CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in a Closed Session via In -Person, City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
CLOSED SESSION
3: 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 3:01 p.m., on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, via In -Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Clerk Ashton Arocho
City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION
There were no members of the public present who wished to speak about the item.
City Clerk Arocho read the Closed Session title into the record:
1. Conference with Legal Counsel pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956. 9( d)( 2): Potential Litigation Number of Case( s): Two ( 2)
2. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Attorney
The Mayor and the City Council entered Closed Session at 3:03 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
RECESS: MayorNguyenrecessedthe meetingat 5:59 p.m. from Closed' Session.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/Successor Agency to the WestminsterRedevelopmentAgencymeetingreconvenedonWednesday, March13, 2024, to Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
6: 00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
MayorNguyencalledthe RegularMeetingof the CityCouncil/SuccessorAgencyto the WestminsterRedevelopmentAgencyMeetingto orderat 6:10 p.m., on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, via In -Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT: None
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
Deputy Police Chief Ron Weber
Sergeant at Arms Stewart DeJong
Orange County Fire Authority Craig Covey
Assistant City Engineer Tuan Pham
Administrative Assistant Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Council Member Manzo led the flag salute.
INVOCATION
Council Member Nguyen conducted the invocation.
CITY ATTORNEY/ CLOSED SESSION REPORT
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 13, 2024
City Attorney Bettenhausen noted that the Mayor and City Council met under Closed Session on Closed Session Item 1 ( one case) and took no reportable action.
City Manager Cordon noted that the Mayor and City Council met under Closed Session on Closed Session Item 1 ( one case) and Closed Session Item 2 and provided direction to staff.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Ex Parte Communications to be presented at this time.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK
City Clerk Arocho highlighted the late communication memo for Agenda Item No. 3.1 and reminded members of the public of current vacancies on the Commission on Aging and Cultural Arts Commission.
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City Manager Cordon made the following announcements:
Police Department
As part of the Office of Traffic Safety grant, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, WPD officers conducted an operation focusing on motorcycle safety enforcement. This operation focused on enforcing traffic violations that interfered with the safe operation of motorcycles on the roadway.
A total of 25 traffic stops were made, 21 citations were issued, and 2 warnings were given by the officers. All costs of this operation were covered by this grant.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Community Services & Recreation Center
Spring 2024 Newsletter and Recreation Guide
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 13, 2024
Our latest Spring Newsletter and Recreation Guide is here! Keep an eye out in the mail for your copy, or feel free to view the electronic version on our website. Take a look and register forsomefunclassesthisSpring. Wehavesomeexcitingnewclassestooffer, including Pickleball!
Bunny Hop Pop -Up Events
Joinus at ourlocalparksfor someegg -citingSpringtimefun at our BunnyHopPop-up Events!
On Saturday, March23rd, the EasterBunnywill be hoppingby:
Elden F. Gillespie Park, 9801 McFadden Ave. from 10- 11:30 a.m.
Liberty Park, 13900 Monroe St., from 1-2:30 p.m.
On Saturday, March30th, the EasterBunnywill be hoppingby:
Bolsa Chica Park, 13660 University St. from 10-11:30 a.m.
Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St., from 1-2:30 p.m.
Earth Day
Savethe datefor our upcomingEarthDayeventon Saturday, April 20th! Join us for tree planting, information booths, park clean-up and activities at Coronet Park and Margie L.
Rice Park from 9 a. m. — 12p.m. Checkout our websitefor moredetailson our EarthDay activities!
Public Works Project Updates
Newcastle Park Playground
We are happy to report that demolition begins on the Newcastle Park Playground on Monday, March 18tH
Upcoming Community Outreach Meetings
We have two upcoming Community Outreach Meetings for our Bolsa Chica Park Playground Renovation and Westminster Village Park Playground and proposed Pickleball courts. Seethe proposedplaygroundat BolsaChicaPark, 13660UniversitySt., on March 25th at 2:30 p.m. and the proposed playground and pickleball courts at Westminster Village Park, 5300 Tattershall Ave. on March 25th at 4 p.m. Your input is valuable and appreciated so we hope to see you there!
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Following the report, Mayor Nguyen encouraged members of the public to participate and attend upcoming community events.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
The Mayor and City Council recognized the honorees by presenting each of them with a certificate of recognition and a bouquet of flowers.
A. Recognition of 2024 Woman of Distinction Honorees:
Dr. Elizabeth Vo, Honored by Mayor Nguyen
Michelle Watkins, Honored by Vice Mayor Ho
Debbie Ta, Honored by Council Member Phan West
Terry Rains, Honored by Council Member Manzo
Chau Lam Nguyen, Honored by Council Member Nguyen
B. Presentation of Proclamation for National Women' s History Month.
Claire Amyx, President of Soroptimist International of Westminster accepted the proclamation.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen called for a recess at 6: 49 p. m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, to Open Session.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Regular Meeting of the City Council/ Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m., on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, via In - Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT: None
City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council present.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Nguyen reminded members of the public that this portion of the agenda is for oral communication on agenda items only and announced that there is a professional translator present for any member of the public who need assistance.
MayorNguyenremindedthe publicregardingResolutionNo. 4953 relatedto decorum at meetings and process rules for Oral Communication.
Thefollowingindividualsspokeunderoralcommunicationsonagendaitemsonly:
1. Jessica Lostaunau spoke on concerns related to Agenda Item No. 5.2 and asked the City Council to keep the celebration of March 29 for American Vietnam Veterans, only.
2. Michael Verrengia thanked Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo for bringing Agenda Item No. 5.2 back on the agenda and commented on the importance and significance of March 29 to American Vietnam Veterans.
3. Conrad Gomez commented on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlighted the importance of March 29 to American Vietnam Veterans.
4. Brian Heyman commented on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlighted the importance of March 29 to American Vietnam Veterans.
5. Tami Hammell spoke on Agenda Item No. 5.2 and commented on the recent decisions made by Council Member Phan West regarding the original item brought forward during the February 28 meeting.
6. D'Vorah Mariscal commented on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlighted the importance of March 29 to American Vietnam Veterans.
7. Terry Rains thanked the Mayor and City Council for the recognition as a Woman of Distinction ( Special Presentation Item A), spoke on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlightedthe importanceof March29 to AmericanVietnamVeteransby providing suggestions on amending the item to ensure inclusivity to all veterans and closed with comments urging the Mayor and City Council to stop grandstanding from the dais and show respect to the public.
8. Camilla Overbeek commented on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlighted the importance of March 29 to American Vietnam Veterans.
Mayor Nguyen left the dais at 7:26 p.m.
9. Khai Dao commented on Agenda Item No. 5. 2.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Nguyen returned to the dais at 7:28 p.m.
During the speakers' comments, Mayor Nguyen reminded members of the public that this portion of the meeting is for members of the public to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda, only.
City Attorney Bettenhausen asked the public speaker to focus his comments on the Agenda.
City Clerk Arocho continued the timer for the speaker.
9. Khai Dao continued his comments regarding Agenda Item No. 5.2.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 7.35 p. m.
10. Tim Hogan spoke on Agenda Item No. 5. 2 and highlighted the importance of March 29 for American Vietnam Veterans.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 7:38 p. m.
11. Roger Mindrum thanked Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo for bringing Agenda Item No. 5. 2 back on the agenda, voiced concerns on the item presented and highlighted the lack of decorum of the City Council during meetings, highlighted the courage of women who were recognized as Women of Distinction Special Presentation Item A) and shared personal family history during the Vietnam War.
Following the oral communication period, Mayor Nguyen thanked members of the public for their comments and participation in the meeting.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Manzo requested Agenda Item Nos. 3. 3 and 3. 5 to be pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
3. 1 Minutes of the City Council and Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the minutes as presented for the dates listed below:
A. February 14, 2024 ( Study Session, Closed Session, and Regular Meeting) B. February 28, 2024 ( Closed Session and Regular Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
3. 2
City CouncilandSuccessorAgencyWarrantRegistersdatedFebruary22, 2024 through March 6, 2024.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed.
3. 3 THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND HEARD UNDER SEPARATE DISCUSSION (SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR).
3. 4 Approval of Cooperative Agreement between the City of Westminster and the City of Garden Grove for Street Improvements on Garden Grove Boulevard from Edwards Street to Beach Boulevard.
ACTION: TheMayorandCityCouncilapprovedthesubjectagreementwiththeCity ofGardenGroveandauthorizedtheCityManagerto executeitontheCity's behalf.
3. 5 THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND HEARD UNDER SEPARATE DISCUSSION ( SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR).
CONSENT CALENDAR — ALL ITEMS ( 3. 1- 3. 5)
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, secondedby Mayor Nguyen, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the amendment to Agenda Item No. 3. 1 per the late communications memo and with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 3.3 and 3.5, which were pulled for separate discussion.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
AGENDA ITEM( S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
DISCUSSION
3. 3 Receipt of the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ACFR) and Related Statements.
This item was pulled by Council Member Manzo for a staff presentation.
Finance Director Backs provided a brief summary of the agenda report.
Council Member Manzo asked staff if there are any areas of improvement for upcoming years.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Finance Director Backs highlighted the good standings in the recent audit and provided feedback.
Council Member Manzo commented on annual expenses and the need to pull from reserves.
Finance Director Backs commented on the upcoming mid -year report and upcoming fiscal year 2024- 2025 budget for City Council consideration and approval.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Vice Mayor Ho, to accept the financial reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
The motion carried, 5- 0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
3. 5 Adoption of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Solicit Construction Bids for the Garden Grove Boulevard - Street Improvements Project from Edwards Street to Beach Boulevard - Project Plan No. P- 2563.
This item was pulled by Council Member Manzo for questions of staff.
Council Member Manzo asked staff for a completion timeline.
Assistant Engineer Pham responded with an estimated timeline.
Discussion ensued regarding plans and work performed by contractor versus City staff.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to approve the plans and specifications for the Garden Grove Boulevard - Street Improvements Project from Edwards Street to Beach Boulevard — P- 2563 and authorize the Public Works Director/ City Engineer to approve minor modifications to the plans and specifications to accommodate requested revisions from public safety and utility agencies; and authorize the Public Works Department to advertise and solicit construction bids for said project.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
4. PUBLIC HEARING — None
5. REGULAR BUSINESS
5. 1 Resolution Approving Exception to the 180 -Day Waiting Period to Hire a CaIPERS Retired Annuitant in Accordance with Government Code Sections 7522. 56 and 21224.
Human Resources Director Griner provided a brief staff report.
Mayor Nguyen asked for clarification and confirmation from staff that this individual is needed to return to the workforce as a retiree.
Discussionensued regardingcurrent staffing levels, training for position, and the urgency of filling this position with someone who has a high level of experience until a permanent solution is identified.
CouncilMemberManzoaskedfor clarificationon the 180 -daywaitingperiod.
Human Resources Director Griner provided context and background on the CALPERS requirements for retired annuitants.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to adopt Resolution No. 5246 entitled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING EXCEPTION TO THE CALPERS 180 -DAY WAIT PERIOD."
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
5. 2 Resolution Rescinding and Replacing Resolution No. 5244, Designating March 29 Annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day and Establishing a Recognition Ceremony at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park.
Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo added this item to the agenda for discussion and consideration.
Mayor Nguyen left the dais at 7:59 p. m.
Council Member Manzo apologized to the public and veterans for his actions taken at the prior meeting on this item and commented on his research of the item and spoke in agreement that March 29 is to recognize and honor American Vietnam Veterans.
Mayor Nguyen returned to the dais at 8:01 p.m.
Council Member Manzo asked the City Council to reconsider the date of the celebration or table the discussion for a future date so that further research can be done on the item.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo to approve staff' s recommendation with amending the Resolution title to read as, American War Vietnam Veterans Day.
Vice Mayor Ho commented on her recent absence during the February 28 meeting due to a family emergency and spoke on the importance of March 29 for American Vietnam Veterans.
Vice Mayor Ho asked the City Council to consider honoring the American Vietnam Veterans on March 29 and select a different date to honor Vietnam Veterans.
Discussion ensued regarding the celebrations and history.
Vice Mayor Ho recommended March 29 to honor American Vietnam Veterans and June 19 to honor Vietnam Veterans.
Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Vice Mayor Ho, to adopt the amended Resolution No. 5247 entitled, " A RESOLUTION OF THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 5244, DESIGNATING MARCH 29 ANNUALLY AS ` AMERICAN VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY' AND
ESTABLISHING A RECOGNITION CEREMONY AT SID GOLDSTEIN FREEDOM PARK."
Council Member Phan West clarified the initial intentions of the item when it was presented at the February 28 meeting.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Council Member Nguyen spoke on the item, highlighted the heightened emotions regarding the item from the City Council and public, spoke on the action made at the February 28 meeting, highlighted the importance of March 29 for American Vietnam Veterans, and spoke in support of the decision to honor both the American Vietnam VeteransandVietnamVeteransseparately.
