HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 2.03.26Docusign Envelope ID: 50073470-DD33-4A2F-91D6-DACFA9AF3AC3
CITY OF TUSTIN MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Ray Schnell, Mayor Pro Tem
Ryan Gallagher, Council Member
Lee K. Fink, Council Member
John Nielsen, Council Member
FEBRUARY 3, 2026
300 CENTENNIAL WAY, TUSTIN
COUNCIL CHAMBER
VIDEO CONFERENCE
Austin Lumbard, Mayor Aldo E. Schindler, City Manager
Erica N. Yasuda, City Clerk
David E. Kendig, City Attorney
MINUTES OF THE CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
4:30 P.M.
Assistant City Clerk Carrie Woodward announced that the Closed Session meeting was
cancelled.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
6:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER — #3092 at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL — Assistant City Clerk Carrie Woodward noted for the record that all members
were present.
INVOCATION — Pastor Kyle Bleeker, Friends Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Austin Lumbard
PRESENTATION — Chief Sean Thuilliez presented an overview of the career
accomplishments of Police Service Dog Azzurri and his handler, Seargent Leah Barrett, in
recognition of Azzurri's retirement.
PUBLIC INPUT — None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 1-8 —
PUBLIC INPUT FOR CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS — None
City Council February 3, 2026
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Council Member Fink requested to pull Item 7.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Schnell and seconded by Council Member Gallagher to
pull Item 7 and approve the balance as recommended by staff.
Roll Call Vote — Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE
AGENDA
Motion: The City Council waived reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on
the agenda and declared that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be
determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — THE SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING AND
THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON JANUARY 20, 2026.
Motion: The City Council approved the Action Minutes of the City Council Special
Closed Session Meeting and Regular Meeting held on January 20, 2026.
3. RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL AND DEMANDS
The City Council approved the use of Government Code Section 37208 to expedite
the payment of City of Tustin obligations that are in accordance with the approved
budget or continued operations authorizations.
Motion: The City Council approved Payroll in the amount of $1,110,415.15 and
Demands in the amount of $5,919,766.74.
4. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE CITY OF TUSTIN AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY FOR THE TUSTIN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2025
Government Code Section 53646 requires that the Treasurer make an Investment
Report to the City Council at least quarterly showing balances by authorized
investment and certifying its compliance with the adopted Investment Policy.
Motion: Received and filed the report.
Fiscal Impact: There was no fiscal impact associated with this item.
5. AGREEMENT FOR TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF POLICE SERVICE DOG
On December 29, 2025, Sergeant Leah Barrett rotated out of the Canine Program
after being promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Police Service Dog Azzurri will be
retired from active service. Azzurri is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois and has served
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as a Tustin Police Canine for almost six years. Based on the unique bond between
canine and handler, Sergeant Barrett has agreed to accept ownership of Azzurri. The
Agreement for Transfer of Ownership of a Police Service Canine has been reviewed
and approved by the City Attorney.
Motion: The City Council approved the Agreement for Transfer of Ownership for a
Police Service Dog between the City of Tustin and Leah Barrett (in her individual
capacity) so that Azzurri can live out the remainder of her days with the Barrett family.
Fiscal Impact: Leah Barrett will pay the City the sum of $1.00 for the transfer of
ownership, and she will assume all future liability, maintenance, and care of Azzurri.
6. FISCAL YEAR 2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE GRANT
The City of Anaheim, in its capacity as a Core City for the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban
Area, has applied for, received and accepted a grant entitled "Fiscal Year 2024 Urban
Areas Security Initiative" Grant Program. This grant is from the Federal Department
of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, through the State
of California Office of Emergency Services. It is intended to enhance countywide
emergency preparedness, and to help the Operational Area prevent, respond to, and
recover from acts of terrorism, as set forth in the grant guidelines and assurances
that are incorporated into the Agreement by reference.
The Office of Grants and Training has awarded $4,731,981 to the City of Anaheim
for use in the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area, for the performance term of
September 1, 2024 through March 31, 2027 (Fiscal Year 2024). In which, the grant
period for sub -recipients (e.g., City of Tustin) can be awarded through the period of
November 12, 2025 to March 31, 2027. The funds are now available for distribution
throughout the Operational Area, and the City of Tustin, as a sub -recipient, is
authorized to participate in the grant funding.
Motion: That the City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution 26-01, designating the Chief of Police or his designee as
the City's authorized representative for the Fiscal Year 2024.
2. Approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Transfer
Agreement between the City of Anaheim and the City of Tustin.
RESOLUTION NO. 26-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING THE CHIEF OF POLICE OR HIS DESIGNEE AS THE CITY'S
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE FY 2024 URBAN AREAS SECURITY
INITIATIVE (UASI)
Fiscal Impact: There was no fiscal impact associated with this item.
