City Council - Regular Meeting

The time now is 6-11 on September 24, 2025. I would like to continue to reconvene the city council successor agency to the Westminster Redevelopment Agency Housing Authority meeting. So at this time, meeting call to order and we'll call please.

Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Nguyen?

I'm here.

Vice Mayor Monzo?

I'm here.

Council, District 1, Councilwoman Fen West. Fen West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

Here.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen.

I'm here.

Mayor, you have a quorum with all members present.

All right, thank you very much. Salute to the flag today is going to be District 4, Councilmember Nam Quang Nguyen. Invocation will be District 3 by Councilmember Mark Nguyen. Please stand.

Ready, begin.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic of which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please remain standing. Heavenly Father, grant us this evening clarity of vision, courage, and compassion of good humor as we deliberate decisions that affect the citizens of our city. Please guide us by your will, ensuring that decisions are based on the whole of the community and not on opinions of a few or one. Help us keep in mind that as elected official, we are here this evening to represent the wishes of all who live in our community, amen.

Thank you to Council Member Nguyen and Council Member McQueen for the flag and also invocation. Next is City Attorney closed session report please.

Yes, so we did meet in closed session to discuss the one item of potential litigation. There's no reportable action that was taken during that meeting.

Thank you. City Attorney and Mayor, if I want to remove an item, do I speak now, City Attorney?

No, not right now, not right now. We'll wait until later. Export communications including SB 1439 report one require. So do we have anything on the diets here? Hearing none, seeing none, so moving on to city clerk report please.

Thank you, Mayor. There's a late communications memo for agenda item number 4.2 for council's consideration and approval. The memo reflects corrections to the draft ordinance. The memo has been presented to all of you, posted online for the public, as well as outside in the front lobby. That concludes my report.

All right, thank you. Next is City Manager report, please.

Thank you, Mayor and members of the City Council and everyone in attendance tonight. First, I'd like to introduce our newest member of the Westminster Police Department K9. This is Taz. You can see a photo of Taz. So Taz was born on November 24th, 2024 in the Netherlands where he underwent extensive training. He is a breed related to the Malinois, and I can't pronounce the breed, so I apologize. Taz and his handler, his handler is Officer Gerkenich, and they'll be attending a six-week local training course before they are certified for patrol work. This training includes rigorous exercises in obedience, agility, retrieval, apprehension, guard work, and protection. The funds for acquiring our newest canine were made possible by a generous donation from a longtime resident of Westminster, Diana Carey, and former council member. Once Taz and his handler are fully operational, the chief will arrange an in-person introduction for Taz at an upcoming city council meeting. So welcome, Taz. And outside, you may have noticed the colorful carnival rides getting set up at the Civic Center, and that's because our fall festival is happening. It kicks off tomorrow, less than 24 hours. It takes place this weekend, September 25th through 28th, and each day of the festival offers something special. On Thursday, tomorrow, we're starting with our cultural night, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, and we'll also have a Loteria game happening as well tomorrow. And on Friday, we have TGI food trucks bringing a variety of delicious food truck options. We'll also be having our official welcome ceremony at 6 p.m. at the stage. On Saturday, we're bringing back our Senior Expo. That'll be from 1 to 4 p.m., followed by the Maker's Hive Market from 6 to 10 p.m., And on Sunday, the festival wraps up with the Dreamers Market from 12 to 4 p.m. The festival will also feature carnival rides, games, drink garden, and live entertainment all week long. So for the full schedule, discount ride tickets, more info, follow the city's Instagram, Facebook pages, and of course our city website. That concludes my report for tonight.

All right, thank you very much, City Manager. And before we have a special presentation, I just want, on behalf of the City Council and city staff, I would like to welcome each and every one of you to the City Council tonight. And so with that, here comes an interesting special presentation, and it is one year update on Central City's Navigation Center. And with that, please welcome Eric Richardson from the Director of Housing from Orange County and Los Angeles for a short presentation, please. So, Eric Richardson.

uh thank you for that introduction it's i also want to introduce uh daniel daniel is the uh program manager for the central cities navigation center and key really in the delivery from day one when we first opened he's been there and done a fantastic piece of work so it's a combination of us both doing the presentation um i haven't got a clicker so um unless there's one here somewhere i'll move it to the next slide if we can please Okay, so I'll, there we go. That's better for my eyes. So as we know, we opened on June the 12th, 2024, September, and these details are to yesterday, September the 23rd, 2025. All we wanted to do is give you an idea of some of the information of client data that we've had of who stayed on the site. And so I'll hand over to Danny to talk through those numbers.

Hi, good afternoon, everyone.

There we go.

So since opening the CCNC, we have enrolled a total of 407 clients, 88 specifically from Westminster. We've housed 42 clients overall at CCNC and 15 from Westminster. Other outcomes include clients returning a family, moving to sober living facilities, employment, And some clients that just, they go AWOL, they go missing after 72 hours of the site. All showing steady progress and always trying to put our clients back on our feet.

Just to talk a little bit to give you some more detail for anybody who isn't aware.

Can you close it to the mic, please?

Yes, of course. Sorry. One of the points that we have, which is the last one. So as part of this shelter and any other shelter we have, if we have anybody that's missing out of their bed in the shelter for more than 72 hours, so three days, then we exit them. That's simply so that we consistently keep the beds available for anybody else that wants to use them. But we also want to make sure people are aware that should that person come back, we will always have them back. There's no issue with them coming back into the navigation centre. It's just a matter of we want to keep those beds free because there's consistently people that want to access the centre, so we want to make sure they're available. Next slide, please. So we wanted to talk a little bit about some of the delivery work we do and what we deliver to the clients. So the first thing we do when a client comes into the CCNC is that acclimation. It's getting them used to the center and walking around the navigation center to make sure they understand where all the facilities are, what their responsibilities are, and what our commitment is to them as clients as well. Next stage is collecting documentation. Lots of homeless clients that come to us don't have any documentation, don't have any ID. So that's the first point of call and the first piece of work we spend a lot of time on because until we get that, we can't move them on to housing, sometimes benefits, etc. They engage with a case manager who pulls that ID together and helps them do that. We take them to get the ID if they need it as well. We also do referrals to external support agencies. So should that individual have mental health needs, substance misuse, or want to get straight into employment, we've got external support agencies that can help us with that. Every client has a housing support plan that clearly sets out their goals. They're not our goals. We want to make sure that it's about it being the client's journey and their client's vision of where they want to be. That's the main point for us. And we have a housing support plan for every client. We link them to a housing navigation team. So we've got two staff that simply do housing navigation. They link with landlords and they link with the CES team where we can find out if they can get vouchers and access that piece of work for housing. We also want to increase their income, so we have a lot of clients that are either want to get directly into work, they want to do training, they want to develop and move on, and that's how we have employment and training. We do have some clients that are not at that stage in their journey yet, and so we work with them to make sure that we get them to that point, but we have to work carefully with the clients because, you know, as all our clients, they feel they have a lot of trauma, they've gone through a lot of issues before they come to us, so it's working with that. Next slide, please. I'll let you talk to them again.

So currently right now at the site we have a total of 22 clients. There you go. 22 clients, 15 are male, five are female, and one couple. So we have the beds full right now, and that's also a great help to the HLO team who has been always bringing us clients, so it's appreciated by them. Seven clients are connected with the housing navigators working towards being linked to housing. Four of the clients are currently employed. Three have fixed income. Four are currently looking for work and working with an employment agency. and aid are working on obtaining their documentations.

I think a big point to put about that is we try and make sure that the myth around lots of the clients we have, they're homeless, they don't want to do anything, they don't want to work. Four of the clients that we've got, as it says, they're currently employed. Some of them have got work when they've come to the CCNC or they already had it. So it's not always that agenda of, yeah, homeless individuals don't have work and don't want to work. Four of the clients are employed. As we always say, there's lots of reasons why people become homeless. It's not always mental health. It's not always substance misuse. It can be a whole remit of different reasons why. Next slide, please.

This next slide is the Vituida Clinic, which comes to our site every last Wednesday of the month. So they're actually there at the site today and they provide haircuts, medical service, mental health service. We try to link them to any service that the clients might need to be able to be stable and try to get them back into society. Next slide. And then I wanted to talk about a success story. One of our success stories is Jeff and Ashton, who illustrate how the center supported individuals to achieve recovery and independence. Through initial essential services, skill building, employment assistance, specialized training and job fairs, they secured employment and permanent supportive housing, thriving in their new environment.

Next slide.

There was actually a video that we're supposed to include. I think we're gonna play it after, but it was normally supposed to play right after that footage. So this is our last slide. So just wanted to just thank everybody. Thank the City of Westminster, the Homeless Liaison Outreach Team, and the Police Department for their collaborative work with us. And thank you guys for supporting the shelter.

And just to add to that as well, VOALA, for people that don't know, we run programs both in Orange County and in LA. We have quite a few shelters. And one of the things that we've done this one-year presentation both at Garden Grove already and at Fountain Valley, and we've stressed that at both of those sites, as we will do here, that this has got to be – and I'm glad I've got my hand here because there's a bit of wood there to put my hand on it – has been one of the smoothest and easiest and great for the clients set up that we've had in lots of shelters that we've delivered. And that goes down to the HLOs, the referral teams that are referring in to us and understanding the client base and what we need to do. and also every city. The communication has been fantastic. I know I meet regularly with Christine and her support has been great as it is with all the city managers and I just want to stress that because you know setting up shelters sometimes can be a real concern but all of the cities understood that as we set up this uh navigation center it wasn't one that we were going to go right by day one we're going to be full it was that process of making sure that the place was running correctly that the clients um felt happy in there and it's really pale that paid off dividends further down the line we recently had the county so the county obviously have a certain amount of money they put into the shelter we have ignored it by them which came out and they were very very positive about the delivery as well which is good news for us so i just wanted to pass that over because it has been a great a great 12 months working with all the partners all in three cities so thank you for that so again sorry christy is the video are you showing the video we have a yeah we do have a video that we'd like to show that highlights the uh but first sue does anyone from the council have any questions before we play the video

Is there any questions from the council here? I have a question. Sure.

Thank you, Mayor. Can you elaborate more about when you mentioned the folks who were employed? Were there jobs that they found, or is it jobs that the center found for them?

It's always a little bit of both. So we always wanna encourage our residents to find their own employment, but we have the OC workforce team that comes and works with our clients at the site. We also have resume workshop building where we try to connect clients with different types of employments.

Okay, thank you. Any other questions? If not, on behalf of the city council and also city staff, we'd like to thank you for taking your time to come out here and updating us. Time flies. It's just like yesterday, and now it's already one year. And we appreciate for your update. And hopefully that you come back for the next time, and then we can have more update on this. Thank you.

Sorry.

All right.

Thank you. Sorry about that. So we do have the video to show real quick. I just want to make sure it populates.

Okay.

Can we have that slide to present to us? I mean, can we get a copy of the slide as well? Is it possible? Yes. Okay, thank you. Yes, we can definitely get you that. We'll also be posting it on the website on our Navigation Center webpage as well. Okay, thank you.

And if any of the council members want any more detail afterwards or you see the presentation, you want to ask him more questions, I'm sure Christine won't mind sharing my email and Daniel's email in case there's anything afterwards that you want to ask us or get more information.

So you want to play the video right now?

Yeah, but it's not, is it not showing up on there? It's not showing up on the screen.

All right.

Not yet.

Please hold while we're experiencing technical difficulties.

While we wait, I have another question. I know we had resources there for pets. Do we have any pets at the facility?

Yeah, we currently have 10 dogs right now. 10 dogs? For a good little bit, I had like eight cats too, but right now we've been able to house everybody who has a cat.

All right, thank you.

Just while we're still waiting, just talk a little bit about that. I'll go as soon as it comes on. Just to talk a little bit about pets. We get a wide range of pets, but we obviously have to be very careful about what we have in the center.

Thank you.

I just wanted to let you know we're still waiting for the video. Here we are.

In Garden Grove, near Westminster, on a nondescript street, is the intersection of help and hope. Behind the grayish walls of this building, there is a collaborative effort between the County of Orange and the cities of Garden Grove, Westminster, and Fountain Valley to deal with the issue of people who are unhoused and seeking help. The Central Cities Navigation Center is celebrating its one-year anniversary. The center, which is helping people transition from homelessness to hopefulness, is in the business of changing lives. Through the staff of CCNC, people who have been referred by various agencies in the three cities are given an opportunity to have some normalcy in their lives. The center can serve up to 100 people, including women, men, as well as couples with beds, showering facilities, food, and other important services.

We're more of a transitional program. So we try to get people on their feet. So we have a lot of different clients from a lot of different walks of life. But our main goal is to find a way for them to sustain themselves in society, to get back into housing, to sustain a job, a GR, disability, whatever it is that they're going to need.

For Army veteran Sean Anderson and his dog, Hera, CCNC has been a lifeline. Sean has struggled with being unhoused for many years, his hands and face bearing the visible and invisible scars of life on the streets.

I've been on the streets by the social definitions of homelessness. I've been homeless since I was 16. How old are you now? 56.

The Center and its Volunteers of America staff have given Sean help in navigating the waters of governmental services, as well as housing assistance and job leads. But the biggest helping hand may have come by giving hope.

You know, it's just crazy, you know? So just, you know, when I was ready to just, like, whatever, accept my fate, they pulled a rabbit out of their hat big time, dude. Yeah, I'm so grateful to these guys, man, you know? So grateful.

For Ashton and Jeff, they are one of the shining examples of CCNC's hard work and assistance, paired with their own determination. Once unhoused with few opportunities, this young couple now has jobs, an apartment, and so much more.

And because at the time we were in such a low and had nowhere to go and we're just, we didn't know what we were going to do. And it was just amazing to have support and to have somewhere to turn to and just to be excited about the future for once.

Better than Christmas. It was unreal. I thought it was a joke at first when it all came together, but it was truly awesome, the feeling at the end of the tunnel. It was a lot of work, but definitely without their support, I don't know if we could have done it.

CCNC's success stories, like Ashton and Jeff's, are on the rise. And with just a year under its belt, the Center's impact in helping the issues of being unhoused continues to be felt in the partnering cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, and Westminster.

We are so proud to be a part of the collaboration between our three cities to help meet the needs of those in our community. experiencing homelessness. They can find a safe place, get the resources they need, and see real improvement in their lives.

So it's important that the CCNC, that we have that partnership with them. It helps us address them from being on the street, not having a place to be safe, not a place to be cared for, and to be fed, and also safety as well.

To have people come through the navigation center, find the wraparound support and services they need, get back out into the community, perhaps with a job, perhaps in support of housing, to live life again, that's when we know we have success and it's all really about hope.

And that hope had many helping hands along the way, especially from the County of Orange. Through their active role, the county has provided invaluable assistance and funding for more than 10 years. Without the help of partners like the County of Orange, the success and reach of the program could not have been possible.

All right, thank you very much. In addition, I wanted this opportunity to thank our staff for working closely with the personnel there to make it effective use of the CCANC. And I would like to thank the City of Garden Grove and City of Fountain Valley partnering with us for this CCNC. And also we want to thank County of Orange for their assistance also. Again, thank you very much. All right, moving on to Council Member West. At this time, if you want to remove any items, you may do so. But at the same time, I want to let you know you can only ask to remove the item that you are putting up, not the other council.

You know what, city manager, is this correct? Is this a time where I can propose to remove any item on the agenda or how does that work?

I'll defer to the attorney for that.

Okay, city attorney.

So if the item is on the agenda, it's certainly on the agenda unless a majority of the city council requests that it not be discussed, but otherwise you would certainly proceed with the items as stated on the agenda.

What about the person who requested for the item and it was approved by the majority council and now it's being requested removed by

So if I may, which item are you requesting to be removed?

City attorney and council, I am suggesting to move item 9.1.

No worry about it because I am going to withdraw it later.

Item 9.1, so may I ask for a vote count to remove this item from the agenda? 9.1. It's removal of planning commissioner. Can I remove that? Can I motion, city attorney, to remove that from the agenda item?

This is my item, and so I'd like to speak on that before I withdraw on that item. So I want to ask the council if we can wait on that, if possible. Okay, so if the city attorney say that we can do it, then if there's a motion and a second, then we can go ahead and proceed. But this is my item, so I request to have that, giving me a chance to talk about it before we remove it. Is there a motion to that?

I believe there's a motion for lack of a second, then you can proceed with the rest of the agenda.

All right, thank you. All right, next is oral communication concerning agenda items only. So at this time, I would like to ask the administrative assistant, please read the instruction into the record, please.

Thank you, Mayor. This is the time of the meeting that members of the public may address the City Council regarding any items on the agenda except public hearing items. Members of the public wishing to address public hearing items shall do so at the time of the public hearing. Unless otherwise extended by a majority vote of the City Council, comments shall be limited to three minutes per speaker. Any person wishing to address the city council in person should complete a green speaker slip, which are provided at both the entrance of the theater and public podium, and submit the card to a city clerk department staff member. When your name is called, please step to the podium at that time, state your name and city of residence for the record. Mayor, first speaker is Camila, followed by Michael Varengia.

