Meeting Summary
Present: Bean, Ng, Lewis, DeRuiz, Otero
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Proclamation and New Employee Introductions
- The Mayor read a proclamation recognizing the histories and contributions of the Hispanic community during National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Two new full-time employees, Devon Leyva and Ivan Sierra, were introduced to the council.
- Both new hires received gift cards and theater tickets as part of the city’s welcome tradition.
Traffic Signal at Rosecrans Avenue and Stanton Avenue
- Staff presented a traffic study indicating the intersection meets California MUTCD criteria for a signal based on high vehicle volumes.
- Council members discussed the approximately $750,000 cost, funding sources, and the intersection's accident history.
- The council adopted Resolution 26-26 approving the installation of the traffic signal.
Red Curbing at Foster Road and Clearwood Avenue
- Staff recommended installing red curbing to improve sight distance for drivers and pedestrians near a school crosswalk.
- The proposal includes specific curb lengths to reinforce daylighting requirements and ensure homeowner notification.
- The council adopted Resolution 26-27 approving the installation of the red curbing.
Purchase of 2027 Ford F-650 Diesel Truck
- Staff requested authorization to waive the formal bid process to purchase a replacement truck for $137,488.12.
- The vehicle will replace a 1995 model and includes a dump body and trailer hitch for towing the city’s showmobile.
- The council adopted Resolution 26-28 waiving the bid process and authorizing the purchase.
Amendment to Conflict of Interest Code
- Staff presented an amendment adding specific positions, such as Assistant Planner and HR Analyst, to the list of designated personnel.
- These positions are required to file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700) to reflect current job responsibilities.
- The council adopted Resolution 26-29 amending the Conflict of Interest Code.
Discount Store Regulations
- Staff presented a revised regulatory framework defining discount stores and requiring a Conditional Use Permit for new establishments.
- The proposal includes operational standards for existing stores and exempts food-oriented discount stores from the permit requirement.
- The council directed staff to proceed with a public hearing before the Planning Commission.
Closed Session
- No closed session reports were included in the provided summary.
Full summary
Meeting Details
- Date: September 22, 2026
- Body: La Mirada City Council
- Opening: The meeting was called to order, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda Item 5: Appearances, Presentations, and Proclamations
- 5.1 Proclamation: The City Manager presented a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). The Mayor read the proclamation, which recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Hispanic community. John Gutierrez was invited to accept the proclamation.
- 5.2 New Employee Introductions: Two new full-time employees were introduced:
- Devon Leyva: Public Safety Assistant, joined in August. Previously served with the Whittier Police Department.
- Ivan Sierra: Human Resources Analyst, joined in August. Previously served at Cal State Fullerton.
- Both employees received gift cards and theater tickets as part of the city’s welcome tradition.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comment
- David Barraza: Spoke in support of the city’s funding of community services, specifically highlighting the Volunteer Chess Club at the Activity Center. He announced an upcoming National Chess Day event on October 10.
- Rick Klein: Addressed the council regarding the 7th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). He urged the council to attend the SCAG subcommittee meeting on October 26, develop data-driven questions challenging growth assumptions, confer with other cities, and direct staff to develop a strategy to minimize housing impacts. He noted that 17 counties have already received their determinations and that inaction guarantees no reduction in allocated numbers.
Agenda Item 7: Consent Calendar
- Action: The council moved to approve the consent calendar.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 8: Ordinances and Resolutions
- 8.1 Traffic Signal at Rosecrans Avenue and Stanton Avenue:
- Discussion: Staff presented a traffic study indicating that a traffic signal is warranted based on California MUTCD criteria, specifically meeting Warrant 2 (traffic volume). The study noted high vehicle counts on Rosecrans Avenue and significant volume on Stanton Avenue. Council members inquired about the effectiveness of speed radar signs (deemed temporary in effect), the cost (approximately $750,000), funding sources (Measure R/M/Prop C funds), and accident history (10 collisions in five years, including one bicyclist). It was noted that the signal would be synchronized with county standards.
