CITY COUNCIL MEETING

by our Youth Council please.

Let's pray Heavenly Father we come before you with thankful hearts for the City of La Mirada for the leaders volunteers and neighbors who serve and care for this community We ask your presence to rest upon our City Council meeting tonight, grant wisdom humility and a spirit of unity to every conversation decision. Help council members to seek common good above personal preference and to govern with integrity compassion and courage.

Lord we lift up the coming election calm anxious hearts protect the process and guide voters to make thoughtful informed choices May those who seek office lead with servant hearts committed to justice, truth and the flourishing of all residents. Keep our civic life peaceful and respectful and let honest dialogue replace fear and division. We thank you for the coming Love La Mirada Day of Service this Saturday and for all who volunteer their time and energy there Bless every project, every pair of helping hands and every act of kindness.

Multiply the good done, build new connections and let service renew hope across neighborhoods. Use this day to show your love in visible ways and to inspire lasting care for one another. We pray for our community events, for our schools, our first responders, local businesses and families. May they be safe, welcoming and fruitful. Comfort those who are hurting, provide for the vulnerable and strengthen the bonds that make La Mirada a place of belonging.

We entrust La Mirada into your hands asking all these things in your precious name, amen.

Place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin.

Thank you, Pastor Clark and Youth Council for that. Appreciate it. Roll call please.

Mr. Mayor be appropriate to read the proclamation for we have two actually the first is down syndrome awareness month and then the other is for red ribbon week

yes so five point one October 2026, whereas approximately one in every 700 children are born with Down syndrome representing an estimated 6,000 births per year in the United States. Whereas Down syndrome is a generic genetic disorder caused when a cell division results in extra full or partial copy of genetic material from chromosome number 21. Whereas people with Down syndrome possess a wide range of abilities and are active participants in educational, occupational, social and recreational areas of our community. Whereas individuals with Down syndrome should have equal opportunity to achieve the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in their achievements, inclusion in their community and reaching their fullest potential. And whereas the goal of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which started in the 1980s by the National Down Syndrome Society is to spread awareness, educate about down syndrome and celebrate people who have down syndrome and their abilities and their accomplishments.

Therefore I as the mayor of City of La Mirada on behalf of the city council do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in the City of La Mirada.

And Mr. Mayor would like to invite Lincoln Rodriguez and his family to receive the proclamation.

You

want

to say a few words?

Thank you for being

here. Want to say a few words?

I just want to say thank you to our City of La Mirada. We come back every year for this, just to keep the awareness going in our community as we are moving into more inclusive practices not just in our community but also at the district level so we're just very grateful that our city is being more inclusive and Thank you very much.

Why don't we take a break? 3, 2, 1. OK. Item 5.2, proclamation of red ribbon week. Red Ribbon Week, October 2023 through October 31, 2026. Resilient drug use is one of the major challenges of securing a safe and healthy future for our children. In California, the National Red Ribbon Campaign encourages communities to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles through the coordination of Red Ribbon Week activities.

Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in communities throughout America from October 23rd to October 31st. The City of La Mirada is committed to emphasizing the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle by making healthy choices and whereas children, parents, teachers, law enforcement officers, city officials, religious leaders, service organizations and individuals throughout La Mirada will promote a drug free community and demonstrate their commitment to living a drug free lifestyle by wearing and displaying red ribbons during Red Ribbon Week.

Therefore, I as the mayor of the City of La Mirada do hereby proclaim October 23rd through October 31st 2026 as Red Ribbon Week in the city of La Mirada and encourage participation in drug prevention activities to demonstrate our commitment to promoting healthy drug-free lifestyle

in La Mirada. And Mr. Mayor Destiny Alvarez our very own safety education officer will be accepting the proclamation

Hey Destiny, how are you? I'm well. Want to say anything about what's coming up and what you're going to be doing these next few days? Of course. Please!