Good evening, council. So honestly, I thought I was gonna have to show up here and use my First Amendment right and argue on grounds of petition for redress based on the acts of Amy Van West, but it turns out I just needed to wait for you to release the agenda and then I could look at the items that said council member or council thief, we should call her, put on this agenda with regards to the flag. I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but I'll be damned if you're gonna tell me my freedom of expression. Who do you think you are? And then you wanna label VietRise for communist propaganda. Again, who do you think you are? I do not think you realize the beast that you have awoken when you come for my rights in this city. Second to that, all of this is akin to embezzlement. And I'll remind you of what line 44 in your diversion program says. Just for the record, let's go ahead and pull it up, right? Because I need for you to be so for real, Amy, that you think that you get to come up here and come after our rights. Who do you think you are? Line 44 says, Commit no new misdemeanor or felony law violations.

I would then- Mr. Mayor, how does this pertain to ? No, not yet. I did just tell you exactly how it does.

That's the diversion, my court case, so. I'm addressing you, Amy. That's different. And I'm doing so based on my first amendment to- What item? City attorney. For redress. City attorney.

Because I would also argue- Hold on, hold on, please. Hold on. What item are you talking about?

The one about the flag, the one about be at rise, and then the other one is about voter identification. Because it all ties into embezzlement, which are crimes of moral turpitude, and that's why I brought it up. Because I would also like to address with you why it is that you think that you get to steal from this city. Why is it that you held a rally or a memorial at Freedom Park You didn't pay for permits, you didn't pay for electricity, and I am so sick and tired of you thinking that you get to run this city like a little tyrant. You steal from taxpayers on the damn daily. It is nothing short of embezzlement. This city should sue you, sue the hell out of you. Because who do you think you are that you think that you're too good to pay the permit fees like the rest of us have to do? Because Lord knows if I showed up with my friends and there was a pride flag or a BLM flag, cops would have shown up for that and I'd probably be met with riot gear. But you get to do it. And I can't help but wonder, who did you coerce at the city since we know you like to do that? And I believe that I deserve an answer. This entire city deserves an answer because I don't care how much it is. You owe the city every single dime that was wasted that you stole by not paying for permits. You are a criminal. You want to lower crime rates? Stop committing them.

Mr. Mayor all right can you hold on to the briefly yeah thank you Mr. Mayor with the number one can you hold on for when we when we finish with the oral communication and yeah absolutely I will have time for you okay we can do it so before you call on the next speaker I would like to remind you that we would like to hear what you are saying. We would like to hear your opinions. But please refrain from using any profanity language as we have kids who are watching the city council meeting. So for extra credit and we don't want them to look at our city with this kind of So anyway, at this time, we can go ahead and call for the next speaker.

Next speaker, Michael Varengia, followed by Mai Dao.

Thank you. I was going to speak on one particular agenda item. And I'll just do it very briefly as far as removing somebody from any commission or committee. And I would hope that the city council would follow whatever evidence of wrongdoing there was, whether it was verbal, whether it was written. whether it was done as a commission member or a committee member, and follow that. Remember, it's like working for a company. Every company has rules and regulations you're supposed to follow. And just because you belong to a particular commission, you don't give up your First Amendment rights. So long as you are not presenting yourself in that. And actually, I was a victim of that by a particular city council member sitting up there right now. When I was on the Orange County Grand Jury, I did not give up my First Amendment rights to be able to speak my mind on things that go on in this city. However, again, it's Ms. West saw fit to complain to the assistant presiding judge of the Orange County Superior Court that I was exercising my First Amendment rights. She was told in no uncertain terms just because people go on the grand jury they don't give up their First Amendment rights so long as they're not presenting themselves in whatever the discussion is as a grand jury member. The same could go for a commission or committee member. So long as they're not presenting themselves as a commission or committee member, they do have a First Amendment right. We also have another city council member who likes to go on electronic media and spout all kinds of wild BS about his fellow council members, about members of the public. All in Vietnamese, hoping that the people that listen to him believe him. Most of us can get a translation of what his rude comments are, but this is another reason that this guy's facing so many lawsuits. So yes, he does have a First Amendment right, but don't be presenting yourself as a city council member and trying to squash somebody else's personal rights. Thank you, folks. Have a good evening.

Mai Dao followed by Tony Bui.

Good evening, Mayor, council members. My name is Mai. I am here to oppose agenda item 9.3 as a community member with family living in Westminster, also as someone who recently received a certificate of recognition from the city during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. When I received that certificate, I actually really appreciated being able to shake hands with the mayor, despite the fact that we're usually on opposite sides of political disagreements. And so if the council approves item 9.3, that would really go against the ethos of professionalism and cordiality that I was shown during APAM. Agenda item 9.3 is clearly a targeted petty attack against an important community organization that some council members have decided they don't like, and that these members have chosen to spend time attacking instead of doing their jobs. Organizations like VietRise do really important work when it comes to helping low-income and marginalized communities. In particular, I've always really appreciated their dedication to ensuring that our low-income seniors are housed and protected from evictions, which is really critical for our community, especially right now. I'll also say, I'm a teacher, I'm a researcher, I'm an artist. A number of the writings and artworks that I've worked on have actually been featured in exhibitions and shows around Little Saigon, in publications like Can You Vien Suu that's run by Yeren Mou Dao Vietnam. One of the things I worked on was just auctioned off or raffled for a fundraiser up in San Jose for Yom Ha Cha Chak Ma Vietnam, their live show for the Nam Nam Buk Chan Vietnam show. And so I share all this just to say that I've done my fair share in the Vietnamese community, just like many of you, when it comes to trying to dedicating my life to uplifting the voices of the Vietnamese diaspora. And so it's because of that that I'm really struck by the utter hypocrisy of agenda item 9.3, because there's a council member on the dais who was caught giggling and laughing at the controversial dance segment that everyone has denounced as disrespecting the South Vietnamese flag, and yet there's no resolution denouncing him. And so this resolution, agenda item 9.3, is it really about defending the local Vietnamese community, or is it about scapegoating a particular organization that does really important work? So I urge you instead to focus on the actual issues that the community is facing. Air quality, wages, housing, roads and pedestrian safety. Westminster residents really deserve leadership that is serious about addressing the affordability crisis of promoting public safety, not politicians who are obsessed with making meaningless grand gestures and having their faces plastered all over YouTube videos. Please do not move forward with agenda item 9.3. Thank you.

Tony Bui followed by Jessica Lustenow.

Good evening, mayor, city council members, and all the staff of West Windsor. Look at the field in front of you. They have All-American City. And every time I come up to this podium, I'm talking about All-American City. It makes a mayor furious and angry because in his mind, he wants to turn this country This city to be all American, all Vietnamese American city. That's really ridiculous and really not good for the whole city of Westminster. That is why I get shot down by 9.1, by that dictator. And he don't want to remove that 9.1. That is why I have a chance to talk to defend our mind. Last Sunday, I met Mayor at Linda's Sandwich Restaurant. And he tell me he want to meet me at 11 o'clock. I said, okay. And 10.30, I want to change to Renato. And he said, okay, he will be there. But then 10.32, he sent a message that due to emergency with my wife, I cannot make it. You see, you lie to me to the core. I want to meet you to tell you that I will withdraw peacefully, but you don't want me to be peacefully withdraw and you put the 9.1 to defame me because I know too much about this city. I know that you have colluded with who? With the entrepreneur at the OC Entertainment for a permit. And now that entrepreneur, that businessman, he moved to Pennsylvania. And now you go up there to have a... a special raising fund supported by him. That is colluding power and this colluding will be investigated by the FBI and your role to congressman will be deteriorated. Mr. Mayor, this is a time I have to tell all. on or die because Charlie Kirk, he's died because he's talking too much. And now I'm talking a lot to make America great again and make the city of Westminster great again because this city belongs to all American people here. You, all of you, have to rise up and challenge the position of mayor rather than sit there I challenge you to bring on up the violation I have.

Thank you very much. Your time is up, sir.

Your time is up. Jessica Lastenau, followed by Jody Boyd.

Hello, I'm here to speak on three items, and I want to begin with 9.3. I read the agenda, and it generalized what happened at the event with VietRise, but there were no specifics about what was said that was so offensive. And I'm not part of the Vietnamese community, and so I can't speak from their perspective. but I do recognize that it did happen in a neighboring city, and it did affect people in this city, so I can definitely recognize that. But we also had something happen in a neighboring city, Huntington Beach, and it did affect people in this city at the Charlie Kirk Memorial, The event was marred by active club and patriot front white supremacists chanting, white men fight back, marching through the streets with their faces masked. That was intimidating. That happened in a neighboring community. Yet there's no mention of that. So it seems a little hypocritical to go against Via Rise for whatever they said. And I don't know what it was. And I don't come from that community, but I am saying it's interesting that that is being condemned potentially by city council, but not the white supremacists that marched in Huntington Beach recently at the Charlie Kirk Memorial. The next item I want to talk about is the opposing any actions that dishonor the American flag. I was unaware that this was happening in Westminster. In my community, American flags fly high and they fly proud. I've never seen anyone in Westminster dishonor the American flag, which makes me wonder why this is on the agenda. But then I thought, well, recently our mayor has been accused of dishonoring the flag. But from what I understand, and I don't understand exactly what happened on that day, but even if it was a quote dishonor, it was accidental. It wasn't intended to dishonor the American flag. So it makes me feel like this is on here to attack our mayor, perhaps because he's running in opposition to another council member for an upcoming political race. The final thing that I wanna talk about, if I have time, I don't know if I have time, is the support for the use of voter identification. I just wanna tell you why I'm opposed to this. If this were to happen here in the U.S., there would be people who couldn't vote who should have the right to vote. It's inevitable because people will lose their ID. People will not be able to get ID because they can't get transportation or they can't afford the ID. But people won't be able to vote. And to me, that is our, thank you. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Jody Boyd, followed by Donald Link.

Good evening. I'm here to address the entire council, but I would like to direct my comments mostly to Carlos and to Mark, who seem to be the only two remaining voices of reason in this city, who are fair-minded. I don't have an agenda, so I don't have the exact agenda items, but I will begin with the issue regarding Via Rise. First, I apologize for my blouse tonight. My Via Rise t-shirt is currently in the laundry. I am totally against doing anything against an organization without bringing all of the facts forward. We have a constitution in this country that is under assault, especially the rights to freedom of speech and assembly. I am against ICE. I'm very against ICE. I'm against ICE in Vietnam, I mean in Westminster, and I support VietRise in all of their efforts against ICE and protesting. The other thing that is also being done under the cover of darkness, which is the other agenda item, is your actions against Tony Bowie and trying to remove him. Again, you have not presented a case or any evidence for the people to see and judge. And you were all elected to represent the people, not yourselves, not your own special interests or special interest groups. You are being incredibly unfair. And we need to say no on these two items. The other item that I would briefly touch upon is regarding the ADUs. I am very opposed and I do not understand why junior ADUs or JADUs would be somewhat limited in the types of zoning areas where they can go. I live in a junior ADU because it's the best, most affordable, safe place that I can live. There are many other elderly people and single people that would benefit from smaller junior ADUs. Let's help truly ease the housing crisis for the people that need it most and allow more junior Indians. I think your time is over. Thank you for listening.

I'm sorry, Donald Link, followed by last speaker, Terry Raines.

Please start. Okay, my name is Donald Blank and I come before you tonight as a concerned 27 year resident of West- Maybe you can get closer to the mic and see if it makes a difference. Looking over this week's agenda, I was struck by the mix of items being presented. On one hand, we have what most people expect from our city government, housekeeping items, critical updates like an update on the central city's navigational center for our unhoused neighbors. Also, agenda item 3.2, the retention of emergency coordinator Anna Burton. Approval agenda items 3.3, 3.5, 4.3, and approval items of 5.1, 2, and 3. These are local matters that directly affect the quality of life in our community. On the other hand, several items appear to be less about Westminster's municipal responsibility and more about advancing personal and political positions. Specifically, agenda item 9-2, 9-3, and 9-4. I'm referring to the resolutions on voter identification. the condemnation of the VietRise and the resolution concerning the American flag. With respect to 9.2, we should take notice that the cost of the city of Huntington Beach. I understand that voter ID is an issue being debated at the state and national level, but the simple fact is Westminster has no authority to make or enforce election law. That responsibility rests with the state of California and the county register of voters. So what happens when this council spends taxpayer resources on matters outside of its jurisdiction? It means legal staff, administrative staff are drafting, reviewing, publishing resolutions that have no practical effect on how elections are run. It means hours of council meeting time are spent on symbolic debate. while real local concerns are pushed to the side. And it does have a cost. Salary, staff salaries, attorney review, public notices, all of this adds up sometimes to thousands and up to millions of dollars without producing a single pothole, fixed, street repaved, or park improved. If the council wants to take a personal stand on voter ID, Members are free to do that as private citizens or candidates. But as a governing body, I believe your responsibility is to focus on Westminster's needs, not Sacramento's debate and where Washington politics. Now, let me be clear. I deeply respect the flag. I value our democracy and understand the importance of historical truth. But questions... whether the role of the city council is to spend valuable meeting time debating state and national politics talking points, issues that do not directly address our city's infrastructure, public safety, economic health, or quality of services. As residents, we come to these meetings hoping to hear about matters that impact our daily lives, fixing streets, improving parks, I keep saying the same thing, supporting small business, ensuring fiscal responsibility, making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.

Sir, your time is up, sorry about that. Thank you.

Linh Nguyen, followed by Terry Raines.

Good evening, Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Ling Nguyen, and I am a resident of Westminster. My comment concerns today's agenda item 9.1, consider the request to remove Tony Bui from the Planning Commission and Citizen Oversight Committee measure Y and E. I began my community service for more than 20 years ago, serving multiple terms as a Westminster City Commissioner. I truly enjoyed serving our city, but in all my time, I have never seen a commissioner removed from a volunteer position by the city council without cause. Number one, first, I believe it is only fair that the council openly present any violation Mr. Bui may have committed while serving in his appointed positions. Next, equally important, he deserves a response regarding his concern that his private information may have been disclosed to the public without his consent. I respectfully ask that you consider this common sense request. Doing so will help ensure fairness and prevent discouragement for future volunteers who wish to serve our city and our community. Thank you.

Last speaker, Terry Raines.

Hello, no minutes and no city attorney contract on this agenda. Why? The RFQ for the latter stated the contract would be awarded tonight, but council, three of them, held a closed session instead last week with no report out. 3.4, given the size and scope of recent events at Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, back-to-back Charlie Kirk vigils and one for a Vietnamese prisoner, the city is not enforcing special event and park use permit policy equally. I was at the second Charlie Kirk vigil with several hundred people, amplified sound and chanting. The one Amy allegedly hosted the night before that she provided the wrong address for again had maybe 100 people, amplified sound and a projector. Both were mostly tasteful events except for Amy's rambling speeches and Jesus prayers. Woman, you need to learn how to read the room. Buddhists don't want to be... proselytized by a council member, forcing your religious beliefs on them, Amy. There aren't many homes nearby, but policies must be adhered to by all. 3.5, new resolutions don't revise previous resolutions, as the title wrongly states. The council didn't approve new salary schedules on July 12th, as the resolutions say. They approved them on June 25th to be effective July 12th. Words matter. 3.6, the correction made during the last meeting to the publication date Clause was still wrong, so I emailed staff, who finally fixed it, you're welcome, and illegally passed urgency ordinance plus unanimous planning commission denial, but yet here we are. 5.3, send an email with questions and concerns, received one response, awaiting more. 9.1, oh my God, Charlie, you three wasted over an hour fighting over this at the last meeting, then did nothing. People told me that you blame me for your decision to not remove Bowie, because wait for it, I asked you to. Not the first time I've heard this BS. I'm warning you, Charlie, if you legislating out of vengeance for one member of the public, namely me, you will find yourself in deep doo-doo. Per our municipal code and law, commissioners serve at the pleasure of the council. Removals are entirely within the council's discretion, with or without cause. Apparently, Bowie resigned from both boards via email on Monday, but staff omitted that particular email from the agenda comment upload until late today. Regardless, agenda is a future item to reappoint Laura Rose to the Planning Commission, as you all should have done long ago. 929394, oh my God, Amy, stop your BS partisan campaigning from our dais. These items don't belong on a council agenda. You don't even know what you were asking for. We all watched the staff learned a hard lesson. You can't fix stupid. Voter ID for who? Which flag? Amy, you displayed the US flag upside down on your official page, remember? The US flag code trumps your political vengeance. Amy, council, especially you, Council, especially you, Mayor, since you are also campaigning from our dais, vote no on all three of these. Stop campaigning from the dais in violation of government code 8314. You do not speak for us on these issues. Once again, Amy, it's time for you to S-T-F-U. Thank you.

