CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Pursuant to the State of California Executive Order N-29-20 relating to coronavirus COVID- 19), and pursuant to Westminster Resolution No. 5091 adopted on January 5, 2022, the City Council/Agency Board of the City of the Westminster, California convened on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 8:40 a.m., via Teleconference/Web Conference Only, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
8: 30 AM
OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Tri Ta called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 8:40 a.m., on Monday, June 20, 2022, via Teleconference/Web Conference only.
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.
STAFF PRESENT: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Adolfo Ozaeta, Interim Assistant City Manager
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Jake Ngo, Public Works Director/ City Engineer
Jodie Griner, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Lucie Colombo, Interim City Clerk
Abigail Alcala, Assistant City Clerk
SALUTE TO FLAG
The Flag Salute was led by Vice Mayor Manzo.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by City Attorney Bettenhausen.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Zoom Comments
CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING June 20, 2022
1. Terry Rains made comments and stated she would participate in the workshop.
There being no additional speakers, the Mayor announced that Oral Communications was closed.
I. Strategic Planning Workshop Facilitated by Marilyn Snider, Snider and Associates.
The following areas were presented and discussed. Various questions were asked of the participants and discussions occurred during sessions in breakout Zoom rooms.
A) Purpose of the Workshop and Introduction of the Facilitator and Recorder; B) Role of the Facilitator, Recorder and Participants; Strategic Planning Elements;
C) Introductions of the Participants;
D) Review of the City of Westminster' s:
Mission Statement
Core Values
Three - Year Goals ( 2022- 2024)
E) What Are the City of Westminster' s Strengths and Accomplishments since the January 17, 2022 Strategic Planning Workshop?
A list was compiled as follows:
STRENGTHS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER SINCE THE JANUARY 17, 2022 STRATEGIC PLANNING
WORKSHOP
Brainstormed List of Perceptions from Participants.
Successfully moved through the strategic plan with direction provided and action taken related to the goals
Adopted MOUs with employee bargaining groups
Reestablished communication and partnerships with local agencies Appointment of a permanent city manager
Direction and focus
On time delivery of strategic plan objectives
Moving forward with start of new specific plan
Engagement with the public through effective communication strategies
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Re-establishing positive relationships with city stakeholders ( school districts, chamber of commerce, etc.)
Identifying customer service delivery as a top priority Despite financial uncertainty, overall basic mission of City Departments is being fulfilled
We are able to hold the line ( for now)
THANKS to Council, retention got a little better due to 10% raise!!! Competent Department Head Leadership!
Hiring a permanent City Manager
Hiring a Community Services Director
Approval of MOU - 10% raises
More focus with strategic projects
Events that have brought elected officials together - ribbon cuttings, park renaming, community events that show a different side ( not politically driven)
Progress on strategic plans
Ideas for possible new revenue generation
Willingness to allow outside the box thinking
Increase workplace morale with 10% salary adjustment.
Balanced the budget and a contingency plan.
New leadership with fresh ideas
Approval of new employee contracts providing more competitive salaries
New polices have been implemented to improve working environment Increased opportunities/ events for community involvement Adoption of S139Ordinance to preserve the City' s ability to maintain or regulate portions of the single family residential zoning code.
Keep everything on schedule
Adoption of the Draft Housing Element and staffs work toward obtaining certification of the element from HCD
Cohesiveness of Executive Management team
Permanent appointment of City Manager and Community Services Director
Improved cooperation between Council members
Consensus on approach to prioritizing the Downtown Central specific plan development.
Approval of MOU for all bargaining units - making positions more competitive and improving morale of employees
Approval of Balsa Row retail and hotel component and progress on the completion of the residential and garage portion.
Some great park improvements have been completed
Permanent Leadership - City Manager
Better communication and cooperation between departmental staffs.
Focus on strategic planning by Council, city management team and staff.
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Economic development efforts with support and direction from City Management
Partnership with other cities for a homeless shelter
Current City reserves are available to help maintain operations, for next 2 years.
Additional training offered through HR on supervising employees and other topics.
Through city management direction, departments have been engaged in continual improvements to City systems, policies and practices Maintaining effective leadership team
Completed and working on several goals and objectives
10% raise for city employees
Improving employee morale
Continuing public transparency
Various important policies have been adopted.
The City Council is being more respectful and collaborative with each other.
Adoption of MOUs was important and well over due for staff Strategic Plan Goal - Achieve Financial Stability
Permanent hires in key positions have been made and set the stage for stability in the organization.
We' re beginning to seriously look at the revenue side
We' ve moved forward with Zoning 2 and have made improvements Completion of the Compensation Study
Salary increases will assist in attracting and retaining talent New leadership that seems dedicated to move the city forward F) What are City of Westminster' s Current Internal Weakness/ Challenges?
