CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in a Closed Session via In-Person, City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California. CLOSED SESSION 4:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Nguyen called the Closed Session Meeting of the City CouncilSuccessor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 4:06 p.m., on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, via In-Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN VICE MAYOR CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER MARK NGUYEN, DISTRICT 3 ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4 (Arrived at 4:09 p.m.) City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Christine Cordon Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta City Clerk Ashton Arocho City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLOSED SESSION The following individual spoke under oral communications for the Closed Session meeting: 1. Terry Rains commented on the poor performance of City Attorney Bettenhausen, spoke on other cities hosting a public forum for City Attorney prospects to answer questions from the community and commented in support for this type of forum to take place following the receipt of proposals for the RFP, and raised concerns regarding invoices from the attorney representing the City in a legal suit against District 1 Council Member Phan West and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen. CLOSED SESSION City Clerk Arocho read the Closed Session title into the record: Page 1 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 1. Public Employee EmploymentApontment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (b)(1) Title: City Attorney The Mayor and the City Council entered Closed Session at 4:12 p.m. RECESS: Mayor Nguyen recessed the meeting at 6:03 p.m. from Closed Session. REÇONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: The City Counci/Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency meeting reconvened on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, to Open Session at 6:00 p.m. REGULAR MEETING 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Mayor Nguyen called the Regular Meeting of the City CouncilSuccessor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 6:12 p.m., on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, via In-Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN VICE MAYOR CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER MARK NGUYEN, DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4 ABSENT: NONE City Clerk Arocho announced a quorum of the City Council, with all members 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 Community Services Director Vanessa Johnson Deputy Police Chief Ron Weber Sergeant at Arms Jerad Kent Orange County Fire Authority Craig Covey Public Works Director/City Engineer Jake Ngo Page 2 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Business Services Manager Karla Santillan Assistant Finance Director Jennifer Anderson Administrative Assistant Stephanie Aguilar Administrative Assistant to the City Manager and City Council Linh Doan SALUTE TO THE FLAG Vice Mayor Manzo led the flag salute. INVOCATION District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen conducted the invocation. CITY ATTORNEYICLOSED SESSION REPORT City Manager Cordon stated that the Mayor and City Council met under Closed Session regarding the item listed on the agenda and will reconvene the Closed Session meeting at the end of the regular meeting agenda. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS (Including SB 1439 Report when required) There were no Ex Parte Communications or SB 1439 reports to be presented at this time. REPORT FROM CITY CLERK City Clerk Arocho commented on the late communication memo for Agenda Item No. 3.1 and noted that there was an additional application received for Agenda Item No. 7.1. CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Cordon made the following announcements: California's daylighting law, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413) The City would like to remind residents that California's daylighting law, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), went into effect on January 1, 2025. The law prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Vehicles must park 15 feet away from a curb extension. The law applies regardless of a red curb or parking restriction sign. This law hopes to improve safety at intersections by increasing visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The WPD will enforce this law through education and enforcement. Page 3 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Winter 2025 Explorer Academy Graduation Last week, five Explorers from the Westminster Police Department graduated from the Winter 2025 Explorer Academy: Samantha Chu, Minh Le, Bryan Rocio, Dominic Ruseckij, and Koah Vu. Explorer Chu performed exceptionally well, achieving 3rd place overall out of 99 participants! We are incredibly proud of all our Explorers and want to congratulate them on a job well done! GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award The City received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2024-25 Budget from the Government Finance Officers Association. The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as: a policy document a financial plan an operations guide a communications device Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Tony Lam Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Join us for our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, on Wednesday, March 5th at 1:30 p.m. as we officially unveil our newest playground at Tony Lam Park! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the new education themed playground. Tony Lam Park is located at 8301 McFadden Ave. We hope to see you there! Vice Mayor Manzo left the dais 6:19 p.m. Senior Center - St. Patrick's Day Lunch The Senior Center will be having a festive St. Patrick's Day lunch on Monday, March 17th from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Enjoy lovely dishes, music, and activities, and don't forget to wear your green! Live entertainment will be provided by DJ Professor D. Tickets are on Page 4 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING sale at the Senior Center front desk for $5, SO top by and purchase yours before they sell out! Vice Mayor Manzo retured to the dais at 6:20 p.m. Women of Distinction Recognition Program - Application Period Extended The application period has been extended until March 4th at 5:00 p.m. This prestigious program honors the outstanding achievements of women who have positively and profoundly influenced or impacted the community through their leadership, work, activism, volunteerism, or service. Nominees must be at least 18 years of age and live, work, or volunteer in Westminster. Current City of Westminster employees are not eligible, and self-nominations will not be accepted or acknowledged. Each Council Member will select one honoree following the application deadline and honorees will be recognized at the March 12th Regular City Council meeting. Submit your application by hand delivery to City Hall or by emailing it to Koandwesiminsiersasow Westminster Small Business Expo Ify you haven't registered yet, there is still time! The Westminster Small Business Expo is happening tomorrow, February 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rose Center. Join us for expert panels, networking, and a resource fair, plus a special lunch program on Doing Business in Westminster: Learn about funding under $100K, boosting revenue, growing your digital presence, and key business resources. We'll also share details on the Westminster Technology Grants to support local businesses. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this expo is a great opportunity. Don't miss it, we hope to see you there! New Staff Sergio Verino has been appointed as the Interim Code Enforcement Manager. Sergio is working for us through a contract with Willdan. He most recently served as the Principal Code Enforcement Officer in the City of Santa Ana where he managed a team of supervisors and oversaw the work of the Code Enforcement Officers in the Division. He has more than 18 years of supervisory and managerial experience. Sergio also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Santiago Canyon College where he teaches courses in the fields of code enforcement, public administration and criminal justice. In addition to overseeing daily operations, Sergio will be evaluating all facets of the current code enforcement Page 5 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING program in anticipation of developing performance standards and procedures. 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATION A. Recognition of the 2025 Tet Parade Sponsors and Community Partners. The Mayor and City Council presented a certificate of recognition to a variety of different organizations for their partnership in the 2025 Tet Parade. 2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS = AGENDA ITEMS ONLY The following individuals spoke under oral communications on agenda items only: 1. Terry Rains commented on the late communication memo for Agenda Item No. 3.1, highlighting the still pending minutes for previous meetings, commented on the vacant positions listed within the budget (Agenda Item No. 3.4), congratulated staff on a clean audit (Agenda Item No. 3.5), recent achievement in receiving the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2024-25 Budget and for the 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from the Government Finance Officers Association, made suggestions on stats to justify department budgets moving forward, spoke in support for the proclamation recognizing National Women's History Month (Agenda Item No. 3.6), spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 5.2, and commented on proposed appointments for Agenda Item No. 7.1. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Nguyen pulled Agenda Item No. 3.4 from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion. 3.1 Minutes of the City Council and the Successor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency. ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the amended minutes as presented for the dates listed below: A. February 12, 2025 (Closed Session and Regular Meeting); B. June 26, 2024 (Adjourned Special Meeting); and C. June 26, 2024 (Closed Session and Regular Meeting). 3.2 City Council and Successor Agency Warrant Register dated February 6, 2025 through February 19, 2025. ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed. Page 6 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 3.3 Treasurer's Report for January 2025. ACTION: The Mayor and City Council received and filed the report. 3.4 THIS ITEM WAS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION (SEE END OF CONSENT CALENDAR). 3.5 Receipt of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Related Statements. ACTION: The Mayor and City Council accepted the financial reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. 3.6 Approval of Proclamation. ACTION: The Mayor and City Council approved the proclamation for National Women's History Month. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR CONSENT CALENDAR - ALL ITEMS (3.1-3.6) Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo, seconded by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, with Agenda Item No. 3.4 pulled for separate discussion. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE AGENDA ITEM(S) PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION 3.4 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Midyear Budget Review. Mayor Nguyen pulled this item from the Consent Calendar. Finance Directors Backs provided a brief presentation. District 1 Council Member Phan West left the dais at 6:47 p.m. Following the presentation, Mayor Nguyen thanked staff for the position report. Page 7 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Vice Mayor Manzo, to receive and file the report. The motion carried, 4-0-1-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: PHAN WEST ABSTAIN: NONE 4. PUBLIC HEARING = None. 5. REGULAR BUSINESS 5.1 West Orange County Water Board (WOCWB) Annual Operational Budget for FY 2025/26. Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by' Vice Mayor Manzo, to approve the West Orange County Water Board's FY 2025/26 budget shared between Westminster, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, and Garden Grove, and approve Westminster's contribution of $300,685. District 1 Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 6:53 p.m. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 5.2 Business License Administration Introduction of Business License Liaison Services. City Manager Cordon clarified that there is currently no Management Analyst for the Community Development Department, as stated in the recommendation, and that such services will be handled by staff. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta and Management Analyst Ryan Salz provided a presentation. Following the presentation, Vice Mayor Manzo commented on the application process timeline. Discussion ensued regarding the application timeline and current processes. Page 8 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING District 1 Council Member Phan West addressed concerns of local business owners regarding delays and poor communication with staff. Mayor Nguyen commented on concerns raised by District 1 Council Member Phan West. Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Vice Mayor Manzo, to approve the introduction of Business License Liaison services to be performed by staff. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 6. LEGISLATIVE ITEM - None 7. COMMISSION AND COMMITTEE ITEM 7.1 Continued from the January 22, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting - City Council Appointments to City Commissioners and Committees for 2025-2027. Motion was made by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to appoint Tami Hammell to the Citizens Oversight Committee (Measure Y and E) to serve at the pleasure of the appointing council member and will serve until the council member leaves office or the disbandment of the committee. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to: A. Defer Vice Mayor Manzo's appointment to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting; and B. Appoint the following to the Parks and Recreation Commission: 1. Jason Gray, appointed by Mayor Nguyen 2. Grant Harting, appointed by District 1 Council Member Phan West Page 9 CITY COUNCIUSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 3. Donald Lank, appointed by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen 4. Tim Hogan, appointed by District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE During the appointment process for the Planning Commission, District 1 Council Member Phan West asked if there was an application on file for John Gentile for the Planning Commission. Discussion ensued regarding the appointment process. Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen, to: A. Defer District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen's appointment to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting; and B. Appoint the following to the Planning Commission: 1. Alin Hamade, appointed by Mayor Nguyen 2. Don Anderson, appointed by Vice Mayor Manzo 3. K.C. Wolbert, appointed by District 1 Council Member Phan West 4. John Gentile, appointed by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen Prior to the roll call vote, District 1 Council Member Phan West asked District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen to defer his appointment to a future date, as the appointment he made was not from the list of applicants for the Planning Commission. Discussion ensued regarding the prospective appointments. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE During the appointment process for the Cultural Arts Commission, Vice Mayor Manzo suggested that due to there being five seats and five applicants, to appoint Page 10 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING all of them as a slate. Discussion ensued regarding the appointments. Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen, to: A. Defer Mayor Nguyen and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen's appointments to the next regularly scheduled meeting; and B. Appoint the following to the Cultural Arts Commission: 1. Andrew Tran, appointed by Vice Mayor Manzo 2. Pam Gremling, appointed by District 1 Council Member Phan West 3. Ashton Kauwe, appointed by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE During the appointment process for the Traffic Commission, District 1 Council Member Phan West stated that she would like to appoint John Gentile. City Attorney Bettenhausen had interjected informing the City Council that there is a section in the Municipal Code stating that the City Council as a majority must come to an agreement that a member of the public can serve on two Commissions at the same time and that there is no conflict. Discussion ensued regarding a potential conflict between the Planning Commission and the Traffic Commission. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta confirmed that there is potential conflict between the two commissions in question. City Attorney Bettenhausen stated that he'd suggest not having a member serving on the Planning Commission also serve on a second commission. Discussion ensued. Page 11 CITY COUNCILISUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen, to: A. Defer Mayor Nguyen, District 1 Council Member Phan West, and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen's appointments to the next regularly scheduled meeting; and B. Appoint the following to the Traffic Commission: 1. Donald Lank, appointed by Vice Mayor Manzo 2. Khanh Nguyen, appointed by District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 8. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NON-AGENDA ITEMS The following individuals spoke under oral communications on non-agenda items: 1. Tim Nelson commented on upcoming shows and productions at the Rose Center Theater and invited the community to come out. 2. Nguyen Hung = translation needed Mayor Nguyen left the dais at 7:40 p.m. 3. Faustina Cormany commented on sexual assault. District 1 Council Member Phan West left the dais at 7:42 p.m. District 1 Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 7:42 p.m. 4. John Gentile thanked the Mayor and City Council for his appointment on the Planning Commission and thanked the Westminster Police Department for the recent award presented to the Posse Bar Foundation for the assistance on the purchase of the new police dog, Thor. 5. Chris Egger commented on cannabis regulations and urged the City Council to reconsider a policy around cannabis to bring additional revenue into the City. Page 12 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 6. Debbie Johnson commented on the naming of Sid Goldstein Freedom Park and raised concerns of conditions at Margie L. Rice Park. District 1 Council Member Phan West left the dais at 7:51 p.m. 7. Tim Hogan commented on concerns of current conditions at Margie L. Rice Park due to prior construction by Orange County Transportation Authority. District 1 Council Member Phan West returned to the dais 7:51 p.m. District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen left the dais at 7:51 p.m. District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen returned to the dais at 7:54 p.m. 8. Tami Hammell thanked District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen for the appointment to the Measure Y/E Oversight Committee and addressed concerns of District 1 Council Member Phan West. 9. Donald Lank thanked the Mayor and City Council for his appointments to the Commissions, spoke in support of cannabis dispensaries, and commented on District 1 Council Member Phan West's behavior. 