CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING The City Council of the City of Westminster, California, convened on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in a Special Meeting - Open Session via In-Person, City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California. CLOSED SESSION 5:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Nguyen called the Special Meeting of the City CouncilSuccessor Agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Meeting to order at 5:21 p.m., on Monday, October 14, 2024, via In-Person, at the City Council Chambers, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, California. Prior to the roll call, Mayor Nguyen commented on the reasons for calling this Special Meeting. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN VICE MAYOR KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3 COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO, DISTRICT 2 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 Assistant City Manager Adolfo Ozaeta City Clerk Ashton Arocho City Attorney Christian Bettenhausen Police Chief Darin Lenyi Deputy Police Chief Ron Weber Management Analyst Ryan Salz Sergeant at Arms Stewart DeJong SALUTE TO FLAG Council Member Manzo led the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION Vice Mayor Ho provided the invocation. Page 1 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING 1. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS = AGENDA ITEMS ONLY Council Member Phan West left the dais at 5:23 p.m. Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 5:23 p.m. Mayor Nguyen reminded members of the public about decorum and urged members of the public to refrain from the use of profanity during comments. Council Member Phan West left the dais at 5:25 p.m. The following individuals spoke under oral communications: 1. Dao Tran spoke on the reason for the calling of the meeting, highlighted the inaccuracy of the comments related to the mobile homes and rezoning discussion during the September 11, 2024 Council meeting (Agenda Item No. 5.2), and spoke on the need for the community to recall Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 5:26 p.m. 2. Nguyen Hung commented on the prior vote of Agenda Item No. 5.2 during the September 11, 2024 Council meeting, thanked City Manager Cordon for announcing the Special Meeting to discuss this item, and made comments and suggestions as a mobile home park resident. Council Member Phan West left the dais at 5:31 p.m. 3. Joesph Ngo commented on the process for rezoning and spoke on the prior vote of Agenda Item No. 5.2 during the September 11, 2024 Council meeting. Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 5:33 p.m. Following the comments, Mayor Nguyen briefly responded to questions raised during oral communications. 4. Nhat Linh provided comments on the naccurate information provided in the fake eviction notice to mobile home park residents and commented on the prior vote of Agenda Item No. 5.2 during the September 11, 2024 Council meeting. During oral communications, there was disruption from the dais. Council Member Nguyen asked Mayor Nguyen if he would let members of the public speak the full six (6) minutes, even if they are not using a portion of their time to translate. Page 2 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Discussion ensued. 4. Nhat Linh continued her comments regarding the inaccuracy of the rezoning of mobile home parks. Mayor Nguyen responded to concerns of the City Council regarding the oral communication time allotment for translations. Mayor Nguyen also mentioned that a 5-minute recess will be called every hour to accommodate restroom breaks and encourage the City Council to remain at the dais during the meeting. 5. Hue Doanetto commented on the need to hold the Special Meeting due to the fake news being circulated regarding false evictions of residents in local mobile home parks. Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 5:46 p.m. 6. Gigi Vo commented on the fake news of mobile home parks and rezoning. Council Member Phan West left the dais at 5:53 p.m. 7. Tami Hammell commented on the waste of time for the Special Meeting, spoke on the fake news spread by both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen, and highlighted the inappropriate oehavior and lack of respect towards city staff. City Attorney Bettenhausen responded to comments made by members of the public regarding City Council's behavior towards staff. 8. Debbie Schwabl commented on concerns of a candidate running for District 3 and spoke on concerns of the eviction notice for mobile home park residents. 9. Tony spoke on the fake news regarding mobile home parks and commented on the upcoming November 2024 general municipal election candidates. Mayor Nguyen interrupted the speaker reminding them not to campaign during oral communications. 