So the week of Red Ribbon Week, I have to say it slow because if you say it a couple times fast, you start r-r-ribbing yourself. Yeah so that week I'm actually gonna be at schools here in La Mirada just educating the kids we're gonna have a lot of interactive moments with the kids so I will be doing some assemblies but I am going to be there at lunch. We're going to do giveaways and kind of have that time for the kids to interact with us, ask us questions and more importantly educate them on why we do have Red Ribbon Week.

Okay so are you feeling the spirit of Mary Cypress coming and taking hold of you as you're doing this?

I do

yes. You've got some big shoes to fill young lady here you go. So let's take a picture if you don't mind. There we go. Thank you, wish you the best of luck on the assemblies. Be patient, they're kids okay? Remember that please. Item 5.3. Employee Recognition Service.

Mr.

City

Manager, please. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the city council. This evening a 30-year service pin will be presented to Marlon Munoz. Marlon began his career with the city in April 1996 as a part time administrative intern in our Community Services Department. He was promoted to full time administrative aid three months later, subsequently advancing to Administrative Analyst in 1999 and Administrative Analyst II in 2001.

In 2003, Marlon transferred to the Public Works Department where his upward path continued with promotions as Senior Administrative Analyst in 2012 and Public Works Manager in June of 2021. In July of this year, Marlon was appointed as our Public Works Director. In this role he oversees the comprehensive management of the Public Works Department including public streets, parkways, medians, traffic signals, storm drains, parks, public facilities and the vehicle fleet.

Throughout his three decades of service, Marlon has maintained an unwavering commitment to the care and upkeep of the city's infrastructure, parks, and buildings. I have witnessed his commitment to responding to incidents and answering phone calls at all hours day and night. He truly embodies the city's dedicated-to-service motto, and we are grateful for his service. Congratulations, Marlon. It's recommended the City Council recognize Marlon for his years of service and present him with a Service Award pin and a Certificate of Appreciation.

Congratulations. So, Marlon. Marlon, Marlon, Marlin. What can you say about Marlon? Why is your family laughing so loud? Is there something about you I don't

know

about? Yeah, a little bit. A little bit. Well Marlon we have a pin to present you with, cubic zirconia or chip glass not sure what it is but you said who told me this is the last one why is it the last one? Oh his next diamond? He's got, he's got a 50 year term.

I've got 30 more years.

Does he have 30 more years? Well I'm going to present you with this to wear it with pride. Thank you. 30 years is nothing to shake a stick at. It's nothing to blink at for God sakes. You came on in 96 when you started your career or started my career we had a lot more hair. We had a smaller waistband, no doubt. Our bones didn't ache, our back didn't give out and so forth but like what Jeff read is your career has been something of mobility and I think what it says about you as a person, as a man, as individual is that you have a skill set of leadership, a skill set that's transferable across any department that's truly valued and that definitely reflects on who you are and where you've been and where you're going to be. On top of that, more importantly you're a great father and husband and friend to people who are here with you today.

Have the pleasure of meeting your family prior too and to think that woman you married has been your partner for all these years and your best friend. You know it all started at a gas station go figure huh? Thanks to your bladder and her daughter needs some snacks that's how you guys made it. That's awesome, that is awesome so there you go a little something for you as well here's your certificate of appreciation let's take a picture and let you go and blush with your family.

Do you have any words? Hold on canvas words here we go just that's it that's enough no more

First I want to start off by, I have a number for Councilman Lewis. 14,565 trees in the urban forest because I still want to be the king of trees even though I've been deemed the king of potholes by Councilman DeRuse. So just wanted to give you that update. Just what an honor and privilege to be here tonight in 30 years but three decades sounds a lot worse than 30 years.

