CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in a Special Meeting via In-Person, Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
CLOSED SESSION
3:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Special Meeting/Closed Session of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 3:44 p.m., on Thursday, December 18, 2025, via In-Person, at the Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
ABSENT:
(Arrived at 3:45 p.m.)
Administrative Assistant Ramirez announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Administrative Assistant Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION
There were no members of the public present to speak on the Closed Session item.
CLOSED SESSION
Administrative Assistant Ramirez read the Closed Session title into the record:
1. Public Employee Employment/Appointment
Title: City Attorney
The Mayor and the City Council entered Closed Session at 3:45 p.m.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen entered the meeting.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen recessed the meeting at 4:15 p.m. from Closed Session.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to Open Session at 4:00 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
4:00 P.M.
Mayor Nguyen called the Special Meeting of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 4:20 p.m., on Thursday, December 18, 2025, via In-Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN, DISTRICT 3
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
Administrative Assistant Ramirez announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Finance Director Erin Backs
Deputy Police Chief Ron Weber
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Senior Management Analyst Shaunna Hunter
Administrative Assistant Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
Sergeant at Arm Jared Kent
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Vice Mayor Nguyen led the flag salute.
INVOCATION
City Attorney Porter conducted the invocation.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Porter stated that he was not present in Closed Session, was informed that no reportable action was taken, and stated for the record that District 4 Council Member Nguyen was present and participated in Closed Session.
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR SPECIAL MEETING
The following individuals spoke under oral communications:
1. Michael Verrengia, Westminster, spoke about the positive impact the Rose Center has on students, and urged the City Council to keep the Rose Center operational.
2. Tim Nelson, spoke about the long and valued partnership between the Rose Center and the City, the positive impacts the Rose Center has had on the community, thanked the Mayor and City Council for revisiting this item and considering an extension of the current agreement to include that the City would not incur any operational costs, and invited the City Council to attend current events happening at the Rose Center.
3. Charles Mariano, thanked the Mayor and City Council for revisiting this item and considering an extension of the current agreement, commented on the rapid closure of theaters throughout the United States, offered suggestions for generating additional revenue, and stated the tenant should remain in place and continue operations during the process.
4. Alicia Mariano, teacher at Starview Elementary, spoke about the positive impact the Rose Center Theater has had on students and City residents, expressed a desire to work collaboratively with the City to find solutions to preserve the Rose Center Theater, and urged the City Council to keep the Rose Center open and Operational.
5. Holly Margulies, commented on correspondence received from residents expressing disappointment that the Rose Center Theater agreement was not extended, commented on the positive experience offered, opined the decision to not extend the agreement involved corruption, and urged the City Council to side with the community and extend the agreement with the Rose Center Theater.
6. Christine Hernandez, Westminster, Huntington Beach High School District Trustee, echoed previous statements regarding the positive impacts the Rose Center Theater has had on students, stated she volunteered in a stakeholder interview for TheaterDNA and expressed frustration that community input requested by the City was not reflected in the decision not to extend the agreement, noted that, as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, the City spends money on • amenities that do not generate revenue but enhance the City's
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
appearance, and urged the City Council to extend the agreement.
7. Alex Vaz, Westminster, acknowledged the council's leadership in bringing the item back for discussion and recognizing the community's concerns, emphasized the importance of maintaining the Rose Center Theater as a public cultural institution with transparency, accountability, and meaningful community access, and encouraged the council to extend the agreement.
8. Donald Lank, Westminster, expressed the positive impact that the Rose Center Theater has had in the community, noted the benefits as a community connection, and suggested that the extension of the Friends of the Rose Center be considered.
9. Tram Camba, Westminster, expressed appreciation for the Council's reconsideration of the Rose Center agreement and questioned the City's decision to close the Rose Center following the study completed by TheaterDNA, noting that the study focused on ways to strengthen the center; she questioned what programs would be offered and how they would be funded along with who they would serve, emphasized that the Rose Center provides affordable youth arts education and mentorship and shared the positive impact the center has had on her children by building confidence, and suggested the City hold a town hall meeting to develop a solution rather than closing the Rose Center.