10.April Malina encouraged community members to support and attend upcoming events and productions at the Rose Center Theater. 11.Terry Rains commented on the recent food resiliency program, spoke on the lack of appearance from District 1 Council Member Phan West at the recent court hearing regarding regarding the recent criminal arraignment court hearing against District 1 Council Member Phan West, commented on concerns of the lawsuit against District 1 Council Member Phan West and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen, highlighted concerns of attorney billing being sent directly to Jones and Mayer for current lawsuit against District 1 Council Member Phan West and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen, and closed with comments about obstruction and absences, urging both District 1 Council Member Phan West and District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen to resign. Following oral communications, Mayor Nguyen recognized District 1 Council Member Phan West to briefly respond to comments made by the public. 9. BUSINESS MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL/AGENCY MEMBERS = None Page 13 CITY COUNCILUSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING 10. COMMENTS FROM CITY COUNCILIAGENCY MEMBERS (Including AB 1234 Report when required) District 3 Council Member M. Nguyen commented on his recent attendance at the PCTA Board Meeting and thanked staff for organizing the Food Resiliency program, commenting on the positive feedback received from residents. Vice Mayor Manzo commented on concerns raised during oral communications non agenda items specific to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Vice Mayor Manzo asked staff to confirm if OCTA ever repaired any of the damaged water lines that occurred during the construction. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta confirmed that all the damaged water lines were prepared as a part of the process and clarified that the water lines were originally going to be a city expense, but after negotiations, all bridges that carry a water line were repaired as an expense within the project by OCTA. Discussion ensued regarding the different pending items pertaining to Margie L. Rice Park, along with other areas along the corridor, related to the OCTA projects. Discussion ensued regarding current challenges at Margie L. Rice Park. Motion was made by Vice Mayor Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to direct staff to prepare a staff report for an upcoming meeting regarding an update audit on Orange County Transportation Authority. The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen thanked staff and the Westminster Police Department for their assistance at the recent Tet Parade. District 1 Council Member Phan West highlighted the upcoming Small Business Expo, spoke on the upcoming March 2nd World Teen Mental Wellness Day and commented on speaking with Mayor Nguyen separately on recognizing this day, promoted the Women of Distinction program encouraging residents to nominate deserving members of the community, and commented on the March 29th event honoring the American Vietnam war veterans. Brief discussion ensued regarding the certificates for the American Vietnam war Page 14 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING veterans at the event. Mayor Nguyen thanked members of the public for participating in the event, thanked staff for all that they do for the community, commented on his recent attendance at the little league baseball opening day, commented on the appointments for the Boards, Commissions and Committees, and congratulated those who were appointed. CLOSED SESSION The Mayor and City Council returned to Closed Session to continue to discuss the following item: 1. Public Employee mpoymentApontment Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 (b)(1) Title: City Attorney RECESS: Mayor Nguyen recessed into the Closed Session meeting at 8:25 p.m. District 1 Council Member Phan West left the meeting at 8:37 p.m. District 4 Council Member N. Nguyen left the meeting at 8:37 p.m. RECONVENE: Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 8:38 pm. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN VICE MAYOR CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER MARK NGUYEN, DISTRICT 3 ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4 CITY ATTORNEYICLOSED SESSION REPORT City Manager Cordon reported that the Mayor and City Council met under Closed Session on the item listed on the agenda and took the following action: Motion was made by District3 Council Member M. Nguyen, seconded by District 1 Council Member Phan West, to appoint Scott Porter with the Law Office of Jones and Mayer as the new City Attorney. Page 15 CITY COUNCILISUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FEBRUARY 26, 2025 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING The motion carried, 5-0, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, MANZO, PHAN WEST, M. NGUYEN, N. NGUYEN NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 11. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT Mayor Nguyen adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The next Regular Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: yofan pocno ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC CITY CLERK APPROVED: CHI CHARLIE/NGUYEN MAYOR ATTEST: Sstan do ASHJON RAROCHO, MMC CITY CLERK Page 16