But it all comes down to, I've always worked for a good council. Always worked for a great city manager. Always worked with great staff and that's why I stayed here for so long. Just want to thank Jeff for his leadership and support and trusting me for now promoting Director, but I wanted to introduce my family. My wife Karina who I also want to thank because she understands I do have to take phone calls on weekends holidays nights and sometimes she wakes me up at 3 o'clock in the morning when I just sleep right through the phone ring so I appreciate that.

My son and daughter, Ray and Zoe, who both grew up in La Mirada, still live in La Mirada. Went to La Mirada High School and all the pluma. And Ray's teacher is actually Mrs. Peterson sitting right behind him tonight. My stepdaughter Clarissa and then Zoe's boyfriend Alvin. Wanted to just thank them for being here but just thanks to the whole city.

You know what we missed? Missed a family photo. Come on up here. This could be your Christmas party this year! Thank you again,

congratulations.

OK. Now moving on to public comment, anyone wish to address the council please approach the podium and state your name. I see no one in person. Oh, one person? Please Mr Hill.

Good evening. My name is Ethan Hall, and I'm a Boy Scout with SOUP 438 speaking to satisfy our requirement for my communications merit badge. But I'm also here today to discuss an idea to improve the look of the front of City Hall. As a member of our city's youth council, I've driven around town judging homes for La Mirada's beautification program, and really think City Hall can look so much nicer. After years of passing by, I decided to share my ideas.

Although my recommendations include removing some trees, the trees I'll recommend for replacement will improve curb appeal and not only to preserve but to increase our Tree City USA standing. To the left of the city hall driveway if you can picture it there's a small section of land that was recently improved with grass removed. And drought-tolerant plants. In my opinion, the older growth looks a bit unkempt and messy. Therefore I would like to recommend removing the eucalyptus trees—more explanation on that later—and plant two or three western redbud trees which when in full bloom turn the entire tree with pink blossoms attracting pollinators and improving curb appeal. When not in bloom they are still pretty with heart shaped leaves. These California natives are very drought tolerant and adapt well to our clay soil and strong sunshine.

Behind the eucalyptus trees, there is a line of privet along with the wall that also looks messy and overgrown. I recommend replacing those with Spartan Juniper which is a columnar drought tolerant tree and needs no pruning. When spaced four to five feet apart, the number of juniper trees would increase the city's tree count and in my opinion would look so much better driving down Longrod Boulevard.

Now for the second area. While looking at La Mirada City Hall from the street, right behind the electronic marquee there are two large eucalyptus trees. I recommend removing both as well but replacing them with one majestic deodorant cedar. This tree although not technically native to California is well adapted with to the climate. The deodorant tree loves full sun, grows fast and will look gorgeous as a Christmas tree in the winter. Fun fact, the stunning Christmas tree lane in Altadena is lined with deodorant cedars and decorated top-to-bottom with lights.

So if you want an idea of what this might look like, you can go there. Lastly, here are my reasons for removing the eucalyptus trees. Not only do they look messy but season to season they shed their pollen, bark and leaves littering the sidewalk and the street. I sometimes walk to water polo practice at Splash and have been noticing chew marks on the fallen eucalyptus leaves. Here is a real concern. I learned that our eucalyptuses have now attracted the invasive pest, the dotted parpassine leaf beetle. The beetle reproduces twice a year, and both adults and larvae chew the leaves, often stripping them down fairly quickly leading to defoliation and tree death.

I've collected these leaves to share what the damage looks like—another reason I'd recommend removal. They are also non-natives to California which would be better if they were I also have some AI renderings of my idea, as well as additional thoughts. And you can contact me for any clarification and thank you for your time. Thank you

very much. Anyone in the virtual world? No one in the virtual world. OK, public comment is now closed. We

Mayor, I'd like to move item 7.1 to 7.10 consent

calendar.

Okay

on the

first and second? Second. On 7. 10 I just want to clarify is that contract for GIS their role is to just develop and maintain but basically they integrate all the software packages that are external to them right there that like the integrator

So this is strictly for the actual software itself. The previous professional service agreement was for the actual staff that is going to work on the actual software to develop the maps and have all of our public facing maps. So this is just a subscription for the actual software itself.