10. Thuy Vo commented on the residents of the mobile home parks and spoke on rezoning. Mayor Nguyen apologized to Tony regarding the campaign comment, as City Attorney Bettenhausen clarified that only candidates are not able to campaign from the podium. Page 3 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING 11. Michael Verrengia commented on the absence of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen from the dais, highlighted the prior explanation provided by Assistant City Manager Ozaeta, spoke on the lack of understanding by Council Member Phan West, commented on the lack of respect displayed towards the public by Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen, urged City Attorney Bettenhausen to research ways to dock the pay of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen for their continued absence from the dais during meetings, commented on the false eviction notices sent out to mobile home park residents and commented on concerns of losing staff after the upcoming November election, dependent on results. 12. Roger Mindrum commented on the continued waste of time spent by the City Council, outlined that this meeting should assist the voters in identifying who they should vote for in the upcoming November election, highlighted the absence of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen from the dais after Mayor Nguyen urged members of the City Council to remain present and wait for the recess breaks, and spoke on the need to continue to argue the truth despite what Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen say. 13.K.C. Wolbert commented on the continued confusion and chaos displayed by the members of the City Council, commented on the protected class of mobile home park residents and spoke on rezoning measures within the City. 14. Tim Hogan commented on the lack of structure of the meetings, suggested that there be a live feed showing each member of the City Council at the dais SO members of the public at home can see who is present at the dais and who is absent throughout the meeting, and commented on false information being formed around mobile home park residents. 15.Terry Rains commented on the misinformation that was sent out regarding evictions to mobile home park residents, spoke on the mixed use districts, nighlighted the misinformation by Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen, and commented on the disrespect towards staff by both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. 16.Khai Dao commented on the misinformation around mobile home park residents. Council Member Phan West returned to the dais at 6:22 p.m. 16. CONTINUED - Khai Dao continued his comments highlighting the attempt to campaign, recent press conferences and press releases and urged the recall for Council Member Nguyen. Following oral communications, Mayor Nguyen commented on the allotted time for those who need translation services during oral communications, commented on the Page 4 CITY COUNCILSUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING brief comments allowed by members of the City Council following oral communications and spoke in disappointment on the lack of understanding by Traffic Commissioner Ngo. Mayor Nguyen also reminded members of the City Council that he will be calling a five (5) minute recess to allow for restroom breaks every hour. Council Member Phan West briefly responded to comments made by the public. Discussion ensued regarding oral communications time and brief responses by members of the City Council. Council Member Nguyen returned to the dais at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Phan West commented on the prior attempt to rescind Agenda Item No. 5.2 from the September 11, 2024, meeting and raised concerns for senior citizens in mobile home parks. During the brief comments, Mayor Nguyen reminded Council Member Phan West that this time is to provide brief comments and not to discuss the item. Council Member Manzo commented on the importance of clarifying the truth behind Agenda Item No. 5.2 from the September 11, 2024, meeting and in hopes that it will provide comfort to the community. 2. Discussion of Misinformation Related to the "Mixed Use Analysis Related to Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives" from the September 11, 2024 City Council Meeting. Mayor Nguyen commented on the purpose of this item. Vice Mayor Ho commented on the item that was presented to the City Council for review and consideration at the September 11, 2024 meeting and asked City Clerk Arocho to identify who was at the dais during the item. City Clerk Arocho noted for the record that there were some members of the City Council who left the dais and returned to the dais throughout the item, but that Council Member Nguyen left the dais at the start of the item and did not return to the dais during the length of the item. Vice Mayor Ho commented on the lack of understanding and knowledge of the agenda item by both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. Council Member Nguyen left the dais at 6:39 p.m. Page 5 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING RECESS: Mayor Nguyen called a recess at 6:39 p.m. RECONVENE: Mayor Nguyen reconvened the meeting at 6:48 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: MAYOR CHI CHARLIE NGUYEN COUNCIL MEMBER AMY PHAN WEST, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER CARLOS MANZO DISTRICT 2 COUNCIL MEMBER NAMQUAN NGUYEN, DISTRICT 4 ABSENT: VICE MAYOR KIMBERLY HO, DISTRICT 3 (Arrived at 6:49 p.m.) 2. CONTINUED - Discussion of Misinformation Related to the "Mixed Use Analysis Related to Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives" from the September 11, 2024 City Council Meeting. Vice Mayor Ho entered the meeting at 6:49 p.m. Council Member Manzo commented on his main concern of being the residents of the mobile home parks, highlighted the disrespect towards staff, and spoke on the misinformation being sent out to the community on this item. Discussion ensued regarding the lack of conversation around mobile home parks during the strategic plan item presented on September 11, 2024. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta confirmed for the record that mobile home parks were never a point of discussion during the entire process. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta provided a brief presentation of the prior presentations presented by staff to the City Council. Council Member Phan West commented on the truth stated by both her and Council Member Nguyen and highlighted the inclusion of mobile home parks within the mixed- use district proposed by staff during the September 11, 2024 meeting. Following Council Member Phan West's comments, Assistant City Manager Ozaeta responded to false comments made about rezoning of mobile home parks. Vice Mayor Ho asked Mayor Nguyen if there is anyone available to offer translations from staff into Vietnamese for residents. It was identified that there was no translator present. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta continued to make comments to clarify that mobile Page 6 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING home parks were never included in the rezoning discussion. Mayor Nguyen commented on the inappropriateness of Council Member Phan West's comments towards Assistant City Manager Ozaeta at the recent meeting. Discussion ensued regarding comments made by Council Member Phan West towards staff. Mayor Nguyen commented on the mixed-use concern and total amount of displaced residents, as quoted by Council Member Phan West. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta highlighted that the City does not have the authority to evict anyone. Council Member Nguyen address the allegations by Vice Mayor Ho and Council Member Manzo, commented on the Special Meeting called by Mayor Nguyen and responded to comments about wasting staff and resident's time. Council Member Manzo commented on the political agenda being portrayed during the meeting and reiterated the confirmation by staff that there will be no evictions to mobile home residents. Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to direct staff to present a press release explaining the item and provide the residents of the mobile home parks with accurate information. Council Member Phan West commented on eminent domain. Mayor Nguyen commented on his desire to conclude the meeting shortly and highlighted that the City Council has already been presented by staff on this item. Mayor Nguyen commented on eminent domain which was raised by Council Member Phan West. City Attorney Bettenhausen cautioned members of the City Council when using terms such as eminent domain and clarified the process. Council Member Nguyen commented on residents that currently live within mobile home parks. Council Member Nguyen commented on his desire to make a substitute motion. Mayor Nguyen asked Council Member Nguyen to hold off on making a substitute motion. Page 7 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Council Member Nguyen repeated his number for members of the public to take down to contact him directly regarding the item. Council Member Phan West continued to make comments about reclaiming time from Council Member Nguyen. Mayor Nguyen gave Council Member Phan West her first warning. Council Member Phan West continued to interrupt the meeting asking City Attorney Bettenhausen for clarification on Roberts' Rules of Order. Mayor Nguyen asked staff to confirm that if the map presented by Council Member Nguyen was of Green Lantern Mobile Home Park or Garden Grove Boulevard. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta clarified that the map shown was a location at Garden Grove Boulevard and Springdale and that it was a commercial property, not a mobile home park. Vice Mayor Ho asked both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen to apologize to residents for spreading fake news and raising concerns around their homes and apologized to Assistant City Manager Ozaeta for the poor behavior of Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. Vice Mayor Ho asked the media in the audience to accurately report the news from tonight's meeting to assist in providing peace to the residents. Vice Mayor Ho commented on her attendance at the press release on Saturday and commented on the absence of both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen during Agenda Item No. 5.2 at the September 11, 2024 meeting, commented on the inappropriateness of continuing to make this item an issue for the residents. Mayor Nguyen apologized to staff and the residents for the concerns of the misinformation, apologized to Assistant City Manager Ozaeta for the poor behavior of Council Member Phan West, and commented on the inability of Council Member Phan West to personally apologize for her actions. An Amended Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to: A. Direct staff to issue a press release regarding the truth behind the September 11, 2024 meeting, and send a mailer to mobile home park residents with accurate information to provide peace to the residents impacted; and B. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution to denounce the fake news. Page 8 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING C. Direct staff to prepare a statement to censure those involved in spreading the misinformation, including Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. City Attorney Bettenhausen commented on concerns of Item B in the motion. Discussion ensued regarding the motion. Council Member Phan West asked City Attorney Bettenhausen if they are able to re- censure her. Discussion ensued regarding the motion. Disruption continued from the dais. City Attorney Bettenhausen commented in caution of members running against one another in an election. Council Member Phan West commented on her desire to propose a substitute motion. Mayor Nguyen asked Council Member Phan West to wait, as clarification on the original motion is needed. Mayor Nguyen asked City Attorney Bettenhausen on his recommendation on censuring Council Members Phan West and Nguyen. Discussion ensued. Mayor Nguyen stated that he will defer Item C of the motion to following the November election, based off the concerns raised by City Attorney Bettenhausen. An Amended Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to: A. Direct staff to issue a press release regarding the truth behind the September 11, 2024 meeting, and send a mailer to mobile home park residents with accurate information to provide peace to the residents impacted; and B. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution to denounce the fake news. Substitute Motion was made by Council Member Phan West, to amend the implementation of the project, as presented at the September 11, 2024 meeting, for six (6) months SO that the City Council and public can discuss regarding the mobile home parks. Page 9 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Following the substitute motion, discussion ensued regarding the project referenced in the substitute motion. Mayor Nguyen asked staff to clarify if the substitute motion is valid. Assistant City Manager Ozaeta confirmed for the record that there was no vote taken at the September 11, 2024 meeting to rezone. Disruption continued from the dais. Substitute Motion was made by Council Member Phan West, seconded by Council Member Nguyen, to amend the implementation of the project, as presented at the September 11, 2024 meeting, for six (6) months SO that the City Council and public can discuss regarding the mobile home parks. During the roll call vote, Council Member Manzo commented on the inaccuracy of the proposed substitute motion. Further discussion occurred during the roll call vote. The substitute motion failed, 2-3, by the following roll call vote: AYES: PHAN WEST, N. NGUYEN NOES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE An Amended Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to: A. Direct staff to issue a press release regarding the truth behind the September 11, 2024 meeting, and send a mailer to mobile home park residents with accurate information to provide peace to the residents impacted; and B. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution to denounce the fake news. Prior to the roll call, Vice Mayor Ho asked if the motion can be amended. Discussion ensued from the dais regarding the amending of the motion. Disruption occurred at the dais. Vice Mayor Ho asked if the motion can be amended to have the mailer in both English and Vietnamese, as well as published in the Vietnamese paper, and have the costs for such be split between both Council Member Phan West and Council Member Nguyen. Page 10 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Discussion ensued. City Attorney Bettenhausen clarified that you can add the language into the motion, but you cannot make the Council Member's pay. Discussion ensued regarding the motion on the floor. Disruption continued from the dais. An Amended Motion was made by Council Member Manzo, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to: A. Direct staff to issue a press release regarding the truth behind the September 11, 2024 meeting, and send a mailer to mobile home park residents, in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, published in the newspaper, with accurate information to provide peace to the residents impacted; and B. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution to denounce the fake news. The amended motion carried, 3-2, by the following roll call vote: AYES: C. NGUYEN, HO, MANZO NOES: PHAN WEST, N. NGUYEN ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 3. COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT Mayor Nguyen adjourned the special meeting at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted: gocko ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC CITY CLERK Page 11 CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA WESTMINSTER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCTOBER 14, 2024 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING APPROVED: hiet / CHI CHARLIE NGVYEN MAYOR ATTEST: datan Cade ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC CITY CLERK' - Page 12