10. Roger Mindrum, Westminster, expressed appreciation to the City Council for reconsidering the agreement; read an email from D'vorah Mariscal stating, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it;" stated that failure to extend the agreement with Friends of the Rose Center would be a disservice to residents,; noted the need for increased marketing and additional fundraising efforts, as well as adjusting pricing to align with surrounding cities; commented on the positive work being done by the Friends of the Rose Center and questioned why the City would not keep the current operators if they are performing well.
11. Terry Rains, Westminster, commented that she felt the Mayor's interactions with residents at the previous meeting could have been more collaborative regarding support for extending the Friends of the Rose Center Theater agreement; asked why the agreement could not be extended during the request for proposal process (RFP), which would result in the theater being vacant; noted that the community theater is like a family and provides many positive attributes to the City; and encouraged the Council to negotiate a new contract for a minimum of 10 years and to put a stop to the RFP process.
12. Neil Nguyen, Kings Shrine Foundation, commented that he had worked with many mayors over the years for the City; expressed support for approving the amendment with the Friends of the Rose Center; and spoke about the history of the City and his involvement with the Tet parade.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
2. Consideration of a First Amendment for the Theater Operation and Cultural Programming of the Rose Center with the Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater, a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation.
Mayor Nguyen thanked those in attendance and the City Council, explained the reason for the Special Meeting due to community confusion, and stated the City will initiate a fair and open RFP process to identify an operator that meets the City's updated objectives and requirements, as has been prior practice. He further explained his use of term "Multi- Cultural Center" when referring to the Rose Center, and explained that for the past 20 years, the City has been responsible for paying utilities and maintenance. Mayor Nguyen noted difficulties with the City requesting use of the Rose Center for City events and the high cost of renting, and the need to negotiate a new operating agreement. Mayor Nguyen added that the Friends of Rose Center should be responsible for utilities and maintenance fees and not paid by the City using General Funds.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen to extend the agreement with Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater for a three-month term, with one option renewal, if extended by the City Manager, not to exceed three months, and that the Friends of the Rose Center pay $5,000 per month. The agreement shall commence on the effective date and continue until March 31, 2026, unless terminated earlier or extended as provided in the agreement, by no later than the last day of the term, shall have fully vacated the Rose Center, any property left at the Rose Center after the end of the term shall be considered abandoned property and the City may use or dispose of such property as it sees fit.
Motion died for lack of a second.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 5:13 p.m.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 5:13 p.m.
District 2 Council Member Manzo apologized to the community for his conduct at the previous as seeing how neighbors in his community were negatively impacted by the comment made by Mayor Nguyen was upsetting, agreed with Mayor Nguyen and stated there is misunderstanding within the community, questioned why the City requested a study be completed and did not follow its recommendations, and he noted that while the City provides services to the community and seeks to recover costs, the Rose Center Theater brings the community together and generates revenue for the City, as attendees often dine locally before or after performances.
City Attorney Porter clarified the motion as the Friends of the Rose Center.
District 2 Council Member Manzo asked Tim Nelson, Friends of the Rose Center, if they
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
were in agreement with the current Motion.
Tim Nelson, Friends of the Rose Center, responded that he would need to discuss the matter with the other board members, who were under the assumption that the extension would be for six months with an option for additional three months, but stated that he believed that they would be in agreement.
District 2 Council Member Manzo commented that Council was informed by staff that the process to clear out the facility would take approximately six months, asked for clarification from staff.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta responded that the total process could take six months, or possibly longer.
District 2 Council Member Manzo asked staff for clarification regarding a previous discussion that included extending the agreement six months, with two three-month option renewals as the current extension does not seem feasible for someone who has been in the same location for years to vacate the property in three months and still operate performances at the theater.
Vice Mayor Nguyen clarified the reasoning for his vote at the previous meeting was because he did not agree with the monthly amount to be paid to the City, stated the new terms will be good for the City, and suggested Council consider an extension for six months with a one year renewal option of up to three months.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen asked staff how long the transition process would take if the City Council does not extend the agreement and choose a different vendor to operator the theater.
City Manager Cordon responded that there are many variables to consider and cannot give a time frame on transition. She stated a consultant would need to assist the City with the different components that include renovations, and staff needs direction on how to handle the renovations as the City does not currently have a budget for the renovations; added the City is moving forward with TheaterDNA and a Study Session will be scheduled for further discussion.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen commented that he does not want to see the theater empty and not operating.
Mayor Nguyen responded to District 4 Council Member Nguyen that the RFP process is intended to allow additional terms to be included and have a fair and open bid.
Discussion ensued regarding the RFP timeline and the proposed extension terms.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
District 2 Council Member Manzo stated six months is not enough time for the current vendor to continue successfully operating and to clear out equipment, he also commented on the recommendations of the TheaterDNA study and stated that not extending the agreement is negatively affecting the community and the vendor, and asked staff to explain the timeline and process for the RFP.
Mayor Nguyen responded to District 2 Council Member Manzo's comments and questioned how the decision would negatively affect the community, and stated that Council Member Manzo could have requested a meeting with the Mayor to discuss the matter.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed extension terms.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta stated staff is not specialized in theater operations, and therefore a consultant is needed for the RFP process and the RFP process does take time.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen commented that a five or six month extension was reasonable and would approve a lower monthly rental amount.
District 2 Council Member Manzo commented that the Friends of the Rose Center need adequate time to operate successfully.
Motion was made by District 2 Council Member Manzo, seconded by District 4 Council Member Nguyen, to extend the agreement with the Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater for a 6 month term with one three- month option of renewal determined by the City Manager, pay $5,000 per month, and unless terminated earlier or extended as provided in the agreement, by no later than the last day of the term, shall have fully vacated the Rose Center, any property left at the Rose Center after the end of the term shall be considered abandoned property and the City may use or dispose of such property as it sees fit.
Substitute Motion was made by Vice Mayor Nguyen to extend the agreement with the Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater for a 6 month term with one option of renewal not to exceed three months.
Motion died for lack of a second.
Mayor Nguyen modified his motion to extend the agreement with the Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater for a 6 month term with no option of renewal.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
Motion died for lack of a second.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen asked District 2 Council Member Manzo to modify his motion to have the three-month option of renewal determined by City Council.
Motion was made by District 2 Council Member Manzo, seconded by District 4 Council Member Nguyen, to authorize the City Manager to enter into a first amendment agreement with the Friends of the Abbey Center, dba Friends of the Rose Center Theater and the terms of the extension would be (1) pay $5,000 per month to the City (2) the term would be extended for a total of 6 months through June 30, 2026, (3) The City Council has the option to extend the agreement for up to an additional three months, and (4), and any property left at the Rose Center after the end of the term shall be considered abandoned property and the City may use or dispose of such property as it sees fit, and (5) direction to staff to return an item to the City Council for consideration of the option renewal for a date set in the April timeframe.
District 2 Council Member Manzo asked staff if direction was given on how to proceed with the ballroom side of the Rose Center Theater.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta responded that part of the RFP process is to include the overall plans for the Rose Center Theater.
City Manager Cordon clarified that normal practice is to issue separate RFPs for each side of the Rose Center, but at a previous meeting, council requested that one operator be selected to manage both the ballroom and the theater.
The motion carried, 4-0, by the following roil call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, MANZO, N. NGUYEN
NOES: PHAN WEST
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
The City Council Meeting of December 24, 2025 has been canceled.
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 6:12 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
ramness
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
CHICHARLIENGUYEN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Jani Seaming
ANYA RAMIRE;
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECEMBER 18, 2025
MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING
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