Right, but there are three packages. There's a land management software, there's a

GIS. Yeah, so this is kind of the first step where it's going to generate the overall address database, the data, all that. After that then the land management software is in a pull from this data in order to feed into a separate software altogether.

So initially they're going to integrate everything and develop the standards and maintain it? Correct. Initially. Okay I just want to clarify. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. OK, thank you. So I have a first and a second?

Second. Second. May I roll call please?

Thank you, Mayor Otero, Marlin. Thank you for your long-standing commitment to the city. I get so many compliments all around L.A. County, and every time I say I'm from the City of La Mirada they say what a beautiful city and so well kept and clean. So thank you to you and your staff, so appreciated. Thank you to Officer Alvarez, Safety Officer Alvarez for your hard work in educating our students with Red Ribbon Week. And congrats to our District PTA and Aaron Berry, President of the District PTA Council on another well-attended silent auction fundraiser.

And a very special shout out to Dr. Don Moya Miller from one of our local community colleges, Rio Hondo College which I am employed there as a full disclosure as a professor at his presidential installation he said you belong here. A place where someone knows you, someone cares, someone sees you. I agree. Inclusion and belonging matter. That's what public spaces and public education are about.

So I know that Lincoln and Iris and the families were just here. I want them to know that I am sending my wholehearted support and warmth to the entire family and everyone who advocates for those in the margins, so thank you. Another family that I have been spending a lot of time with is California Contract Cities Association. This is an association that advocates for our city along with 73 others in the 88 cities of Los Angeles County and as my colleagues know here, I am honored to be on the executive board.

So we recently held our annual executive board strategic planning meeting in Catalina, where we were welcomed by our board colleague, Avalon Councilmember De La Rosa. And it was a very productive and fruitful season so thank you to the residents for putting trust in me as we travel around on behalf of the City of La Mirada. Another great advocacy association that I have had the honor of being a La Mirada delegate is the League of California Cities. I attended their annual LA division luncheon and had a wonderful time networking and collaborating with the region's elected officials and city staff.

I'd like to point to some legislative wins that Cal City has in their advocacy, in their platform that fall in line with our legislative platform. So we've had some people in public comment talking about our housing and we have in our own legislative platform Focus our advocacy for our own city on local control. And so AB 2296 has done that, and then two that align with our legislative platform on public safety, AB 1941 on copper wire theft and prohibiting and targeting and making sure that there are ways to mitigate repeat offenders, and then also AB 1588 which has to do with establishing some parameters for speed when it's with a show type situations.

As we head into October I would like to give a final shout out to our neighboring city Lakewood for lighting up their Civic Center tree in all pink in support of breast cancer awareness. And I think of our own, I didn't ask permission but I do want to give a shout out to Ellen for being a survivor of breast cancer. And I would challenge us to find ways next year to honor in the entire months and support breast cancer awareness in new ways like perhaps illuminating our fountain in pink.

Happy fall season everyone. Thank you and good night.

Thank you, Councilwoman. Dr. Ng? Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Congratulations Marlon and also to Jeff for recognizing Marlon's tenure and expertise enough to promote him. I didn't attend any reports, but I want to thank my friend John Lewis for social media postings. So I felt like I was there every time even though I wasn't. But thank you again and so many of you guys do so much staff all the events and like I said, I haven't been able to attend any of them. But thanks again, John. Appreciate it. That's my report Mr. Mayor. Thank you Dr. Ng.