Mayor, there's no further speakers.

All right, thank you very much. Council Member West. I'm sorry. Did you fill out the... Okay, then why don't we allow him to go ahead. Go ahead, please. So switch a different color now.

Thank you. My name is Brian Stanley. I actually live in Santa Ana, but I spend a lot of time here in Little Saigon, Westminster. I've been coming here for 15 years. I lived in Asia for 20 years. I became an American citizen in 2000. So I've been a U.S. citizen for 25 years. I appreciate hearing Mr. Bowie talking how American he was and how riled up he was for red, white, and blue. So I appreciate that. And that's why I actually came here, not hearing what he was going to say, but I was involved with the putting the signs on the freeway, Little Saigon Freeway. I'd like to see a sign welcoming people when they come into Westminster saying, welcome to Westminster, Vietnamese American cities or American Vietnamese city. We welcome you here to learn about what we have to offer assimilated people. You know, the problem also I see in this whole region, in 1990, Dr. Xu, a Taiwanese doctor, she set up a policy for the Diamond Plaza. Everything has to be in English first, then your native tongue. English brings money. Native tongue pushes money away. We want the Hispanics, the blacks, the whites, the Israelis, every race, we want to come down here and spend money. My son, who is half Vietnamese or half Chinese,

Excuse me, what item on the agenda that you're talking about? Right now we are talking about agenda item.

I'm not talking any agenda. I put a form in to come up and talk.

Then you have to wait until the oral communication for the non-agenda item. Later, yes, yes. All right, thank you. All right, I appreciate that. So Council Member West, I am now open up for your brief comments.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Staff, is the Freedom Park, the light is on all the time, is that correct?

Are you trying to respond to that or you are asking different questions?

No, I'm asking staff if that's correct. The Freedom Park, I mean, is the... At this time, we are not talking about that.

Please respond to...

I am responding. That is my answer. That's it. Go ahead, Jake.

Good evening. Can you specify what light at the Freedom Park?

Just a normal light. Does the Freedom Park always have light on?

Yes, we do. We do have a safety lighting. 24-7? Not 24, not in the morning, not in the day line. So they come on as the timer.

Of course.

Yeah, so there's a safety lighting and also the ballers of lighting.

So it's automatic from when it's hit dark, it lights on, right? Okay, perfect. And I just wanna briefly address one of the comment from a person that came up. I did not use any staff money for Charlie Kirk Memorial visual. It is out of all volunteer from people in the community. So there's no money that was associated and it was under 100 people. So thank you.

All right, thank you very much. Please, please, please. We listen to you, and at this time here, the council will comment, so please. Please, please, I ask you not to, please. You are interrupting the city council meeting. I give you the first warning, please, okay? I ask you to, this is the council meeting and you already have your chance. Can you wait until the time that your comment again? No more, please. Okay, I ask you no more. Okay, this is a second warning to you.

If you continue to speak when it's not part of your meeting, you'll be required. It is illegal to continue to speak to interrupt a meeting. We're trying to get something done. So either you have the option to wait your turn or you can be required to leave. Thank you.

I ask you to refrain your comment until oral communication, please. Thank you. So, thank you. It's my brief comments. There's a lot of accusations flying around. So I would like to ask for your patience and follow what is out there and so make a judgment for yourself. I appreciate your comments, I appreciate your opinions, but at the same time, we need to look at the facts. So that's all I want to say for this one and we can go into the detail when we get to the item. Thank you so much. At this time, I am going to close the public comment for agendas item, and we can move on to the consent calendar. All matters listed under consent calendars are considered routine and may be approved by a single motion, followed by a roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the city council or staff request that specific items be removed from the consent calendar for separate action or discussions. So is there a motion to approve or is there any item that you want, council want to approve? Second. Okay, there's a motion and second to approve all items on consent calendar. Roll call, please.

I have a motion made by District 4, Council Member Nguyen, seconded by Vice Mayor Monzo to approve the consent calendar as presented. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Council Member Nguyen.

Yes.

District 4, Council Member Nguyen. Vice Mayor?

Yes.

Mayor?

Yes.

Motion carried 5-0.

Okay, council members, I would like to ask to move item 9.1 before the public comments. And that's my motion.

I second it.

Okay, so motion and second to move item 9.1 ahead. Public hearings, roll call please.

I'm sorry, to move 9.1 before. I have a motion made by Mayor, seconded by- Van West. By District 1 Councilwoman Van West to move item 9.1 before public hearing.

All right, thank you very much. I'll go ahead and call the roll.

District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. District 4, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. Vice Mayor.

Yes.

And Mayor. Yes. Motion carried 5-0.

So this item is my item. I just want to let you know that this item was on the agenda's merchandise at the last meeting. It's not at the last minute here, just like somebody just told me that because I want to take revenge, that's why I have this item on. No, it was tabled from the last council meeting. So let me take this opportunity to say a few words about this item. First, I want to apologize for the confusion at the last meeting. If my points were not clear, there was mention of a claim that was filed by Mr. Bui in late July. And accusations made to me that I placed this item on the agenda because of that claim. It was not because of the claim. And the claim should never have been discussed in length as part of the item at the last meeting. I have been going back and forth about whether I should agendize an item to consider the removal from the planning commissioner for a while now. as fallback as June. I did not take the decision lightly to put the item on the agenda and I want nothing more than our commissioners to succeed However, it is important for our commissioners to be good and full representatives for our communities and the council. This is not a trial for Mr. Bowie, so I do not need to disclose my reasons for considering his removal. our commissioners and committee members may disagree with the city council. And we do not expect any that our commissioners will vote the same way or have the same opinions at the city council every time. However, we do have an expectation that our commissioners and committee members provide a fair representation of our city's policies, procedures, and operations. We are a city that is growing and trying to attract new ideas and new developments. And it is important to have commissioners and committee members who understand the importance of representing the city and the city council accurately, positively, professionally, and collaboratively. The city has received a letter of resignation from from both the planning commission and the measure Y and E committee. And at this time, I want to thank him for his service to our community and wish him well. With that, since there is no action needed, I am withdrawing this item. Thank you.

I second it.

No, I'm withdrawing. Do we need to call for that?

There's no action that's required.

There's no action. Mayor, can I just make a comment on that?

When I withdraw the item, should we comment on that or no?

It is on the agenda. Okay. All right, okay, Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. And for full disclosure and transparency, I just want to tell you, the public, that a while back ago, like the Mayor mentioned, it's been some time I expressed my concerns about Mr. Bowie to the Mayor, and he had the same concerns I had. But at the time, the mayor asked me, well, he let me know he wanted to speak to Mr. Bui and Councilmember Nam Quan Nguyen about the situation and give him an opportunity to refrain from what he was doing in his personal time. and presenting himself as a planning commissioner. That was one of my concerns, but my other concern was his, the way he conducted himself during planning commission meetings. And I felt that that was a lot of, we were under some risk of liability because of that. So I just want you guys to know that the mayor's comments about the timeframe are correct. It's just the perception looked bad because later in time there was a claim filed. So the public perception may have looks like something that was actually not happening. So I just want the public to know that his comments are correct.

All right, thank you very much. At this time here, we're going to the next item, which is public hearings. I just want to let the council members know that since we have a lot going on at the last meeting, I am going to apply the five minutes speaking policy. So we are going to have five minutes, and then I ask you to refrain that for the next council to talk about the item, and then we can go the second round. And after the second round, if we're going to continue, then we will vote on that. So I would like to mention that to all the council members before we go into that. Today, we have three different public hearing items. And at this time here, I know that, and I ask city council that during public hearings, no one leave when we are within that discussion. So at this time, I would like to take five minutes recess so that we can- Would you please get back to your seats so that we can start?

Mayor, you're live.

The time now is 7 to 34, so I would like to reconvene the city council meeting, so please take your call.

Mayor Nguyen?

I'm here.

Vice Mayor Manto?

I'm here.

District 1, Councilwoman Fen West? Fen West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen?

Here.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen?

I'm here.

Mayor, you have a quorum with all members present.

All right, thank you very much. At this time, I may ask the administrative assistant, go ahead and read the instruction into the record, please.

Thank you, Mayor. Anyone wishing to speak on an open public hearing may speak in person. Speakers during public hearing comments will each have three minutes to speak on each public hearing item. Any person wishing to address the City Council in person should complete a green speaker slip which are provided at both the entrance of the theater and public podium, and submit the card to a city clerk department staff member. When your name is called, please step to the podium at that time, state your name, and city of residence for the record.

All right, thank you. Our 4.1 public hearing fiscal year 2024-2025 consolidated annual performance and evaluation report for transmission to US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Before I ask for staff report, I just want to mention that the five minutes rules are not applied to the public hearings item. So just want to let you know that. So may I ask for the staff report, please?

Good evening, mayor, council members. My name is Michael Sun. Tonight, I'll be presenting the fiscal year 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, also known as the CAPER. This is the city's annual performance report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on how the city used CDBG and home funds during the program year covering July 1st, 2024 through June 30th, 2025. The CAPER serves two main purposes. First, it allows HUD to evaluate the city's compliance with federal program requirements. And second, it gives the city the opportunity to highlight progress toward the five-year consolidated plan goals, which was adopted and approved by HUD in May of 2020, which covers the fiscal years 2020 through 2025. Those goals are organized around five priority needs as shown on the table below. Each year, the activities and funding decisions are guided by these priorities to ensure that the resources are directed to the areas of greatest need. In fiscal year 2024-2025, the city received $978,392 in new CDBG funds and $409,547 in new home funds. When combined with prior year balances, this gave the city $1.5 million in CDBG and $938,590 in home funds available to support community priorities. The city was able to receive a number of accomplishments during the fiscal year 2024-2025. Fair housing services were provided to 89 residents, general public services to 273 people, special needs services to 438 elderly residents, primarily benefiting low to moderate income persons, Additionally, homeless services provided to 17 persons, tenant-based rental assistance to 18 households, resurfacing of eight residential street segments, and the completion of playground improvements at Tony Lamb Park, while also moving forward with playground improvements at Eldon Park. Neighborhood Pride and Conforcement identified 389 substandard housing units. More details regarding accomplishments are captured in the CAPER as attachment one to the staff report. Accomplishments for the fiscal year 2024-2025 would not be possible without the partnership and dedication of city staff and nonprofit partners, which include the City Public Works and Engineering Division, the Westminster Family Resource Center, Community Services and Recreation Department, the Homeless Liaison Outreach Team, CDBG Code Enforcement Officers, and the Nonprofit Partners. The draft CAPER was released for the required 15-day public review period from September 8th through September 24th, 2025, and tonight's public hearing provides another opportunity for residents to comment. Following this hearing, the staff recommends that the City Council approve the CAPER and authorize the transmission of the report to HUD. And with that, that concludes my presentation. I'm available to answer any questions you might have. Thank you.

All right, thank you very much. And at this time, I would like to open up for the City Council question for staff, if any. Anything from City Council? No. All right. Moving on to public comment, please. I would like to open for public comments.

Mayor, I have one speaker, Terry Raines.

Please.

What time is that?

Hello, goal two in the consolidated annual performance and valuation report, preserve existing and create new affordable housing. No new affordable housing projects were funded in fiscal year 24-25. The report goes on to state, however, the city had previously committed 1.6 million in home art funds and 1.978, 706 in home funds to a development at 14125 Golden West Street in partnership with its designated community housing development organization, American Family Housing. The project entails demonstrating the existing structure and constructing approximately 29 affordable units. So what's the status of this project and why is entitlement taken so long? The last pending development projects report states their application was deemed incomplete and that the conformity review comments were sent to the applicant and the city is awaiting resubmittal. The staff report states AFH is currently pursuing tax credit financing and staff anticipates presenting an affordable housing agreement to the city council in fiscal year 2526, which is pretty vague. This council allocated home art funds for this project during a public hearing back in March 2023, two and a half years ago. Since then, AFH has changed the affordability income distribution of the units and appears to be having funding and application issues. When the city sent out the RFP for affordable housing project back in 2022, the following estimated funding sources and amounts for said project were offered. Two million in home funds then, 1.3 in CDBG funds then, three million in ARPA funds then, and 1.4 million in home art funds then, totaling around 7.6 million. Are all of these funds still available for this project? If not, why not? Should actually be more now, since the city continues to allocate more new home funds to the project each year. While I understand this project is not expressly on tonight's agenda, and that this report must be submitted to HCD by next week, perhaps it's time to ask, is this project close to entitlement? What is the expected date to break ground on the project? Are these delays caused by the city too, or just AFH? What is the latest mix of affordability for the project, specifically how many units will be allocated for extremely low income households and how many for very low income households? This report states 14125 Colden West Street project aims to address worst case needs, a term defined by HUD as low income renter households who are severely cost burdened living in seriously substandard housing or have been involuntarily displaced. But will it? The report proves my point. The city is not providing truly affordable housing for our beloved seniors. The only housing truly affordable to seniors on small fixed incomes is rental housing, where they pay a set percentage of their income for rent, similar to Section 8. I'm on the waiting list for Section 8, but I'll be in a nursing home or six feet under by the time my number comes up, if it ever does. The city and other agencies have thrown millions, no make that billions, towards housing the homeless, but nothing toward keeping our beloved seniors from becoming homeless. Most seniors have paid their dues to this country, state, and this city in the form of taxes, yet we are cast aside as unimportant when it comes to housing assistance. Do better.

Your time is up. Thank you.

Mayor, I have no further speakers.

All right, close public comment for item 4.1. And at this time, council members, you may have questions or discuss about this item. As for me, I read the staff report, and I do have a few questions for staff, but we were able to clear it when I met with them. So at this point here, I don't have anything, but I move to approve the item.

I second it.

Mayor, can we have, Michael, can we have an update on the status of that Golden West project?

I can provide a brief update. They're still in the pre-development phases of getting their entitlements and maybe can provide a little bit more update on that. Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members. Ken Fichtelman, Principal Planner. So for that project, they are still incomplete. We have a checklist that they have to give us that gives all the items we need to have a complete project. They have not provided those after multiple reviews. Additionally, at this time, they are having major issues with OCFA standards that we are not sure are going to affect the project as is. The building may need increased setbacks and fire lanes, which would change the number of units on the site. So we are working with the applicant, but the holdup at this point is on the applicant, not on the city.

Okay, and is there a time for expiration that they, are they working under a time expiration date to get this complete?

So at this point, we wouldn't look at expiration. We do know they are actively working, especially with OCFA. The problem right now they're having is setbacks for ladders, that you need a certain, because it's a three-story building, you need a certain distance from the building so that the ladders can effectively go up and be used to evacuate residents in case of fire. Because they are actively working on the project, we are not looking at expiration at this point.

All right. Thank you. All right. We have a motion and second on the floor. So we'll call for a please.

I have a motion made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 1 Councilwoman Fan West to approve the fiscal year 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report and authorize the City Manager to transmit the CAPER to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development by September 30th, 2025. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fen West. Fen West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo.

Yes.

Mayor Nguyen.

Yes.

Motion carried 5-0.

Next item for public hearing, 4.2, case number 2025-0176, a request to amend chapter 16.12, division of land by parcel map for an open lot split And section 17.400.122 SB9 two unit housing development in the all one district of the Westminster Municipal Court. At this time, I may ask for a stop report, please. Just one moment, please.

Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Nguyen and fellow council members. My name is Alice, associate planner. Today I will be presenting case number 2025-0176, which is a zoning text amendment to the city's SB9 code sections that regulates two unit housing developments on single families and lots. I will first go over some of the legislative actions followed by some of our code revisions. Senate Bill 9 or SB 9 became law on January 1st of 2022. It introduced two new sections to the state's government code, one of which allows a property owner to develop two units on a single family's own lot. Just to clarify, these are essentially single family homes, but because you're putting two on a lot, we do refer to them as SB9 units. The other closed section allows for a property owner to subdivide their lots into two separate parcels and also place two SB 9 units on each of the lots. Similar to ADUs, SB 9 units are allowed to have a minimum four foot side and rear yard setback. The city adopted an urgency ordinance on January 12th of 2022 in order to implement the new state law. Subsequently, SB 450 was passed by the Senate, which is a legislative update to SB 9, and that became effective on January 1st of 2025. The city needs a zoning text amendment to update the city's SB 9 code sections to comply with state law. On February 5th, the Planning Commission initiated a zoning text amendment for this code update. And on September 3rd, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval to the City Council. I just wanted to note that staff did provide the council with a revised draft ordinance through late communications. There was a short phrase in the ordinance that was accidentally left out. The text was presented to the commission, so we are just adding it back in, there's no change. The added text is noted in blue on page eight of the ordinance. Also, we made some minor typographical edits to ensure consistency in how the numbers and statutes are referenced. There is one word change in order to match state language. So these edits are noted in red in your draft ordinance. So I will now go over one of the key changes that we are making. It has to do with the number of units and whether ADUs and JADUs are allowed. This change is not due to the recent legislative update. It is to be consistent with the original SB9 law that was enacted in 2022. And when the city was first adopted the urgency ordinance, we took the position that cities did not have to allow for ADUs or JADUs in conjunction with the two units. This was very early on and there was no technical guidance from HCD yet, but subsequently, HCD did issue a technical memo that indicated that cities do have to allow for ADUs and JADUs in conjunction with our two unit developments, creating a total of four units on a lot with no lot split. So I will now go over our current code and our proposed code with regards to this requirement. So for a two-unit development with no lot split, the maximum number of units you can have is two, and no new ADUs and JADUs are allowed. With a lot split, a maximum of two units are allowed per each of the lots that are created with no new ADUs and JADUs that are allowed. So it's a maximum of two units that includes your existing ADU or JADU. And so the standard conflicts with state law and is not currently being enforced. Under the proposed code, which is consistent with state law, a maximum of four units would be allowed. So you can have two primary units and an ADU or JADU, and they could be existing or new, but it's a total of four. On a lot with a lot split, a maximum of two units are allowed for each of the newly created lots. And so ADUs and JADUs are allowed again, whether they're existing or new, but it's two units total which includes your ADUs or JADUs. So I will now go over some scenarios, some examples of what developments could look like under our proposed code. So in the first example, a property owner may develop two SB9 units attached with a JADU and a detached ADU. Next, a property owner may develop, may have an existing single family residence with an attached ADU, and they would like to build a SB9 unit in the back with a JADU. Lastly, a property owner could build their SB9 units detached from each other with an attached ADU and age ADU. And these are just some examples of what could be developed. I mean, it's not inclusive of all the different site arrangements. For development with the lot split, the property owner may divide their lots into two, like in half, with a SB9 unit on each lot, and followed by a detached JDU in the back. The property owner could also create a flag lot. You may have an existing house in the front with a JDU, and they would like to build two units in the back. And lastly, a property owner could divide their lots in half horizontally with the SB9 unit in the front with an attached ADU or a SB9 unit in the back with a JADU. And in this scenario, you do need to provide an easement to provide access for the rear unit to the street. So SB 9 introduced some key changes. I mean, I'm sorry, SB 450. So the city must approve or deny an application within 60 days or otherwise it's approved. We currently have a process in place that would make a determination well within the 60 days. Also, cities may no longer impose development standards that do not apply to the underlying zone. For example, we can no longer impose a 16-foot height limit on our SB9 units because we do not require that for single-family homes. We allow a single-family house to be two stories in height with a maximum of 35 feet. And so the SB9 units cannot be more restrictive, and likewise for lot coverage. So I will now go over some of the key code changes that we're making, and the first two has to do with the number of units allowed, so I will not go over that again. As I mentioned, we currently have a 16 foot height limit for SB9 units, and the code language will be revised to say subject to height requirements of the underlying R1 zone, which is currently at two stories of 35 feet maximum. We currently also have an 800 square foot maximum for SB9 units. The code will be changed to have no specific size requirements, but the lot coverage will be able to restrict the size. Also, so the current code has a 40% maximum lot coverage, and our proposed code would be revised to say same as underlying R1 zone, which is currently at 40%. So the zoning text amendment is exempt from CEQA per government code sections that regulate SB9. Per state law, if the city is initiating a zoning text amendment to implement SB9, the project will be exempt from CEQA. Staff recommends that the mayor and city council consider and introduce first reading the proposed ordinance, and this concludes my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

All right, thank you very much. At this time, I would like to open up for council question for staff. Is there anything? I have a question. Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor.

Can you speak about as far as with all the different scenarios, parking, just can you speak about parking? Is there any requirements, limits?

So the parking requirements are dictated by state law. It is one parking space per each unit. However, there is a parking exemption, just like ADUs. It says that if you're within half a mile of a public high quality transit corridor or a major transit stop, then it is exempt from any parking requirements. That pretty much means a good portion of the city, almost most of the city, with exception to maybe the west side, west of Golden West. But if they do provide parking, we do not require garages, they could provide it on their driveways.

Yeah. All right, thank you. All right, so basically that you are proposing to bring this in compliance with the state SB 9 that we have .

Yes, this is to be in compliance with state law right now.

Okay, all right, thank you. Is there any other? If not, I would like to open up for public comments. Is there any one sign up for this?

May I have one speaker? Terry Raines.

All right, please.

Okay, two speakers. Terry Raines followed by Camilla Overbeek.

Hello, I was at the September 3rd Planning Commission meeting and spoke during the public hearing for this code amendment and even provided copies of my type comments to staff, the Jones and Mayer attorney present, Tarquin, and commissioners for reference. And tonight's staff report is this statement. Staff made several edits to the code text language which was presented to the Planning Commission to... to correct typographical errors and provide consistent numerical and statutory references. These changes not previously shown to the commission are shown in red in the proposed ordinance. The changes do not materially affect the proposed ordinance and I disagree. The changes in red came from me but all were not made. I spent a considerable amount of time reviewing the proposed codes for both Planning Commission hearings and identified 40 errors in the documents presented several of which were material citing wrong statutes and language complete versus approved for example those errors in the municipal code aka law are absolutely material and problematic but when the chair asked staff and the attorney repeatedly to address my concerns they refused focusing on just one item from my comments that i realized as soon as i said it was not accurate and i quickly admitted that They seem more fixated on disparaging and discrediting me rather than responding to the chair about their many mistakes. No one from the city said they would research my concerns. I left that meeting feeling very frustrated that I was personally attacked for daring to bring up mistakes and documents reviewed by several Jones and Mayer attorneys. They seem determined to not address my concerns, made rude comments about me even after the chair asked them repeatedly to respond to him about these issues. I sat on that frustration until September 6th when I sent an email to the CM, ACM, and city attorney about what transpired and provided a typed transcript of the relevant PC meeting discussion and listed all 40 corrections in a dumbed down simple list format hoping it would resonate with someone. I copied all of you on that email and I provided you a hard copy tonight for reference. I didn't receive a single response to that email as usual. No, thank you for bringing these issues to our attention. No, we plan to make these corrections prior to going before the council. No response at all, nothing, not a zilch. Some of my corrections were made, but aren't shown in red. 17-400-122A, the following definition shall apply, change to plural definitions. Others were not made. Bonafide legal sources support removing as the section read on September 16th, 2021 under 17-400-122B2, and 16-12-20. It creates problematic legal ambiguity. Didn't capitalize sections 17-400-122 under 16-12-10, 17-400-122-C-5-A and B are still redundant. A covers all detached structures on the same lot, including between primary dwellings. Didn't add on the same lot to section C5C for consistency. Didn't direct the reader throughout the code to the underlying R1 zone code referenced repeatedly, chapter 17210, residential zoning districts. Didn't update the language from persons and families to households, section 161220C1 and 17400122B3. I think of myself as a community partner with the city, albeit an unpaid, undervalued, and an unappreciated one. Do better, Westminster.

Camilla Overbeek. Good evening, guys. Mayor, I was hoping that I could ask for a point of clarification before my comments begin. I just want to make sure that I'm on topic and that I address it correctly when I speak.

No, you have two minutes to address that.

Okay, well, I'm just asking, does the 800 square foot for an ADU, if you could answer my question, is that currently in place and is that only for R1 or is that across the board?

That's what it is right now for the old one.

No, I'm just asking because if there's a limit of 800 square feet, then I would wanna know how a permit was approved for 1,200 square feet back in January. Anyways, my issue here is that as we're discussing ADUs, I would like to address the issue of whether or not the city is going to address other pressing issues. I am the current victim of someone who is illegally building ADUs. Across the street there is one being built legally, but right next door to me, and for two months I complained about it to the city, actually even called my city council member. And it was on July 15th. The issue has still not been resolved. And so the underlying issue now is that I actually have people who park on their lawn to charge their electric vehicle in an unpermitted, uninspected garage where there is now a kitchen, a bathroom, all of that. And I'm just wondering what the city has in store to try and combat these issues so that other individuals and members of the community are not placed in harm's way. Because if an electrical fire breaks out now, because I damn well know that no one upgraded that electrical box, because there is no permit for it, I just wanna know who's responsible. And I wanna know what the city's gonna do. And so I would ask for you to table this and maybe come back at a later date so that you can actually come back with a cohesive plan for ADUs and to implement it correctly and in accordance with the law, but while also not limiting or impacting the lives of community members. I shouldn't have to worry about being run over, leaving my gate because someone's charging their electrical vehicle right next to my house, right next to my gate. And so these are all issues, and code enforcement is well aware of it. He's sitting right there. He came, he took pictures. He knows about it. But it took two months. And so I think that before we move forward, we really do need to address the issue in a holistic way rather than piecing this together. Because the safety and the happiness and the enjoyment is part of the aspects of living here in this city. So I think that we need to take the totality of everything into account while also looking at an ordinance. And I don't think that piecing things together is an effective way of doing this because it's just detrimental all around. So perhaps table it, let's investigate some things and figure out why things are slipping through the cracks and maybe come back.

Your time is up, thank you. All right, thank you.

Mayor, I have no further speakers.

All right, thank you very much. And right now, I'll open up for public comment. I'm sorry, I'm closed public comment. I will open up for council member discussions, if there's any. and action. I have a motion. I have a couple questions. Okay. All right, Vice Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor. On that comment of the last speaker that referred to code enforcement, if there's an open case, then code enforcement is there on the case, and if there's any issues, we can contact them, city manager's office, Maria, myself, if you need help. Staff, have staff reviewed... all the ordinance from its entirety for any errors, be it staff, planning staff and our city attorney.

So as far as the SB9, so this ordinance, the purpose is to comply with state law to fix the errors? I'm not sure that I understand the question.

Yeah, has he reviewed the ordinance for any grammical, any kind of errors that are in there?

So I think, are you referring to what?

Yeah, one of the speakers came that there was many areas.

Terry was referring to, yeah, so the city attorney's office and staff certainly reviewed all those comments and based on those comments certainly took into account what she had to say and some of those items were taken into account and that is the reason that some of these items have been proposed. Now staff caught some other errors independently of that communication as well. So that's the reason between Planning Commission and City Council that there were those what I'll consider minor changes.

Yeah, we just want to make sure everything is correct. We're, you know, make sure we're being professional and all that. Right. So yes, we are complying. We're a general law city and we must comply with state law. So this is I have my personal feelings about ADUs, but We gotta comply with state law.

All right, I will entertain if there's a motion.

I think that council member West, motion and I'll second. All right, okay, we have motion and second on the floor.

I have a motion made by District One, Councilwoman Fan West, seconded by Vice Mayor Monzo, to 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 Number 2025. amending Title 16 of the Westminster Municipal Code, Chapter 16.12, Division of Land by Parcel Map for an Urban Lot Split, and Title 17, Section 17.400.122 of the Westminster Municipal Code, SB 9, Two Unit Housing Development in the R1 District, read by title only and waive further reading. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. District 4, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. Vice Mayor Monzo. Yes. Mayor Nguyen. Yes. Motion carried 5-0.

All right, thank you very much. Next item is 4.3, public hearing, first reading of case number 2025-183, a request to amend section 17.4001.135, residential use, accessory drawings unit of the Westminster Municipal Code. At this time, may I ask for a stop report, please?

Thank you, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members. Ken Fichtelman, Principal Planner. We are here for case 2025-0183. That is a request that was initiated by the city to amend chapter 17.400.135, Residential Uses, Accessory Dwelling Units of the Westminster Municipal Code. For background, the laws allowing accessory dwelling units or ADUs were first passed statewide in 2016 and became effective in January of 2017. To codify these new laws, the city passed an urgency ordinance in late 2019 and later passed a permanent ordinance in early 2021. Since the adoption of this ordinance, the state has passed additional assembly and Senate bills, which have further restricted the ability of cities to regulate and restrict ADUs and JDUs, or junior accessory dwelling units, within city limits. On September 3rd, 2025, the Planning Commission recommended approval of this ordinance. The current changes to Westminster's ADU code text are driven by recent changes to state law. Westminster must adopt an ADU ordinance which meets state law, both for the six cycle housing element, where adopting a compliant ADU code is a program that still needs to be addressed, and because not adopting an ADU ordinance could result in Westminster being forced to follow only state law and lose any ability to restrict state laws to the extent allowed. The city is addressing several major changes to ADU law. Per SB 1211, a multifamily property may add up to eight detached ADUs, not to exceed the number of units on a lot. For example, if a multifamily property was developed with six ADUs, that property would be able to develop six detached ADUs in addition. Per AB 2221 and SB 897, a city must allow for attached ADUs to be two stories or the height of the underlying zone up to 25 feet. Detached ADUs may have a height of up to 20 feet depending on the proximity to transit and the roof pitch of the main residence. Per comments from the Planning Commission, city staff looked to address the code text to attempt to minimize the impact of ADUs on adjacent properties. Changes have been made that would allow JADUs only on single family zone properties. They are currently allowed on multiple types of residential zones. that would count ADUs towards lot coverage. Currently, ADUs of 800 square feet or less are exempt from lot coverage and allows residents to greatly exceed the 40% lot coverage maximum in the R1 zone and to contain exterior lighting. Code text has been crafted where exterior lighting must be contained on the property so that it doesn't affect nearby neighbors. Per original comments from the Planning Commission when this was initiated, The Commission could have recommended limiting the maximum size of constructed ADUs to 1,000 square feet. The city currently allows for up to 1,200 square feet. This item was not addressed during the Planning Commission meeting. Per CEQA, the adoption of an ADU ordinance by a city does not apply if you are implementing state ADU laws. With that, staff recommends that the city council consider and introduce the ordinance for first reading. That concludes my presentation, and I'm here to answer any questions you may have.

All right, so we have another item that staff proposed union tax amendment bring to the city accessory growing unit to compliance with the state for ADU this time. all right so um i'd like to uh ask i would like to open up for um council to have any questions for staff is there any none so i will open up for public comments mayor i have two speakers camilla overbeak followed by terry raines all right thank you

I thought she was going to say 4.2 instead of 4.3.

However, anyways, you can just take my comments from the last one and also apply it to this one. That's easy. Terry Raines.

Hello, the notice published in the journal had the wrong hearing location. Same comments about the September 3rd Planning Commission meeting and the staff report statement about the edits made after that meeting. The changes in red came from me, but most were not made. Staff's answer to the many incorrect statute citations, delete them all. In the ordinance, remove the fourth whereas. It's redundant with the second whereas. Section A1, remove while preserving the character and integrity of Westminster residential uses and neighborhoods because mandating ADUs doesn't preserve anything. Section B3, add attached before accessory structure for clarity. Section C2, states JADUs are only allowed in a single family residential zone, yet section N1A mandatory approvals and government code 66323A state in part a local agency shall ministerially approve an application for a building permit within a residential or mixed use zone to create one additional, one accessory dwelling unit and one junior and one junior accessory dwelling unit per lot with a proposed or existing single family dwelling if all of the following apply, et cetera. Similarly, sections C3A and B limit single family and multifamily lots to just one ADU or one JADU. unless mandatory approval criteria is met. City attorney, the city's code cannot prohibit JADUs on lots in mixed-use zones with single-family homes or limit single-family or multi-family zone lots to just one ADU or one JADU. Ordinance or not, mandatory approval or not. So please prove me wrong and provide the state statutes to back you up. Section D3, add accelerated dwelling before unit to match state law. Section G, does the city really maintain any such map on the website? Section I, must change 30 to 31, add consecutive before days to match state law and add back in the spelled out number. Sections L4A and B, council direct staff to change the maximum ADU size to 1,000 square feet from 1,200. Oddly, the Planning Commission failed to include this in their motion. Section L6A states floodlights shall be shall not be allowed. I question the legality of this for ADUs only as the same design standards shall apply as single-family homes per state law. When the PC chair asked about this staff said they could prohibit lighting that spills onto adjacent properties. That's true but this code expressly prohibits floodlights for ADUs. City Attorney, the outright ban must be removed from the code or add if the light spills onto adjacent properties after it must be added to comply with state law. Sections L7A and B contradict. It shouldn't matter if the second story ADU is contained within the primary unit or built on top of it to allow screened external stairways. Section L-12, add at least before 800 square feet to match state law. Section M-8C, must change 30 to 31 again. Add consecutive before days to match state law and add back the spelled out number. Section M-8C, change A to another- Your time is up, ma'am.

All right.

Thank you. Mayor, I have no further speakers.

Okay, with that, I will close the public comment. And council members can open up for any question, discussion if you have. As for me, I don't have anything, so I move to approve this item. Is there a second to that?

Second.

All right, so we have motion and second to approve this item.

I have a motion made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by Vice Mayor Monzo, to 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 number 2025-0183, amending Title 17 of the Westminster Municipal Code, Chapter 17.400.135, Residential Uses Accessory Dwelling Units, read by title only and waive further reading. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. District 4, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo. Yes. Mayor Nguyen. Yes. Motion carries 5-0.

Thank you very much, that lead us to a regular business. Before we go further, we have two items tonight, which is 5.1 and 5.3. And these are strategic plan, the goal that We, the city council, along with the city staff, working day and night to get these things done. And I appreciate that staff ringing up at this meeting to update everyone. So with that, the 5.1 strategic plan goal number four, improve customer service delivery to the community. Strategic plan objective is to provide an update to the city council on the business licensing process. and denote progress on business license assurance and the impacts of the concierge service. May I ask for a stop before please?

Absolutely, good evening, Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council. I just have a quick summary, but providing an update to the council on the business licensing process and the impacts of the concierge service is one of the objectives from the strategic plan goal, improve customer service delivery to the community as determined at the April 28th strategic plan workshop. So in review, on October 14th of 2020, the mayor and city council approved the contracting of business license administration to HDL companies as part of a restructuring of the community development department. On April 12th, 2021, HDL began administration of business licenses following months of collaboration between city and HDL to ensure a smooth transition for customers. On August 28 of 2024, the Mayor and City Council received a report that summarized the transition of business license administration to HDL. The report included cost, revenue, and productivity benefits of using HDL. The report also launched the disclaimer business license option to support applicants who are facing obstacles during their business license application process. At that meeting, along with the direction to receive and file the report, the Mayor and City Council directed staff to consider introducing a hybrid business license administration model to further increase the customer service level provided to the Westminster business community. On February 26th, 2025, the Mayor and City Council approved the introduction of a business license liaison available to all applicants that have trouble navigating the application process. To complement the translation services provided by HDL, a business license liaison is available to coordinate with Vietnamese or Spanish speaking city staff members to translate when needed. HDL staff sends applicants to the business license liaison if they are struggling to complete the application process on their own and are not easily aided through the standard support provided by HDL. If preferred, applicants may contact the business license liaison directly before they start the application process. Since the implementation of the business license liaison services, only one applicant has used the full service. Several other applicants have had questions related to the process and staff was quickly able to assist them. Staff will continue to be available to assist the business license applicants with questions or requests for support moving forward. And this report completes the strategic plan objective of updating the city council on the business license process and the impacts of the concierge service. And we are available to answer any questions.

All right, thank you very much. Is there any question from Ms. Caso?

I just have a- Yes, Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. What is a typical time frame for the processing of an applicant?

For a new application from the time they submit with HDL and then the multiple steps of the city approval process, I would say one to two weeks.

Typical, okay. And as you mentioned, there was only one, so far one applicant who's used the full service as far as, and that's as far as the liaison is concerned. Yes. All right, okay. All right, thank you. All right, thank you.

This is a receive and file item, so I move to receive and file.

I second it.

I second from Council Member Nguyen.

I have a motion made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 3, Council Member Nguyen, to receive and file the report. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West.

I second it. I think he seconded it. Okay, not a problem.

Fan West, aye. District 3, Council Member Nguyen?

Yes.

District 4, Council Member Nguyen? Yes. Vice Mayor Monzo? Yes. Mayor Nguyen? Yes. Motion carried 5-0.

5.2 addendum to number two to the commercial industrial lease of triple net agreement at 15550 Beach Boulevard. So staff, please.

Good evening, mayor, vice mayor and city council members. My name is Ryan Saul, senior management analyst with the city manager's office. This item is regarding an addendum on an active lease agreement for city-owned property located at 1550 Beach Boulevard. Currently at that property, the OC Infinity dealership is located. just north of the 405 along the intersection of Beach and McFadden. So you may remember a similar item that came back in December 2024 where the council approved addendum number two and it looked very similar to this one. Right around that same time that it was approved by council, there was a major shakeup in the auto industry. Nissan and Honda announced that there was a big potential merger between the two of them. And that affected the ability for the lessee, Dennis Lin, to ultimately execute that version of the addendum. When that happened, staff continued to deliberate and communicate with the lessee, Mr. Lin, and tried to find a version of the addendum that would ultimately work for him and the conditions that he currently had at that point. So after much communication, we came to this version of the addendum, which is presented to you today. There's only a few minor changes, or there's one main change and then there's a minor change. First, the main change with this addendum versus the first one that was presented in December that was approved. is an increase to the rent abatement for the rear portion. And that was an increase of 15 months to 36 months. And then the second change was a increase to the total rent value on the property. And that was around 100,000 and just increased to 102,000. And that was based on the annual assessment that takes place in March. So that took place March, 2025. Other than those two changes, the addendum looks exactly the same as what was approved. And with that, staff recommends that the city council approves this addendum to the lease agreement. But staff is available to answer any questions about this addendum or the staff report. Thank you. That concludes my presentation, thank you.

Any question from the council? No, I don't. All right, any motion?

Motion to approve. Second.

Second. All right, we have motion and second. Second by Council Member Mahoney.

I have a motion made by District Four, Council Member Nguyen, seconded by District Three, Council Member Nguyen, to approve Addendum Number Two to the Commercial Industrial Lease Triple Net Agreement with the Dennis and Grace Lin Family Trust, UTD, June 14, 2001, and Xuqin Li, also known as Dennis Lin, U.N. Lin, as individuals for city-owned property located at 15550 Beach Boulevard. I'll go ahead and call roll. District one, Councilmember West? Fan West, aye. District three, Councilmember Nguyen?

Yes.

District four, Councilmember Nguyen?

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo? Yes. Mayor Nguyen? Yes. Motion carried, 5-0.

5.3, strategic plan, goal number five. Enhance quality of life and beautification throughout the city. And strategic plan objective is to update to the city council on the code enforcement process, including metrics and geolocation data on proactive measures. Stop, please. Report.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council. As requested, I'd like to update the City Council on the code enforcement process, provide statistical data, and discuss future goals to continue to meet our strategic goal. No, that's not right. I've had the pleasure to meet some of you personally, but I'd like to provide you with some of my experience and qualifications. I have over 25 years in professional managerial and training roles. I've managed over 30 code enforcement officers in a department in my career. I'm proficient in code enforcement, zoning, land use, and public administration. I have a master's in public policy from Cal State Long Beach and I facilitate the only community college code enforcement academy in the state of California. I have taught and certified thousands of code enforcement officers through the state. And during that time, I've learned many methods of organizational structures in different cities. Today's presentation is based on strategic plan goal number five, enhance quality of life and beautification through the city. The main role of the Code Enforcement Division is to protect public health, safety and welfare. This includes maintaining safe, healthy and vibrant communities, preserving property values and fostering overall community quality of life. This also involves collaborating with the public through proactive compliance in both residential and commercial properties. I'd like to provide some history of how we got to this organizational chart. As the council is aware, as of November of 2024, the Code Enforcement Division was reassigned from the Westminster Police Department into the Community Development Department. As of late February, maybe March, I was hired to oversee the division. Coming into the city and reviewing its code enforcement program, I immediately found that we were lacking with program development. Not using our internal systems programs to full capacity, a lack of report, data, metrics, and policies. Code enforcement was unable to capture statistical data to prove their workload. My task for the first couple of months were to work with our programmers to ensure we captured key data appropriately. It was to develop policies and procedures to ensure employees' efficiency and correct inefficiencies. Most important, it was to get to understand the city and the customers we serve. At June's council meeting, council approved a full-time code enforcement officer, fiscal year 2526, which has allowed me to revamp the division. This overhaul and reorganization of the city code enforcement program allows for more efficiency, quality, inspection, and better customer service. As of July 1st, code enforcement was reassigned into certain teams that fit personal strength such as residential response team, commercial, and special enforcement teams. This method of enforcement encourages more interaction with customers, reduces drive time around the city, and allows code enforcement officers to become more proficient in an area or a discipline. We have a residential response team. It's called the RRT team. We currently have three full-time code officers in the residential response team. The city has been divided into three areas, and one code officer is assigned to a specific area. The residential response team, RRT, is responsible for property maintenance, violations, illegal construction, and substandard housing conditions. The responsibility, this is a partial listing of their job duties in the neighborhoods. I do want to make a comment that earlier there was a public comment regarding a garage conversion. I personally was on site. That is my method of how I operate. I like to meet, I like to see the violation, take the code officers out, do training, and meet with the customer and explain to the customer whether we were at fault or not. And in this case, the customer allowed us into the backyard, we documented photos, and at that point we issued out a notice of violation. With the notice of violation, and I'm gonna go over the process, is that per law, we are mandated to give due process. And that means we give them time to one, abate the issue, meaning take away, destroy the garage conversion or legalize it. And that's a law mandated law that the code enforcement's responsibility is. We also have a commercial team now. The commercial team is made up of two code enforcement officers with Beach Boulevard being the east and west area. Both code officers work closely with the planning department in this position. It requires planning interpretation and the code officer to be engaged in the planning department to learn zoning, land use, and planning codes. They also work with the finance department who oversees the business license program for the city. Lastly, we have a special enforcement team. This team is a special team. They deal with our homeless encampment issues that we have in the city. Graffiti and vacant lots violation. The SET team is responsible to work with property owners in dealing with homeless violations on their property. They offer suggestions and help provide departmental resources to help eliminate nuisances from properties. They encourage a collaboration effort between the city and the property owners. Lastly, with community preservation unit staff now in public works since July 1st, we were able to retain a part-time staff member to answer calls, to be a live individual to answer phone calls, because I've found that that's what customers like. They like to hear somebody live to provide their complaints. Assist with appeal hearings, respond to walk-in customers, enter new cases into our system for our officers and document new statistical data. This additional staff allows for customers to speak to someone live and has been an asset to the team, allowing for code officers to spend more time in the field, conducting more inspections and offer the community better customer service. I did write a note on here regarding the special, the set team that deals with homeless encampment. Recently we've been collaborating and partnering with the Westminster Police Department. It has been very successful. We have been educating property owners on how to do private property impounds. And what's been happening is that we found a lot of cars, vehicles being on private property, being used for homeless encampment purposes. And we've been able to collaborate with with the Halo team, with our code enforcement officers, with the property managers and business owners to kind of fill out what they call a private property impound, which takes the risk away from the Westminster Police Department on the city and it is strictly a private property action. So recently we've done three to four within the past three weeks that's been very helpful of getting these vehicles off private property. Code enforcement summary. For the fiscal year 24-25, the Code Enforcement Division was assigned 1,629 cases. Out of that number, 910 have been proactive. There was 1,076 notice of violations issued along with 1,183 closed cases. Citation fines account for 1,589, which are cases that property owners have not abated and are not in compliance. The Code Enforcement Division established a method to collect data regarding incoming calls, MyCivic complaints, and counter walk-ins. In a six-month period, we have received approximately 2,239 contacts or phone calls into the division, which is an average of 373 calls in a six-month period. MyCivic complaints account for 649 into the Code Enforcement Division for fiscal year 24-25. I'd like to highlight the month of July. July is when we were able to obtain a clerical staff, and you'll see an uprise in phone calls to 582 phone calls for that month. that also was a result of fireworks being called into our department and then being referred to the police department, but it continues to stay around the 350 to 400 mark, and I see that increasing. I think in the February or March meeting when I attended, my last time I attended, one of the council members, I think it might have been the mayor, had asked for geolocation data, and I wanted to provide that to him. Staff and I have worked with GIS developers to pin violations throughout the city. The legend in the slide represents proactive cases in green, police referrals in blue, and citizen complaint in red. The highlighted area identifies CDBG area. This tool is useful in our division and helps recognize where we are receiving the most calls and allows the division strategize additional proactive enforcement in. Top 10 code enforcement complaint. Our top ten code enforcement complaints have been property maintenance of structure, interior and exterior, yard maintenance overgrown or a lack of landscape issue, illegal construction, inoperable vehicles, illegal businesses in residential or commercial zone, short-term rentals, lots of homeless encampments, vacant lots. In code enforcement, we like to call that all outside uglies. They're all outside uglies that we deal with. The next slide is educational purpose and describes what happens to a case when it's called in. Step one, we receive the case, obtain as much information as needed, and clerical staff assigns the case to a code officer. Sometimes the case is referred to the appropriate department if it's not within code enforcement's jurisdiction. We conduct our investigation. Our code officers then conduct research on cases, they review business license, they review permit histories, they review, and then after they conduct the inspection. In order to provide better direction, a policy was developed to ensure that code enforcement officers respond to complaints within 24 to 72 hours. The seriousness of the complaint dictates a proper response time. So if it's a dangerous and abandoned building, I guarantee you we will be out there immediately. That's something that is eminent danger to the public. If a violation is observed, the code of officer is responsible to discuss the matter with the property owner. and provide the customer with a notice of violation with enough time to abate the issue. We do not issue fines until after a warning has been issued and enough time was provided to the customer to abate the violation or permit an item. If after re-inspection is conducted and the case is not abated or resolved, the customer is provided with a citation fine. Fines are progressive, and they start with $100 for the first inspection, re-inspection, $200 for the second re-inspection, and $500 for the third, and it goes on, stays at five. Please note that code officers make every attempt to work with the customers, educate them, provide them extensions if the violation warrants one, and is not an imminent danger violation. Hearings, the customer is also provided with due process and is able to appeal a fine if he does not feel the city acted in fairness and or if there is a code interpretation issue. An independent hearing officer is brought in to hear a case and render a decision either favoring the city or for the appellant. Lastly, the case is closed when the violation has been resolved, abated, or the case was unfounded. Code enforcement strategies, these are big strategies that since I've arrived are my focus points. We have shifted from a complaint driven model to a proactive approach. Rather than just responding to complaints, divisions use data and property information to identify and target areas with the greatest need, enabling more effective use of our resource. We have conducted several commercial and residential sweeps using all our code officers in the division to work specific targeted areas. Two, establish performance metrics and data report. Since March, my focus has been to work with program developers and establish key reports and metrics, also to provide a way for code enforcement officers to obtain reports and ensure that they're following up on their cases. Three is key, establish policies and procedures. We have established policies and procedures for code enforcement officers to ensure the consistency, fairness, clear guidelines of handling violations for providing code officers with new enforcement tools. As of August 1st, 2025, a new in-field warning notice was developed. This new tool enhances communication between the officer and the customer and will increase officer productivity. In the past months, officers have generated notices in the office. Five, utilizing GIS technology. GIS technology helps code enforcement officers by centralizing data for efficient field work, enabling better tracking of violations, and provide visual tools for reports. Second, I'm very happy to note that today we were able to use iPads, a new technology. Not new, it's been out, but new for us in code enforcement. to conduct field work without coming into the office. Although we're in the learning stages on how to use the application, we're working out the kinks, the use of this application along with the field NOV will produce more efficiency for our officers and productivity for fiscal year 25-26. Six, strengthening communication relationships. Building strong relationships with residents and business through education, consistent communication, and collaborative problem solves have been a key component to strengthening community relationships. Recently, the Code Enforcement Division has conducted several meetings onsite with residential property owners, commercial property owners to discuss their issues and concerns. We've had several in the office onsite meeting with property owners to address concerns such as homeless encampments. We recently invited all business owners around the Moran area I think we sent out 45 invitations to business owners to meet with us at City Hall. And during that time, we had planning resources, we had police resources, we had public works resources. And just to go over and to strategize just how we can solve an issue in their areas. Recently, I just received one for ADA pathways. That's problematic. And so again, we are sending out letters to property owners, not to penalize them, but to kind of go over the strategy of what we need to do. Is there a compromise in ADA without holding liability to the city? And that's the intent is to grab community, bring them in, have some involvement, and let's discuss at a sit down table. Lastly, our goals for fiscal year 25 and 26. The code enforcement division goal for fiscal year 25 and 26 are the following. This is aggressive. Increase proactive enforcement by 60% in commercial and residential combined. With the continual help with the clerical staff, code officers will have more cases assigned and an increase in their inspections. equity-focused enforcement, ensuring that enforcement practices and policies are fair and consistent, data-driven performance metrics, use performance metrics, code enforcement software, and reliable property data to make smarter choices, more targeted choices, where to focus our efforts, provide additional training, is major and key. Provide code officers with more training involving zoning, land use, building, and property maintenance code. Technology advancement, utilizing our technology to help facilitate better case documentation, transparency, and data analysis. I am currently exploring options because of a suggestion in regards to displaying real-time code enforcement cases to our public for better transparency. There are some cities that do it and a lot that don't do it. A citizen may be able to go online and see whether the case is still open or not. There's some privacy issues. Cases that remain open can go to court for city purposes and that can put city liability issues. So there are discussions to have. But I did notice that there are cities such as the city of Long Beach that has a portal That shows case development as real time. Again, I think that's the only city that hasn't. Lastly, provide better customer service. It's important for code officers to provide the best customer service. That is my preach to them. I have been a public service employee for over 30 years. I love the public. I enjoy talking to disgruntled, irate, upset public. But I have a way to do that. And it's our attitude in the job and how we educate the public is how we're gonna get them to comply or to trust in us. So this is something that I'm passionate about and I'm committed to the city of Westminster. This concludes my presentation, and I'm available for any questions.

Well, first, on behalf of the city council, I would like to thank you and your subordinates for taking the proactive efforts in, one, enhance the quality of life, which we do need that for our residents. Second is beautification throughout the city, which is another thing that we've been talking about for a while. Now I'd like to follow up with another question for you that I believe that in the previous council, if I'm not mistaken, I believe that council member Ho at the time, have the amnesty program. Is that amnesty program still working and how hard are you on them? I'd like for you to work with them instead of playing hardball with them. We want to make sure that they're up to the court, but at the same time, do we have any easy way to help them out?

To help the public or the- The publics. Personally, in our field, when we're dealing with code enforcement violations, there are reasonable expectations. We always allow extensions. We provide extensions to them. But in our field, sometimes we have too much pressure on one side, a neighbor, on the other side, someone else. And I always wanna make sure that we're covering our bases. But we always provide extensions, enough reasonable extensions so that they can comply with. Somebody can always write to me, write to the code officer and say, hey, this is what we can put it in the file, therefore we have documentation of an extension. If we're dealing with homeless encampments, which has been a pretty big issue, Mayor, the homeless encampment here. I think we're changing the mindset that we need to collaborate. It isn't just a city issue. It is a property owner issue and that the property owner has to kind of meet us halfway and help us maybe put lighting up, security lighting. Maybe enclose something for us so that they can keep the homeless individual from living there. I know in Moran Street, we had trash enclosures. And there was three trash enclosures out there that the homeless had broken out the gates, put their own doors on them, and were living in the homeless, the enclosure, trash enclosure. Well, the strategy was, hey, property owner, why don't you put back your trash bins inside the enclosure? And it was, and that's what we got them to do. And they complied with city orders and the homeless is out.

Sure enough that you, no doubt, that you're doing the right thing. So thank you very much for that. But I just want to help them out, help them out if we can. Definitely. All right. Mr. Mayor, do you have a question? Yes, please.

Yeah, last time when we have ribbon cutting at a park, bowling park, I think, this one gentleman came to me and then he raised a question about, he got a letter from the collection, and the way that he present is, the city of Westminster sent him, sent a letter of his violation to some address in Santa Ana that he never leave there. And then later on when he find out, he already get into the collection of $5,000. So just in that case, what we gonna do to resolve the problem?

Sir, I'd probably have to look into the case, but I definitely would like to have his telephone number, his contact number, so that I can find out a little bit more on the issue. Recently also we've changed over collection agencies or billing agencies. Fiscal year we had a company that we used for over 10, 15 years and we just recently switched over. So we're working out those kinks also. I think we're almost there. But yeah, I've been getting a lot of them, a lot of those types of complaints. And I can assure you that I've been working with them you know, one-on-one to resolve their issues. If there's an issue regarding that type of issue, I'm usually involved and I'm usually taking care of that problem.

All right, all right, yeah, anything else? Yeah, I have a couple questions. Please. First, Sergio, I want to thank you for going through your presentation, but mainly the public and myself can see that there's a vast improvement in the Code Enforcement Division as far as the leadership is concerned. So, you know, personal thank you to you. Thank you. Because it's very plain to see that. So yes, he does deserve it. He does deserve that. So thank you. And like, it's not a secret, I'm big on this because I think this is code enforcement. It's the first line of defense in our public safety, quality of life, property values, and just a mental well-being of, you know, driving home from a hard day's work and feeling proud of being home. You know, not coming home and seeing all your cities and decay and you're working hard and it's just mentally, it's not, a good place to be. And when you drive to other cities and you see the other cities are progressing, other cities are well maintained and ours is not. So thank you for that. So I really appreciate that. I know you spoke about the technology and how we're advancing with that and we're still learning on that as far as training. but you know data input and then follow-up how are we doing as far as our staff code enforcement officers on follow-up how do they is it uh do they get like a notice an alert hey times whatever whatever the case may be 30 days whatever it is right i'm on it we need to follow up how is that

Right. Well, Intergov is a system that we use presently. And Intergov does have alerts. As of two months ago, a report was developed using our programmers. And so the code officers are able now to abstract a report of all the open cases they have. Along with that, I drafted a policy and procedure that every 15 to 30 days, that that case has to be inspected, There has to be some type of movement and some type of action on that case. So every month I'm reviewing the report to ensure that we're capturing the policy. So a report was made for the code officers to have. It's a new report, something that came out, was launched about two months ago.

Okay. And then that goes to the one I was gonna ask for. You said that on the citation fines, it was about 1,589, says those were not in compliance. Are those the ones that continue to be monitored?

Yes, sir.

Okay, and then you have closed cases. So do you have a number as far as current open cases? I don't see it out here, but if you don't have it, maybe something you can just forward to me, forward to us later, at a later time. Sure. And then, yeah. Let me see here, I have another thing as far as, and I know you're implementing new procedures as far, policies and procedures as far as staff is concerned. And how are we as far as accountability with staff?

In the past six, seven months, I've developed maybe about 10 to 12 key policies and procedures for staff. I think it's important for them to have clear direction, to understand my direction and city direction. So currently, because we just have that data, the report that I just mentioned on follow-up, we are currently reviewing all that data within this month. September 17th was our deadline to review that. So I'm a week behind, but I'll get to that. But I'm definitely on top of that.

Okay, and I'm not gonna ask this because I had brought something up to the city attorney and city managers and the city manager for something maybe working forward to give code enforcement better tools to help in this, in the code enforcement effort. And I say that an effort is not, I want the public to understand is not, the goal here is not, as far as the fines and citations, that's just a tool. The goal is compliance. That's the ultimate goal. And making sure that that codes are being complied. My big thing is that's what they're there for. The codes are there for a reason, building safety, public safety, as far as any violations that are public facing violations. They're there for a reason. That's why laws are there. That's why our police department is there to enforce those codes and laws to keep the community safe and property safe. So thank you very much. And I look forward to some more good news and things are turning around. So thank you very much. All right.

Any other? Yep. Customer, Mark.

Thank you, May. First of all, thank you for being in Westminster. I sense your passion. And I'm glad you're using the new app and the new technology to make your job better. I just wanna ask you, is there any plans in the near or far future on any educational outreach program for the public to help them with issues in terms of compliance or just outreach program to educate them?

I do, we have been brainstorming, we've been looking at possibly hosting neighborhood or community events, educational formats of just kind of what is code, how is code, our process, just kind of talking to them, gaining trust in that way. So we do plan to have that for this fiscal year. All right, thank you.

Actually, if I could just add to that as well. Yes. So Sergio and his team have actually gone out to do targeted outreach to business owners in particular shopping centers. So I do wanna note that some of that outreach is occurring right now. And it's based on just gaining some feedback from the business owners and their needs in that particular business center that they're in. So we wanted to just mention that, but there is a little bit of that that's rolling out at the moment.

All right, thank you. Anything from council? None? Okay, all right, thank you. Any motion on this? Motion to receive a file? Second. All right. Thank you, Sergio.

Thank you very much.

Motion and second.

I have a motion made by Vice Mayor Monzo, seconded by District 3, Council Member Nguyen, to receive and file the report. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Council Member Nguyen. Yes. District 4, Council Member Nguyen. Yes. Vice Mayor Monzo.

Yes.

Mayor Nguyen. Yes. Motion carried 5-0.

All right, that lead us into oral communication for concerning non-agenda item. This is non-agenda item, so you can speak anything that you want to as pertain to our jurisdiction. This is, well, may I have administrative assistant go ahead and read the instruction into the record, please.

Thank you, Mayor. This is the time of the meeting that members of the public may address the City Council regarding any non-agenda items that are within the subject matter jurisdiction. Unless otherwise extended by a majority vote of the City Council, comments shall be limited to three minutes per speaker. Any person wishing to address the city council in person should complete a yellow speaker slip, which are provided at both the entrance of the theater and public podium, and submit the card to a city clerk department staff member. When your name is called, please step to the podium at that time, state your name and city of residence for the record. I'll call the first speaker, Tim Nelson, followed by Bonnie Castree.

Okay, so I think this. I will replace the batteries for us here for the next speaker, but hopefully you can hear me from in there.

Well, good evening. My name is Jim Nelson.

I live in Westminster, and I'm just here to give you a report about the theater, because the Friends of the Rose Center Theater Board of Directors did have their board meeting on Monday, and I wanted to give you an update, which we like to do after our board meetings. We hope, first of all, that you've enjoyed your time here at the theater while the council chambers are being refurbished. And I want to just give a thank you to some of our staff. One who you see right next to you right now, Dave, Chris, and Sherry, who have been kind of going above and beyond to make sure that Thank you. And also, I wanted to make you aware of some of the events that are coming up here in October. We have the Hungarian Theater of Southern California coming in, the Chinese American Association of Orange County, Arthur Murray's Dance Company, a Turkish play produced by The Theater Room, a ballet called We Call It Ballet, and the play Pride and Prejudice, which will be brought to you by Pacifica High School's Theater Department. All of these are groups that have rented the theater this month. And some of the events are private and some are open to the public. So please go to our website. It's rosecentertheater.com. You'll find out which ones you can come and attend. Also, I want to make sure that everyone stops to smell the roses outside the front of the building. Because if you may or may not know, our Rose Center Board of Directors just completed a $5,000 site upgrade by planting and maintaining over 91 new rose bushes for our community out there. And I want to thank board member David Hubbard for that wonderful task. And then finally, I just want to remind you that our critically acclaimed production of Annie has one more weekend. And it's been just really amazing performing this show with veteran actors from all over Orange County, Westminster, and the area, and a bunch of talented young cast members playing Annie and the various orphans. They come from the Westminster community and neighboring cities, Stanton, Garden Grove, all around. And they all come from a vast array of cultures. It's just a beautiful thing to see up there. We hope you can make one of the remaining performances. And I want to let you know that we have a commemorative Sandy dog by your seat there. Sandy the dog appears in the show, and that's just his little keepsake. The show is for the entire family, so please come this weekend if you can. And I just want to thank you once again for your continued support as we all work together to keep the arts thriving here in Westminster. Thank you so much.

Bonnie Castry followed by Brian Stanley.

Good evening, Honorable Mayor Nguyen and Council Members. I'm Bonnie Prouty-Castri, a longtime trustee of the Huntington Beach Union High School District Board, which, as you know, encompasses high schools in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, and Westminster. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and their families in the district, and especially at Westminster High in our many activities, from picking food at our giving farm to our huge Tet celebration each year. An enormous part of that great community support is through the beautiful Rose Center in which we are meeting right now. where hundreds of our students have performed over the last 20 years and also work in theater tech, doing all the behind-the-scenes setup, lighting, et cetera. Additionally, our communities at large are enriched beyond measure by the amazing productions at the Rose Center, including the Vietnamese Orchestra, which I've had the pleasure of listening to over many years. Over the last 20 years, the Rose Center has put Westminster on the map as a community theater of the highest quality and one of which residents of not only Westminster but all of Southern California regularly attend. to see world-class productions as good as any you'll see on Broadway. The performing and visual arts are central to all of our cultures. Our district collaboration with Westminster's Rose Center provides fabulous opportunities for our students, graduates, and the community to grow and learn together. Therefore, I come before you tonight to urge you to continue the Rose Center's current management agreement. You have the only world-class theater program in this great community, and continuing these fabulous world-class productions will be your cultural legacy. Thank you very much for hearing me this evening.

Brian Stanley, followed by Donald Link. Donald Lenk followed by Camilla Overbeek.

You don't want it anymore.

Okay.

Camilla Overbeek followed by Terry Raines.

All right guys let's try this again. So in terms of 9.2, I do just want to point out that that would actually be in direct violation of SB 1174, which was signed into law September 2nd.

Mayor, is this non-agenda item, Mr. Mayor?

Yeah, I know, I'm just trying to clarify something and I will actually get to it because it is still again tied to this. I am just talking about that and whether it's an agenda item, you can stop the clock, please. because you interrupted, so we're gonna do this. It's not agenda, I can talk about whatever I want. You do not get to interrupt me. Please put the time back on the clock. Thank you, you owe me at least 10 seconds.

Did you want to address me again, city attorney? Well, we'll accommodate that.

You can continue, but this, so you're aware that this relates to non-agenda items?

Correct, but I'm allowed to speak on, for non-agenda, I am allowed to say and speak about anything, so long as it has to do with city business. Go ahead and speak. So are we going, what is your point here? I would like for you to answer that. Thank you, we can go now. SB 1174 specifically prohibits this. So unless she's suggesting potential litigation against the state, I would request that you immediately pull this. Also, I would just also like to point out that VietRise, that's political persecution and targeting. Also, Charlie, your stunt here with Mr. Bowie, that was political grandstanding, and it was just a humiliation ritual for you. The fact is he resigned on Monday. You could have taken it off and saved us the five minutes that you spent, but thank you. I digress. Now I'd also like to talk about the ritual, the memorial that Amy held on September 13th, unpermitted, with amplified sound. Electricity was used and I know that electricity for amplified sound would require a permit which was not required or which was not obtained and I know that because long before I submitted my public records request I had already sent an email to the community services division. So I already had my answer. So again, I am gonna ask why it is that she believes it's acceptable to steal money by way of basically rallying and running, which would be akin to dining and dashing. Why is it acceptable for her to do that? Why are we not gonna hold her accountable? Because if I did it, I would get the citation. I would have that. I would have to pay it. But because she's a city council member, she doesn't. She's stealing. Which, you know, because we're her employer, it would technically be embezzlement. But that's a misdemeanor. And depending on how much money she actually stole by way of not doing the proper protocol, I would argue that we could probably get into felony territory over here. So at what point do we stop placating to the tyrants in the room and do the people start fighting back and demanding accountability for every time that she steals money and wastes staff time? Because those are resources that belong to us. They do not belong to her. She wants to own these meetings and pretend that she's special. But you work for us, ma'am. You work for us.

Your time is up, ma'am.

Last speaker, Terry Raines.

We're still waiting for that public apology, Mayor Winn, about your false claim that you were right and we were wrong regarding the United States flag code. Your refusal to do so has now given Amy the opportunity to publicly shame and campaign against you, item 9.4. Non-agenda public comments should come after the more controversial agenda items under section 9, business matters from city council agency members, better described as bullshit matters. from city council agency members, because most items proposed under this section are bullshit. Not within this council's jurisdiction, our political campaign propaganda are just to publicly shame or spite others, have zero to do with city business, and do not represent the views of all of the residents you are supposed to serve. The exception tonight was Tony Buhl's removal from both boards, but I think that could have been a regular business or committee commission item, not under Section 9, even if requested by the mayor, because removal of commissioners is regular city business. Prioritize the budget, not the bullshit. Charlie, if you're offended by the word bullshit, we can always use your word, craps. It's all craps. Amy, are you working hard to fulfill the requirements of the court-ordered misdemeanor diversion that Judge granted in your criminal bribery case? We'll find out on October 27th. And you may learn some new things yourself that day. Funny how you are no longer claiming publicly that the case was dropped due to lack of evidence. Did your attorney finally get through to your little pea brain that that is categorically false? FYI, the court can revoke this diversion. The media will be kept apprised of this case and the city's case against you during your congressional campaign. And Charlie, the media will be kept apprised of your egregious words and actions during your campaign as well. At the last meeting, I provided copies of the poem I sent to council member Mark Winn and self-proclaimed poet Mark Winn and mentioned the official email that I had to send because my district three representative Mark Winn refuses to communicate with me anymore. Neither motivated Mark to reestablish open communication with me, but what Mark did after the last meeting is worse. Instead of merely greeting people outside after the meeting and thanking them for attending, he got in the faces of several of our most engaged residents, telling them to stop commenting negatively, about the Blakey Park Vietnamese Cultural Center slash museum feasibility study issue and other hot topic hot button topics that the mayor is pushing for with Mark's full support. In other words council member Mark Nguyen was out there trying to silence the opinions and comments from the members of the public. Congratulations Mark you just substantially increased the public's mistrust and disappointment in you. Hey, a short-term rental is less than 31 consecutive days, not 30 days. Who at Jones and Mayer doesn't know that? I hope to see a contract for a new city attorney firm soon. And do better, Westminster. I don't spend all this time reviewing these things for my health. I don't get paid a darn cent. But when you do simple mistakes like this.

Time is up for you, ma'am.

Charlie, you announced it before. Time is up for you, ma'am.

All right, thank you. Thank you. All right.

Mr. Mayor. We have no further speakers, Mayor. May I make a short statement?

Okay. Mayor, I got a question.