City Council February 3, 2026
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7. APPROVAL OF COST -SHARING AGREEMENT WITH COSTCO WHOLESALE
CORPORATION FOR THE EL CAMINO REAL / AUTO CENTER DRIVE TRAFFIC
SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a Traffic Signal Cost -Sharing
Agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation. The agreement establishes shared
financial responsibilities for the Traffic Signal Improvement Project at the intersection
of El Camino Real and Auto Center Drive. This agreement has been reviewed and
approved as to form by Costco and the City Attorney's Office. The total estimated
project cost is $250,000 and per the agreement, Costco would reimburse the City for
50% of the actual project cost up to $125,000.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Schnell and seconded by Council Member Nielsen
that the City Council:
Approved the Traffic Signal Cost -Sharing Agreement between the City and
Costco Wholesale Corporation for the Traffic Signal Improvement Project at
El Camino Real /Auto Center Drive intersection; and
2. Authorized the City Manager or his designee, the Director of Public Works,
and the City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
Roll Call Vote - Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
Fiscal Impact: Sufficient funds in the amount of $100,000 for the project design
phase have been appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program Budget. Funding for the construction phase will be requested through a
future City Council action as part of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process.
8. RESOLUTION DETERMINING THE NEED TO CONTINUE THE PROCLAIMED
LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO THE NAVY NORTH HANGAR
At its meeting on November 10, 2023, the City Council ratified the Acting City
Manager's Proclamation of Local Emergency related to the fire at the Navy's North
Hangar and release of chemicals of public health concern, including asbestos. At a
special meeting of the City Council on January 9, 2024, and at its regular meetings
on March 5, 2024, April 16. 2024, June 4, 2024, June 18, 2024, July 16, 2024, August
20, 2024, October 15, 2024, December 3, 2024, January 21, 2025, March 18, 2025,
May 6, 2025, June 17, 2025, August 5, 2025, September 16, 2025, November 4,
2025, and December 16, 2025, the City Council reviewed and determined the need
to continue the local emergency. This item recommends that the City Council once
again review and determine that the need exists to continue the local emergency, as
required by State law.
City Council February 3, 2026
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Motion: The City Council adopted Resolution 26-06 determining the need exists to
continue the local emergency related to the fire and release of chemicals of public
health concern from the Navy's North Hangar, in the form attached as Attachment 2.
RESOLUTION 26-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA,
DETERMINING THE NEED TO CONTINUE LOCAL EMERGENCY RELATED TO
FIRE AND RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS FROM NAVY NORTH
HANGAR.
Fiscal Impact: There was no direct impact from a determination that a local
emergency continues to exist.
REGULAR BUSINESS ITEM 9
9. PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 1575 FOR CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
In December 2023, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted the
Cross -Connection Control Policy Handbook, which establishes new statewide
standards for protecting public water supplies from cross -contamination. Taking effect
in July 2024, the Cross -Connection Control Policy Handbook established new
statewide standards for protecting public water supplies from contamination.
Adoption of Cross -Connection Control Ordinance No. 1575 formally establishes
regulatory authority, program requirements, and appropriate enforcement mechanisms
necessary to protect the City's potable water system from contamination due to cross -
connections and backflow events.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Schnell and seconded by Council Member Nielsen
that the City Council conduct the first reading by title only of Ordinance No. 1575.
Roll Call Vote — Assistant City Clerk
Motion carried: 5-0
ORDINANCE NO. 1575
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 4907 TO THE TUSTIN CITY CODE
INSTITUTING A CROSS -CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM TO PROTECT
THE PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
Fiscal Impact: Adoption of Ordinance 1575 does not result in additional fiscal
impacts. In July 2025, the City Council approved an additional budget appropriation
in the amount of $70,000 for the program implementation costs. Ongoing program
costs are estimated at $100,000 annually and will be requested each year through
the City's budget process.
City Council February 3, 2026
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OTHER BUSINESS/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
MAYOR, MAYOR PRO TEM AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND REPORTS
City Manager Aldo E. Schindler
Announced the launch of NextRequest, the City's new online public records request system
for those seeking public records; explained how the system allows the public to submit and
track requests online while helping staff streamline the request process; added that the
software supports the City's commitment to transparency and service.
Shared the completion of the updates to Tustin Sports Park's field 3, which included
regrading of the outfield, replacement of the irrigation and turf, and enhancements to
drainage; added that use of the field by youth organizations and adult City softball leagues
will resume next month.