Councilman Lewis. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Last Saturday went to the Sheriff's 100th anniversary event over there at the sheriff station in Norwalk. They're 100 years old. They were incorporated or established in 1926 Even though Oscar doesn't look a year over 45, it's 100-year anniversary for the sheriffs and congratulations. You guys have been covering La Mirada for 100 years I know officially since 1960 but I know you guys have covered La Mirada this area before it even became a city 400 years and probably before that so congratulations on your hard work for over 100 years Hopefully we can make it to the 200 year anniversary. It's kind of interesting to see some of the old photos there from that 100th anniversary event, but they had you know the sheriff sitting out front with the cowboy hats and shotguns sitting next to a Model T so it's kind of neat if you want to take a look and go to the sheriff station over there look at some of those old photos.

Kind of cool to look at again congrats also went to Crunch Burger. They had their opening on this week They opened up their second location with the drive-thru at the old Arby's, used to be over there on Imperial Highway. So give them a try, it's a really good burger. On Tuesday went to the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce meeting and they had some great speakers. They had a speaker there who was interestingly a Navy SEAL and he provides service of process services on some tough cases where there is temporary restraining orders so I thought it was going It was kind of interesting to hear him talk.

October 1st went to coffee with a cop. I got to meet the SAO team and, of course, Oscar was there. Thanks for the free coffee. Appreciate it. Ann was there, of course, the public safety team. And it's not true. There were no donuts there so there is no donut-flavored coffee. The sheriff's drink the same coffee that we do. So congratulations on your event with the community and thank you very much for that.

Saturday went to Relay For Life with the mayor, he made a speech there about relay. We have, you know, we're trying to beat cancer's butt here in La Mirada and every year it's at splash and they put on I think they make upwards of 100 grand in contributions. I think this year it's around 80 grand So good job for the Relay For Life. And Marlon, 30 years. Great job. See you in another 30 years I say so it'll be let's say you started this job when you're five years old is that right? Great job on the 30 years for serving La Mirada really appreciate it and that is my report thank you.

Thank you Councilman Lewis. Dr. Bruce.

Thank You Mr. Mayor I was at the Sanitation District meeting and I-5 consortium meeting. Nothing new really to report there, just paying the bills. And also, I was at the grand opening of Crunch 2.0 on Imperial. I thank the owners there for investing in La Mirada twice. It's one thing to do it once but they have two stores in La Mirada so I encourage you to go over there. Marlon, 30 years. I've known you a long time. Remember the good old days when you were humble?

Bernard has always been humble. He's always been a good friend and a blessing to the community, is my neighbor for a number of years. And so congratulations to you and keep going full steam ahead. And that concludes my report.

Thank you, directors. October 23rd through 25th attended the Cal Cities Conference as a voting delegate for the city of La Mirada. One of the attended numerous information and learning sessions. The one that I think stuck out the most where Ms. Harrison and I attended was the e-bikes one presented by the council member from Chula Vista San Diego had the opportunity to meet up with that gentleman later on at a reception if you will.

Willie picked his brain a little more. Chula Vista has put in some really I know he's passed an ordinance recently about that. But I remain committed to him, to stay in contact with him as far as what their progress is, what their pitfalls and what their best practices are. Maybe hoping one day we could look at that and probably emulate that. of what they're learning.

The biggest challenge, which he said, which I totally endorse is that it should be data driven but the data on e-bikes themselves and what the primary cause of accidents with e-bikes is so new even with trauma centers it's new. They weren't capturing information. They'd have someone come in an injury but they weren't capturing what happened on an e-bike. So the data is relatively new but it is pertinent and is there. So we'll follow up on that see how that works out for us October 1st, Gateway City's Breakfast.

Attending that represent the city of La Mirada. Mr. Ian Calderon was there as a speaker well attended throughout the gateway cities even our school district was there and attends as well which is good to see them after that heading over to Coffee with the Cop again just good opportunity to engage with the community and seeing law enforcement Always it's nice to see uh sometimes you gotta break up our law enforcement and tend to huddle a little bit. You gotta tell them go talk, you know let's still talk some people and whatnot and do everything with it. The engagement was there. It was fun. It was good to attend. That same evening October 1st I had a Rotary Club meeting. I spoke to the Rotarians.