Council Member Nguyen also commented on public comment received for the item, spoke in support of recognizing and honoring American Vietnam Veterans on March 29 and commentedin supportto identifya separatedatefor honoringVietnam Veterans and suggestedto create a new Resolution specificallyfor American Vietnam Veterans and to amend Resolution No. 5244 for Vietnam Veterans with a new recognition date.
MayorNguyenthankedmembersofthepublicfortheirparticipationinthemeeting during oral communicationsregardingthis item and for voicing their opinionson ways to move the city forward.
MayorNguyenalso spokeon the prior decisionsmade by the City Councilat the February 28 meeting, highlighted the options presented to change and amend the action, and spoke in support of Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo' s proposal.
MayorNguyenlatercommentedin agreementof identifyingMarch29 as the annual recognition date for American Vietnam Veterans, recommended that Resolution No. 5244 be rescinded, spoke in support of designating June 19 as the annual recognition date for Vietnam Veterans and asked City Attorney Bettenhausen for guidance on how to do such amendments/ proposals.
Council Member Phan West spoke in opposition to rescinding Resolution No. 5244 and proposed to amend the Resolution.
City Attorney Bettenhausenoutlined the various options proposed by the City Council.
Council Member Manzo highlighted the short timeline to provide a recognition ceremony before March 29 and urged the City Council to take action on this item.
Council Member Nguyen commentedon the original item being presented by Council Member Phan West and leaned to her for a motion.
Discussionensuredregardingthe originalitemtakenat the meetingof February28 being jointly presented by Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen and highlightedthat the currentitemfor considerationis beingjointly presentedby Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 13, 2024
Council Member Manzo suggested changing the language within the proposed Resolution to remove individual names outlined in Section 2 and add language that it's from the Mayor and City Council so there is no individual credit for the item.
Council Member Phan West spoke in support of modifying and amending Resolution No. 5244.
Due to comments made from the audience, Mayor Nguyen reminded members of the public that this portion of the agenda is for the City Council to discuss the item and asked members of the public to refrain from outbursts.
City Attorney Bettenhausen repeating the proposal made and the motion on the floor.
An Amended Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Vice Mayor Ho, to adopt Resolution No. 5247, as amended, entitled, " A RESOLUTION
OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING AND REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 5244, DESIGNATING MARCH 29 ANNUALLY AS ` AMERICAN VIETNAM WAR
VETERANS DAY' AND ESTABLISHING A RECOGNITION CEREMONY AT SID GOLDSTEIN FREEDOM PARK," with the amendment to Section 2 within the Resolution to read as follows, " That the City Council annually recognizes March 29 as " American Vietnam War Veterans Day," in honor and gratitude of the selfless American Veterans who served in the Vietnam War."
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO, N. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Mayor Nguyen asked staff to prepare a resolution for the next City Council Meeting to select a date to honor and recognize the South Vietnam Vietnamese Vietnam War Veterans or Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
Vice Mayor Ho seconded the request.
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEM - None
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEMS
Council Member Manzo left the dais at 8:35 p.m.
Council Member Phan West left the dais at 8:35 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
7. 1 Continued from the January 10, 2024 Regular Meeting - Appointment to the Measure Y Citizens Oversight Committee.
Mayor Nguyen appointed Michael Verrengia to the Measure Y Citizens Oversight Committee as his appointee.
Motion was made by Council Member Nguyen, secondedby MayorNguyen, to appoint Michael Verrengia ( Mayor Nguyen' s appointee) to the Measure Y Citizens Oversight Committee.
The motion carried, 3-0-2-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, N. NGUYEN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MANZO, PHAN WEST
ABSTAIN: NONE
CouncilMemberPhan Westreturnedto thedaisat 8:36p.m.
Council Member Phan West left the dais at 8:36 p.m.
Council Member Manzo returned to the dais at 8:37 p.m.
