CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. in a Closed Session via In-Person, City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
CLOSED SESSION
5: 00 P. M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Closed Session Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 5: 11 p. m., on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, via In- Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO DISTRICT 2
ABSENT: VICE MAYOR NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
COUNCIL MEMBER KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3
City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Clerk Ashton Arocho
Administrative Assistant Tanya Ramirez
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION
There were no members of the public present to speak on the Closed Session Agenda.
City Clerk Arocho read the Closed Session title into the record:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 4)
Initiation of Litigation ( One Potential Case)
The Mayor and City Council entered Closed Session at 5: 12 p.m.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen recessed the meeting at 5:36 p.m. from Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, to Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
6: 00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Regular Meeting of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 6: 04 p. m., on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, via In- Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
COUNCIL MEMBER PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3 ( arrived at 6:30 p.m.)
City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Clerk Ashton Arocho
Finance Director Erin Backs
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Human Resources and Risk Management Director Jodie
Griner
Public Works Director/ City Engineer Jake Ngo
Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson
Community Development Director Catherine Lin
Administrative Assistant Tanya Ramirez
Police Commander Ron Weber
Sergeant at Arms Stewart DeJong
Sergeant at Arms Kees Tran
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Vice Mayor Nguyen led the flag salute.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
INVOCATION
Council Member Phan West conducted the invocation.
CITY ATTORNEY/ CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Bettenhausen reported that the Mayor and City Council met under Closed Session regarding the item listed on the agenda, provided direction to staff, and took no reportable action.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Ex Parte Communications to be presented at this time.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK
City Clerk Arocho noted that changes made to oral communications per Ordinance No. 2605 will begin at the October 25, 2023 Council Meeting.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cordon made the following announcements:
Council Member Ho sent her regards for missing the meeting, due to a family emergency.
Red Ribbon Week October 23- 31, 2023:
The Westminster Police Department will be participating in the annual Red Ribbon Week October 23-31, 2023. Red Ribbon Week is the nation's largest and oldest drug prevention program. Each year, on October 23- 31, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug- free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon. Red Ribbon inspires our children to be drug free and healthy.
The theme for the 2023 National Red Ribbon Week is " Be Kind to Your Mind and Live Drug Free." Westminster Police Department Officers and our School Resource Officers will be visiting all our local schools throughout the city between October 23- 31 to encourage our kids to live drug free.
Senior Center Fall Dance
The Senior Center Fall Dance is this Friday, October 13th from 12: 30- 2: 30 p. m. Music will be provided by DJ Professor D and light refreshments are included w/ the ticket purchase.
Please call the Senior Center at 714. 895. 2878 for information on how to purchase your tickets!
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Pickleball Courts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
We' re so excited that Pickleball is making its debut in Westminster! Join us at our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the unveiling of the Sigler Park Pickleball Courts on Wednesday, October 18th at 10 a. m.
Halloween Spooktacular
Join us for some spooky fun at the Civic Center on Friday, October 27th! We will be having our Trunk or Treat, a scavenger hunt, a Candy Land maze, a photobooth, food trucks, games, activities, community ofrendas, and the night will end with a showing of Super Mario Bros! Our Trunk or Treat will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and our movie will begin at 6: 30 p. m.
New Staff
We would like to welcome our newest staff members to the team! Aaron Garcia, Recreation Leader
Larry Villa, Crossing Guard
Lastly, City Manager Cordon introduced newly hired Community Development Director Catherine Lin.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Orange County Water District Second Vice President Van Tran provided the following presentation for the Mayor and City Council:
A. Presentation by Orange County Water District on PFAS ( Per-and Polyfluoralkyl).
The Mayor and City Council presented to representatives from respective groups:
B. Presentation of Proclamation: Red Ribbon Week.
C. Recognition of Certificate: Communities Come Together Event.
D. Recognition of Certificate: Westminster High School STEM Students.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
The following individuals spoke under oral communications:
1. Tim Hogan spoke of traffic concerns in the community, highlighted the great work of Assistant City Manager Ozaeta on the 1-405 Freeway and the success of the project.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
2. Van Duc Vo commented on the Westminster Mall project, commented hopes in of bringing back the Miss Westminster Pageant, and presented a Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom flag to Council Member Phan West.
