HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC-4 - 26-164 - 02-17-2026 Draft Minutes - 3/3/2026
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 1 of 10
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AUTHORITY
FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER – The Closed Session meeting was called to order by Mayor Stephens at
4:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr, Council
Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds (Arrived at 4:04 p.m.), Mayor Pro Tem
Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dennis D’Alessio spoke about reaching a settlement in his cases with the City.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:
1. Public Employment, Workers’ Compensation Claim
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (b)(1)
WCAB NO. ADJ20001620
2. Public Employment, Workers’ Compensation Claim
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (b)(1)
WCAB NO. ADJ20046157
3. Public Employment, Workers’ Compensation Claim
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (b)(1)
WCAB NO. ADJ18312550
4. Public Employment, Workers’ Compensation Claim
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (b)(1)
WCAB NO. ADJ18493767
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATION OF LITIGATION - ONE
CASE
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), Potential Litigation.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 2 of 10
6. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.8
APN: 424-211-01; Property: 695 W. 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Agency Negotiators: Cecilia Gallardo-Daly, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Jamboree Housing
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
7. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Name of Case: Maxine Oshiro v. City of Costa Mesa, et al.
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2022-01285097-CU-PA-CJC
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
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. D’Alessio; 1963 Wallace Ave.
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30 2020 01133479
City Council recessed at 4:07 p.m. for Closed Session.
Closed Session adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - The Regular City Council and Housing Authority meeting was called to
order by Mayor Stephens at 6:05 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 Calvary Chapel Dave Manne, Pastor
Emeritus.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 3 of 10
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Buley, Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr (excused
at 7:37 p.m.), Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem
Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Absent: None.
CITY ATTORNEY CLOSED SESSION REPORT – No reportable action.
PRESENTATIONS: NONE.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
Speaker, spoke against Flock Cameras and requested they be removed.
Brooke Grey thanked City Council and staff for their work on inclusivity in the city, for including
Know Your Rights information at bus shelters, for updating the website, spoke against ICE,
and against Flock Cameras.
Speaker, thanked the city for their efforts to support the immigrant community and spoke
against Flock Cameras
Speaker, thanked City Council for sharing Know Your Rights information, thanked Police Chief
LaPointe for filing the FOIA requests with DHS, spoke on holding federal agents accountable,
and spoke on enforcing the No Vigilantes Act.
Speaker, spoke against Flock Cameras
Speaker, spoke against Flock Cameras.
Juano Trejo, thanked Council Member Reynolds for providing food to families in need, thanked
City Council for their efforts during difficult times and the money designated to help families,
requested a registry on the number of people detained in Costa Mesa, and thanked the Police
Department for being present in the community.
Anne Stenton, Costa Mesa, thanked City Council for their efforts to support immigrants,
encouraged the city to submit FOIA requests, and spoke against Flock Cameras.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS
Council Member Reynolds thanked staff for their work to receive donations and facilitating
assistance out to community organizations, thanked the Police Department for their report to
the Active Transportation Committee on collision data, reported on attending the annual
foundation gala for the Orange County Soccer Club and is interested in a partnership for a
Costa Mesa night, spoke on a conversation with various property owners and Measure K
locations and wanting to understand more of the process, spoke on Flock Cameras and
controls, asked for an audit and if there is a risk of data breach, spoke on an event on
February 18th at 6:00 p.m. in Costa Mesa for residents to get involved in community
volunteering, reported that Orange County Rapid Response has statistics on those being
detained, and requested to adjourn the meeting in honor and memory of Kathleen Andrews.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 4 of 10
Council Member Pettis spoke on small businesses and on Housing and Community
Development, requested more focus on community engagement and communications, spoke
on watching the commission meetings, spoke on the Arts Commissions budgetary concerns
and requests, and thanked the public for their participation in the government process.
