2587 entitled, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, ADDING CHAPTER 9. 77
UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS PROHIBITED) TO TITLE 9 ( PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE) OF THE WESTMINSTER
MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS AND PROHIBITING THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN THE CITY," read by title only and waived further reading.
Motion was made by Council Member Nguyen, and seconded by Vice Mayor Manzo to approve the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS- None.
There were no Public Hearing items to be presented at this time.
5. REGULAR BUSINESS
5. 1 Strategic Plan Goal # 1: Achieve Financial Stability.
Strategic Plan Objective: As part of the budget adoption process, provide to the City Council a detailed list of expenditures from departments and current capital projects and compare the projected actual current year to the prior 5 years.
Interim City Manager Cordon briefly introduced the budget adoption process.
Finance Director Backs gave a presentation regarding the City' s Budget process, 2022- 23 revised budget, three budget scenarios, budget projection and funds received from Measure SS.
Interim Assistant City Manager Ozaeta presented the impacts of version 1 budget.
Mayor Ta briefly left the dais at 8:40 p.m.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
Mayor Ta returned to the dais at 8:44 p.m.
Vice Mayor Manzo spoke regarding the substantial budget cuts and expressed concern regarding the impacts to the community.
Discussion ensued regarding the comparison of tax rates with surrounding cities, and the proposed status quo budget and version 1 budget major impacts.
Council Member Nguyen briefly left the dais at 9:00 p.m.
Council Member Ho suggested a financial advisory task force be formed.
Mayor Ta asked if there was sufficient time to form a committee Interim City Manager Cordon stated there was no time for a new committee and the community may provide input via the city website.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 9:03 p.m.
Council Member Do stated that Council has not been active to contribute to the City' s financial health. Requested for staff to explain bankruptcy process.
Finance Director Erin Backs responded and provided brief information regarding the bankruptcy process, Chapter 9.
Vice Mayor Manzo spoke regarding the City' s current financial status and requested Council make the tough decisions.
City Council provided direction to the City Manager for the Measure SS Committee to review prior to bringing item to the City Council.
This item is a receive and file.
Council Member Do echoed Vice Mayor Manzo' s comments.
Motion was made by Mayor Ta, and seconded by Council Member Nguyen to have a study session and bring back the agenda item.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
There were no legislative items to be presented at this time.
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEMS
7. 1 Depiction, Design, and Location Recommendations of Proposed Quang Tri Monument.
Community Services Director Johnson presented the staff report and provided a powerpoint presentation regarding the depiction, design, and location of the Quang Tri Monument.
Robert L. Harrison, Quang Tri Committee Member, provided input on the design and history in the depiction.
Discussion ensued regarding the validity of the design and depiction.
Mayor Ta briefly left the dais at 9:51 p.m.
Council Member Do concerned that he requested for Brown Act violation complaint be reviewed and no report has been provided to him to- date.
Mayor Ta returned to the dais at 9: 56 p. m.
Council Member Ho briefly left the dais at 9: 59 p. m.
Council Member Ho returned to the dais at 10: 07 p. m.
Discussion ensued regarding potential Brown Act violations, ethics training and compliance, and the consideration of creating an ethics process and compliance policy.
Vice Mayor Manzo provided input and suggested that the monument be moved to private property to stop the division.
Council Member Do stated the Quang Tri Monument is a community project and requested all members work together.
Council Member Ho expressed concern regarding the committee members' attitude towards ideas for the monument.
Discussion ensued regarding Quang Tri Committee members working together and compromise on a decision.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo and seconded by Council Member Nguyen to return the project back to Quang Tri Committee to discuss and finalize and return to the City Council.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Council Member Nguyen briefly left the dais at 10:57 p.m.
Interim City Manager Cordon spoke regarding conducting an in-person ethics training all those who have not completed their training.
Vice Mayor Manzo spoke regarding finding private land for the location of the monument.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo to bring back to Council as a resolution with location.
Motion died due to lack of a second.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 10:59 p.m.
Council Member Do spoke in support of the monument and expressed disappointment in the Community Services and Recreation Commission' s lack of recommendations for locations for the monument.
Discussion ensued regarding the Community Services and Recreation Commission recommended locations for the monument.
Council Member Do suggested removing the gazebo and replacing it with the Quang Tri monument at Tony Lam Park.
Council Member Ho requested Public Works Director/ City Engineer Ngo provide recommendations for potential monument locations.
Interim City Manager Cordon spoke regarding providing Council a feasible list of monument locations.
Council provided direction to staff to provide a resolution when a location is selected.
Council Member Do briefly left the dais at 11:24 p.m.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
Council Member Do returned to the dais at 11:26 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Nguyen and secondedby Vice Mayor Manzo to direct staff to conduct a feasibility study of potential locations.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
8. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL/ AGENCY MEMBERS ( Including AB 1234 Report when required)
Council Member Do spoke regarding the tragedy in Texas and thanked the Police Department and staff for their hard work and efforts.
Vice Mayor Manzo spoke regarding the tragedy in Texas, gun laws and political acts, expressed concern and inquired regarding the military equipment ordinance AB481, congratulated Interim City Manager Cordon on her promotion and thanked staff the community, and Council.
City Attorney Bettenhausen responded to Vice Mayor Manzo's inquiry: aidexplained the full process for the ordinance regarding AB481 and per the Vice Mayor Manzo's requested, Mr. Bettenhausen stated a public hearing for second reading could be conducted at a future meeting, although not legally required.
Council Member Ho thanked Quang Tri Committee for their hard work, collaboration and efforts regarding the monument, thanked Mayor Ta and Council Member Nguyen for their participation on Agenda Item No. 7. 1, congratulated Interim City Manager Cordonon herappointment, and spokeregardingschooltragedyin Texas.
CouncilMemberNguyenthankedeveryonefor their participationin the community, and briefly spoke regarding tragedy in Texas.
Mayor Ta thanked the Police Department and Police Chief Lenyi for their hard work and efforts and thanked the community for their participation.
9. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Ta adjourned the meeting at 11:47 p.m.
Next Regular Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 25, 2022
Resp- ctfully :, bmitted:
Lt J
ig. . Alcala
Ass' City ' er
APPROVED:
C
Tn Ta
Mayor/ Chair
ATTEST:
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk