CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting convened on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, to Open Session at 2:30 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING
2: 30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Special Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 2: 36 p. m., on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, via In- Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3
ABSENT: VICE MAYOR NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
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
Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson
Community Development Director Catherine Lin
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey
Deputy Police Chief Ron Weber
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Council Member Manzo led the flag salute.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — AGENDA ITEMS
The following individuals spoke under oral communications regarding the item listed on the agenda:
1. Michael Verrengia spoke in opposition of adding a measure onto the March 2024 ballot and commented on past approved measures in the city.
2. Terry Rains spoke in opposition of the special meeting, lack of virtual public participation options, spoke on the delay of the community survey, highlighted the absence of Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West, commented on the deadline with the Orange County Registrar of Voters Office, and closed with comments on the lack of support for the measure.
3. Tim Hogan urged the City Council to allow the voters to decide if they want to be taxed.
4. Kyle Seasock, representing the Westminster Police Officers' Association, spoke in support of the measure and thanked the City Council for their attendance at the Special Meeting.
5. Roland Perez, representing the Westminster Police Officers' Association, spoke in support of the measure and thanked the City Council for their attendance at the Special Meeting.
6. Khai Dao commented on the absence of Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West and spoke on the proposed measure.
2. Strategic Plan Goal # 1 - Achieve Financial Stability.
Proposal: Consideration of Resolution and Ordinance, Placing a Measure on the March 5, 2024 Ballot, Asking Voters if They Want to Add a 1/
2¢ ( 1/2%)
City Transaction and Use ( Sales) Tax.
Prior to the staff report, Council Member Manzo asked about the absence of Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West.
City Manager Cordon commented on the absences.
Discussion ensued regarding the absence of Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West, along with the importance of the proposed item listed on the agenda and the heightened pressure due to filing deadlines with the Orange County Registrar of Voters.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Nguyen thanked the public for attending the Special Meeting under short notice and proposed scheduling a second Special Meeting to allow Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West the opportunity to join.
City Attorney Bettenhausen identified that due to there only being three members of the City Council present, the item being presented would not be eligible for City Council action, as it requires a 2/3 vote.
It was unanimously decided by the City Council ( in attendance) to move forward with hearing the prepared staff report.
City Manager Cordon introduced and provided a thorough background on the proposed item.
Finance Director Backs provided a thorough presentation, alongside FM3 Senior Vice President Adam Sonenshein, who provided a brief presentation on the community survey.
Following the presentations, Council Member Manzo asked for clarification on the total amount of calls made versus the total number of calls answered and surveyed.
FM3 Senior Vice President Sonenshein provided clarification.
Council Member Manzo asked Finance Director Backs to emphasis the importance of considering the addition of a 1/2 cent tax before another eligible agency.
Discussion ensued regarding the 1/2 cent tax and the eligibility amongst other agencies.
City Attorney Bettenhausen also provided clarification on what the proposed item is requesting of the City Council.
Council Member Ho raised her concerns regarding the lack of understanding for the proposed item from the absent Council Members, suggested that City Manager Cordon meet with them separately to discuss the item, and commented on poor planning of staff due to the looming deadline for the Orange County Registrar of Voters.
City Manager Cordon commented on the concerns of the City Council, highlighting the timeline for the survey, and spoke on the deadlines of the Orange County Registrar of Voters.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Mayor Nguyen proposed scheduling a Special Meeting for Friday, December 13, 2023 to allow the absent Council Member' s the opportunity to meet on this item.
City Attorney Bettenhausen outlined the timing of the measure request, spoke on the implementation of the revenue ( if adopted and approved by the voters), and highlighted financial impacts if delayed to a future election date.
Discussion ensued regarding the general fund reserve projections and increase in funding if the measure is passed by the voters.
Mayor Nguyen asked for clarification on what the diversity in participants was on the survey.
Mayor Nguyen also commented on the current sales tax implemented in the City, spoke on his support of a sunset clause in the ordinance and outlined his concerns of a no sunset clause ordinance.
Finance Director Backs outlined the advantage of having an ordinance without a sunset clause.
Discussion continued regarding the sunset clause and opportunities for other agencies to capture the funding.
Council Member Manzo asked staff to stress the importance to all members of the City Council to attend all Regular and Special Meetings.
Council Member Ho spoke in disappointment that an action is not able to be made due to the requirement of a 2/ 3 vote, due to the absence of Vice Mayor Nguyen and Council Member Phan West.
Mayor Nguyen directed staff to schedule a Special Meeting for Friday, December 8, 2023, to review and consider this item.
Council Member Ho stated that she would clear her calendar for the proposed meeting on Friday.
Council Member Manzo commented on his work schedule, but that he would ensure his attendance at the meeting due to the importance of the business matter.
City Manager Cordon stated that staff would identify a time slot for Friday and post accordingly.
Mayor Nguyen stated that he would make himself available.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
3. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 4:03 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Respectfully submi ted:
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N R AROCHO, MMC
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
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HARL G ' E
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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A N R. / CHO, MMC
CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 6, 2023
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
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