Let me close up. Yes. Yeah, let me close up the oral communication for non-agenda item first. Can I make a comment? No comments. Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thank you, Mayor. I have a follow-up question first. I don't know, a staff question. What would happen, or what is their policy or procedures If just a member of the public had an event at one of our parks and used park resources, city resources like electricity, is there an action or what happens in that case?

So our special event permit policy and our park use permit policies are pretty flawed and they're pretty old. So essentially there are certain triggers for a special event permit and a park use, a park use permit is where it's stated that it's highly recommended, but essentially there's not a, there is not a and like a citation mechanism for these particular violations. It's been practiced in the past and until the policies are revised, generally if someone takes note that something's happened, you get a phone call and a slap on the wrist that says, hey, don't do it again. And that's literally been, the way that it's done and until we actually have a much more robust policy, that's been the practice. It also hasn't been violated as frequently and sometimes triggers to changes in policy don't really, nothing gets triggered until this becomes an issue.

What is the possibility of us having staff or city attorney who would get together and bring us back a policy that the council could take action on?

So there's something that's been worked on like over time to see what other cities have been looking at. I mean, you know, again, it's part of it has been what would work best for, you know, this community, but There's research that's been done, but nothing that's actually been presented yet. Obviously, as more priorities are tossed on us, and we've got very little staff in community services. We can certainly look.

Yeah, can we do that? Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. All right, thank you. Thank you.

Yeah, got some other questions. So let me ask that question. So when do a person is required to get a permit? If it is exceed 100 people or what's the policy here? Staff?

So for a special event permit, and so again, a lot of this comes out on the honor system. So if someone tells staff that they're not gonna, they're going to be within a certain limit, again, it's on the honor system, right? So special event permit, it's more than 100 people, amplified sound, and if you're impeding in the public right of way. Those are generally what would trigger you having to apply for a special event permit. So there are gatherings that have happened in the park where there are 50 people or so. People just gathering, no amplified sound. If you're using a little karaoke box that you buy at Costco that's not really loud, it's not speakers that are obviously a lot louder, it's very minimal. Those are things that people have done in the parks and that's fine. If you are requesting use of electricity and other amenities, like for Freedom Park, for example, if you needed the restrooms unlocked, Those are things that you would, depending on if you had more than 100 people, you're gonna need a special event permit. If you're requesting those and it's under, then you're gonna be suggested to provide an application for a park use permit so that we're aware. And it's 60 days notice. to the city.

All right, thank you, Christine. So I just want to address, basically, number one, it was under 100 people, and I guess I got an accusation from one of the speaker tonight that I used the city power. That is false. I used my own charge power bank that's already plugged into the microphone that we have for the karaoke. Number two, this is defamation, false statement from a person that spoke up. This is huge, big time defamation to tarnish my character, and that's unacceptable. So with that, Mr. Mayor, I- Please, please, please.

I am sorry, if you continue to do this, then I have to ask you to leave. I have to leave. Okay, thank you, thank you. All right, all right, okay. Please, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I yield back.

Well, please, police officers, is that the third warning already? So please don't allow her to come back to the meeting until we finish the meeting. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I'm done with my statement, my brief statement.

Go ahead, are you done?

With my brief statement, yeah, I'm done.

You're done, okay, all right, thank you. All right. At this time, I will close the oral communication. We'll move on to the next item. The next item, 9.1, is already taken care of. So 9.2, consideration of resolution to support the use of voter identification. This item brought up by Council Member West, so it's your turn. I'd like to start with the five minutes max policies, speaking policies, so please, thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item 9.2, consider a resolution to support the use of voter identification, voter ID. You know, I think as your councilwoman here, I strongly support implementing voter ID here in the city of Westminster, California. Voting is the foundation of our democracy and the constitutional republic. and we must ensure that every vote is legal and counted for. Just as we need an ID for banking, flying on an airplane, or accessing government services, requiring a voter ID protects our elections from fraud and strengthen public confidence. While instant, there is instant of fraud do happen, even one illegal vote undermines trust in our system. By implementing voter ID, we can secure our election while ensuring that every eligible Westminster resident has the same opportunity to participate in our democracy and our constitutional republic. I encourage our community and our council mayor tonight to support this resolution for a fair and secure elections. I also ask for a yes vote. If there's no further discussion, Mr. Mayor, I motion for a vote count.

All right, anything else from any? Yes, Vice Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor. As all you can see out there, and you all very well know that we're a general law city here in Westminster, and we must comply with state laws. There is a state law that governs this. We don't have any jurisdiction over this matter. And I mean, one question that I have for our council is how are our finances doing? Can we afford to take on the state? Because I guarantee you that's what will happen. And I'm sure it's very irresponsible to even put this on this agenda. And I asked my colleagues to think about these type of issues before we vote to allow these type of issues on our agenda. Next, I would like to point out, like I mentioned in some of the comments that our members of the public made, we all know why this is here. This is for campaigning purposes. As you that are sitting here in the audience can tell, if you look in this direction over here, Council Member West is recording herself. And this is for her to use in her campaign running for office against our mayor. And that's the only reason that this is on here for. And I urge my colleagues to please take that in consideration when these type of proposals for agenda items are proposed by certain council members. So this is a total waste of time for our community. It's a total waste of time, our staff, a total waste of time for this council. And it's costing taxpayers money because to put these items on the agenda, it costs money. Our city attorney does not work here for free. He has a billing that he'll send us for working on something like this. And I ask my colleagues to please be responsible about our financial situation when you're taking this into consideration. Again, look on this direction, she's recording herself. She's campaigning on the dais and I ask our city attorney to please look into this and warn us because this is illegal for us to campaign on our dais here. We're doing it on city public property. So please leave that for your own personal time and your own private property for campaigning, but don't do it here. So that's all I got. All right, thank you.

Anything else from the council member? Okay, I got some member Markwin.

Thank you. It's like what Vice Mayor was saying. We are a general law city. We must follow state laws. Unless state law changes, then I don't see the value in voting yes to this resolution. That's all I have.

And as for me, I think the staff report clearly states that the authority to regulate election procedures rests primarily with the state of California. However, cities do have the ability to adopt resolution that reflects the values and priorities of their residents. This has come out of their staff report. And I believe our residents share those values regardless of whether this resolution is officially adopted or not. So I don't feel that there's a need for this. With that said, since this item has been brought forward for discussion, we may as well to take a clear stance by adopting it. So with that, I will second the motion.

Can we do a call vote?

Is there any- I have some follow up comments. Yes, please. If that's, nobody else does. Nobody else, then we have motion and second on the floor.

I'm sorry, can you repeat the motion?

A motion by, I believe by Council Member West and seconded by me. So okay, I'll go another comments.

Yeah, you are. Again, Mayor, clearly what is here is Council Member West is trying to campaign you here. And unfortunately, I know you're in a difficult situation because of your campaign as well. But this is not. for us to be doing this on this council. It's all about campaigning and she's trying to Republican you and the city dies. So that's very wrong. And we're our leaders of our city. We're the protectors of our city and we need to protect our city finances and don't be putting us in situations where it's costing taxpayer money. I totally understand.

Thank you. I totally understand, and I agree with you too. And the portion that I don't agree with you is campaigning on this. I believe that if that's a violated law, then the city attorney might jump in and tell us about that. I don't recommend that Council Member West bring on these state items because we are here to take care of their city business and for the residents here. But as we already brought this item and talked about it, then we may as well go ahead and get it over with. So that's the reason why I seconded the item. So if there's anything else from the dais or else, we are going to do the roll call, please.

I have a motion made by District 1, Councilwoman Fan West, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to adopt a resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Westminster, California, supporting the use of voter identification. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

No.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo? No. Mayor Nguyen?

Yes.

Motion carried with District 3 Council Member Nguyen and Vice Mayor Monzo voting no.

Okay, next item is 9.3, consider a resolution opposing Viet Rice promotion of communist propaganda in Little Saigon and reaffirming the city's commitment to historical truth and freedom. This item brought to us by Council Member West, so you are now recognized. Please put five minutes, please.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item 9.3, consider resolution opposing VidRise, promotion of communist propaganda in Little Saigon and reaffirming the city's commitment to historical truth and freedom. With this, Mr. Mayor and council and the city of Westminster, good evening. I rise today to firmly oppose the spread of communism, communist propaganda by groups like VidRise in our little Saigon community. Our city was expanded by brave refugees who fled the horrors of communist oppression, seeking freedom, safety, and American dream. Like my family and many in our community, we cannot allow false narratives or propaganda to distort history or dishonor the sacrifice of our community. Westminster stands as a beacon of truth, liberty, and remembrance. We reaffirm our commitment to preserving historical truth, defending freedom, and ensuring that the next generation understands the cost of tyranny. Together, we will protect our community from the attempts to rewrite history and continue to honor those who fought for freedom. I also ask the council and the mayor to vote yes on this item. If there's no further discussion, Mr. Mayor, I motion for a vote count.

All right, so is there any comments on this? Yes, I have a comment. Yes, Vice Mayor Mansoor.

Thank you, Mayor. First of all, I just have a question as far as the staff report is concerned. On the staff report, It seems like they're trying to be disingenuous. They're trying to hide in some information pieces. How do you go from page one of eight and then there's all the rest missing and then page six only? It seems to be a lot in between that not being put forward. Are you trying just to put a narrative out there that's fake, fake news? So I don't understand, so it's clearly, again, recording herself from the dais, nice speech, you know, seeking she can use for her campaign. How do we know what was, did anybody attend the meetings of, or with this event? Let me see this event, on the first page it says, empowerment through history. So was this a history? Was this some history being taught here for the younger community? I would think that older Vietnamese that suffered through coming through this country, losing a country and coming through here as a refugee, that we would want to make sure and ensure that the younger community, excuse me, the younger generation knows and learns about their history and how their parents and grandparents, the struggles that they went through. It seems to me that I don't know, but just reading this first page as far as empowerment through history, that this is something as far as a history lesson and teaching the younger generation, do we know if this was the case? I would guess just by these two pages that were presented that that's probably the case. So I would think that the older community, the older Vietnamese would want this because I have been to many of many Vietnamese celebrations where we're teaching the younger generation as far as culture and traditions and history is part of that. Do we know that they were trying to teach the younger audience, excuse me, the younger generation about the suffrage, the struggles living under colonial rule? Do we know if that was the case? I would guess probably so. Do we know what they were trying to teach the younger generation about the horrific experience of losing a country to communists, escaping communism, losing your life on the way here? How many folks have lost their life in the middle of the ocean? Do we know? Did anybody or Ms. Councilmember West go and speak to these folks and be a rise and ask them what they were talking about, what they were teaching, what were they speaking about? To me, we don't know. This is a lot of unknowns, and these are questions that I would think somebody that's responsible would find out before you put it on the agenda. I'm not done yet trying to read my notes here. A true leader would want to get out there and learn and speak and create a relationship. A true leader unites people. The only way you unite is by talking, not creating chaos and division and hate. As you can see, she's, again, for campaign purposes. A true leader unites. A true leader does not divide by hate. Here, to me, it's a lot of unknowns because you're missing pages. where are the rest of the pages what was the topic what was in between these two pages is what i want to know i'm not going to condemn somebody when there's all this information missing and the the biggest thing here in the irony about this for freedom of speech the suppression of freedom of speech council member west is communism By you trying to suppress First Amendment rights that we have, that many Americans died to give us the freedom of speech, to give us all our rights as Americans, by suppressing that right, that is communism. I can show you pictures of communist Vietnam suppressing the voices of Vietnamese in Vietnam. That is communism. And you, by trying to suppress people's voices here in this country, That is communism, and that's the irony that you can't even see that. But again, it's all for campaign purposes. I can't vote on something that there is lack of information here.

All right, thank you, Vice Mayor Manso. Is there anything else from the council?

Okay, Mr. Mayor.

Okay, Council Member Nguyen, I'm calling you.

Okay, I'm the one that seconded. on this item, and I'd like to share my view on this. Even though this is not my item, but I kind of just disagree with Vice Mayor Mansoor about his speech. Learning his story and spreading propaganda are two different things. So we should not confuse ourselves and our youngers about propaganda of the Communist Party regime. So recently, I learned about the Viet Royce organization. They got around and teaching, what is the, let me see that. It says for yourself that, you know, teaching about the Ho Chi Minh is the guy that started the Vietnamese Communist Party, and that is the reason that the American people lost like 80, no, no, I mean like 58,000 lives for defending the freedom, okay? So we don't want that bad seed. that spreading in our beloved country. So if, because let me remind you this, we better prevent it. We better prevent the fire. We don't wait until the fire started and then we rescue it, okay? Let me remind you guys about the event happened in 1999. I think not a lot of you was there at the time, but I believe that Mayor Charlie know about the event. So one of the businessmen in Little Saigon, he hung up Ho Chi Minh portrait and the Vietnamese communist flag in his store. And that sparked a protest for 63 days, for 63 days, and it cost the city a lot of money. I think it's about like a million dollars. And we don't want that happen now or in the future. If we don't want to stop it now, Okay, not talking about we suppress the voice of mid-rights. They have the right to talk. We don't say that we, they cannot talk. In the resolution, tell me where we say that, okay, they are not allowed to talk. We just want to... We just want to express... the idea of the council upon that event. All right, so, Being said that, I second. All right, you back, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you. Do you have anything to say?

Yes. Okay, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I thought the staff report was a little thin. There's only two slides out of eight, so I was concerned. So I got a chance to go on Instagram on page and read the whole eight slide. And I have to say I'm deeply concerned that Viet Rai's narrative reflects primarily the North Vietnamese or the communist perspective and overlook the profound suffering experienced by the South Vietnam. from 1945 until 1975. Vit Rice claimed that this is part of their series, the history series. I'll read you the exact wording. This post is part of Vit Rice empowerment through history. A new educational series that connect our community to the pivotal stories that shaped Vietnamese history. Whose history is it? It seems to be very partial, unbalanced, and at its core is the communist propaganda. A more balanced account should also address re-education camps and long-term imprisonment of former officials, soldiers, journalists, and clergy after the Vietnam War and during. forced relocation to new economic zones, property confiscation, and economic hardship, widespread political repression, censorship, and religious persecution, the mass refugee crisis, the boat people, and associated loss of life, the human toll on the ARVN soldiers, their families, and South Vietnamese civil society. If Viet Rice claimed that this post is part of the history series, How about presenting a more balanced view? How about you include sources and testimony from the South Vietnamese survivors, diaspora, communities, and a broader range of historian to present a fuller, more accurate picture. This inclusion would honor all victims and strengthen the integrity of your work. With that, I, I oppose and condemn Vitt Rice's communist propaganda posts. I suggest Vitt Rice take this post down on Instagram and all associated media platforms and issue a public apology to the community.

Okay, it's my turn. I mean, Vice Mayor Manzo, you remind me a lot of things, a lot of memories. Yes, people risk their life to escape the country. And I myself risked my life escaping Vietnam since I was 15 years old, by myself, come to the United States of America. And Westminster was the first where I land, and I stay here ever since. Many of them lost their life during the journey of escaping. They lost their life in the ocean. All because of that communist regime. All because of this guy named Ho Chi Minh. So that's why we are here. That's why we are here. So I don't know that you know about it, but I know this event very well. On August 16, the organization Viet Rice distributed printed brochures and flyers during a community picnic, openly promoting the so-called August resolution and portraying Ho Chi Minh as a national hero. For many in the Vietnamese refugee community, this is deeply offensive and historically inaccurate. Ho Chi Minh is not viewed as a hero, but rather as a nationalist figure responsible for immense suffering and displacement, including the very refugee experience that brought many of us to the United States. This action by Viet Rice has caused widespread outrage among Vietnamese refugees, not only here locally, but across the country. Many Vietnamese American elected officials, including myself, and in higher office, such as supervisor office, such as congressional district for 45 district, also rise and came out with a statement to condemn Viet Rice on this. And because they spoken out against this act, which I believe constitute false and misleading propaganda promoted on American soil. Where we cherish freedom, truth, and historical accuracy. Despite the community's clear and united response, Viet Rice has chosen to remain silent. This silence has only deepened the hurt and further fewer outreach within our community. On behalf of the Vietnamese community in our city, nearly 50% are resident here in the city of Westminster. I vote yes to adopt this resolution. I hope this serve as a wake up call or to recognize the impact of their actions. What I'm asking for is moving forward, we hope they will engage in a genuine dialogue with community, especially when addressing controversial and painful topics. So this time, we do have the motion and second on the floor. Mayor, I would- Yes, you can go for the second one.

Yes, thank you. Thank you all for your comments. I don't want people to misunderstand what I'm saying. As many of the community know me, especially those in the Vietnamese community, Vietnamese Americans know how I feel. In no way, shape, or form am I saying that this evil person that liberated from colonial rule that I think that he's some sort of hero or anything. He was a monster, definitely a monster that committed a lot of atrocities to his own people. What I would suggest is if the council member is going to place an item on the agenda that you put this complete pages on here. Okay, so we can all understand what this organization was doing or talking about here. So to me, when I look at this, it's like, where's the rest of the pages? That's all I'm saying here. I do not condone any kind of suppression of First Amendment rights. I do not condone any kind of communist sympathizers. None of that. I'm not in any agreement with any of that. I'm simply stating that it's irresponsible to leave things out so the community knows what is being spoken about here. And that's it. I do not attend VietRise events. I know of them. But if we don't know what they were teaching there, how can we condemn something that we don't know anything about? All I see in the front pages is history. And that's all. So that's the reason, that's the way I look at it, is where's the rest of this? Where's the rest of the information? So we can all know what was being said there. I in no way, shape or form approve of this person that did this 80 years ago, whatever this was. but we can also suppress freedom of speech. So that is, as Councilmember Wynn, Mark Wynn from District Four mentioned that event that many years ago, Yes, that was a very dark time in this community and not understanding the sensitivity. I would ask this council instead of creating all this drama here that we, somebody had gone reached out to the organization and talk to them about the sensitive nature of this. and how if their concern is to teach the younger generation, speak to them as far as about how to go about it. How about the sensitivity, older generation like the mayor, maybe older than the mayor, communicate with them talk and talk about the history and teach them about the things that went through to happen and how maybe go about this, about teaching the younger generation about this, what happened. That's all I'm saying. So that's my.

Yeah, thank you very much for your clarification. I just want to let you know I am here to voice for fair representation. And if you don't know that not too long ago, probably about two months ago, when we have AAPI event at Little Saigon in the Asian Mall. And it was asked of us by Little Saigon TV, I actually approve a certificate of recognition of for their contribution to the community. But what is right, then we will recognize, but what is not right, we have to let them know so that we can all work together as a community, especially with the controversial topics. So do we have a motion and second on the floor? We already did. Why don't we call for the vote? Please.

Call for vote?

Yes.

I have a motion made by District 1, Councilwoman Fan West, seconded by District 4, Councilmember Nguyen, to adopt a resolution entitled, A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Westminster, California Opposing Viet Rises Promotion of Communist Propaganda in Little Saigon and Reaffirming the City's Commitment to Historical Truth and Freedom. I'll go ahead and call roll. District one, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, yes. District three, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

District four, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo.

I'm gonna abstain simply because of the reason that I don't have a full information in front of me to make a decision.

Mayor Nguyen.

Yes.

Motion carried for one with Vice Mayor Monzo abstaining.

Okay, so we are at 9.55 right now. I motion to extend the meeting over 10 o'clock. Second. We have motion and second.

I have a motion made by Mayor Nguyen, seconded by District 4, Council Member Nguyen, Extend the meeting past 10 per city policy. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. Vice Mayor Monzo. Yes. Mayor Nguyen. Yes. Motion carried 5-0.

9.4, consider a resolution opposing any actions that dishonor the American flag. And this item brought to us by Council Member West, so you are now recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item 9.4, consider a resolution opposing any actions that dishonor the American flag. Mr. Mayor and council and Westminster resident, I stand firmly in defense of one of our nation's most sacred symbols, the American flag. The flag represents freedom, democracy, and the sacrifice of countless men and women who have fought to protect our way of life. An action in words or deed that dishonor this symbol is not only disrespectful to our history, but to those who serve and have served our country. Westminster have always been a community that values patriotism, courage, and unity. We must ensure that the American flag is treated with honor and respect it deserves. Tonight, I reaffirm my commitment to protecting this symbol. And I humbly call on all residents, our council and mayor, to join me in standing up for our flag, our values, and our country. If there's no further discussion, Mr. Mayor, I motion for a vote count.

All right, open up for any comments from any council. Vice Mayor Meza. Thank you, Mayor.

Question, do we already have a flag? nationwide flag? Do we not have that? Anyone?

So there is a federal flag code. It's a non-binding recommendation of how to take care of the American flag.

And that one, do we have something like flag etiquette? there is flag etiquette, correct? Well, the entire code essentially is flag etiquette. Okay. Just something at the top of my head is, I mean, one of some of them is like not printing on our American flag. I see a lot of out there where there's printing on it, names, weapons, and things of that nature printed on our flag. I think if we're going to do this, let's put that in the resolution. Not making sure that our flag flies highest when there's other flags around. And first, when it's being raised. Not being, not use it as garments, like make it into shorts, jackets, and that nature. I think that the thing here is that this is all for, again, campaigning purposes, but it's really not truly followed here. I have instances where the other flags are not lowered during the national anthem at certain events in the community. One suggestion that I would make is that when there's applicants that are when we have a public you know special event permits where there's going to be flag ceremonies that staff print up the flag etiquette and staple it to the application so that there is no claim of not knowing these flag etiquette rules because if we're going to do this let's do it right just make sure that the community knows what those rules are when conducting ceremonies. So I would say make that part of this resolution approve this resolution and also add that the staff do that, put the flag etiquette rules on the applicants and issue that so they know how to do their ceremonies and not disrespect our flag in the process. Thank you, Mayor.

All right, is there any other? Okay, then it's my turn. The American flag is a powerful symbol of our nation's history, sacrifices, and values, especially for immigrant and refugee communities who came to the United States seeking for freedom and democracy. It is understandable that many feel strongly about protecting this dignity. So with that, do we need to adopt a resolution for this? Not necessarily. The values represented by the flag, freedom, democracy, unity, and respect are already widely upheld and understand across our communities. There are also existing federal and state law, such as US Flag Code, which provide guidance for the respectful treatment of the flag. From the legal and practical standpoint, a new resolution may not change policy or enforcement or could view as symbolic rather than substantive. However, if the goal is to reaffirm our community's shared respect for the flag and to make a public statement about our values, then adopting such a resolution may serve an important symbolic purpose. It could unite. resident around a common ideal, especially in terms of political and social division. With that, do we have the second yet? I will second the motion.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. May I call for a vote count if no other discussion?

Right now, is there any other comments?

Yes, I would ask the council to take my proposal of directing staff along going forward to make sure that when folks apply for special event permit, if they're going to have a flag ceremony, that the code of flag etiquette be issued along with that permit.

So there's no- So the motion maker, do you take that into consideration?

No, I just want to keep it as is, Mr. Mayor, and you second my motion, right? Is that correct, Mr. Mayor?

I'll make a substitute motion. The thing is that I would even go further than that by if we know this is education. Yes. We can educate people, have them do the right things instead of. Even though we do that, we just want to do it for the people who do the special event. And for those people who are out there doing the ceremony, I don't know whether they know about that. So I think it's a reasonable consideration. If you want to reconsider that, then I will second that.

Mr. Mayor, may I ask staff, do we have any resolution that honors the American flag in our city yet?

No, we don't. That's why you are asking for one, right?

A resolution that honors the American flag? Do we? I don't know off the top of my head. I don't think so.

Okay, so this is basically just to honor the American flag. So Mr. Mayor, if you want to add something different, you can create another agenda item. I'm more than happy to be your second if you need to, but I know you don't need a second. But I'll support you in that.

In that case, Mayor, I would like to make a substitute motion to approve this but add direction for staff for educational purposes when if there's an applicant for a special event and they're gonna have a flag ceremony just to issue this flyer. It's something simple they can print up and attach it, a flag etiquette, and just attach it to their application and it's for educational purposes.

Like how to not disrespect the flag?

Yes, that's my substitute motion. Yeah, that's substitute motion. And I will second you on that already, but you don't take it, so I withdraw my second for you, and I will second the substitute motion.

Mayor, can I jump in real quick? I am so sorry. So in a staff perspective, in terms of adding a flag policy, we can certainly do that administratively. I'm just a little reluctant to tie staff direction on the process based on a resolution about statement of, like your statement of support or opposition for something. Because at some point when we do come back with, updated special event permit policies, etc. We'd have to go back and change this particular resolution if there needs to be a change. So I'd rather that it not be included.

You should voice your opinion before I change my mind.

Yes. No, it's a good idea and we can certainly do that now.

For purposes of simplicity for staff.

Then I withdraw. Okay, all right, so I will second your motion.

My motion, thank you.

Okay, so we have a motion and second for original to approve assets.

Thank you, Mayor. I have a motion made by District 1, Councilwoman Fan West, seconded by Mayor Nguyen, to adopt a resolution entitled a resolution of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Westminster, California, opposing any actions that dishonor the American flag. I'll go ahead and call roll. District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen. Yes. Vice Mayor Monzo.

Yes.

Mayor Nguyen.

Yes.

Motion carried 5-0.

All right, thank you very much. And that will lead us to comments and requests for agenda item from the city council agency members, including AB 1234, report when required. At this time, I'm asking Council Member Mark Nguyen, you can go first.

Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, police department, fire department, and staff for continuing to move the city forward. I recently had a chance to visit the police department. The chief was kind enough to give me a little tour. It's a very nice facility, and I commend him for doing great work. With that, that's all I have, Mayor.

All right, thank you, Council Member Mark Nguyen. Next is Vice Mayor Mezzo.

Thank you, Mayor. I would just like a request from our city attorney or maybe staff city attorney. Can you give me a, give a council. total of what it cost to process these last agenda items. If there was a city attorney cost for, you can email us. For which item? For the three items, Council Member West's items. Can you give us a total on that?

Can you name the three items?

9.23 and 4. Right. Yes. Okay, thank you. I'd like to remind everybody about our fall festival starting tomorrow. Please come out, enjoy the festivities, arts, music, food, rides, come out, please enjoy. A great time for our community to get to come together to thank staff and for all the hard work putting this event together at this event takes a long time a lot of planning goes into it so thank you staff see city manager please extend my thanks to the whole team thank you our fire department our police department out there for all your hard work keeping us safe council Members of the public, thank you for staying here with us this long. So that's all I got. Thank you.

All right. Thank you, Vice Mayor Manso. Next is Council Member Nguyen. Nam Quân Nguyen.

Thank you, Mayor. Just want to thank you, everybody. Thank you, staff. Thank you, LOPD and everybody. Thanks, thanks.

All right, thank you, Council Member Nguyen. Next is Council Member West.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, staff, for being here today. Thank you for all you guys do to make our city up and running every day. Thank you. And thank you, Fire Department, for your hard work to protect our city. And also, Westminster PD, thank you for keeping our city safe. And I really appreciate that. As I wanna share, this past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Charlie Curt Memorial in Arizona. And it was nothing short of powerful. Being there, I felt as though I was witnessing the beginning of a revival. in our great nation, a revival for faith, courage, and conviction. The spirit in the room was a reminder of what America was built on. Council Mayor and resident of Westminster, it was built on strong families, unshakable faith, and the willingness to stand boldly for truth. What moves me the most, Mayor and Council, was that Erica Kurt words of forgiveness toward the man who assassinated her husband. Her strength and grace in that moment was one of the most heroic and faithful acts I have ever witnessed, Mr. Mayor and Council. It reflects the very heart of Jesus Christ, forgiveness in the midst of the unimaginable pain. And it was a testimony to the power of faith to overcome hatred and darkness. What I experienced at that memorial was not just a time of mourning, but a call to action. a call to action to the American people. I believe this moment will ignite the movement to restore our nation to the greatness and principle it was founded upon. So, Mr. Mayor, I want to... Mayor and council, I respectfully request to agendize an item on our next council meeting. I'm asking that, number one, I guess earlier, Mayor, you did mention that you present a certificate to VidRISE. Mr. Mayor, it was brought to my attention. I didn't know about it. I want to agendize to remove my name from that certificate.

All right, you can request all you want. The majority council is going to determine that. All right.

So can I have a second?

Is there a second to that?

I just want to remove my name.

No, we don't have the second to that, so it dies. Okay. He seconded me. All right. Go ahead. Council Member Namkwan seconded. I just want to say that right now the certificate already given before anything happened. The people can change their mind and if this was presented after the fact, then I can understand. But because it's two months ago, it's totally different from now. So I wouldn't think that it's appropriate for us to do that. On behalf of the city council and on behalf of our city, I don't think that it's right for us to do so. So anyway- Mr. Mayor? But we do have- Can we call for a vote count? Hold on, please, I'm speaking. Will you please let me go ahead and finish mine?

Absolutely.

I understand that you want to agendize and you have to second, but you have to let the mayor speak on his behalf, please. All right, is there any other council member comments? Okay, so we have the motion and second to place the item to have her name removed from the previous, two months ago, the certificate that we presented to you guys. Okay.

I have a motion made by District 1, Councilwoman Fan West, seconded by District 4, Councilmember Nguyen, to remove District 1, Councilwoman Fan West's name from the previously certificate. And that would be a future agenda item. A Fiat Rise certificate. Thank you. For a future agenda.

Roll call, please.

District 1, Councilwoman Fan West. Fan West, aye. District 3, Councilmember Nguyen.

No.

District 4, Councilmember Nguyen.

Yes.

Vice Mayor Monzo.

Just a question, are we supposed to go onto their private property and steal it back and erase the name? How is that supposed to work? No, no, it's lame. I just want my name to be removed. All right, so, yeah.

Sorry, motion failed, 3-2 with, I'm sorry, motion failed, 2-3.

All right, thank you.

Okay, thank you, Mr. Mayor. I have one more request. Mr. Mayor and council, I respectfully ask to agendize an item on the next council meeting to honor the South Vietnamese flag, the yellow flag with the three red stripe. Mr. Mayor, I ask for a second.

Honor for what event? We already have, I believe that we have that resolution that honor the Vietnamese flag already.

We have so many of those.

Yes, so is there a second to that? None, so it's fell. All right, anything else?

Mr. Mayor, I have one last one. In remembrance of Charlie Curt Memorial and what he did for our nation and for the youth, I want to agendize to basically stating that we will not uh endorse those hate crime those uh you know that we can agree to disagree i just want to agendize i i um i oppose those kind of action i support free speech mr mayor so i asked to agendize this uh any opposing in the city of westminster opposing any hate crime, any silencing of the voice of the people for free speech, the First Amendment. So may I agendize that? And can I get a second, please?

I believe that we all watched the funeral on air and we also on the very day that he's passing away, I believe I let you do the prayer and also I was, I adjourned the meeting in memory of him. And I know that several events have happened already, even in my fundraising event in San Jose and here, twice I have already, you know, having a prayer for him. So at this point here, I think that, you know, we can continue to pray for him, but I don't think it needed to be, you know, agendized for our meeting. So that's my comment. I don't know. Is there a second to that?

City attorney, I want to verify.

Is there a second to that?

May I ask for verification to the city attorney? City attorney, my motion, I don't think the mayor understand. I understand we did- So there hasn't been a second?

Yeah, this is- Is there a second? I think we all understand what you're asking for. Is there a second to the motion?

I asked, I don't think you understand, asking to remember, I'm asking to oppose any hate crime, any kind of crime like that to silence freedom of speech.

That is very understandable.

So I'm asking. I'm asking to agendize that, so may I ask for a second? I'm not asking what you were thinking, Mr. Mayor. I'm asking to oppose any action to silence the First Amendment, and you cannot have hate crime like that in the city, so I reject that. So I want to agendize to reject any form of hate crime to silencing freedom of speech.

So I asked for a motion to agenda. I believe a while ago, Vice Mayor Manzo already have that resolution in the city of Westminster, is that correct? Yes. Am I correct?

Yes.

Okay, so if we have that already, why we have to do it again?

Staff, is that correct? We have a resolution to oppose hate crime or silence of free speech?

We'd have to look it up. We don't know off the top of our heads right now.

So Mr. Mayor, I want to make sure that we stay on the agenda so we can only have brief discussions of items. This is not on the agenda, so there's been a motion and there's not been a second. So I would suggest that we continue on.

Thank you. So let me ask you again. Are you still proposing that agendize that item? Yes or no?

I have a motion already, so I'm just waiting for a second.

Okay, okay, you're right. Is there a second to the motion? None, so the motion die. Okay, all right, thank you. Anything else from you? Anything else or I will move on. All right, thank you. All right, my turn. I just want to thank you all for being here this evening. I hear you, but at the same time, I ask that a lot of accusation, a lot of force, things out there, even those people can voice their opinion. But I just want to ask that follow the facts and decide it for yourself. We are not here to fight or to argue, but the facts always speak out. And I want to make sure that people don't take it literally with the voice or with the comment. But we appreciate for your opinions. At this time here, I want to thank staff. For your hard working, for all your efforts. We have a lot done tonight. And I just want to remind you that we are having our fourth festival starting tomorrow. And please remind your family, your neighbors to come out and support and enjoy the event and support our staff. I know that they've been working day and night to get the event up and running. And if we don't support them, If we are not successful this year, then of course we are going to scale down next year. So I would like to ask you to remind your neighbors and your people to come out and enjoy the event and support our staff. At this time, I want to let you know that our regular meeting on October 8th has been canceled. And then in the filling for that one, we have a special meeting. And that special meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 6 PM.