CURRENT INTERNAL WEAKNESSES AND CHALLENGES OF THE CITY
OF WESTMINSTER
Brainstormed List of Perceptions from Participants.
Lack of a sales tax measure renewal
Lack of a middle management tier of leadership in the city in between directors and staff
Staff PTSD from previous management and leaders, preventing them from making decisions
Staff vacancies
Inconsistent delivery of customer service
Customer service delivery is lacking
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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Hesitancy by city staff to make work related decisions ( hesitancy stemming from years of poor management and lack of support for employees)
Some employees are not performing their work duties due to lack of effective mid- level managers
Failure by Council to allow the voters to renew the tax measure has resulted in employees leaving the city
Funding shortages for community services
Lack of resources for a city our size
Lack of a sales tax measure renewal
Lack of a middle management tier of leadership in the city in between directors and staff
Staff PTSD from previous management and leaders, preventing them from making decisions
Staff vacancies
Inconsistent delivery of customer service
Customer service delivery is lacking
Hesitancy by city staff to make work related decisions ( hesitancy stemming from years of poor management and lack of support for employees)
Some employees are not performing their work duties due to lack of effective mid- level managers
Failure by Council to allow the voters to renew the tax measure has resulted in employees leaving the city
Funding shortages for community services
Lack of resources for a city our size
Employee morale
Lack of Policies and Procedures
Lack of training opportunities ( and time to take advantage of those that arise)
Retention of department heads
Council power struggle affecting various departments.
Need to be more focused
Bringing salaries up to par
Need to build relationships and strengthen trust between department heads.
Future financial uncertainty with loss of Measure SS
Loss of employees/ low staffing levels
Outdated technology
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Budget constraints for new programs and projects to improve the city and provide services to the residents
Continued political issues and differences sometimes reflected between Council members
Service demands sometimes exceed capacity of existing staff Lawsuits
Sunset of sales tax measure still looms with bankruptcy predicted in 2 years if not extended
Inability to attract strong candidates for key positions due to uncertainty of financial future and loss of employees to other cities for same reason.
Not having an updated zoning code
Maintenance needs for HVAC and other systems for public buildings including City Hall, Council Chambers and Community Services facilities.
Need to find funding fortechnology upgrades, including phones as well as digital security.
Lack of sufficient funds and personnel to help address homelessness issues
0 Political instability
Continuing budget shortfall
Lack of big box retail stores
Measure SS sunset
Competitive salary to attract and retain quality employees There are still key positions that are not hired and permanent, such as ACM and CDD.
Morale is still low.
Staff has PTSD from past leadership and negative situations ( old paradigm)
0 Training and staff development is needed
Various departments are not welcoming to staff and there's little to no opportunity for interactions.
Bare bone staffing - Doing more with less
Defining expectations specifically PD and HR (though not necessarily in writing)
Not making much progress in spending ARPA funds
Lack of resolving blight in the city
Lack of trust in the leadership
Our inability to carry out and follow up on items on the agendas 0 Issues with technology, especially the city app
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Resistance to changes in the city' s new vision and direction from some long term staff
G) What are the External Factors/ Trends ( e. g., economic, political, technological, social and environmental) that Will/ Might Have an Impact on the City of Westminster in the Coming Year:
Participants stated what they thought were positive factors and served as opportunities.
EXTERNAL FACTORS/ TRENDS THAT WILL/ MIGHT HAVE A POSITIVE
IMPACT ON THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER IN THE COMING YEAR
Brainstormed List of Perceptions from Participants
Potential sales tax measure renewal ( hopefully)
Residents knowledge of importance of continued tax measure ARPA funds allocated to one-time projects long overdue
Pandemic to endemic
Shift in City Council ideologies
Continued Covid downturn
Infusion of ARPA funds
Community events returning after COVID
Unveiling of Mendez Park
Renewal of Measure SS
Change in political leadership
Competitive employee compensation will result in keeping valuable staff
Retail businesses are doing well
The # 1 factor in this category is the uncertainty of the financial future of the City and waiting for the last moment to address it. Addressing this issue as soon as possible will have an immediate positive impact.
Going after the full amount of the available tax, 1.5%, which the City desperately needs will have great positive impact! If we don' t, County will take it, use for their needs and we will recover it and our community will suffer from this decision.
Push for inclusiveness
Flexibility in work place — working remote options
Automation of some duties — digital technology
Collaborations
Westminster Mall general plan and subsequent development to include dedicated retail development.
Westminster Mall specific plan
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Kaiser to build and grow
High end restaurants/ hotels will have a good impact
Changes in the council dynamic.
