CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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 6:02 p.m., on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 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 AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT:
NONE
Interim Assistant City Clerk Ramirez announced a quorum with all City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey
Human Resources Director/Risk Manager Jodie Griner
Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson
Public Works Director Jake Ngo
Finance Director Erin Backs
Principal Planner Ken Fichtelman
Senior Administrative Analyst Ryan Salz
Interim Assistant City Clerk Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
Administrative Assistant Linh Doan
Sergeant at Arms Bret Gleason
Sergeant at Arms Jerad Kent
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
District 1 Council Member Phan West led the flag salute.
INVOCATION
Vice Mayor Nguyen conducted the invocation.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CITY ATTORNEY/CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Porter reported that there was no closed session, therefore, there was nothing to report.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (Including SB 1439 Report when required) There were no ex parte communications.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK
Interim Assistant City Clerk Ramirez noted applications are still being accepted for three unscheduled vacancies, two on the Planning Commission and one on the Cultural Arts Commission, for more information please visit the City website.
Prior to the City Manager Report, Mayor Nguyen acknowledged that City Manager Cordon was not in attendance as she was receiving the Ethical Hero Award by Cal-ICMA at the League of California Cities City Managers conference.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
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Assistant City Manager Ozaeta commented on the 2026 Tet Parade on February 21 and the American Vietnam War Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony on March 29 at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park. Mr. Ozaeta added that Veterans may request to receive a certificate at the event and can find additional information on the City's website.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Westminster Tet Foundation Update and Check Presentation.
Johnny Nguyen and Quyen Pham thanked the Mayor and City Council for allowing the Foundation to raise funds for the Tet Parade, gave a brief presentation on the funds raised, and presented Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson with a check and invited the community to the 2026 Tet Parade.
Following the update, Mayor Nguyen thanked Westminster resident John Gentile for his donation that contributed funds for the Tet Parade and also thanked the Westminster Tet Foundation for its fundraising efforts.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
The following individuals spoke under oral communications on agenda items only:
1. Terry Rains, Westminster, congratulated City Manager Cordon on receiving the Ethical Hero Award, commented on Agenda Item No. 1, stating that the
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
amount raised by the Tet Parade Foundation was less than anticipated and expressed concern that hosting the event will result in additional costs to the City, commented on Agenda Item No. 7 regarding the appointment process and filling of vacant position on commissions and committees. Regarding Agenda Item Nos. 6.1 and 6.6, Mrs. Rains expressed support for the proposed items and for working with Townsend Public Affairs, while raising concerns about the City's process for taking formal positions on legislation. Mrs. Rains emphasized that any legislative positions should reflect the best interests of City residents and questioned who would serve as the City's qualified legal expert for reviewing and evaluating proposed legislation.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
3.1 City Council and Successor Agency Warrant Register dated January 22, 2026 through February 4, 2026.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed the warrant register.
3.2 Professional Services Agreement with RSG, Inc. for on-call Housing, Community Development, and Related Consulting Services.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Approved the Professional Services Agreement with RSG, Inc. for on-call housing, community development, and related consulting services; and B. Authorized the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, in a 5100,0 roved by the City Attorney, with a not to exceed contract amount of
3.3 THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION (SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR).
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion was made by District 2 Council Member Manzo, seconded by Vice Mayor Nguyen, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Agenda Item No.
3.3 pulled for separate discussion.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCYI February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THE FOLLOWING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM WAS PULLED FOR
SEPARATE DISCUSSION.
3.3 Amendment No. 1 to Contract Between County of Orange, City of Westminster, Interval House, and Olive Crest for the Provision of Family Resource Center Services and Differential Response - Path One Services.
This item was pulled by District 1 Council Member Phan West.
Community Services Director Johnson provided a brief staff report.
District 1 Council Member Phan West commented on the need for services not only within the City but also County-wide, asked for clarification regarding the other Family Resource Center locations outside of the City.
Community Services Director Johnson responded by stating how many Family Resource Centers are currently located throughout the area and added that two additional locations are being added.
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked Mrs. Johnson to elaborate on the section Update State Privacy Provision.
