CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 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 6:11 p.m., on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, via In-Person, at the Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
ABSENT: VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
Interim Assistant City Clerk Ramirez announced a quorum of the City Council present.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon
Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta
City Attorney Scott Porter
Community Services and Recreation Director Vanessa Johnson Public Works Director Jake Ngo
Police Chief Darin Lenyi
Deputy Chief Ron Weber
Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Craig Covey Principal Planner Ken Fichtelman
Contract Planner Stephanie Tomaino
Communications Specialist Sofia Chang
Interim Assistant City Clerk Tanya Ramirez
Records Coordinator Daisy Guzman
Sergeant at Arms Bret Gleason
Sergeant at Arms Alexis Gonzalez
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
District 1 Council Member Phan West led the flag salute.
INVOCATION
Mayor Nguyen conducted the invocation.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CITY ATTORNEY/CLOSED SESSION REPORT
There was no closed session, therefore, 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 stated she had nothing to report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cordon announced the Sigler Park Soccer Field ribbon cutting to be held on April 9, the Annual Black April Ceremony to be held on April 30 at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, a Cinco de Mayo Luncheon for seniors on May 5, and a Mother's Day Luncheon for seniors on May 8, and the Mendez Freedom Trail Dedication Ceremony to take place at the Hoover Street Bikeway on April 14.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentations from Asez Wao.
The Mayor introduced representatives from Asez Wao to provide a brief presentation.
Razel Mallari and Ashley Meneses provided a presentation highlighting the many ways their organization supports and serves the community.
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
The following individual spoke under oral communications on agenda items only:
1. Terry Rains, Westminster, acknowledged the police officers who participated in the Baker to Vegas relay, commented on an error in the agenda, commented on legal expenses in Agenda Item 3.2 relating to ongoing court proceedings involving District 1 Council Member Phan West, and commented on the light items on the agenda.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CONSENT CALENDAR
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 date listed below:
A. February 11, 2026.
3.2 City Council and Successor Agency Warrant Register dated March 19, 2026 through April 1, 2026.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed the warrant register.
3.3 Approval of Amended and Restated NPDES Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Approved the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement ("Agreement") between the County of Orange, Orange County Flood Control District (District), and participating Orange County cities (collectively called Permittees); and
B. Authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the Agreement.
3.4 Adoption of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Solicit Construction Bids for the McFadden Avenue, Brookhurst Street, and a Portion of Bolsa Avenue Improvements - Project Plan No. P-2646.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council:
A. Approved the plans and specifications for the referenced Project; and B. Authorized the City Engineer to approve minor modifications to the plans and specifications to accommodate requested revisions from public safety and utility agencies; and
C. Authorized the Public Works Department to advertise and solicit construction bids for the subject Project.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3.5 Approval of Proclamations.
ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the following proclamation:
A. California Cities Week - April 19-25, 2026.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion was made by District 2 Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
The motion carried, 3-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN
ABSTAIN: NONE
Mayor Nguyen reminded the City Council to remain present throughout the Public Hearing item and asked whether a recess was needed.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4.1 Continued from the March 25, 2026 Meeting: Public Hearing - Case No. 2026- 0010 - A Citywide Zoning and General Plan Update Consisting of a General Plan Text Amendment, General Plan Land Use Map Amendment, Zoning Text Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, Pursuant to an Addendum to the General Plan Final Environmental Impact Report.
• Staff Report
• Mayor and City Council Questions for Staff
• Public Comments
• Mayor and Council Member Discussion
• Council Action
Contract Planner Stephanie Tomaino and Principal Planner Ken Fichtelman gave a brief presentation and update since the last meeting.
Following the presentation, Mayor Nguyen inquired if the item were approved today, when it would take effect and how it would impact other projects in the area.
Mrs. Tomaino responded that the Ordinance would take effect 30 days after the second reading and would include projects with applications currently being reviewed by the City.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Fichtelman added there is currently one project in the mixed-use zone and the proposed action will not affect its process.
Mayor Nguyen commented that a resident reached out to him inquiring about a certain location and if that project would be affected by the mixed-use zoning.
Mr. Fichtelman stated the project the resident was inquiring about was currently in the reviewing stages and will be scheduled to go before the Planning Commission and explained the review and approval process.
District 2 Council Member Manzo commented there should be no discussion on specific addresses and projects not included on the agenda and to remain focused on the agenda item only.
District 1 Council Member Phan West inquired if the applicant was present.
City Attorney Porter clarified that the recommendation for this agenda item is for adoption of a resolution and first reading of an ordinance, not project specific, and suggested the City Council limit conversation to the legislative action only.
District 1 Council Member Phan West questioned if the development will affect any current projects.
Principal Planner Fichtelman responded that projects currently in the mixed-use zone will be able to move forward with approval of the item.
