CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AUGUST 10, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Pursuant to the State of California Executive Order N- 29- 20 related to coronavirus COVID- 19), the City Council of the City of Westminster, California convened on August 10, 2022 at 5:07 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 Ta called the Closed Session Meeting of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 5:07 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 of the City Council.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
Interim City Clerk Lucie Colombo
Assistant City Clerk Abigail Y. Alcala
Administrative Assistant ll Tanya Ramirez
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION MATTERS
1. Terry Rains spoke regarding the Closed Session Item No. 1 and requested the City work together to reduce City lawsuits.
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 5:15 p.m. for the following purpose:
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
1. Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 1) - Existing Litigation Case: Levy vs. Westminster, Case No.: OCSC
Case No. 30- 2019- 01063410- CU- OE- CJC
2. Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 2): Anticipated Litigation No. of Cases: Two ( 2)
RECESS: MayorTa recessedthe meetingat 6:53 p.m. from ClosedSession.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/Successor Agency to the WestminsterRedevelopmentAgencymeetingreconvenedto OpenSessionat 7:04p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
7: 00 PM
IN- PERSON HYBRID
MayorTa calledthe RegularMeetingofthe CityCouncil/SuccessorAgencytotheWestminster RedevelopmentAgencyMeetingtoorderat7:04p.m. viaIn-PersonHybrid, attheCityCouncil 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: City Manager Christine Cordon
City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
Interim City Clerk Lucie Colombo
Finance Director Erin Backs
Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Deputy Police Chief Darin Upstill
Public Works Director/ City Engineer Jake Ngo
Interim Community Development Director Debra Kurita
Assistant City Clerk Abigail Y. Alcala
Assistant Finance Director Jennifer Anderson
Administrative Assistant II Tanya Ramirez
Police Commander Ron Weber
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
Police Commander Alan Iwashita
Information Technology System Supervisor Carl Glaze
Sergeant at Arms Stewart DeJong
Sergeant at Arms Robert Farro
Sergeant at Arm Claire Tran
Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Ron
Roberts
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
The Flag Salute was led by Council Member Ho.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was conducted by Council Member Nguyen.
CITY ATTORNEY/ CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Bettenhausen stated there was discussion and direction provided for all Closed Session Agenda Items.
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 Boards, Commissions, and Committees, announced the closing of nomination period on Friday, August 12, 2022, and spoke regarding minor errors on Agenda Item Nos 3.1, 5.2 and 6.1.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cordon made various announcements regarding the following matters:
Police Department Cops & Robbins will take place at Baskin Robbins, 6731 Westminster Blvd., on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 3: 00 — 4: 30 p.m.
Movie Night: Clifford — The Big Red Dog on tomorrow, Thursday, August 11th, 2022 at 6: 30pm. It will take place at Civic Center— Sunken Garden.
Final Concert of Summer, 4 Alarm Band.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS — None.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
Requestto DeferAgendaItemNos5.4 through 7.2 to thenextmeetingto be held on September 14, 2022.
Discussionensuedregardingmembersof the publicspeakingon agendaitemsthat would be deferredto the nextCityCouncilMeeting.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo, and seconded by Council Member Nguyento continueAgendaItemNos. 5.3 to 7.2 to the September14, 2022City Council meeting.
Substitute motion was made by Council Member Do, and secondedby Council MemberHoto continueAgendaItemNos. 5.4 to7.2totheSeptember14, 2022City Council Meeting.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
In- Person
1. John Gentile spoke regarding and in support of Measure SS, 1% Sales Tax.
2. Betty Espindola spoke in support of placing the Sales Tax Measure on the November Ballot.
3. Debbie Schwab) requested the right to vote on Measure SS to be placed on the November Ballot.
4. D'Vorah Mariscal thanked Public Works for clean up on Beach Boulevard and urged the City Council to consider the community's safety and financial situation. She also spoke regarding City monuments and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the November ballot.
5. Annie Wright urged the City Council to not breach public trust and spoke in support of placing the Tax Measure on the ballot.
6. Tim Hogan requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
7. Jessica Lostaunau spoke regarding placing the sales tax measure on the ballot.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
8. Jill Dominguez asked why the City Council does not want to place the sales tax measure on the ballot and expressed concern regarding loss of staff from the Police Department.
9. Chelsea Pham spoke in favor of the sales tax measure and requested the City Council place the sales tax measure on the ballot.
10. Mike Wells stated the City Council is oppressing their voice by not allowing residents to vote on the sales tax measure and requested the City Council place the sales tax measure on the ballot.
11. Roland Perez spoke regarding the importance of allowing residents to vote the sales tax measure, spoke of all the benefits of having the additional tax revenue such as addressing homeless concerns and blight, hiring additional officers, and providing vital and valuable services, and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
12. Jerad Kent spoke regarding the Police Department and the beneficial impacts of law enforcement to the community and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot so the community does not have a negative impact.
13. Kyle Seasock expressed concern regarding the sales tax measure expiration date, spoke regarding the negative impacts of an expired tax measure, and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
14. Chris Doan stated the City of Westminster has one of the lowest sales tax in Orange County, spoke regarding the negative impact of an expired tax measure and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
15. Buddy Brown requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot and spoke regarding the negative impacts of having no sales tax measure.
16. Alan Iwashita expressed concern regarding the expiring sales tax measure and the negative impacts it would have on the community. He requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
17. Kim Springer expressed concerned regarding City bankruptcy and requested Council consider the strategic plan to create financial stability. She expressed concerned regarding various crimes, violence, and importance of the police department.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 8: 17 p. m.
18. Pam Greenlingrequested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
19. Victoria Cooper (Kiet Huynh served as interpreter) requested all to vote for Mayor Ta as assemblyman, thanked Council Member Do, Council Member Ho and Vice Mayor Manzo for expressing their honest comments, assistance and prevention of crime.
CouncilMemberNguyenreturnedto the daisat 8:21p.m.
20. RogerMindrumagreedwith the previouscommentsand urgedthe City Councilto placetheTaxMeasureon theballotsothecommunitycanvote.
He also spoke against placing the Quang Tri Monument on public land.
21. Hillary Hoang ( Kiet Huynh served as interpreter) spoke of the importance of the QuangTri Monument. Shestatedthatthecemeteryis notthe appropriate place for the monument.
Mayor Ta left the dais at 8:45 p.m.
22. Mai Nguyen ( Kiet Huynh served as interpreter) she spoke in support of the Quang Tri Monument on public land.
Mayor Ta returned to the dais at 8:51 p.m.
23. Kenny Hoangspoke regardingthe potentiallocationof the QuangTri Monumentand spokein oppositionof placingit on any privateland.
24. DianaCarey, ChairMeasureSS Committee, requestedthat the City Council vote to let the residents decide on Measure SS.
Vice Mayor Manzo left the dais at 9:02 p.m.
25. SonDo (KietHuynhservedasinterpreter) spokein regardstotheQuangTri Monument at the park.
26. Henry Hoang Minh (Kiet Huynh served as interpreter) spoke in regards to the Quang Tri Monument, stated the need to maintain the tax rate and maintain safety and order in the City.
ViceMayorManzoreturnedto the daisat 9:04p.m.
CouncilMemberNguyenleft thedais at 9:04p.m.
CouncilMemberNguyenreturnedto thedaisat 9:09p.m.
27. AmyMai (KietHuynhservedasinterpreter) spokeinregardstotheQuangTri Monument and asked that it be built.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
28. Nam Tan spoke in regards to the location of the Quang Tri Monument.
29. Paul Le spoke regarding the Quang Tri Committee and supports placing the Tax Measure on the ballot and allow the community to vote.
30. Michael Verrengia requested the Quang Tri Monument be placed on private land and the measure be placed on the ballot.
31. Scott Piker expressed concern regarding the City Council' s leadership, spoke regarding the City' s financial situation, and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
32. Ruth Piker spoke regarding expenditures obtained from the sales tax measure and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
33. Mary Boyd urged the City Council to place the sales tax measure on the ballot.
34. Moses Castillo urged the City Council to place the sales tax measure on the ballot and thanked the Police Department for their services.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 9: 53 p. m.
35. Conrad Gomez requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot and expressed concern regarding the creation of Quang Tri Committee members on the committee.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 9: 55 p. m.
36. Kathryn Miller requested the City Council allow residents to vote on the extension of the sales tax measure.
Mayor Ta left the dais at 10:00 p.m.
37. Quan Nguyen stated the Quang Tri Monument should not be placed on private land but rather at a location where it is easily accessible and respectable.
Mayor Ta returned to the dais at 10:03 p. m.
38. Michael Tildesley thanked Vice Mayor Manzo and City staff for attending his neighborhood meeting and addressing their concerns and spoke regarding the City' s financial situation.
39. Tran Thi Huy Le (Kiet Huynh served as interpreter) spoke that the Quang Tri Monument should be placed in a
40. Camilla Overbeek spoke regarding family history in the City of Westminster and requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
Council Member Ho left the dais at 10:21 p.m.
