CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
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 Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 8: 36 a. m., via Teleconference/ Web Conference Only, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
8: 30 AM
OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 8:36 a.m., on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, via Teleconference/ VVebConference only.
ROLL CALL MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
PRESENT: VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 4 NAMQUAN NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT 1 AMY PHAN WEST
COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT 2 CARLOS MANZO
COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT 3 KIMBERLY HO
ABSENT: None.
Interim City Clerk Colombo announced a quorum.
STAFF PRESENT: Christine Cordon, City Manager
Adolfo Ozaeta, 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 Council Member Amy Phan West.
INVOCATION
The Invocation was led by Lucie Colombo, Interim City Clerk. 1 CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Zoom Comments
1. Terry Rains made various comments, provided input on City strengths, weaknesses, and challenges, commented on finances, taxes, and other matters, stated she would participate in the workshop, and made negative comments relating to the Mayor and City Council.
2. Camilla Overbeek made comments regarding the newly elected City Council Members.
There being no additional speakers, the Mayor announced that Oral Communications was closed.
1. Strategic Planning Workshop Facilitated by Marilyn Snider, Snider and Associates.
Mayor Nguyen introduced City Manager Cordon and the workshop proceeded as listed below.
A. Purpose of the Workshop and Introduction of the Facilitator and Recorder Christine Cordon, City Manager, provided information regarding the importance of the strategic plan, the goals, and introduced Marilyn Snider, Snider and Associates, facilitator for the strategic planning workshop.
B. Role of the Facilitator, Recorder, and Participants; Strategic Planning Elements; Agenda
Facilitator Marylin Snider reviewed the items listed on the agenda and stated the processed to be followed during the meeting. She introduced Gail Tsuboi, Recorder.
C. Introductions of the Participants
Facilitator Snider provided helpful information and guidelines for a successful meeting. The Facilitator explained the various elements specific to strategic planning. These include the following:
S. W. O. T. ( Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis Internal Strengths and Weaknesses
External Opportunities and Threats
Mission/ Purpose Statement
Vision Statement
Core Values
Goals
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Objectives
Follow- Up Process
After brief review of the items listed above, Facilitator Snider asked for the participants to introduce themselves and share something new about themselves.
Participants responded to her request and continued with the workshop as follows:
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 June 20, 2022 Strategic Planning Workshop?
An update was provided regarding these items, as follows:
Improved Human Resource Department and its policy.
Better City Council leaderships to move the city forward Implement new improved Policies
Solved/ reduced city litigations
Tet parade
House keeping
The unity between Staff and Council
Completed Mall specific plan
Completed and implement compensation report
Trust in leadership team
Staff morale is positive
On time delivery of Westminster Mall Specific Plan and Citywide Zoning Phase 1)
Engagement with the public through effective communication strategies Re-establishing positive relationships with city stakeholders ( school districts, chamber of commerce, etc.)
Ongoing milestones met toward the opening of a Navigation Center in Fall of 2023
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Council allowing the voters to renew the tax measure
Unveiling of Mendez Park and expanding community events (Tet Parade) Despite staffing shortfalls, top priorities still ultimately move forward.
Tet Parade was a huge undergoing and was very successful! Despite staffing challenges, numerous homeless encampments cleaned up & services offered.
Tax measure passed
Strong leadership and management team
New and improved community events
Employee contracts provide more competitive salaries
Passage of Tax Measure
Investment in Employees — creative ways to recruit and retain Allocating ARPA Funding
Re-opening of Senior Center
Approval of the Westminster Mall Specific Plan
Opening of the newest park — Mendez Tribute Monument Park Leadership team unity
Well planned and executed events
Moving forward on Westminster Mall project (tax generating) Maintaining effective leadership team
Completed Westminster Mall Specific Plan
Promoting positive working environment for the city employees Approval of sales tax measure for 20 years
Mendez Park and Crossroads project openings and completions.
Westminster Specific Plan completed.
Elections all complete.
CM and ACM permanently hired helps create stability.
Executive Team has great opportunity to be creative and move city forward Homeless Navigation Center
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Working with other cities toward common goals that we were never able to do before
Our ability to get a career politician out of our city hoping for a better future for Westminster
Approved 1% tax measure
Westminster Mall Specific Plan finalized with other specific plans in progress Cohesive department head team working together
Tet parade/ Little Saigon has lots of potential for the city City has many older properties with good opportunities for new developments F. What are City of Westminster' s Current Internal Weakness/ Challenges? A list was provided and discussed based on the anonymous questionnaires that were submitted by the Mayor, City Council, and members of the Executive Team.
Planning Department Policies, operation and staff skills set Code Enforcement operation
Fiscally budget deficit
A few members of councils are not willing to co-operate with city' s visions Petty division and conflict on the city council. In behavior and action, the lack of decorum during the council meetings on and off the dais has created a bad image for the city and lack of efficiency in the council' s work Extremely slow responses to business requests with permits, licenses, and inspections from City Hall. I have received numerous complaints about staff being slow to respond or not even responding at all to residents and business needs. This issue needs to be addressed and improved immediately The city must recruit experienced management- level employees who can help lead the city with economic and redevelopment issues/ projects while providing a long-term, strategic vision for the city
No clear city plan ( that I am aware of) that helps to promote and attract more economic activity in the city. I am referring to a strategic, multi- year plan that needs to be implemented by an experienced city staff member who is dedicated to the plan and has the long-term responsibility to do so Lack of skills and effectiveness of city clerk
Lack of communication from planning staff
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Lack of public safety personnel
Revenue constraints
Staff shortages throughout departments
Lack of Experienced staff
Silos within city departments and divisions result in poor customer service 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
1 challenge is the budget shortfall and the Council' s inability and/ or unwillingness to address measures to obtain funding ( tax) Funding for projects and staffing
Low staffing and difficulties attracting experienced potential employees Retention issues
City Council infighting
Budget constraints for services and improvements
Lack of support for additional revenue sources to achieve balanced budget Difficult to hire and retain qualified employees
Staffing levels
Budget shortfalls
Political hostility and polarization
Lack of new tax generating business opportunities on the horizon (dispensary) Negativity of/between council has only gotten worse
Council approves ideas that cost the city money( gift cards, rebate) rather than generate revenue
Lack of a qualified candidacy pool on most if not all positions.
Political instability
Budget shortfall
Not considering potential new revenue ideas
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Competitive salary to attract and retain quality employees Key positions not hired, such as CDD and IT Manager
Staff development and training is needed, such as Adobe, report writing, meeting deadlines, etc.
Sensitivity and Inclusivity training would be helpful
New Council members don't have an understanding of our city Council people worry about reversing previous year's agendas to satisfy ego instead of focusing on moving the city forward
Certain Council members depend on outside people to direct them and write their scripts
Too much outside influence on the Council with no contribution or understanding of their own
Ongoing conflicts on the Council
Certain citizens and groups are actively seeking to undermine, which increases conflicts on Council and distracts city staff from serious efforts to improve and bring the city together
Need help to establish a quality long term economic development vision for the entire city
Very limited financial resources
City reputation limits recruitment efforts
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:
Positively ( opportunities)?
Negatively ( threats)?
These were also presented and discussed based on the anonymous questionnaires that were submitted by the Mayor, City Council, and members of the Executive Team, as follows.
Westminster Mall Specific Plan and its progress toward the development Greater community engagement thru Tet Parade
Better leaderships team
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
The end of COVID emergency measures will help the city get back to normal with regular hours for the employees. Economic activities in the city should increase when all COVID restrictions are expected to be lifted nationwide Continuing increase in visitors to Westminster' s Little Saigon from other parts of the world and neighboring states will further cement this city as a destination to visit, which helps with the city' s economic and cultural activities The continuing expansion, or hopefully, completion of the 405 Freeway by CalTrans will help Westminster with reducing traffic congestion and pollution, as this interstate freeway runs right through the length of the city I hope that a closer working relationship among elected representatives from the city with other elected officials, who also represent Westminster at their level, will better coordinate and help Westminster with its issues Different option for clean energy
Capitalizing on our resources
Incentivize more businesses
Draw investors
Mentorship program
Public trust in staff leadership team
Public support for public safety
Continuation of local sales tax
Implementation of approved ARPA funding
Infusion of funds from renewed local tax measure
Implementation of competitive employee compensation will result in retaining and attracting valuable staff
If Council finds a solution to the historic budget shortfalls the City has experienced, due low tax revenues and ' cash' businesses throughout the City.
Council not arguing during the meetings and ending them at a reasonable time will have a very positive impact.
All the ARPA projects that we are finally able to move on Next Tet Parade will even be better!
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
The biggest potential positive impact the City can make is solving the budget issues, such as letting voters decide if our City should receive the 0. 5% tax, before the County takes it and we lose it
APRA funding projects underway
New developments in the city
Strong community support shown by approval of tax measure Flexibility in workplaces
Emphasis on transparency
Embracing technological advances
Developing specific plans to improve Westminster
Public improvement projects
Positive public engagement in city' s events
Ability to host more city events for our residents
Approval of Tax Measure will help City with economic stability.
CSR ( Community Services Recreation) Programs are well received and there is increased participation by community.
TET Parade success was great collaboration among all departments and Council.
Westminster Mall development could have positive impact if handled properly We should have our own YouTube channel to put out news from our city because fake news is affecting our Council as well as our citizens H. Review and Revise, if Needed, the Three- Year Goals ( what the City of Westminster needs to accomplish)
Homelessness issues
Weakness in Economic Development & Expansion
Lack of continuous community Outreach
Slow or non-responsive from planning department
External factors such as inflation, increase cost of living, and lack of affordable housing will continue to cause challenges to the city and its residents.
However, these issues are beyond the city's control, and more the reason why we need to have closer working relationship with county, state, and federal officials who also represent Westminster. They can help us with their own resources.
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
More laws and restrictions at the state and federal levels imposing on local governments
Continuing attempts to disrupt and belittle various members of the city council by political opponents, especially at our regular council meetings. There is clear coordination among these people and they bring NOTHING positive to the discussion, other than to politically pollute the forum and create a highly charged and negative atmosphere in the city.
No economic plan for water
No economic plan for energy
No economic plan for food supplies
No trade school
Public' s lack of trust in city council
Economic recession
City Council infighting
Lack of professionalism by council ( personal attacks against each other) result in the council not conducting city business in an effective manner Additional taxation of our residents by other regional agencies will result in loss of local control over local tax dollars
Continued loss of valuable employees due to compensation and benefits ( 4/ 10 work schedule, work from home options, etc.)
Budget/ lack of funding: Westminster' s very low taxes and having a lot of' cash' businesses.
Council is giving the City a negative reputation with the public.
Council bickering & infighting prolongs Council meetings and exhausts staff who are stuck there listening to it. This scares away potential Dept. Head candidates, etc. ( no one wants to sit through this every other week).
Council should stop looking to blame past council members for the lack of political leadership & focus on moving us forward ( let' s make it better & solve issues!)
Possible recession in 2023
Rising inflation and cost of doing business
Continued homeless issues
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Businesses closing and leaving Westminster
Political divisiveness
Homelessness/ Crime levels
Inflation and supply chain disruption
Mandates from the state
Labor shortages
Recession
Inflation
Current political environment negatively impacts city employees Homelessness issues
Insufficient funding for public improvements and maintenance Cost of living increases impacts employee job satisfaction and retention Political arguments at dais effect everyone
Concerns about political instability
Westminster Mall development could have negative impact if handled improperly
Potential recession or downturn nationwide with impacts on sales and other tax revenue
Difficulties in hiring police officers increases costs and risks National economy / recession
Too much negative political influence by outsiders who want to take control of our city for their own financial gain
Fake news and its negative effects on citizens, creating confusion and animosity toward our Council and making our Council less effective Political groups wanting to take over Westminster by placing their friends in the most important seats such as Economic Development Manager and City Manager
Developers and businesses not wanting to do business with our city 11 CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
RECESS
Mayor Nguyen briefly recessed the Zoom meeting at approximately 10:05 a.m.
RECONVENE
Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 10:25 a.m.
Interim City Clerk Colombo announced a quorum of all City Council Members.
Facilitator Snider discussed and confirmed the previously established the three- year goals, to determine if these were still critical and important. The facilitator explained the importance of working together and the process and defined the strategic planning objective format and stated that these needed to be SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely).
I. 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
The facilitator, with help from the City Manager, separated participants into the following groups to discuss the objectives:
1. Achieve Financial Stability
Finance Director Backs, Police Chief Lenyi, and Council Member Kimberly Ho);
2. Develop and Implement Specific Plans for Little Saigon, the Downtown District, and the West Side
Council Member Amy Phan West, City Attorney Bettenhausen, Assistant City Manager Ozaeta, and Vice Mayor Namquan Nguyen);
3. Attract, Develop, and Retain well qualified Staff Members Public Works Director Ngo, Human Resources Director Griner, and Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen);
4. Improve Customer Service Delivery to the Community
City manager Cordon, Council Member Carlos Manzo, and Community Services Director Johnson).
Facilitator Snider provided instructions and examples regarding break out rooms.
Once the groups were assigned and sent via Zoom Webinar to the breakout rooms, they could not be seen live, except for the Customer Service ( No. 4) group which remained live on the broadcast.
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
Upon roll call all members of the City Council were present.
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) Uponreturningfromthe groupbreakoutroomssessions, they begandiscussingand reviewing each objective. The first objective that was discussed and timelines set was Strategic Objective No. 3.
RECESS
Mayor Nguyen briefly recessed the Zoom meeting at approximately 12:15 p.m. for a brief lunch break.
RECONVENE
Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 12:46 p.m.
All City Council Members were present.
Upon returning from the recess, discussions continued regarding the other three goals and objectives: Strategic Objective No. 4, Strategic Objective No. 2, and Strategic Objective No. 1. The Mayor, City Council and staff continued their discussions and work to prepare the list of goals for each of the objectives and set follow up dates and timelines.
K. Summary of the Workshop and Closing Remarks
All participants provided remarks and expressed what they believed was positive or a benefit of the strategic planning workshop. The overall statements were that some learned and had a better understanding of various matters, everyone cares and is willing to work together as a good team and are capable of moving the City forward.
There was discussion regarding next steps and follow-up process with specific dates and timelines, descriptions were clearly stated, and everyone was committed to the goals. There was brief discussion about the potential to conduct a City Council meeting on August 16, and cancel regular meeting on August 23, 2023.
After brief discussion, it was concluded that the next strategic plan workshop was scheduled for August 9, 2023.
3. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the Special City Council Zoom Meeting at 2:30 p.m. 13 CITY COUNCIL WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING February 7, 2023
The next Regular City Council Meeting will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED.
7 , 2/ 7Chi Charlie guyen
Mayor
ATTEST:
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
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