MAYOR NGUYEN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
The following individuals spoke under oral communications Public Hearing items:
1. Miguel Pulido stated the current project he is working with is deemed complete and will not be affected by approval of the item, but asked that the project not be included in the mixed-use zone and expressed a desire to work together with the City.
2. Dhaval Patel requested that two parcels he owns located at 13720 Beach Boulevard and 8041 and 8051 21st Street be excluded from the general plan update.
3. Mike Patel echoed previous speaker and requested that the two parcels owned be excluded from the general plan update.
4. Nguyen Hung asked staff if the item would rezone mobile home parks.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
5. Kimberly Ho spoke on the item and stated she proposed this and voted in - favor of it while serving on the council.
6. Paul Nguyen, Westminster, commented he has previously been unable to make improvements to his property due to its industrial zoning and expressed support for the proposed rezoning.
7. Terry Rains, Westminster, recalled the disruption that occurred when the item was previously considered by the City Council and actions by two council members, noted the subsequent efforts by staff to address and correct the situation, commented on the Planning Commission's recommendations, expressed support for removing the Civic Center from mixed-use General Plan designation spoke in favor of the item, and encouraged the City Council to approve in order to move the City forward.
MAYOR NGUYEN CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo, to:
A. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE WESTMINSTER
GENERAL PLAN, INCLUDING AN UPDATE TO THE LAND USE MAP FOR THE
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORINA PURSUANT TO AN ADDENDUM TO
THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER GENERAL PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT"; and
B. Introduce for first reading an Ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (CASE NO. 2026-0010)
AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING AND READOPTING CHAPTER 17.260 RELATING TO MIXED
USES AND ADDING RELATED DEFINITIONS, REVISING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 TO ELIMINATE REFERENCES TO OUTDATED OVERLAY
REFERENCES, AMENDING THE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE TO BE
CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW, MAKING CHANGES TO BRING THE MAKE
THE ZONING CODE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN, AND
REVISING THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO DRIVE THROUGH FACILITIES
AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER,
CALIFORINA, PURSUANT TO AN ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER GENERAL PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.260, SECTIONS 17.10.005,
17.200.010, 17.240.030, 17.250.010, 17.250.015, 17.250, 020, 17.250.035,
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
17.300.010, 17.400,050, 17.520.010 AND 17.700.010)," read by title only and waive further reading.
During the reading of the motion, District 1 Council Member Phan West left the dais at 6:54 p.m.
City Attorney Porter requested that District 1 Council Member Phan West remain at the dais, noting that all three council members present were required to vote and in order to maintain a quorum.
Mayor Nguyen stated that, prior to the agenda item, he had reminded all council members to remain present during the presentation and to participate in the vote.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen called for a recess at 6:54 p.m. due to a lack of quorum.
RECONVENE: Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
ABSENT: VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo, to:
A. Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE WESTMINSTER
GENERAL PLAN, INCLUDING AN UPDATE TO THE LAND USE MAP FOR THE
CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORINA PURSUANT TO AN ADDENDUM TO
THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER GENERAL PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT"; and
B. Introduce for first reading an Ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (CASE NO. 2026-0010)
AMENDING CHAPTER 17 OF THE WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE BY REPEALING AND READOPTING CHAPTER 17.260 RELATING TO MIXED
USES AND ADDING RELATED DEFINITIONS, REVISING VARIOUS
SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 TO ELIMINATE REFERENCES TO OUTDATED
OVERLAY REFERENCES, AMENDING THE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE TO
BE CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW, MAKING CHANGES TO BRING THE
MAKE THE ZONING CODE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN, AND
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
REVISING THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO DRIVE THROUGH FACILITIES
AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER
CALIFORINA, PURSUANT TO AN ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTER GENERAL PLAN FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (WESTMINSTER MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17.260, SECTIONS 17.10.005,
17.200.010, 17.240.030, 17.250.010, 17.250.015, 17.250, 020, 17.250.035,
17.300.010, 17.400,050, 17.520.010 AND 17.700.010)," read by title only and waive further reading.
District 1 Council Member Phan West voted to abstain from the item as she needed more time to think about it.
City Attorney Porter stated that, due to an abstention and the item being a General Plan Amendment, three affirmative votes were required for approval. He recommended that the City Council vote to continue the item to the next meeting.
Substitute motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 2 Council Member Manzo, to continue the item to the next meeting.
City Attorney Porter stated for the record that public comment would be closed at the next meeting, as the opportunity for public input had already been provided, and that the item - would be limited to Council deliberation and vote.
The substitute motion carried, 3-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: C. NGUYEN, PHAN WEST, MANZO
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN
ABSTAIN: NONE
5. REGULAR BUSINESS - None
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. Nguyen Hung commented on the celebration of 250th Anniversary of United States, read a statement in Vietnamese.
2. Tim Hogan, Westminster, commented on the Big Lots property, raised concerns regarding homelessness and related property damage, noted that
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
the existing fencing has been ineffective in securing vacant businesses, commented that residents are expressing concerns, and suggested demolishing the Big Lots building to support surrounding businesses.
3. Benjamin Gelbart commented on District 1 Council Member Phan West being muted at a City event and suggested she seek a restraining order against certain audience members to protect herself.
4. Pam Gremling, Westminster, commented on the homeless issues in her district, stated that she had contacted the Police Department regarding homeless and trash in the Big Lots area, commented regarding safety issues other residents have expressed to her, and shared some concerns from Dino's restaurant owner and employees.
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked Chief Lenyi if there was anything the Police Department could do to address residents' concerns.
Assistant City Manager Ozaeta responded they will reach out to the property owner to discuss additional security measures.
Chief Lenyi added that one of the sergeants-at-arms is also a Homeless Liaison Officer, has heard residents' concerns and will look into.
5. James Beeler commented on freedom of speech and expressed disappointment in the muting of Council Member Phan West's microphone at a City event.
6. Rudy Jaramillo expressed disappointment over Council Member Phan West's microphone being turned off, compared the situation to communism, raised concerns about the importance of protecting freedom of speech, and urged the council to correct the issue.
7. Alex Vaz, Westminster, acknowledged the City Council's extension of the Rose Center agreement to keep it operational, highlighted a disconnect on the effects of short-term extensions and the theater's inability to schedule long- term due to the limited duration of those agreements, and encouraged the council to extend the agreement at least through the duration of the RFP process.
8. Jessica Lostaunau, Westminster, expressed disappointment that an event intended to honor veterans was disrupted when a council member approached the podium and spoke without being announced, stated the council member engaged in campaigning activities at a City event, and commented that the City Council's decision to prohibit that council member from speaking at future City events did not violate freedom of speech.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
9. Terry Rains suggested that Council Member Phan West issue an apology for her actions, stating that the council member was not included as a speaker at the American Vietnam War Veteran's Day Event due to a City Council sanction related to alleged campaigning activities, she referenced statements by Council Member Phan West indicating that she did not distribute flyers and did not violate the law. Ms. Rains further commented on the negative impact of appearances by the Mayor and Council Member Phan West on Vietnamese radio.
Following oral communications, District 1 Council Member Phan West briefly responded to comments raised by several speakers.
Mayor Nguyen also briefly responded to comments raised by several speakers and requested that staff clarify statements made on whether the Mayor asked for District 1 Council Member Phan West's microphone to be turned off.
City Manager Cordon responded that the City Council took action at its February 25, 2026 meeting to prohibit District 1 Council Member Phan West from speaking at ceremonial events; explained that, in planning City events, staff must anticipate various situations and carry out direction provided by a majority of the Council. As a result of the Council's action, District 1 Council Member Phan West was not scheduled or announced as a speaker, and that staff prepares for such circumstances in advance, including managing the use of microphones when an individual is not designated to speak.
A member of the public in attendance stated he wanted to speak, again.
Mayor Nguyen informed the member of the public that he already spoke and oral communications for non-agenda items was closed.
Mayor Nguyen issued a first warning to the member of the public.
Member of the public continued with disruption.
Mayor Nguyen asked the member of the public to return to his seat as he needed to continue and conduct the meeting. Mayor Nguyen gave a second warning to the member of the audience.
Member of the public continued with disruption.
Mayor Nguyen gave a third warning and called for a recess.
RECESS: Mayor Nguyen called for a recess at 7:39 p.m.
RECONVENE: Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2
COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1
ABSENT: VICE MAYOR MARK NGUYEN
COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4
District 1 Council Member Phan West asked staff when the Request for Proposal (RFP) would be posted for the public.
City Manager Cordon responded it would be posted to the City website within a day and added there is a deadline of May 9.
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).
District 1 Council Member Phan West spoke on the importance of freedom of speech and expressed frustration over not given the opportunity to speak at the American Vietnam War Veteran's Day event.
District 2 Council Member Manzo thanked staff for their hard work in organizing a successful American Vietnam War Veterans Day event, noted he is not a part of "a majority," and emphasized that he has both agreed and disagreed with his colleagues in a respectful manner.
Mayor Nguyen thanked staff and all attendees for participating in the City Council meeting and expressed appreciation for staff's efforts in organizing numerous successful events, stated that the City operates under the rule of law and that the City Council is responsible for implementing rules and policies, which Council Members are also expected to follow. Mayor Nguyen also commented on the sanction related to the American Vietnam War Veteran's Day event, clarifying that he did not request that District 1 Council Member Phan West's microphone be turned off, as previously stated, but that staff were enforcing the sanction prohibiting her from speaking.
11. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in memory of Neil Nguyen to a Regular Meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/ APRIL 8, 2026
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Janua An
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
TANYA RAMIREZ
INTERIM ASSISTANT CITY CLERK