- Action: The council moved to adopt Resolution 26-26 approving the installation of the traffic signal.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
- 8.2 Red Curbing at Foster Road and Clearwood Avenue:
- Discussion: Staff recommended installing red curbing (no parking) on the north side of Foster Road, east and west of Clearwood Avenue. The study cited sight distance issues due to privacy walls and vehicles parked near a school crosswalk, which impeded visibility for drivers and pedestrians. The recommendation includes 10 feet of red curb beyond the crosswalk and 20 feet to reinforce AB 413 daylighting requirements. Council members confirmed that homeowners would be notified in advance and that the measure would not prevent the process if objections were raised.
- Action: The council moved to adopt Resolution 26-27 approving the installation of red curbing.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
- 8.3 Purchase of 2027 Ford F-650 Diesel Truck:
- Discussion: Staff requested authorization to waive the formal bid process and purchase a 2027 Ford F-650 diesel truck with a service body outfit for $137,488.12. This replaces a discontinued Chevrolet model previously approved. The truck will replace a 1995 Ford F700 and includes a dump body and trailer hitch for towing the city’s showmobile. Funding is available in the Equipment Replacement Fund. The purchase will be made through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement.
- Action: The council moved to adopt Resolution 26-28 waiving the formal bid process and authorizing the purchase.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
- 8.4 Amendment to Conflict of Interest Code:
- Discussion: Staff presented Resolution 26-29 to amend the city’s Conflict of Interest Code for Designated Personnel. The amendment adds specific positions (Assistant Planner, Code Enforcement Officer, House Manager, Human Resources Analyst, and Planning and Building Technician) to the list of designated positions required to file a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700). This update reflects personnel changes and job responsibilities.
- Action: The council moved to adopt Resolution 26-29.
- Vote: The motion was seconded and passed.
Agenda Item 9: Administrative Reports
- 9.1 Discount Store Regulations:
- Discussion: Staff presented a revised regulatory framework for discount stores, following previous council direction to reduce concentration limits. Key elements include:
- Definition: A discount store is defined as a use where at least 75% of the merchandise display area consists of new/unused outlet, closeout, or liquidation merchandise. Thrift stores, grocery stores, and warehouse clubs are excluded.
- Approval Process: New discount stores require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Planning Commission review. Existing lawful stores may continue without a CUP but must document compliance with operational and maintenance standards within one year.
- Exemptions: Food-oriented discount stores (75% food/beverage) are exempt from the CUP requirement.
- Enforcement: Violations will be addressed through existing zoning ordinance procedures.
- Timeline: Staff plans to proceed to the Planning Commission for a public hearing on October 15, with the ordinance intended to be effective by December 10.
- Council Direction: Council members expressed support for the CUP process and the specific operational standards (e.g., signage, bulk item limits). The Mayor requested that the maintenance standards explicitly apply to existing establishments as well as new ones. Staff agreed to ensure consistency in the final ordinance. The council provided direction to proceed with the public hearing process.
City Council Reports
- Council Member Beene: Congratulated the theater on the opening of Little Shop of Horrors and the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station on its 100th anniversary. She shared personal reflections on her family history and the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Council Member Ng: Commented on a recent internal audit, noting the auditors described the city’s financial controls as "boring" and "fabulous." He thanked staff for maintaining strong financial controls.
- Council Member Lewis: Praised the Little Shop of Horrors production, specifically the puppetry. He commended the Mayor for his speech at the 9/11 remembrance event at Southeast Academy and congratulated the Chamber of Commerce leadership.
- Mayor Pro Tem DeRuiz: Commended the Mayor for his speech at the 9/11 event, stating it added substance and purpose to the ceremony.
- Mayor Otero: Reported on his attendance at the Gateway Council of Governments Conference, the 9/11 remembrance ceremony, the Contract Cities Board meeting, and a Yom Kippur service at Temple Beth Or. He discussed the city’s fiber optic project and shared personal reflections on Hispanic Heritage Month and his family’s history. He also noted his absence from the Little Shop of Horrors opening due to a scout event honoring a local Eagle Scout coach.
- City Attorney: No announcements.
- Theater Director: Reported on the successful opening of Little Shop of Horrors, including an incident where an understudy performed successfully after the lead actor had vocal issues. The next show, Dear Evan Hansen, is in preparation.
- City Manager: Noted that Buccaneer Bay is open for its final summer season weekend.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned.