HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-4 - 26-105 - 12-02-2025 Draft Minutes - 1/20/2026
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 1 of 15
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY
DECEMBER 2, 2025 - MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – The Closed Session meeting was called to order by Mayor Stephens at
4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr (arrived at
5:00 p.m. Via Zoom Webinar, from Arlington Virgina), Council Member Pettis,
Council Member Reynolds (arrived at 4:15 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and
Mayor Stephens.
Absent: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – NONE.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (a)
Agency Designated Representative: Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, Interim City Manager
Name of Employee Organization: Costa Mesa City Employees Association (CMCEA)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (a)
Agency Designated Representative: Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, Interim City Manager
Name of Employee Organization: Costa Mesa Division Managers Association
(CMDMA)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957.6 (a)
Agency Designated Representative: Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, Interim City Manager
Name of Employee Organization: Costa Mesa City Executive Unit
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATION OF LITIGATION - THREE
CASES
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), Potential Litigation.
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION – ONE
CASE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(4), Potential Litigation.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 2 of 15
6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: Farrell Harrison v. City of Costa Mesa, et al.,
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2025-01495293-CU-WM-CJC
7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: City of Costa Mesa; People of State of Cal. v. D'Alessio Investments
LLC, et al.
440 Fair Dr. and 1779 Newport Blvd.
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2020-01170520
8. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: D'Alessio Investments LLC v. City of Costa Mesa
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2020-01132646
9. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: D’Alessio v. City of Costa Mesa, et al.,
United States District Court, Central District of CA, Case No. 8:25-cv-00679-DOC-DFM
10. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: City of Costa Mesa v. D’Alessio; 1963 Wallace Ave.
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30 2020 01133479
11. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: City of Costa Mesa v. Ohio House LLC
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2020-01146835-CU-OR-CJC
City Council recessed at 4:03 p.m. for Closed Session.
Closed Session adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - The Regular City Council and Housing Authority meeting was called to
order by Mayor Stephens at 6:10 p.m.
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – A video was played of the National
Anthem and the Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SOLEMN EXPRESSION – Led by Pastor Phil Eyskens, Lighthouse Church.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr (Via Zoom
Webinar, from Arlington Virgina, excused at 9:35 p.m.), Cou Member Pettis, Council
Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: None.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 3 of 15
CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT – Ms. Hall Barlow reported no reportable
action was taken and direction was given. Ms. Hall Barlow commented on a social media item
stating that the city has failed to move forward with immigration defense agreements. Ms. Hall
Barlow stated that the statement is incorrect, and that immigration legal defense are already
representing a number of Costa Mesa residents, and stated that a website is available for
residents to donate additional funding for the services.
PRESENTATIONS: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Jay Humphrey, Costa Mesa, wished everyone Happy Holidays and best wishes, and spoke on
an Orange County Register article that reported inaccurate public commenters on the Fairview
Park item.
Speaker, Costa Mesa, thanked City Council and staff for the legal defense funds, inquired on
the contract and how to access the funds, spoke on Gabriel Garcia-Aviles and if the city has
contacted the family, and spoke on the funding for the Someone Cares Soup Kitchen.
Speaker, spoke on Project Based Learning and invited City Council to visit International School
for Science and Culture (ISSAC) School.
Natalie Foley, requested the accessibility of immigrant resources on the website to be updated,
and more visibility on the website regarding Know Your Rights.
Kim Hendricks, representing Fairview Park Alliance, advertised the Fairview Park calendar is
available with a $20 donation, and spoke on volunteer opportunities with the Alliance.
Haley Horton, Costa Mesa, spoke on the impact of ICE raids and requested the website be
updated with Know Your Rights information.
Cynthia McDonald, Costa Mesa, requested to reopen the public hearing for additional public
comments on the Fairview Park Master Plan.
Speaker, Costa Mesa, requested more information on the website regarding Know Your
Rights, and suggested having the information available in public spaces such as bus stops and
libraries, and to have Know Your Rights packets be made available for businesses in the
community.
Padmini Srinivasan Hands, Principal and Executive Director of International School for Science
and Culture (ISSAC) School spoke on being thankful for being a part of Costa Mesa and is
grateful for City Councils support, spoke on Project Based Learning and Human Rights, and
spoke on celebrating culture.
Speaker, requested an update on the legal defense funds, requested the city share the
contracts, and inquired on the plan to share the information with the community.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 4 of 15
Hank Castignetti, Orange County Model Engineers, invited City Council and residents to visit
on December 20th and 21st to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and the Grinch at the train, and
spoke on partnering with Sparks of Love Toy Drive.
Speaker, thanked City Council for the work done over the past year, requested another dog
park and to upgrade the current one, and requested to adjourn the meeting in honor of Mr.
Surratt of Surratt Car Wash.
Speaker, Costa Mesa, requested an update on efforts to improve visibility of Know Your Rights
information and requested information on how immigrant defense funds are being
disseminated.
Speaker, spoke on ICE enforcement, spoke on immigration, and open borders, and spoke on
affordable housing mandates.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
Council Member Buley spoke in support of an additional dog park, spoke on one year of being
on the Council, spoke on visiting the Orange County Christian Learning Center, spoke on
attending the Segerstrom tree lighting event, and thanked staff for their support.
Council Member Gameros thanked staff for their work and support, requested clarification
regarding the funds for Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
Council Member Marr spoke on attending the firefighter’s promotion ceremony and thanked
staff for their support.
Council Member Reynolds spoke on a Coastkeeper’s event on Monday, December 8th at the
Library regarding oil drilling off the coast, spoke on the Historical Society walking tour on
Sunday, December 14th, spoke on supporting community members that are afraid, spoke on
having resources on the website easily accessible, and spoke on the budget process, and
encouraged everyone to shop local.
Council Member Pettis spoke on attending the firefighter’s promotion ceremony, and wished
everyone a Merry Christmas.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez spoke on visiting International School for Science and Culture
(ISSAC) School, spoke on updating the content on the website regarding Know Your Rights,
and invited everyone to visit Snoopy House.
Mayor Stephens thanked Sergio Escobar for his work on the Basket Brigade event, spoke on
attending the 100th birthday celebration of Shirley Foster, spoke on attending the firefighter’s
promotion ceremony, spoke on Snoopy House, spoke on updating the website for Know Your
Rights information, spoke on donating monies to the Immigration Defense Fund, and wished
everyone a Merry Christmas.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 5 of 15
REPORT – CITY MANAGER – Ms. Gallardo-Daly reported that Snoopy House is returning to
City Hall December 12th -19th and thanked the Estancia High School Students for assisting with
rebuilding the sets, spoke on updating the Know Your Rights information on the website, and
wished everyone Happy Holidays.
REPORT – CITY ATTORNEY – Ms. Hall Barlow reported on the legal defense funds and that
direction was to enter into agreements with Public Law Center and Immigration Defenders,
reported the Public Law Center agreement is final and they are accepting clients, and the
Immigration Defenders agreement is being finalized and they have been accepting clients,
contact information is available on the website, clarified that the money does not go to
individuals, it goes to the providers of the services, individuals in need should contact Public
Law Center or Immigration Defenders for legal services, and clarified that clients information is
confidential.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar except for Consent Calendar Item Nos. 7 and 9.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr, Council
Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: Council Member Gameros recused himself on item 3 the Warrant Resolution due to
his wife working for Priceless Pet Recue.
Motion carried: 7-0
1. PROCEDURAL WAIVER: WAIVE THE FULL READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS
ACTION:
City Council and Housing Authority approved the reading by title only and waived further
reading of Ordinances and Resolutions.
2. READING FOLDER
ACTION:
City Council received and filed Claims received by the City Clerk and authorized staff to
reject any and all Claims: Jonathan Barillas, Jeffrey Brian Magy, Kyle Samuelson.
3. ADOPTION OF WARRANT RESOLUTION
ACTION:
City Council approved Warrant Resolution No. 2745.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 6 of 15
4. REVIEW AND APPROVE RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR
FOR 2026
ACTION:
Reviewed and approved the City Council Meeting Calendar for 2026.
5. AUTHORIZE THE USE OF SOURCEWELL’S NATIONAL COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL AUTO FLEET FOR THE PURCHASE OF EIGHT (8)
ALLMAND PORTABLE LIGHT TOWERS
ACTION:
1. City Council authorized the use of Sourcewell’s Cooperative Agreement No.
091521-NAF with National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of eight (8) Allmand
GR Series portable light towers.
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents for the purchase
in the amount of $109,897 through National Auto Fleet Group located at 490 Auto
Center Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076.
6. AUTHORIZE THE USE OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH LONG BEACH
BMW FOR THE PURCHASE OF FOUR NEW 2026 BMW R1300 RT-P POLICE
MOTORCYCLES
ACTION:
1. City Council approved the purchase of four (4) new 2026 BMW R1300 RT-P police
motorcycles based on pricing through a Goods Purchase Agreement between The
City of San Bernardino and Long Beach BMW entered on June 25, 2025.
2. Authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary documents for the purchase
in the amount of $164,439 from Long Beach BMW Motorcycles located at 2125 E.
Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90806.
8. FREEWAY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT FOR SHARING
COSTS OF STATE HIGHWAY ELECTRICAL FACILITIES
ACTION:
1. City Council approved Freeway Maintenance Agreement between the State of
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Costa Mesa for
the I-405 Improvements Project.
2. Approved the Agreement for Sharing Costs of State Highway Electrical Facilities
between Caltrans and the City of Costa Mesa.
3. Authorized staff to accept any minor amendments to the agreements based on final
review by all parties and for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute final agreements.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 7 of 15
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
7. MEASURE M2 EXPENDITURE REPORT
Public Comments:
Jay Humphrey, Costa Mesa, spoke on the listing for a traffic signal at Belfast Avenue.
Cynthia McDonald, Costa Mesa, spoke on the listing for a traffic signal at Belfast
Avenue.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr,
Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor
Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 7-0
ACTION:
City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-46, approving the Measure M2 Expenditure
Report and authorized staff to submit the report to the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA).
9. ADAMS AVENUE BICYCLE FACILITY PROJECT (FROM HARBOR BOULEVARD
TO FAIRVIEW ROAD), FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STPL-5312(108), CITY PROJECT
NO. 25-11
Presentation by Mr. Nikoui, Senior Engineer.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Council Member Marr
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr,
Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor
Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 7-0
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 8 of 15
ACTION:
1. City Council adopted plans, specifications, and working details for the Adams
Avenue Bicycle Facility Project (From Harbor Boulevard to Fairview Road), Federal
Project No. STPL-5312(108), City Project No. 25-11, and found the project
categorically exempt from CEQA.
2. Approved a Public Works Agreement (PWA) in the amount of $2,268,636, and a ten
percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $226,864 to Excel Paving Company,
2230 Lemon Avenue, Long Beach CA 90806.
3. Approved Professional Services Agreement (PSA) in the amount of $241,374 and a
ten percent (10%) contingency in the amount of $24,137, to Z&K Consultants, Inc.,
17130 Van Buren Blvd. #122, Riverside, CA 92504, for construction management
and inspection support services for the Adams Avenue Bicycle Facility Project.
4. Authorized the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the PWA and the PSA
and any future amendments to the agreements within Council authorized limits.
-------------------------------------END OF CONSENT CALENDAR---------------------------------------
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
(Pursuant to Resolution No. 05-55, Public Hearings begin at 7:00 p.m.)
1. CONTINUATION REQUEST OF AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S
DECISION TO UPHOLD THE ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DIRECTOR’S DECISION TO DENY A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUEST
TO DEVIATE FROM CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF THE ZONING CODE TO
OPERATE A SOBER LIVING HOME, OPERATED BY THE OHIO HOUSE AT 115
EAST WILSON STREET, UNITS A THROUGH E
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr,
Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor
Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 7-0
ACTION:
City Council opened the public hearing and continued the item to the February 3, 2026
meeting, pursuant to the applicants’ request.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 9 of 15
2. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES ANNUAL
REPORT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, AND THE TRAFFIC
IMPACT FEE ANALYSIS
Presentation by Ms. Molina, Finance Director and Mr. Martin, Transportation Services
Manager.
Public Comments:
David Martinez spoke on Senate Bill 358 regarding mitigation impact fees.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr,
Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor
Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 7-0
ACTION:
1. City Council received and filed the Development Impact Fees Annual Report for the
Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2025-47 continuing the citywide traffic impact fee for new
development that incorporates recommendations from the Traffic Impact Fee Ad
Hoc Committee and staff, which include:
· Adopt a traffic impact fee of $231 per Average Daily Trip (ADT) based on the
Capital Improvement Projects in Attachment 4 and Active Transportation projects
in the adopted Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
· Approve allocation of up to ten percent (10%) of traffic impact fees towards traffic
signal synchronization projects.
· Approve a five percent (5%) reduction in automobile trips as a result of ATP
implementation and an additional five percent (5%) reduction in automobile trips
for developments proposing to implement active transportation improvements
beyond typical development requirements.
City Council recessed into a break at 7:50 p.m.
City Council reconvened at 8:12 p.m.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 10 of 15
OLD BUSINESS:
1. DRAFT FAIRVIEW PARK MASTER PLAN UPDATE: DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL
OF RECOMMENDATIONS
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Council Member Marr
MOTION: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan and include the following:
• Bring the trails map into consistency with the Active Transportation Plan.
• The fly field can either stay in the current location or be moved to the proposed
new location for the purpose of the CEQA analysis.
• Related to the tribal work:
o Where the plan discusses interpretive programming, explicitly include
collaboration and coordination with the tribes.
o Regarding multi-lingual signage, include incorporation of tribal languages
if supported by the tribes, and
o On page 65 regarding cultural and tribal restoration to add language to
establish on going communication and collaboration with the tribal
advisory group.
• Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory group and bring back
a proposal for council for ongoing relations with tribal governments, engagement
for interpretive signage and other park programing, site access and use, and any
other recommendations prioritized by the tribes.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION/SECOND: Council Member Buley/Mayor Stephens
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Amend the 2008 Master Plan to include the following items
from attachment 2 of the staff report:
• 8: Provide for a potential native plant growing space on the east side of Fairview
Park in a location that avoids impacts to native habitat. The growing space shall
be planned and designed in consultation with a qualified restoration ecologist.
• 16: Adopt the Maintenance, Operations, and Management Plan for Fairview Park,
including the Invasive Species Management Plan for Fairview Park.
• 18: Provide continuing opportunities for tribal coordination and participation in the
implementation of the Updated Fairview Park Master Plan.
• 19: Provide an ADA-accessible pathway from the main parking lot to the existing
paved multi-purpose path west of the main parking lot.
• 24: Incorporate a native pollinator area to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
The native pollinator area would replace the ornamental vegetation including
invasive species currently located in the planter area.
• 25: Based on community input - consider renaming the site to reflect the site's
natural and cultural resources.
Council Member Gameros requested to amend the substitute motion to include moving
the flying field to the east side of the park as long as it does not trigger Measure AA.
Council Member Buley (1st) did not agree to the change.
Council Member Reynolds clarified that the staff recommendation is to move the flying
field to the east side of the park and agreed to make the change to the original motion.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 11 of 15
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez noted that he does not support the substitute motion due to the
flying field remaining at its current location.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION/SECOND: Council Member Buley/Mayor Stephens
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Amend the 2008 Master Plan to include the following items
from attachment 2 of the staff report:
• 8: Provide for a potential native plant growing space on the east side of Fairview
Park in a location that avoids impacts to native habitat. The growing space shall
be planned and designed in consultation with a qualified restoration ecologist.
• 16: Adopt the Maintenance, Operations, and Management Plan for Fairview Park,
including the Invasive Species Management Plan for Fairview Park.
• 18: Provide continuing opportunities for tribal coordination and participation in the
implementation of the Updated Fairview Park Master Plan.
• 19: Provide an ADA-accessible pathway from the main parking lot to the existing
paved multi-purpose path west of the main parking lot.
• 24: Incorporate a native pollinator area to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
The native pollinator area would replace the ornamental vegetation including
invasive species currently located in the planter area.
• 25: Based on community input - consider renaming the site to reflect the site's
natural and cultural resources.
The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Pettis, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr, Council Member Reynolds,
and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion failed: 3-4
Council Member Gameros requested the original motion be restated.
Council Member Reynolds restated the original motion and added the inclusion of
speed limits for biking and to move the flying field to the east side of the park.
ORIGINAL MOTION/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Council Member Marr
ORIGINAL MOTION: Move forward with the Draft Master Plan and include the
following:
• Bring the trails map into consistency with the Active Transportation Plan.
• Speed limits for biking.
• The fly field be moved to the proposed new location on the east side of the park.
• Related to the tribal work:
o Where the plan discusses interpretive programming, explicitly include
collaboration and coordination with the tribes.
o Regarding multi-lingual signage, include incorporation of tribal languages
if supported by the tribes, and
o On page 65 regarding cultural and tribal restoration to add language to
establish on going communication and collaboration with the tribal
advisory group.
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 12 of 15
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr, Council Member Reynolds,
and Mayor Pro Tem Chavez.
Nays: Council Member Buley, Council Member Pettis, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 4-3
ACTION:
1. City Council reviewed and discussed the Draft Fairview Park Master Plan Update
prepared by consultant Moore, Iacofano, Goltsman, Inc. (MIG); and
2. Provided the following direction on the Draft Fairview Park Master Plan Update for
inclusion in the final Fairview Park Master Plan Update for adoption:
• Bring the trails map into consistency with the Active Transportation Plan.
• Speed limits for biking.
• The fly field be moved to the proposed new location on the east side of the park.
• Related to the tribal work:
o Where the plan discusses interpretive programming, explicitly include
collaboration and coordination with the tribes.
o Regarding multi-lingual signage, include incorporation of tribal languages
if supported by the tribes, and
o On page 65 regarding cultural and tribal restoration to add language to
establish on going communication and collaboration with the tribal
advisory group.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Direct staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory group and bring
back a proposal to council for ongoing relations with tribal governments, engagement
for interpretive signage and other park programing, site access and use, and any other
recommendations prioritized by the tribes.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr,
Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: Council Member Pettis.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 6-1
ACTION:
1. City Council directed staff to continue engagement with the tribal advisory group and
bring back a proposal to council for ongoing relations with tribal governments,
engagement for interpretive signage and other park programing, site access and
use, and any other recommendations prioritized by the tribes.
NEW BUSINESS:
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 13 of 15
1. AMENDMENT TO MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH FOR USE OF BEDS AT THE COSTA MESA BRIDGE SHELTER
Presentation by Mr. Robbins, Neighborhood Improvement Manager.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
Council Member Reynolds requested adding a section that the City of Newport Beach
shall be responsible for housing or relocating any Newport Beach residents who remain
at the shelter at the conclusion of the agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez (1st) and Mayor Stephens (2nd) agreed to the change.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation and include a sentence or section that the
City of Newport Beach shall be responsible for housing or relocating any Newport
Beach residents who remain at the shelter at the conclusion of the agreement.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Pettis,
Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 6-0
ACTION:
City Council approved Amendment No. 2 to the Memorandum of Understanding with the
City of Newport Beach, reducing their allocation of beds at the Costa Mesa Bridge
Shelter from twenty-five (25) to twenty (20) and adjusting their associated costs,
accordingly and include that the City of Newport Beach shall be responsible for housing
or relocating any Newport Beach residents who remain at the shelter at the conclusion
of the agreement.
2. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF TO EXPLORE TWO CITY BALLOT INITIATIVES
PERTAINING TO TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX AND BUSINESS LICENSE TAX
Presentation by Ms. Molina, Finance Director and Mr. Diminich, Finance Officer.
Public Comments:
David Martinez, Costa Mesa, inquired on why these specific items were chosen.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/ Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 14 of 15
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION/SECOND: Council Member Buley/Council Member Pettis
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Direct staff to explore Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) only.
The motion failed by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley and Council Member Pettis.
Nays: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez,
and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion failed 2-4
ORIGINAL MOTION/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/ Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
ORIGINAL MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez,
and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: Council Member Buley and Council Member Pettis.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 4-2
ACTION:
City Council provided direction to staff to explore placement of potentially two ballot
measures in the November 2026 elections to consider an increase in the City of Costa
Mesa’s Transient Occupancy Tax (Hotel tax) and a Business License Tax.
3. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR CITY MANAGER
Presentation by Ms. Hall Barlow, City Attorney.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Gameros/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation and include revising section 2(d) stating that
the City Manager and City Council will agree on performance goals.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Pettis,
Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 6-0
ACTION:
City Council approved the agreement with Cecilia Gallardo-Daly to serve as City
Manager commencing December 2, 2025.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND
Minutes – Regular Meeting December 2, 2025 Page 15 of 15
SUGGESTIONS – NONE.
ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. in honor and
memory of Mr. Surratt.
Minutes adopted on this 20th day of January, 2026.
___________________________
John Stephens, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Brenda Green, City Clerk