Council Member Buley thanked Finance Director Molina and City Manager Gallardo-Daly for
information on the budget and requested drafts of the budget be provided to the Finance and
Pension Advisory Committee, attended the District meeting and addressed e-bike concerns,
spoke on proposed state legislation on e-bikes for a registration process, thanked staff for
helping a small business owner navigating Tessa, thanked Parks and Community Services
Director Mr. Gruner and his department for handling residents concerns at Moon Park, and
spoke on attending a Costa Mesa United Committee event.
Council Member Gameros thanked the community for expressing concerns on safety, spoke in
support of the Costa Mesa Police Department and Fire Department, spoke on the Flock
Camera systems, spoke on housing affordability in the community, spoke on the status of the
Costa Mesa Tennis Center and thanked Parks and Community Services Director Mr. Gruner
for staffing the tennis center, and indicated that Adam Ereth with the Someone Cares Soup
Kitchen has food boxes ready for distribution.
Council Member Marr spoke on Flock cameras and requested staff to look at settings,
expressed condolences to the family and friends of Kathleen Andrews, and spoke against ICE.
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent, spoke
on attending the groundbreaking for Ketchum Libolt Park, spoke on attending an Estancia High
School club meeting to speak to students on the Costa Mesa Police Department and how they
are not working with ICE, spoke on Flock Cameras and requested a report from the Police
Department, spoke against the school district proposed banning of e-bikes, spoke on the City
of Irvine’s policy on e-bikes, spoke in memory of Kathleen Andrews, and requested to also
adjourn the meeting in honor of Deputy Police Chief Chamness’ father who recently passed
away.
Mayor Stephens spoke on the Ketchum Libolt groundbreaking, spoke on attending a ribbon
cutting for “Changes”, spoke on Flock cameras and indicated they are successful for crime
fighting and requested staff to analyze, wished everyone a Happy Mardi Gras, Lent, and Lunar
New Year, spoke in memory of Kathleen Andrews and Bruce Chamness and adjourning the
meeting in their honor.
REPORT – CITY MANAGER – Ms. Gallardo-Daly reported that on February 24th at 6:00 p.m.
the Fire Marshal will kick-off the CERT program, spoke on the Neighborhoods Where We All
Belong upcoming community workshops, spoke on the Tennis Center is temporarily being run
by Agape Tennis Academy, stated Earth Day and Arbor Day festivals are on April 18th,
February 17th is Lunar New Year, and spoke on state legislation SB 100 regarding law
enforcement wearing masks.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 5 of 10
REPORT – CITY ATTORNEY – Ms. Hall Barlow reported that the City Attorney’s Office
submitted a FOIA request last August to Department of Homeland Security for records related
to immigration enforcement actions, and the response did not provide specific information on
incidents, spoke on contacting Congressman Min and that specific information could not be
released due to federal privacy laws, stated that interested family members should submit
requests as they are more likely to receive a better response, and that the City Attorney’s
office refigured and resubmitted another request.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Approve the Consent Calendar.
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 Rescue.
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: Alissa Aguayo, Fouad Malley, Debra Von Trapp.
3. ADOPTION OF WARRANT RESOLUTION
ACTION:
City Council approved Warrant Resolution No. 2748.
4. MINUTES
ACTION:
City Council approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 3, 2026.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 6 of 10
5. AUTHORIZE PURCHASE ORDER WITH BOUND TREE MEDICAL, LLC FOR THE
PURCHASE OF SMALL DOLLAR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES THAT
CUMULATIVELY EXCEED $100,000 THROUGH THE EXTENDED TERM OF THE
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
ACTION:
City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a purchase order with Bound Tree
Medical within the Fire & Rescue Department’s FY 2025-26 operating budget for
various small dollar commodity purchases, which collectively exceed $100,000, under
the new cooperative agreement, Charles County, Maryland Medical Supplies Contract
22-42.
--------------------------------------END OF CONSENT CALENDAR------------------------------------------
PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
(Pursuant to Resolution No. 05-55, Public Hearings begin at 7:00 p.m.)
OLD BUSINESS:
1. ADOPT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
REQUIRING STAFFING AT SELF-SERVICE CHECKOUT STATIONS
Presentation by Mr. Barkman, Government Affairs Manager.
Public Comments:
Andrew Barnes, Costa Mesa, spoke against the ordinance.
Wendy Leece, Costa Mesa, spoke against the ordinance.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Marr/Council Member Reynolds
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
Council Member Pettis spoke in opposition of the item due to a potential loss of sales
tax.
Council Member Buley spoke in opposition of the item due to concerns with complying
with labor laws and the perception of making it difficult for businesses to operate in
Costa Mesa.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 7 of 10
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Marr/Council Member Reynolds
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Marr, Council Member Reynolds,
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: Council Member Buley and Council Member Pettis.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-2
ACTION:
City Council Adopted Ordinance No. 2026-02 Adding Article 7 of Chapter II of Title 9 to
the Costa Mesa Municipal Code relating to Grocery and Drug Store Staffing Standards
for Self-Service Checkout Stations and directed staff to return to City Council with a
report on implementation and outcomes in one year.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BRACKEN’S
KITCHEN FOR KITCHEN OPERATIONS AT THE BRIDGE SHELTER
Presentation by Mr. Robbins, Neighborhood Improvement Manager.
Public Comments:
Mr. Bracken agreed to a three (3) year contract with two (2) one (1) year extensions.
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 Pettis,
Council Member Reynolds, Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: None.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 6-0
ACTION:
1. City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with Bracken’s
Kitchen for Kitchen Operations at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter in an amount not to
exceed $492,750 annually for a term of five (5) years from April 19, 2025 to April 18,
2030.
2. Authorized the City Manager and the City Clerk to execute the agreement and any
future amendments to the agreement.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 8 of 10
2. CITY OF COSTA MESA’S URBAN CANOPY AND LAND ASSESSMENT
Presentation by Mr. Ryan, Maintenance Services Manager.
Public Comments:
Speaker, spoke on a map indicating where more trees are needed and spoke on
eliminating pavement and finding more places to plant trees.
Andrew Barnes, Costa Mesa, spoke on a canopy that creates shade, the need to have
options for replanting trees, and spoke on the importance of maintenance of trees.
Cynthia McDonald, Costa Mesa, spoke on the value of trees.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds
MOTION: Bring back to City Council by April 21st a proposal or range of proposals to
grow the tree canopy, including current costs for a tree program, what it would take to
grow the canopy by 5% and increase to 20 or 30% in residential neighborhoods, include
budget requirements for the potential targets, include grant opportunities or partnering
opportunities, strategies to encourage planting on private lots, strategies for growth in
areas marked as unsuitable when they are residential areas or pedestrian priority areas,
and a potential policy to support growth and management of the urban forest.
Mayor Stephens noted the deadline of April 21st may not work.
Discussion ensued on the process and timelines.
MOVED/SECOND: Council Member Reynolds/Mayor Stephens
MOTION: Bring back to City Council by April 21st additional information on the City’s
existing tree program activities and expenses, with potential recommendations for
expanding the tree program.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Council Member Gameros, Council Member Pettis, Council Member Reynolds,
Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, and Mayor Stephens.
Nays: Council Member Buley.
Absent: Council Member Marr.
Abstain: None.
Motion carried: 5-1
ACTION:
City Council reviewed and provided feedback to staff to bring back to City Council by
April 21st additional information on the City’s existing tree program activities and
expenses, with potential recommendations for expanding the tree program.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 9 of 10
3. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Presentation by Ms. Hall Barlow, City Attorney.
Public Comments: None.
MOVED/SECOND: Mayor Stephens/Council Member Gameros
MOTION: Approve staff recommendation.
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 received and filed a report on updated Training Requirements for Elected
and Appointed Officials.
ADDITIONAL COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMITTEE REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND
SUGGESTIONS – NONE.
ADJOURNMENT – Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m. in honor and memory
of Kathleen Andrews and Bruce Chamness.
Minutes – Regular Meeting February 17, 2026 Page 10 of 10
Minutes adopted on this 3rd day of March, 2026.
___________________________
John Stephens, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Brenda Green, City Clerk