41. Tony Bui expressed concerns about the City's finances and made various comments to and about various members of the City Council.
42. QuynhHoa Nguyen (Kietservedas interpreter) spokeregardingthe location of the Quang Tri Monument request that the City vote that the location be a public park.
CouncilmemberKimberlyreturnedto thedais at 10:29p.m.
Vice Mayor Manzo left the dais at 10:29 p.m.
43. Tri Nguyen ( Kiet served as interpreter) requested the City Council vote and allow QuangTri Monumentbe placedon public property. He supportsthat Measure SS be placed on the ballot and allow the voters to vote.
Vice Mayor Manzo returned to the dais at 10:31 p.m.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 10:32 p.m.
44. Viet Youth Mediahe remindedthe City Councilthat they are responsiblefor the financial well- being and safety of all the community. He expressed concern of bankruptcy resulting from not having the sales tax. He made various comments against members of the City Council.
CouncilMemberNguyenreturnedto thedais at 10:37p.m.
Council Member Do left the dais at 10:46 p.m.
45. Terry Rains spoke in regards to the City finances, the extension of Measure SS, the Quang Tri Monument, made various comments against members of the City Council.
CouncilMemberDoreturnedto the daisat 10:48p.m.
Zoom
46. HungNguyencongratulatedChristineCordonon her appointmentas City Manager, requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot and expressed concern regarding Candidate NamQuan Nguyen.
47. Robert L. Harrison requested that the City Council place Measure SS on the ballot, spokein oppositionto placingthe QuangTri Monumentof publicpark.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
48. Claudia Steinmetz requested the sales tax measure be placed on the ballot, spoke regarding the limited space and parks in the City and requested the Quang Tri Monument not be placed on public property.
Mayor Ta left the dais at 11:06 p.m.
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 minutes as presented for the date listed below:
A. June 20, 2022 — Special Meeting ( Strategic Plan Session).
ROUTINE MATTERS
3. 2 Resolution Designating Portions of Hazard Avenue to be a County of Orange Highway for the Purpose of Construction by the County of Orange.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council adopt Resolution No. 5142 entitled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER DESIGNATING PORTIONS OF HAZARD AVENUE TO BE A
COUNTY OF ORANGE HIGHWAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTION BY THE COUNTY OF ORANGE."
AGREEMENTS/ PURCHASE ORDERS ( UNDER $ 500, 000)
3. 3 Agreement with Segura Consulting, Inc. for Emergency Operations Center Coordination Services.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Approved the one- year agreement with Segura Consulting, Inc. for Emergency Operations Services in an amount not to exceed $ 82, 560 in Fiscal Year 2022- 2023, and authorized the City Manager to execute up to two one- year options to extend the term upon mutual agreement of the parties; and
B. Authorized the City Manager or her designee to execute the agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
3. 4 Approval of a Renewable Agreement with Climatec for Maintenance of the Building Management System ( BMS) for the HVAC System at City Buildings.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Approved a renewable agreement with Climatec for maintenance of the Building Management System ( BMS) for the HVAC system at City buildings; and
B. Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and future renewals on behalf of the City.
ORDINANCE
3. 5 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2588 Regarding Amendments to the Military Equipment Use Policy.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council conducted a second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2588 entitled, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN
AMENDED MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE POLICY FOR THE WESTMINSTER POLICE DEPARTMENT," read by title only and waived further reading.
RESOLUTIONS
3. 6 Resolution Reaffirming Proclamation No. 2020- 01 and Resolution No. 4983, Which Declared the Existence of a Local Emergency.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 5143 entitled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, REAFFIRMING PROCLAMATION NO. 2020- 01 AND RESOLUTION NO. 5111 WHICH DECLARED THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY."
3. 7 Resolution to Continue Authorizing the Conduct of Remote " Telephonic" Meetings During the State of Emergency.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution No. 5144 entitled, " A
RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER MAKING THE LEGALLY REQUIRED FINDINGS TO CONTINUE TO AUTHORIZE THE CONDUCT OF REMOTE ` TELEPHONIC' MEETINGS DURING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY."
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
WARRANT REGISTER
3. 8 ( City Council and Successor Agency) Warrant Registers dated July 21, 2022 through August 3, 2022.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed this report.
3. 9 THIS AGENDA ITEM WAS MOVED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS.)
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo and seconded by Council Member Do to approve the Consent Calendar except Agenda Item No. 3. 9, as presented.
Mayor Ta returned to the dais at 11:08 p.m.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
AGENDA ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
DISCUSSION.