Just got to ask questions about the city Of third, really. Did attend had the privilege of sitting next to a woman who was sitting there who is still fighting cancer and it was very emotional just to see what she was going through and talk to her. They The first lap together. And like I said when I spoke to the group and said if you haven't been touched by cancer yet your family, just stay tuned because it's an evil that disease that affects every family and having seen people in your own home nursing your in-laws to their deathbed from cancer or something really Really an experience, I'll leave it at that. And going through the level with that as an experience. So full support of Relay for Life. I did open my big mouth and I said you guys should be here every year.

You shouldn't leave La Mirada. You should have your event here every year. So Mr. City Manager and fellow council members they're gonna hold us to that probably so we welcome it. We welcome having them here. Shortly after that The 100th anniversary put on by Supervisor Han's office. Ivan was there, Ivan did a great job as Master of Ceremony he was it was it was little warm little toasty but we did the best and it was it was great cutting of the cake and everything else Like Norwalk you're 100, you look good. I know your doctor is you get some good work going on over there so wish the best of luck to the men and women involved of our Sheriff's Department.

On the 5th had a meeting with city manager and I had a meeting with representation from Biola student government that was very interesting it was always enlightening to engage a young person like that and know what their generation is going through to help better serve them. We learned quite a few things about how we can better serve them, on what they're experiencing as students is coming up and the uncertainty of AI or am I gonna have a career? And what I'm studying gonna be relevant by the time I graduate those are real questions these young people have um and so I did offer us as council members to go speak to them. If they want to request us to go speak on anything, any topic that we would be willing to assist them in getting through that.

The 6th attended a street takeover briefing put on by the County Sheriff's Department that was facilitated by Contract Cities. Just got an update on what's being done, the methodology and how they're enforcing so forth if you guys pay attention. Watched news the other day LAPD did several take over enforcements They talked about tactics and where they're moving forward with it. It seems pretty encouraging that they're getting more aggressive, the law enforcement is getting more aggressive on these things. Thank God knock on wood hasn't come to a town near us but it's good to be aware and vigilant on that.

Today, just today the City Manager and I had a meeting with Norwalk-Lamarana Unified School District. Just full, we talked about is entering some sort of hopefully land lease agreement for field usage for our city, our sports. I feel it was a very productive meeting Mr. City Manager. I'm sure you can agree with that. I think we're moving in the right direction and I think something will see something hopefully very soon to help out with our city sports And tomorrow, Mr. City Manager and I will be attending the meeting with E-Bell. We're going to go to an E-Bell meeting and talk to the ladies there in attendance. And I think one of the things they want to know is what does a city manager do?

It's a great question isn't it? I still haven't figured it out. Been here for years. But that's on tomorrow. And once again, to echo Councilwoman Beane's point about breast cancer awareness, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A very valid, a very important topic to get behind for research and for awareness. And that is all I have. Thank you very much Mr. City Manager.

I have no announcements Mr. Mayor. Anything from the data set? Anything from the theater?

I mean, we had a good day yesterday with single ticket day for Hairspray and Les Mis, which means those two shows went on sale. And we did close to sixty seven thousand dollars in ticket sales. So people are very excited about that. We've just closed Little Shop of Horrors this weekend. We launch in with the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Saturday. We've got Boingo Boingo next week and Dear Evan Hansen started rehearsals today. So we're gearing up and doing great guys. Thank you for your work.

Appreciate

it. City

Attorney anything?

Just want to say one thing. Marvin, it's been great working with you for 30 years from the bottom to the top. You're a terrific city official. I understand.

You guys are growing old together. I love it. Love it like that couple. I like it. Okay, okay we have a closed session item number 11. People you're welcome stick around at the very end but if not if we come back out here or not here we won't be insulted so we'll go to our closed session. We'll be back shortly thank you. We are back from our closed session nothing to report thank you meetings adjourned