8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS — NON - AGENDA ITEMS
1. Terry Rains congratulated the City of the recent approval of Measure E from the March 5 Special Election, highlighted the lack of respect from the Council by naming members of the public from the dais, spoke on lack of decorum during meetingsand lack of oversight by the Mayor and City Attorney, commented on the Closed Session item regarding the performance evaluation of the City Attorney, highlighted written communications filed on the item and spoke on poor performance of the City Attorney, spoke on comments made by Council Member Phan West, commented on the flag raising ceremony discussion at the February 28 meeting, spoke on the resolution of reaffirmation day for the Republic of Vietnam flag and made suggestions on how to amend, spoke on Council Member Phan West calling her out from the dais and mischaracterizing her position from the emails submitted, commented on Council Member Phan West's comments to City Manager Cordon during the February 28 meeting, and commented on the lack of professionalism of Council Member Phan West. In closing, requested that members of the City Council remain at the dais during oral communications and throughout the meeting and to show members of the public respect.
Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 8:38 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
2. D' Vorah Mariscal commented on past attendance at meetings, raised concerns about using a professional translator for someone who does not require a translator, and asked for decorum at the dais from the Council Members.
3. Tami Hammell commented on absences of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen from the dais during oral communications, suggested that oral communications are not taken unless all members of the Council are present at the dais, commented on interruption from Mayor Nguyen during oral communication but lack of decorum from the dais to members of the public, and suggested that if not all members of the Council are present during oral communications at the end of the meeting then the comments shall be moved back to the beginning of the meeting.
Mayor Nguyen responded in appreciation of the public comments received and commented on the change in the oral communications process by having non - agenda related comments be taken at the end of the meeting.
Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 8:46 p. m.
City Attorney Bettenhausen asked members of the public to remain quiet while the Mayor is talking.
Mayor Nguyen finished his comments regarding the most recent changes made to the order of oral communications.
4. Roger Mind rum commented in agreeance with the comments made by Tami Hammell, spoke on the absences of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen from the dais during oral communications and closed by urging Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen to resign.
5. Camilla Overbeek commented on oral communications at the end of the meeting for non -agenda items, commented on the lack of zoom options for public participation, and spoke on the constant absences of Council Members from the dais during the meeting, specifically during oral communications.
6. Tim Hogan spoke on lack of respect from the City Council for the public due to their constant absences from the dais during the meeting.
Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 8: 50 p. m.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
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WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 13, 2024
7. MichaelVerrengiacommentedon a familyemergencywhichcausedhimto leave the meeting early, thanked Mayor Nguyen for the appointment to the Measure Y Citizen' s Oversight Committee, commented on the grandstanding from the dais, and reminded the Mayor of his roles and responsibilities as the Chair of the meeting and urged the City Council to follow the rules of decorum and closed with the comments and dialogue from the City Council during Agenda Item No. 5.2.
Following the comments, Mayor Nguyen commented on his role and responsibilitiesasthe mayorwhenrunningthemeetingandcontrollingthe meeting per City policies.
COMMENTSFROMCITY COUNCIL/AGENCYMEMBERS (Including AB 1234 Report when required)
Council Member Phan West commented on recent attendance at CAL Cities OrangeCountyChaptereventwithMayorNguyenregardingpressingconcernsof the community and rise in crime, spoke on the emphasis of collaboration with State and Federal officials, read the Third and Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, and closed by reading John 15:16.
MayorNguyenaskedCouncilMemberPhanWest to remainon topic during her report out.
Council Member Manzo asked members of the City Council to remain respectful to members of the public when it comes to religious beliefs, congratulated the honorees of the 2024 Women of Distinction Award, thanked Executive Assistant Linh Doanfor all her hardwork, thankedthe veteranswho attendedthe meeting for their service and for voicing their opinion on Agenda Item No. 5.2, thanked staff fortheirhardwork, thankedtheCityCouncilforthepartnershipinmovingthecity forward.
Council Member Nguyen thanked staff and the Police Department for their hard work.
Vice Mayor Ho congratulated the honorees of the 2024 Women of Distinction Award, spoke on recentfatal accidentthat occurredin the City and highlighted different ways the public can donate to the surviving family members.
Mayor Nguyen thanked the public for their participation, thanked Michael Verrengia for volunteering to serve on the Measure Y Citizens Oversight Committee, commented on current leadership within the City, spoke on recent community events and urged the public to participate and attend the events throughout the year, commented on the great work from staff, and thanked members of the Council for their dedication in moving the city forward.
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MARCH 13, 2024
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
10. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 6:00 p. m.
Respectfully submitted:
ASHT16 N R. ARObWO,
CITY CLERK
APPROVED: %
CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC
CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA
PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
MARCH 13, 2024