REPORTS
3. 9 City of Westminster Crime Statistics - A Quarterly and Yearly Comparison for 2021 and 2022.
Police Chief Lenyi gave a brief report regarding the crime statistics.
Council Member Nguyen thanked staff for the report, expressed concerns with the number of crimes increasing.
Police Chief Lenyi spoke regarding the rise of crime, being short- staffed and the limited police resources.
Discussion ensued regarding police staffing and prioritizing police calls.
Council Member Do left the dais at 11:24 p.m.
Motion was made by Council Member Nguyen and seconded by Vice Mayor Manzo to receive and file the report.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
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.
5. REGULAR BUSINESS
5. 1 Deed Revisions from Past Land Sale Transactions.
Finance Director Backs gave a presentation regarding past land sale transactions.
City Attorney Bettenhausen clarified that the recommendation should include authorization of recording the deeds.
Motion was made by Council Member Ho and seconded by Council Member Do to authorize the recording of the parcels.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. 2 Strategic Plan Goal # 1 - Achieve Financial Stability.
Strategic Plan Objective: Consider an extension of the sales tax measure.
Proposal: Consideration of Resolution and Ordinance, Placing a Measure on the November 8, 2022 Ballot, Asking Voters if They Want to Extend Existing City Transaction and Use ( Sales) Tax.
City Manager Cordon made a preliminary overview of the Agenda Item. She introduced Assistant City Manager Ozaeta and Finance Director Backs to provide presentation and details of the City' s financial crisis, negative impacts, reduction of quality of life, and the overall financial state of the City as the sales tax measure approaches expiration.
Vice Mayor Manzo questioned how to make- up the $ 3 million dollars in loss of revenues.
Finance Director Backs stated creative ideas must be brought up and implemented.
Council Member Nguyen questioned funds received by Measure SS.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
Finance Director Backs spoke regarding increased sales and spoke regarding the estimated projection budget.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of CARE and ARPA funds.
Finance Director Backs spoke regarding budget projections.
Council Member Do left the dais at 11:57 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney Ozaeta spoke regarding the necessary cuts.
Council Member Do returned to the dais at 11:59 p.m.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 11:59 p.m.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 12:02 p.m.
EXTEND THE MEETING PAST MIDNIGHT
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo, and seconded by Council Member Ho to extend the meeting past midnight, pursuant to City policy.
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 questioned the 5- year budget projection.
Finance Director Back explained the reduction in revenue and the use of reserves.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta spoke regarding the negative impacts of administration cuts.
Council Member Ho questioned how long it took to raise the $ 27 million dollars in reserves.
Finance Director Backs stated the City saves $ 2-$ 3 million dollars per year.
City Manager Cordon spoke regarding community outreach and the two possible versions of the proposed sales tax measure.
Vice Mayor Manzo questioned the loss of revenue due to not placing the sales tax measure on the ballot in November.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
City Manager Cordon explained the loss of revenue of$ 4 million every quarter and the stand cost of a stand- alone election.
Council Member Do left the dais at 12:29 p.m.
Catherine Lew made comments regarding her experience regarding an extension of the sales tax measure and a new sales tax measure.
Council Member Do returned to the dais at 12:32 p.m.
Vice Mayor Manzo asked if the transactional use tax has been enough to provide what the community needs, spoke in regards to rising inflation, asked what services would be limited.
City Manager Cordon responded that it has not been enough to provide the services needed, discussed services that will be limited without the continuing revenue stream.
Mayor Ta asked about the timing of scheduling a special election in March.
City Manager Cordon explained the process of scheduling the special election.
Vice Mayor Manzo asked if another agency could take the remaining 1. 5% sales tax from the City.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta noted another agency could come in and take the remaining amount of sales tax percentage and the City would not be able to recover it once it is taken.
Council Member Ho discussed the misuse of redevelopment funds from previous Council Members and discussed City finances over the last few years.
Vice Mayor Manzo expressed concern that another agency could take the remaining percentage of sales tax, stated that the question before the City Council today is democracy, stated that the City has to prioritize the residents of Westminster.
Vice Mayor Manzo made a motion to place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot, asking Westminster voters whether they want to extend the current voter- approved Transaction and Use ( Sales) Tax, until ended by voters, at a 1. 25% rate and to approve the resolution and first reading of an ordinance included in the recommended action.
Due to a lack of a second, the motion died.
Vice Mayor Manzo made a motion to place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot, asking Westminster voters whether they want to extend the current voter- approved Transaction and Use ( Sales) Tax, until ended by voters, at a 1% rate.
Council Member Ho noted that she is against raising taxes but believes in giving the people the right to decide, stated that public safety services will be affected without these funds,
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
noted that she believes in democracy, and explained why she does not support a 1.25% rate.
CouncilMemberDothankedthe Citystaffandresidentsfor whattheydo for the City, noted that he had spoken to many residents that did not want to continue the sales tax, stated that he does not support asking residents to keep paying more money in sales tax, noted that there had not been an effort to bring in new revenues to the City.
Vice Mayor Manzo stated that the City should give the residents the choice to vote and not force them into a decision.
Council Member Ho discussed the revenues that would be generated from a potential sales tax and noted that generating new revenues to cover the budget shortfall would be very difficult in the short run without a sales tax measure.
Mayor Ta discussed the in-fighting between the City Council over the last few years.
Vice Mayor Manzo stated that the City Council needs to allow the residents to vote on a potential measure.
Council Member Ho stated that the City Council should not be dipping into City reserves to make up for shortfall.
Finance Director Backs noted that the City has a policy to not go below 17% of its fund balance.
Vice Mayor Manzo stated a no vote today will cost the residents over $ 12 million dollars.
City Manager Cordon noted that if the City Council decides to not place this measure on the ballot, a future sales tax measure would be called a " new tax", instead of an " extension of tax".
Catherine Lew stated that it is important to note that it is more difficult to implement a new tax instead of renewing an existing tax.
Council Member Nguyen thanked the residents for coming out and speaking their mind, noted the City Council will look different after the next election and that this vote will affect the incoming City Council.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo, and seconded by Council Member Ho to:
A. Place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot, asking Westminster voters whether they want to extend the current voter- approved Transaction and Use Sales) Tax, until ended by voters, at a 1%; and
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
B. Adopt a Resolution entitled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER SUBMITTING A
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX MEASURE TO THE VOTERS AT THE
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND TAKING CERTAIN RELATED ACTIONS"; and
C. Introduce an Ordinance for first reading entitled, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA ADDING CHAPTER 3. 11 TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX OF 2022) TO TITLE 3 ( REVENUE AND FINANCE) OF THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE," read by title only and waive further reading.
The motion failed 2-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: TA, DO, NGUYEN
Council Member Nguyen suggested bringing this item back to the first meeting in December to discuss a potential special election, asked if the tax would be considered a new tax or an extension of the tax if the City Council called for an election in December.
City Attorney Bettenhausen and Mark Mandell noted that for the sales tax to be considered an extension, it would need to be on the November 8, 2022 ballot for consideration.
City Manager Cordon stated the City Council can adjourn this meeting to an Adjourned Regular Meeting on Friday if the City Council can decide on a time.
Motion was made by Council Member Nguyen, and seconded by Vice Mayor Manzo to adjourn the meeting to Friday, August 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
The motion carried 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: TA, MANZO, DO, HO, NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. 3 Continued from the July 27, 2022 Meeting: Feasibility Study for Potential Location of the Quang Tri Monument.
This item was deferred to the next City Council Meeting.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
5. 4 Consideration of Reinstating the Quang Tri Victory Foundation' s Authority to Build a Quang Tri Monument in Freedom Park.
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEMS
6. 1 Ordinance Revising Chapter 3.44, Purchasing System, of the Westminster Municipal Code ( WMC).
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
6. 2 Council Policy Regarding Recognition and Proclamations.
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
6. 3 Resolutions in Support of the Annual Designation of November 7 as " Victims of Communism Memorial Day" and State Assembly Resolution No. 116.
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEMS
7. 1 Appointments of Two ( 2) Alternate Members to the Youth Committee.
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
7. 2 Staff Proposal to Install Timed Parking Restrictions on the East Side of Olive Street, between Westminster Boulevard and Texas Street- T. C. 74- 151.
This item was deferred to the next City Council meeting.
8. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL/ AGENCY MEMBERS ( Including AB 1234 Report when required)
None
9. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Ta adjourned the meeting on August 11, 2022 at 2: 15 a.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting to be held on August 12, 2022 at 11: 00 a. m.
The Mayor and City Council adjourned the meeting in honor and memory of former Mayor and Council Member Joy Neugebauer.
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 10, 2022
Regular Council Meeting of August 24, 2022 has been canceled.
Next Regular Meeting will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
h !fir.`. I l . Iil/
i mil ' •. • 1 ala
As ist: nt Qi y Clerk
APPROVED:
0 Tri Ta
Mayor/ Chair
ATTEST:
1. J a1
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
1 1