ARPA funding allocation and projects
New developments underway in the city ( Bolsa Row, park improvements)
Increased interest or need of city services and facilities after Covid Voters' approval of Measure SS extension, if it is put on the ballot Polling showing residents support Measure SS extension
Outdoor seating restaurants are needed
Use of ARPA funds for facilities and public improvements or Homeless Shelter
Beginning process of annexation of County Islands — for future financial and other benefits to the City and the Island residents Elections in November
New Council member and Mayor bringing new ideas and perspective Funding from State, Feds or other sources for Homeless Navigation Center Facility
Developing specific plans to improve Westminster
Public improvement projects
Positive public engagement effort
Directors and leadership work effectively together and support each other
Many new opportunities for new & creative ideas to move the city forward
CM's willingness and welcoming of new suggestions to improve operations in the organization
At times other departments do not have a collaborative energy when identifying/ solving issues
Technology seems outdated and inefficient
High turnover because of pay.
Lack of sales tax measure and infighting with Council
0 Public support is amazing; sales tax extension polls at 70+% support with no promotion by the city
Public support and excitement about our new city manager Participants discussed what they believed were negative and threats in the coming year.
EXTERNAL FACTORS/ TRENDS THAT WILL/ MIGHT HAVE A NEGATIVE
IMPACT ON THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER IN THE COMING YEAR
Brainstormed Perceptions from Participants
CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Shift in City Council ideologies
Recession
Housing market crash
Lack of development opportunities
Failure of voter approved continued tax measure
The upcoming election causes hesitancy by Council to make important decisions
Sunset of Measure SS
Taxation of our residents by other regional agencies once Measure SS sunsets
Loss of local control of city tax dollars
Massive layoffs
Residents lack of confidence with city leadership
Loss of valuable employees
EVERYTHING hinges on the financial stability on the City. Without this, everything else is a moot point.
Political in-fighting/ instability ( though seems to be lessening) Covid is still impacting operations ( impacts to staff, customer comfortability)
Feeling safe in the work place ( especially in the field) — homelessness Lack of communication with community
Cost of doing business ( inflation, cost of products & services) Public trust in government
Re - development of mall likely to increase OCFA workload inspections, emergency response, permits)
Inflation likely to decrease sales tax revenue
Construction costs likely to increase on projects
Property tax revenue likely decrease with inflation/ recession Rising inflation
Increased costs and lack of inventory of supplies and inflation Continued homeless issues
Businesses closing and leaving the Westminster
Public perception
Economy — especially impact on cost of construction materials, gas, and other supplies necessary for City operations and maintenance of the infrastructure, if inflation continues.
If the economy goes into a recession
Traffic congestion
New State legislation impacting the City' s ability to apply reasonable standards for residential and other developments.
Elections in November
Increases in homelessness
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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
Increases in crime
Recession
New pandemic occurs ( who would' ve expected COVID- 19?) Lack of affordable housing
Continuing political division
Uncertainty on sales tax measure
Homelessness issues
Insufficient funding for public improvements and maintenance Financial uncertainty for city and staff
Politics and disaccord still exist among the City Council although it has improved
Inflation
The City Council not being fully supportive and trusting of CM's Office Finance re: city' s financial crisis
Recession/ Inflation
Labor movement and impact of retaining employees specifically PEPRA
H) Review and Revise, if Needed, the Three - Year Goals ( what the City of Westminster needs to accomplish)
The 3 -Year goals to be accomplished were the following:
Little Saigon development
Attract and Retain qualified employees
Achieve financial stability
Increase effectiveness to provide services for the community RECESS
Mayor Ta briefly recessed the meeting at 10:17 a.m.
RECONVENE
Mayor Ta reconvened the meeting at approximately 10:32 a.m. 1) Identify Six -Month Strategic Objectives ( how the goals will be addressed — by when, who will be accountable, for what specific, measurable results) for Each of the Three - Year Goals
10 CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
June 20, 2022
J) Next Steps/ Follow- Up Process to Monitor Progress on the Goals and Objectives ( including setting a date within 6 months to update the strategic plan)
The participants separated into smaller groups and discussed items I and J. From these discussions, the group, with the assistance of Facilitator Snider, began preparing the list of objectives.
RECESS
Mayor Ta recessed the meeting for a lunch break.
RECONVENE
Mayor Ta reconvened the meeting at 12:13 p.m.
Upon roll call all members of the City Council were present.
Discussion and finalizing goals and objectives continued after the recess. Council and staff, after much discussion continued to work and prepare the list of objectives.
Council Member Ho left the meeting and returned after approximately 30 minutes.
RECESS
Mayor Ta briefly recessed the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
RECONVENE
Mayor Ta reconvened the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Upon roll call all members of the City Council were present.
Council and staff continued their discussions and work to prepare the list of objectives with data and follow up dates.
K) Summary of the Workshop and Closing Remarks by the various participants.
The next following strategic plan workshop was scheduled for January 23, 2023.
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11 CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING June 20, 2022
2. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ta adjourned the meeting at 3:00 p.m.
The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
v
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
Respectfully submitted:
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED:
Tri Ta
Mayor/ Chair
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