3. Terry Rains congratulated the STEM students for their recognition ( Special Presentation Item 4), commented on the recent City Council meeting of September 27, 2023, thanked the Police Department for their continued service to the community ( Agenda Item Nos.
3. 3 and 3. 4), commented on the continuance of Agenda Item No. 5. 1 and lack of appointments made, spoke on concerns of high cost request from the Community Foundation and would like it to be a loan ( Agenda Item No. 5. 2), commented on the long recruitment for the Parks & Recreation Commission ( Agenda Item No. 7. 1), commented on the lack of appointment for the Measure Y Committee, and closed with voicing concerns on past responses with Public Records Requests.
4. Gigi Vo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 5. 2.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Prior to the motion, Mayor Nguyen pulled Agenda Item Nos. 3. 1 and 3. 4 and Council Member Phan West pulled Agenda Item No. 3. 3
3. 1 THIS AGENDA ITEM WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR.)
3. 2 City Council and Successor Agency Warrant Registers dated September 21, 2023 Through October 2, 2023.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed the report.
3. 3 THIS AGENDA ITEM WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR.)
3. 4 THIS AGENDA ITEM WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR.)
CONSENT CALENDAR — ALL ITEMS ( 3. 1- 3. 4)
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Council Member Phan West, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 3. 1,
3. 3, and 3. 4 pulled for separate discussion.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
AGENDA ITEM( S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
DISCUSSION
3. 1 Minutes of the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency.
Mayor Nguyen pulled this item and stated that due to his absence at the meeting of September 27, 2023, he will abstain from the vote.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to approve the minutes as presented for the date( s) listed below:
A. September 27, 2023 (Closed Session and Regular Meeting).
The motion carried, 4-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: C. NGUYEN
3. 3 2023 Second Quarter Homeless Activity Report.
Council Member Phan West pulled this item for a brief presentation from staff.
Police Chief Lenyi provided the staff report.
Discussion ensued regarding the hard work done by the Police Department and the continued efforts to making the community safer.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Manzo, to receive and file the report.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3. 4 Second City of Westminster Crime Statistics — A Second Quarter Comparison for 2022 and 2023.
Mayor Nguyen pulled this item for a brief presentation from staff.
Police Chief Lenyi provided the staff report.
Discussion ensued regarding the zero bail in Los Angeles County and comparison of statistics.
Prior to the motion, Council Member Manzo thanked Police Chief Lenyi and the attending Sergeant in Arms for their assistance and service to the community.
Motion was made by Council Member Phan West, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to receive and file the report.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4. PUBLIC HEARING — None
5. REGULAR BUSINESS
5. 1 Continued from the September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting — City Council Appointments to Westminster Community Foundation.
Council Member Phan West stated that she is currently in discussion with a potential appointment and would like to defer her appointment to the upcoming meeting.
Council Member Manzo asked to appoint Jackie Bong Wright to the Westminster Community Foundation.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Prior to the motion, the Mayor and City Council recognized members of the Foundation in the audience.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Council Member Ho, to:
1. Continue the appointment of Council Member Phan West to the next City Council meeting; and
2. Appoint Jackie Bong Wright ( Council Member Manzo' s appointee) to the Westminster Community Foundation for a term ending January 2026.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Following the item, newly appointed Jackie Bong Wright stood in the audience and was recognized by the Mayor and City Council.
5. 2 Continued from the September 27, 2023 Regular Meeting - Consider Request from the Westminster Community Foundation for Start- Up Funding from the City of Westminster.
Mayor Nguyen asked Community Foundation President, Dominic Le, and Vice President Julie Diep, to the podium for questions from the Council.
Mayor Nguyen questioned if this request is a one- time request.
Foundation President Le provided clarification on the request presented.
Discussion ensued regarding the funding request, proposed uses of the funds to the Foundation, and fundraising proposals.
Council Member Phan West questioned if this request is a donation or a pay-back.
Foundation President Le highlighted the efforts proposed for the upcoming Tet Parade.
City Attorney Bettenhausen spoke on the current process with the IRS for the Foundation 501( C)( 3) status and tentative application review process.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Discussion ensued regarding the current lack of 501( C)( 3) status and the challenges in obtaining donors without it.
Council Member Phan West left the dais at 7:49 p.m.
Council Member Manzo highlighted his concerns of asking for donations prior to receiving the status and the lack of guarantee for tax write offs for the donating party.
Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 7:50 p.m.
Foundation President Le and Vice President Diep provided additional clarification and comments.
Mayor Nguyen spoke on the importance of the Foundation for the community and spoke in support of providing the start- up funds for the Foundation.
Council Member Ho commented on concerns of proposed costs associated with website start up and Gala fundraiser.
Discussion ensued regarding proposed fundraising events and start- up costs estimates.
Vice Mayor Nguyen spoke on his appreciation towards the Foundation members for their time and service to the community thus far.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to approve and allot funding of $ 25, 000 from the General Fund Reserves to Community Promotions — Special Department Expense for the start- up funds from the City of Westminster to the Westminster Community Foundation.
Prior to the roll call vote, Council Member Manzo voiced his concerns in giving funds due to current fiscal deficit, spoke in support of the Foundation and the future success.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
5. 3 Presentation by Alta Planning and Design, Inc. for Safe Routes to School Update.
Mayor Nguyen left the dais at 8:25 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta and Alta Planning and Design, Inc. representative, Kristin Haukom, provided a thorough presentation.
Vice Mayor Nguyen left the dais at 8:31 p. m.
Mayor Nguyen returned to the dais at 8:31 p.m.
Vice Mayor Nguyen returned to the dais at 8:33 p. m.
Council Member Phan West left the dais at 8:34 p.m.
Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 8:37 p.m.
Following the presentation, Mayor Nguyen thanked Ms. Haukom and Assistant City Manager Ozaeta for the presentation and all their work.
Council Member Phan West thanked staff for the presentation and had no comments.
Council Member Manzo asked if there were any alarming findings in the audits of the schools reviewed.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta provided feedback and identified proactive ways that the staff is currently handling any shortfalls identified.
Council Member Ho commented on her absence during the initial kick off event but thanked the staff and team for their implementation on this program.
Vice Mayor Nguyen thanked staff for their hard work.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Manzo, to receive and file the presentation.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, HO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEM - None
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEMS
Prior to the next Agenda Items, Council Member Ho requested to be excused from the meeting due to a family emergency.
Council Member Ho left the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
7. 1 Appointment to Parks & Recreation Commission for 2022- 2024.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Council Member Manzo, to appoint the following to the Parks & Recreation Commission for a term ending December 2024, waiving other applicable requirements:
1. Jason Gray ( Mayor Nguyen' s appointment).
2. Defer to next meeting ( Vice Mayor Nguyen' s appointment).
3. Jose Castillo ( Council Member Phan West' s appointment).
4. Jessica Lostaunau ( Council Member Manzo' s appointment).
5. Defer to next meeting ( Council Member Ho's appointment).
The motion carried, 4-0- 1-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: HO
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. 2 Consider Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter
2. 62. 050 ( Commission on Aging - Membership) of the Westminster Municipal Code.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to introduce Ordinance No. 2608 for first reading entitled, " AN ORDINANCE OF THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2. 62. 050 ( COMMISSION ON AGING - MEMBERSHIP), OF TITLE 2 ( ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL), OF THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE, TO UPDATE RULES GOVERNING CITY COMMISSIONS," read by title only and waive further reading.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The motion carried, 4-0-1-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: HO
ABSTAIN: NONE
8. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMBERS ( Including AB 1234 Report when required)
Vice Mayor Nguyen thanked staff for all their hard work.
Council Member Manzo thanked staff for their hard work, thanked the Community Foundation for their input and dedication to the cause, and thanked the Police Department for their service.
Council Member Phan West commented on recent attendance the Coffee with the K- 9 Police Department Meet and Greet event, reported recent attendance at the 2023 Annual Conference for the League of CAL Cities in Sacramento, CA, addressed California Legislature on the ongoing homeless issues throughout the State, and closed with voicing her support for Israel and condemns the Hamas actions.
Mayor Nguyen welcomed the new Community Development Drector Lin to the team, thanked the Police Department for their service, commented on recent attendance at the City of Placentia State of the City event, congratulated the high school students for their achievements and closed in honor of those who have lost their lives in the war in Israel.
9. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 6:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted:
AS` TON R. AROCHO, MMC
CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 11, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
APPROVED:
t . l
CHARLIG, J EN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
o
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC
CITY CLERK