Community Services Director Johnson responded that this section was procedural from the County and does not affect the City.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Contract with the County of Orange, Interval House, and Olive Crest regarding the Family Resource Center.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Mayor Nguyen acknowledged a member of the Westminster Police Officer's Association (WPOA) in the audience and thanked the WPOA for their contributions to the Tet Parade Foundation.
PUBLIC HEARING
4.1 Public Hearing - First Reading of Case No. 2025-0237, a Request to Amend Section 17.330.040 Prohibited Signs with Respect to Prohibiting Foam, 3D
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Printed and Cut Acrylic Signage; Section 17.330.085 Standards for Specific Sign Types with Respect to the Allowable Size of Wall Signs; and Chapter
17.700 Definitions of Specialized Terms to Add a Definition for Transparency/Opaqueness.
MAYOR NGUYEN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
There were no individuals wishing to speak under Public Hearing.
MAYOR NGUYEN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor Nguyen reminded all council members to remain present during the presentation and to participate in the vote.
Principal Planner Ken Fichtelman gave a brief presentation.
District 2 Council Member Manzo stated that he has requested a sign code update and questioned whether this item was part of that effort or if there would still be a sign code update at a future meeting and asked for clarification on what a box sign Is.
Principal Planner Fichtelman responded that the item was a quick clean-up measure and that an additional item regarding sign code update would be presented in the near future and added that this update would not affect commercial buildings and affect industrial, and further explained what a box sign was.
Discussion ensued regarding the definition of a box sign.
District 2 Council Member Manzo commented that, in order to improve aesthetic of the City, the sign code update should be brought before Council soon, and also raised questions regarding tint on storefront windows.
Principal Planner Fichtelman responded that the Planning Division is currently working on bringing the sign code update before the Council.
District 4 Council Member Namquan Nguyen asked staff to explain the process for handling nonconforming businesses and questioned how a business with curtains instead of tinted windows would be addressed in order to bring the business in compliance with the rules.
Principal Planner Fichtelman clarified the code update before Council is in regards to tinted windows only and the curtains and blinds will be addressed in the Phase Il update.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
District 4 Council Member Namquan Nguyen asked for confirmation that businesses can currently use curtains and blinds and will not be cited for a code violation.
Principal Planner Fichtelman confirmed that this is correct until updated.
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked if the reason this item was brought before Council was because they were receiving complaints.
Principal Planner Fichtelman confirmed that the intent is to help clarify how dark window tinting can be.
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked staff whether signs with missing letters or signs that are falling apart are being documented to keep track of those that will need to be replaced.
Principal Planner Fichtelman confirmed that the businesses would need to apply for permits.
District 1 Council Member Phan West positive this will help beautify the City.
District 2 Council Member Manzo asked staff whether the proposed change would - also apply to address numbers on businesses to ensure quality materials are used so the numbers do not become damaged.
Principal Planner Fichtelman responded that address numbers are regulated under the Building Code and stated that staff would look into whether the matter could be addressed further in Signage Update.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 2633 entitled, "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (CASE NO. 2025-0237) AMENDING CHAPTER 17, SECTION 17.330.040 PROHIBITED SIGNS, SECTION 17.330.085 STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES AND SECTION 17.700.010 DEFINITIONS OF SPECIALIZED TERMS OF
THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE WITH RESPECT TO PROHIBITING FOAM, 3D PRINTED AND CUT ACRYLIC SIGNAGE, CLARIFYING THE
ALLOWABLE AREA OF WALL SIGNS AND TO PROVIDE A DEFINITION FOR TRANSPARENCY AND OPAQUENESS, " read by title only and waive further reading.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
REGULAR BUSINESS- None
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEM
6.1 City of Westminster 2026 Legislative Platform.
Senior Administrative Analyst Ryan Salz provided a joint presentation along with Vice President and Chief Executive Director Cori Takkinen, Senior Associate Anastasia Heaton, and Ryan McCarthy of Townsend Public Affairs.
Mayor Nguyen thanked staff and Townsend Public Affairs for working together to secure the funding, stating it was quite an accomplishment.
Mayor Nguyen asked Townsend Public Affairs whether the City received any State funding this year.
Vice President and Chief Executive Director Takkinen responded that the City received funding from local and state as well as federal competitive grants, but did not receive State earmarks due to the State's budget.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta stated Townsend Public Affairs assisted with inquiring funding from Governor Umberg, which went towards the Hoover Mendez Trail project.
Senior Associate Heaton added that the OCBC funding for Little Saigon's economic development also came from the Governor through Economic Development Relieve Funding.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta spoke about the partnership with Townsend Public Affairs, the efforts made to apply for funding, and the successful efforts that resulted from the partnership.
District 2 Council Member Manzo questioned the timeline on receiving funds and implementation.
Senior Associate Heaton explained that timelines vary when submitting grant applications, depending on the agency process, and could take up to one year to find out if the funding will be awarded.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
District 1 Council Member Phan West commented on the positive impact this would have on the City and the funding opportunities that could be secured through Townsend Public Affairs, and asked for clarification regarding the potential uses of the funding.
Vice President and Chief Executive Director Takkinen responded that the funding could be used to support legislation that would establish new grant programs.
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked if there were grants to assist veterans with job placement, substance abuse treatment, mental health issues, and affordable housing.
Chief Executive Director Takkinen responded that the staff report includes items identifying grant opportunities that could help support veterans with substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and affordable housing, along with additional funding opportunities.
Discussion ensued regarding additional grant opportunities.
Vice Mayor Nguyen commented that the Midway City Sanitary District has also worked with Townsend Public Affairs, which has assisted in identifying and receiving grant funding. -
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Vice Mayor Nguyen, to adopt the City of Westminster 2026 Legislative Platform.
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEM - None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (CONCERNING NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
Mayor Nguyen exited the dais at 7:24 p.m.
The following individuals spoke under oral communications (non-agenda items):
1. David Johnson, encouraged the City to consider allowing the Westminster School District to purchase the Rose Center Theater as an opportunity to generate revenue and provide financial benefit to the City.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Mayor Nguyen returned to the dais at 7:26 p.m.
2. Loan Nguyen, Westminster, spoke in opposition to the Charlie Kirk street name change and urged the City Council to bring the item back for discussion, reconsideration, and remove the name change.
3. Tina Tapia, commented about coffee shop in Garden Grove that was under investigation, raised concerns regarding human trafficking, stated that she had not seen her children, and commented on trees being cut down and vandalism at the Westminster Mall.
4. Terry Rains, Westminster, spoke regarding an upcoming event advertised for the evening before the Tet Parade and reterenced a tlyer promoting an event at Lavendar and expressed concerns regarding the involvement of third- party promoters, Mayor Nguyen, Ngu Nguyen, and Thuy Nguyen. Ms. Rains questioned the entry fees and sponsorship levels but did not appear to contain nonprofit or political campaign disclosures, and commented statements made by KBC suggested the event may be connected to the Mayor's congressional campaign. Ms. Rains commented on commented on social media posts by District 1 Council Member Phan West regarding taking sin seriously, referenced ongoing litigation police reports reportedly filed by Council Member Phan West, and allegations of inappropriate conduct. She expressed concerns regarding campaigning from the dais and referenced negative posts appearing on a campaign-related social media page associated with Council Member Phan West. Ms. Rains stated her belief that the Mayor is attempting to erase local history, citing issues related to the Rose Center and the recent street name change.
9. BUSINESS MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMBERS - None
10. COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/ AGENCY MEMBERS (Including AB 1234 Report when required).
Motion was made by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to place an item on a future agenda to Oppose AB 1421.
The motion failed for lack of a second.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo to place an item on a future meeting agenda to review the City ordinance regarding allowable sign size in the Council Chambers during Council meetings.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCYI February 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, M. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
The Mayor and City Council reported on various items.
11. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in memory of Westminster Resident Maria Thu Hang to a Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Jamie Cam
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
MAYOR
ATTEST:
Jamy
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK