CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in a Regular Meeting via In-Person, Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
CLOSED SESSION
4:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Nguyen called the Regular Meeting Closed Session of the City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 4:39 p.m., on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, via In-Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
(Arrived at 5:39 pm)
Records Coordinator Guzman announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Sergeant at Arms Bret Gleason
Sergeant at Arms Jerad Kent
Housing Specialist Michael Son
Interim Assistant City Clerk Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION
There were no members of the public wishing to address the City Council regarding the closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
Records Coordinator Guzman read the following Closed Session titles into record:
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 8190 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Agency Negotiators: City Manager Christine Cordon, Assistant City Manager - Adolfo Ozaeta, and Housing Specialist Michael Son
Negotiating Parties: Elderly Development Westminster, L.P.
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 8180 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683
Agency Negotiators: County of Orange
Negotiating Parties: City Manager Christine Cordon and Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
Number of Potential Cases: 1
The Mayor and City Council entered into Closed Session at 4:40 p.m.
District 1 Council Member Phan West entered the meeting at 5:39 p.m.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen recessed the meeting at 5:45 p.m. from Closed Session. - The City Council/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting convened on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, to Open Session at 6:00 p.m., via In-Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
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, March 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
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Records Coordinator Guzman announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Sergeant at Arms Bret Gleason
Sergeant at Arms Jerad Kent
Orange County Fire Authority Chief Craig Covey
Human Resources Director/Risk Manager Jodie Griner
Public Works Director Jake Ngo
Finance Director Erin Backs
Business Services Manager Karla Santillan
Principal Planner Ken Fichtelman
Senior Administrative Analyst Ryan Salz
Interim Assistant City Clerk Tanya Ramirez
Communications Specialist Sofia Chang
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
Administrative Assistant Stephanie Aguilar
Administrative Assistant Linh Doan
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
District 2 Council Member Manzo led the flag salute.
INVOCATION
Vice Mayor Nguyen conducted the invocation.
CITY ATTORNEY/CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Porter reported that the Mayor and City Council met in Closed Session, discussed all three agenda items, and took no reportable action. He also noted that District 1 Council Member Phan West participated only in Closed Session Item No. 3.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (Including SB 1439 Report when required) There were no ex parte communications.
REPORT FROM CITY CLERK
Records Coordinator Guzman announced that applications are still being accepted to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cordon announced the Westminster Police Department recently held its annual Awards Ceremony at the Rose Center, recognizing officers and community members for their service. She also highlighted several upcoming community events including Coffee with a Cop on March 24 at McDonald's on Westminster Avenue, the American Vietnam War Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony on March 29 at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, the Bunny Hop spring celebration at several parks on March 28 and April 4, the ribbon cutting for the new "Space Adventures" playground at Elden F.
Gillespie Park on April 1, the Sigler Park Soccer Field ribbon cutting on April 9, and the Spring Luncheon for seniors on April 1 at the Senior Center.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Recognition of 2026 Woman of Distinction Honorees:
• Ngan Nguyen, Honored by Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen
• Nhu Hao Le, Honored by District 3 Vice Mayor Mark Nguyen : Amy Sabol, Honared by District 1 Council Member Amy Phan West Christine Hernandez, Honored by District 2 Council Member Carlos Manzo
• Christina Hirales, Honored by District 4 Council Member NamQuan Nguyen
The Mayor and City Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to the honorees, thanking them for their dedication and service to the community, in various capacities.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen called for a recess at 6:31 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
District 1 Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 6:45 p.m. -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
The following individuals spoke under oral communications on agenda items only:
1. Dr. Huu Vo expressed appreciation to everyone who has supported the Vietnamese community. Dr. Vo noted that the evening's presentation was especially meaningful, as two members of the Vietnamese community were being recognized for their contributions.
2. David Johnson, Westminster, thanked the Council for recognizing the Women of Distinction, commented that the program is wonderful and reflects a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative. He also stated that honoring women and giving them the respect they deserve is a positive and meaningful effort.
3. Terry Rains, Westminster, congratulated the Women of Distinction honorees, commented that she had to request the nomination papers through a Public Records Act (PRA) request, and suggested that nomination materials be posted with the meeting agenda to improve transparency. She also noted that the program criteria allow nominees to work or volunteer in the City, but stated she believes it is more meaningful when nominees live in Westminster and contribute to the community. She questioned Vice Mayor Nguyen regarding why Item 9.1 was scheduled only for discussion rather than directing the City Attorney to draft an ordinance. Additionally, she commented on Item 7.1 and asked why Mayor Nguyen had not selected an appointee from the 10 applicants for the Planning Commission. She recommended that the City Council conduct interviews with all applicants during a special council meeting to ensure the process is fair to everyone.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
3.1 City Council and Successor Agency Warrant Register dated February 19, 2026 through March 4, 2026
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed the warrant register.
3.2 Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2633, Amending Section
17.330.040 Prohibited Signs with respect to prohibiting foam, 3D 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 definition
transparency/opaqueness.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council conducted a second reading and adopted Ordinance No. 2633 entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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.
Budget Adjustment from Insurance Reimbursements for the Repair of City Vehicles Damaged in Traffic Collisions.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Increased Motor Pool Fund 700 revenue account "Reimbursements - Other" 58000-39069 in the amount of $81,540 for received insurance reimbursements; and
B. Increased Motor Pool Fund 700 expenditure account "Repair & Maintenance - Equipment" 58000-44080, in the amount of $81,540 to pay for vehicle repairs.
3.4 West Orange County Water Board (WOWB) Annual Operational Budget for FY 2026/27.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the West Orange County Water Board FY 2026/27 budget shared between Westminster, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and Garden Grove, and approve Westminster's contribution of $33,909.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented
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
PUBLIC HEARING - None
REGULAR BUSINESS- None
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
6. LEGISLATIVE ITEM - None
7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEM- None
8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (CONCERNING NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The following individuals spoke under oral communications (non-agenda items):
1. Michael Verrengia, Westminster, commented on remarks made by District 1 comme were a Waste estate He asked wet a statione ever te omments were a waste of time.
taken regarding Council Member Phan West's behavior and expressed concern that the situation reflects poorly on the City.
2. Debbie Schwabl, Westminster, commented that she has heard concerns from others about the city and stated that she no longer likes attending meetings because she feels the environment has become toxic. She asked the Mayor to maintain control of the meetings. She thanked District 2 Council Member Manzo for his comments regarding the Tet Parade and stated that District 1 Council Member Phan West should be held accountable for actions related to the event. She added that when residents break laws they are reprimanded and questioned why Council Members would be treated differently.
3. Terry Rains, Westminster commented on the previous Council meeting and the discussion that occurred regarding Item 9.1. She stated that District 1 Council Member Phan West has attended three ethics training courses, which state that no political activity is permitted, and alleged that Council Member Phan West continues to violate the law. Ms. Rains also commented on the political flyers she stated were distributed by Council Member Phan West during the Tet celebration, and requested that the memo from the City Attorney be re-released without redactions.
9. BUSINESS MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMBERS
9.1 Request for Ordinance Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide.
Senior Administrative Analyst Ryan Salz provided a brief explanation on the usage and effects of Nitrous Oxide. He outlined the restrictions in Orange County regarding its sale and use and noted several cities that currently have ordinances regulating Nitrous Oxide. Mr. Salz requested that the City Council provide direction to staff on drafting a similar ordinance for Westminster.
Vice Mayor Nguyen asked staff to prepare an ordinance banning the distribution and sale of nitrous oxide within City limits, with exceptions for certain uses such as
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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medical, commercial, and industrial applications only, and to develop a strategy to enforce the ordinance.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Salz explained that state law prohibits possession of Nitrous Oxide with the intent to inhale for intoxication and prohibits its sale or distribution to anyone under 18. He noted that County and city regulations take a broader approach, generally prohibiting Nitrous Oxide except in specified legitimate applications. Mr. Salz clarified that state law currently does not regulate retail sales, and local ordinances can impose additional restrictions in those settings where state law does not apply.
District 2 Council Member Manzo agreed with Mr. Salz's explanation and provided an example ot smoke shops selling Nitrous Oxide with no medical purpose. He expressed support for the City Council moving forward with drafting an ordinance to address this issue.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen asked Mr. Salz to provide information on which surrounding cities currently have ordinances regulating Nitrous Oxide in place.
Mr. Salz responded with the information.
Motion was made by Vice Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo to direct staff to prepare an ordinance banning the distribution and sale of nitrous oxide within City limits, with exceptions for certain uses such as medical, commercial, and industrial applications only, and to develop a strategy to enforce the ordinance.
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
10. COMMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR AGENDA ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL/ AGENCY MEMBERS (Including AB 1234 Report when required).
District 1 Council Member Phan West thanked staff for their work. She requested that staff, in coordination with the City Attorney, draft an ordinance honoring Purple Heart recipients, former Prisoners of War, recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, and recipients of the Medal of Honor. She also asked staff to explore options for allowing veterans to park for free within the city. Additionally, Council Member Phan West commented on Charlie Kirk, noting it has been six months since his - assassination. She shared details of her recent trip to Sacramento, discussing her experience and provided relevant resources and contacts for senior citizens.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Motion was made by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to direct staff and the City Attorney to draft an ordinance honoring Purple Heart recipients, former Prisoners ot War, recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross, and recipients of the Medal of Honor, and to ask staff to explore allowing veterans to park for free within the City.
The Motion failed due to lack of a second.
District 4 Council Member Nguyen thanked staff.
District 2 Council Member Manzo thanked Linh Doan and staff for organizing Women of Distinction Day. He reminded everyone about American Vietnam Veterans Day on March 29 and encouraged attendance at the event. He also thanked staff for all their efforts and contributions.
Vice Mayor Nguyen congratulated the Women of Distinction and thanked staff for their hard work and dedication.
Mayor Nguyen thanked staff and all attendees for participating in the City Council meeting.
11. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 to a Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
TALL MAY
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
L
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCYI March 11, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APPROVED:
MAYOR
ATTEST:
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK