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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-08313 REGULAR MEETING CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL December 8, 2025 5:30 P.M. — Closed Session 6:00 P.M. — General Session A regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Mayor Burke in the Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California. ROLL CALL Cypress City Council, also acting as the Ex -Officio Governing Board of Directors of the Cypress Recreation and Park District Mayor David Burke Mayor Pro Tem Leo Medrano Council Member Kyle Chang Council Member Bonnie Peat Council Member Rachel Strong Carnahan STAFF PRESENT Interim City Manager Sean Joyce City Attorney Fred Galante City Clerk Lisa Berglund 0 . L COMMUNICATION ON CLOSED SESSION None. CLOSED SESSION The City Attorney announced the following closed session items: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL --EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9 Name of case: Frances Marquez v. City of Cypress (U.S.D.C., Southern Div. Case No. 8:24- CV-01835-ODW (JDEx) Mayor Burke recessed the meeting at 6:00 p.m. RECONVENE Mayor Burke reconvened the meeting at 6:19 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor David Burke Mayor Pro Tern Leo Medrano Council Member Kyle Chang Council Member Bonnie Peat Council Member Rachel Strong Carnahan STAFF PRESENT Interim City Manager Sean Joyce City Clerk Lisa Berglund City Attorney Fred Galante Director of Finance and Administrative Services Matt Burton Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Steve Charelian Director of Recreation and Community Services Jeff Draper Planning Director Alicia Velasco Chief of Police Mark Lauderback Director of Public Works Nick Mangkalakiri I.T. Manager Adrian Smith 314 INVOCATION Pastor Mike Mckay, Cypress Neighborhood Church, led the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Burke led the Pledge of Allegiance. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION The City Attorney stated that the City Council met in Closed Session on the single item listed on the Closed Session agenda namely, Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, title Frances Marquez v. City of Cypress, and related additional defendants, he reported that City Council received an update and no further reportable action was taken. PRESENTATIONS The City Council recognized the retirement of Matt Burton, Director of Finance and Administrative Services. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Marilyn Reames, Cypress, expressed opposition to changing the City Council meeting day. Jose Trinidad Castaneda, Cypress, acknowledged the various changes within the City Council throughout 2025 and shared comments regarding the process for appointing a council member. Kelly K, Cypress, expressed opposition to changing the City Council meeting day. CONSENT CALENDAR All matters listed on the Consent Calendar are to be approved with one motion unless a Council Member requests separate action on a specific item. Dr. Frances Marquez expressed concern with the hourly rate noted in agreement and recommended that the City go out to bid for these services and further recommended that the City Council establish a planning commission. Council Member Chang requested to pull item Agenda Item No. 7. A motion was made by Mayor Burke, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Medrano, to approve Consent Calendar items No. 1 through 6. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Peat, Burke, Medrano, Strong Carnahan ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Item No. 1: Introduce and/or Adopt All Ordinances and Resolutions Presented for Consideration by Title Only and to Waive Further Reading Item No. 2: Approve Minutes of the City Council Meetings held on August 25, 2025, October 13, 2025, October 14, 2025 and October 27, 2025 Recommendation: Approve as submitted. Item No. 3: Receive and File the Investment Report for the Month Ended October 31, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the attached investment report. Item No. 4: Receive and File Register of Warrants, Transfers, and Wires Issued for the Period of October 11, 2025 through November 21, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the attached payment register summarized below for the period of October 11, 2025 through November 21, 2025: 315 • Electronic Funds Transfers 18149 through 18349 • Warrants 69104 through 69429 • Payroll Transfers W1567 through W1569 Item No. 5: Appointment of City Treasurer Recommendation: Approve the appointment of Donna Mullally, Assistant Director of Finance and Administrative Services/Finance Manager, as Treasurer of the City of Cypress effective December 30, 2025. Item No. 6: Second Reading of an Ordinance to Lower the Speed Limit on Holder Street Recommendation: Approve the second reading and adopt an Ordinance by title only and waive further reading, amending Chapter 16 of the Municipal Code lowering the speed limit from 40 to 35 miles per hour on Holder Street, from Lincoln Avenue to Ball Road. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 8: City Council Reorganization The City Clerk provided a report on this item. Mayor Burke opened the item for public comments. Brooke Nafarrette, Cypress, spoke in support of Council Member Peat as Mayor and Council Member Rachel Strong Carnahan as Mayor Pro Tern. Marilyn Reams, Cypress, spoke regarding spoke in support of Council Member Peat as Mayor and Council Member Rachel Strong Carnahan as Mayor Pro Tern. Paul Kokkinos, Cypress, recognized Mayor Burke for his service as Mayor, encouraged the City Council to move forward in 2026, and wished everyone happy holidays. Glenn Button, Cypress, spoke in support of Council Member Peat as Mayor and Council Member Rachel Strong Carnahan as Mayor Pro Tern. Beth Culver, Cypress, expressed opposition to Mayor Pro Tern Medrano serving as Mayor. Jose Trinidad Castaneda, spoke in support of Council Member Peat as Mayor. Katie Shapiro, Cypress, complimented Mayor Burke for his leadership as Mayor and expressed support for Council Member Chang to serve in a significant role on the City Council. She further congratulated Rachel Strong Carnahan on her appointment. Kelley K., Cypress, spoke in support of Council Member Peat as Mayor and expressed appreciation for the Christmas letter she received from Mayor Burke. Mayor Burke opened the nominations for Mayor. Council Member Peat addressed the item. Mayor Burke provided background and historical context regarding the Mayor nomination process and nominated Mayor Pro Tem Medrano for the office of Mayor. Council Member Chang commented that Council Member Peat deserves an opportunity to serve as Mayor but stated he did not believe it would occur this year. He emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership and spoke in support of Mayor Pro Tern Medrano for the office of Mayor. Council Member Peat responded to Council Member Chang comments and clarified her position and point of view. 316 It was moved by Mayor Burke, and seconded by Council Member Chang, to nominate Mayor Pro Tern Medrano to the office of Mayor. The motion was carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 4 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Burke, Medrano, Strong Carnahan NOES: 1 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Peat, Council Member Burke opened the nominations for Mayor Pro Tern. It was moved by Mayor Medrano, and seconded by Council Member Strong Carnahan, to nominate Council Member Chang to the office of Mayor Pro Tern. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Peat, Medrano, Burke, and Strong Carnahan NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None The Interim City Manager provided the City Council with the option to recess for refreshments while staff updates the City Council name plates with the City Council's new titles or continue with the meeting. The City Council chose to continue with the meeting. Mayor Burke continued with the item removed from the consent Calendar. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Item No. 7: Approve Amendment No. 5 to the Legal Services Agreement with Rutan & Tucker Council Member Chang asked questions to the Planning Director on the item. The Planning Director responded to Council Member Chang's question. City Council discussion ensued. A motion was made by Council Member Chang, and seconded by Mayor Burke, to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 7 as is. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Peat, Medrano Burke, and Strong Carnahan NOES: 0 COUNCIL MEMBERS: None COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS FROM CITY -AFFILIATED BOARDS AND COMMITTEES AND REMARKS Council Member Peat: Attended the Police VIP Appreciation Luncheon. Participated in the final Community Festival Ad Hoc Committee meeting. Attended the West -Comm Board meeting. Attended a Cub Scouts Pack meeting to assist the Scouts in earning a Citizens Series Belt Loop and attended multiple City meetings, including Special City Council meetings. Reported attending the Buena Park State of the City event. Toured the Ironworkers Training Facility in La Palma and volunteered in support of four military families by donating Christmas gifts, and participated in preparation meeting for the upcoming Strategic Planning session. She also attended the Holiday Open House at Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva's office, the City's Holiday Tree Lighting event, and the Vessels PACE graduation. Attended Orange County Sanitation District operations meeting, and the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Cypress College Health and Wellness Building. Had a discussion with an Oxford Academy student regarding a future meeting related to the Future Business Leaders of America program. 317 Mayor Pro Tem Chang: Attended Interfaith events and the City's Holiday Tree Lighting event. Attended the Vessels PACE graduation with Council Member Peat. Attended the grand opening of the Southern California Office of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Participated in subject matter briefings. Announced that the City is using cellphone usage tracking at which City parks get the most usage. Attended the Sharon Quirk-Silva's Holiday Open House with Council Member Peat and Mayor Pro Tem Medrano. Attended the Cypress College Health and Wellness Center opening. Attended the Cypress PETA Faculty and Staff Association event and joined the association for a meal ticket and a T-shirt. Attended the Cerritos Chinese School Festival. Attended meetings of the Cypress School District and Cypress City Joint Ad Hoc Subcommittee and provided updates regarding school coordination efforts, including projected student enrollment related to future development, completion of a school bus stop study, expanded buffer zones around schools, potential joint City and School District events, and a possible upcoming food drive. Council Member Strong Carnahan Expressed thanks, expressed enthusiasm about her appointment, and reported engaging with residents and listening to concerns. She noted residents are interested in increasing opportunities for youth involvement in local government and she shared ideas being considered from other cities, such as youth -focused civic engagement programs. Mayor Pro Tern Medrano: Provided an update on recent activities, including meeting with Cypress Land executives and City staff. Attended the Police VIP Appreciation Luncheon. Participated in an Interfaith Celebration. Reported attending a memorial service for Sergeant Donald Sowma. Attended a meeting of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District. Attended the City's Holiday Sing and volunteered at the Kiwanis booth. Attended a holiday event hosted by the Curt Pringle & Associates organization and participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Cypress College Health and Wellness Center. He met with Oxford Academy's Future Business Leaders of America group to discuss civic engagement, leadership, and government operations, noting increased interest from students in participating in local government. Mayor Pro Tern Medrano thanked City staff, department directors, and the City Manager for their work in preparing the subject matter briefings. Mayor Burke: Echoed Council Member Strong Carnahan comment on youth involvement in local government. Commented on how he gave a tour of City Hall to a few of St. lrenaeus students and invited other students from the City to schedule a tour of City Hall with him. Attended the Interfaith event at the Community Center and the City's Holiday Sing. Participated in the Cypress School District Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting with Council Member Chang and attended an Orange County Fire Authority Board meeting. Thanked City staff and community partners for organizing and supporting City events, including the Holiday Sing and Interfaith gatherings. Reflected on key accomplishments during his term as Mayor, including public safety improvements, fiscal stability, economic development, increased accessibility and transparency of City Council meetings, and community engagement efforts. Expressed appreciation to City staff, Council colleagues, and residents, and extended holiday wishes and optimism for the City's future. COUNCIL MEMBER ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION Council Member Peat requested to agendize a future discussion regarding the City's legal services agreement. She noted recent review of the Rutan & Tucker agreement and asked that the City Council consider reviewing the City's current attorney contract and compensation at a future meeting. Council Member Chang asked questions of the Interim City Manager about the process for increasing rates. Council asked questions of the City Attorney. City Attorney Galante shared the history of the Attorney rate in Cypress. 318 Mayor Pro Tenn Chang expressed his desire to wait for the new City Manager before reviewing the City Attorney contract. No support was received on Council Member Peat's request. CITY The Interim City Manager introduced Steve Charelian, who will serve in an interim capacity following the departure of the Finance Director. He noted Mr. Charelian's prior experience with the City of Manhattan Beach, where he served as Finance Director and Finance Manager, and stated that he will serve until a permanent successor is appointed to ensure continuity of operations. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Burke adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m. to a Regular Meeting, to be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Board Room. DAVID Y ATTEST: LISA BERGLUND, MC, CITY CLERK