Announced renovations to the Camino Real Park picnic shelter and playground will begin
on February 9 and are anticipated to be completed in May 2026; included that the
playground will be replaced first, followed by the picnic shelter, and that informational
postcards have been distributed to nearby residents outlining the improvements, along with
directions for visiting the City website for more information.
City Attorney David E. Kendig
Reported the cancellation of the Closed Session meeting of the City Council at 4:30 p.m.
OTHER BUSINESS/CITY MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY
Council Member Nielsen
Wished all in attendance a happy February.
January 28
Represented the City of Tustin at the Joint Capital Programs and Projects Committee
Meeting for The Toll Roads Joint Transportation Corridor Agencies in place of Mayor Pro
Tern Schnell; approved an Architectural and Remodel Services contract for the
headquarters building, located on Pacifica Street in Irvine, in need of updates; participated
in the approval of the replacement of multiple generators located on the Toll Roads, which
are 30 or more years old.
January 29
Attended the City of Tustin's New Business Reception; commented that Mayor Austin
Lumbard did a wonderful job presenting; enjoyed meeting and interacting with business
owners and learning more about their businesses; added that the City's presentations, led
by City Manager Aldo Schindler and the Economic Development Department's Micah
Weichbrodt, were enriching and helpful for the small businesses in attendance; thanked the
City for their efforts.
City Council February 3, 2026
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January 30
Led a presentation at the Tustin Area Historical Area Society Museum's Night at the
Museum on the History of Orange County Scouting; commented that it was great to attend;
enjoyed giving the presentation due to the subject matter's deep connection to Orange
County history.
Council Member Fink
January 22
Attended the first Orange County Public Libraries' Library Advisory Board meeting of the
year; announced his election as Chair of the Library Advisory Board; added he hopes to
work with the Board to introduce a library vending machine at Tustin Sports Park.
January 26
Attended the Tustin Chamber of Commerce's Top of the Morning Tustin event; commented
that Erin Nielsen, Executive Director of the Tustin Community Foundation, was the guest
speaker; the event was the first of the year -long series.
January 30
Attended the vigil for Alex Pretti on the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Santa
Ana; Congressman Dave Min, Congressman Lou Correa, Supervisor Vincente Sarmiento,
several councilmembers, and several members of the medical community, including doctors
and nurses, attended to honor his life and service.
Confirmed that the upcoming Sip & Stroll event, hosted by the Tustin Community
Foundation, is scheduled for February 28; commented that he will attend the Paper Football
Challenge XI event on February 7; added that he will attend Smooches `n' Pooches at the
Bark Barracks on February 14.
Announced that Operation Warm Wishes will have their Kindness Hour on Saturday,
February 14 from 12-3pm at Baskin -Robbins on Newport Avenue in Tustin; added that the
Tustin 2026 Communities Come Together event will occur in the Clifton C. Miller Community
Center on February 7 concurrently with the Paper Football Challenge XI; Communities
Come Together will be attended by the Orange County Fire Authority, California Highway
Patrol, and Tustin Police Department, and its purpose is to teach safety skills; commented
the event is a great opportunity to learn new safety information from the Andy and Aiden
and Safety Group.
Commented he was unable to attend the New Business Reception on Thursday as he
teaches an Administrative Law class on Thursday nights at Western State College of Law;
the college began operations in Tustin this year; welcomed Western State College of Law
to the City of Tustin and mentioned the nearby Raised by Lions coffee shop, encouraging
all to visit.
Council Member Gallagher
January 26
Attended the Municipal Water District of Orange County's Water Policy Dinner; the keynote
City Council February 3, 2026
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speaker was Shivaji Deshmukh, the recently appointed General Manager of the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; emphasized the importance of the
Metropolitan Water District for those who are unfamiliar, noting that it is the largest water
purveyor in the country and one of the largest in the world, serving 19 million residents;
Shivaji is an Orange County native, began his career in the Metropolitan Water District, and
is a Costa Mesa resident; added that he looks forward to Shivaji's leadership in his new
role.
January 28
Attended the Orange County Sanitation District Board Meeting; topics included the mid -year
update of the General Manager Rob Thompson's work plan, which is progressing well; a
main item within the update outlined improvements for deep well injection, an innovative
approach to addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and biosolids for
Orange County and a method in which the Orange County Sanitation District is taking a
leadership role; their new budget cycle has begun, in addition to another year of the
Wastewater 101 - Citizens' Academy, which is a great way to get involved and learn more
about the work of the Orange County Sanitation District.
Wished all in attendance a Happy Valentine's Day; encouraged all to do something nice for
a loved one.
Mayor Pro Tem Schnell
Thanked Councilmember Gallagher for sharing his information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS) and biosolids from the Orange County Sanitation District Board
Meeting.
Commented that the recent City progress is made possible by tax revenues, following the
meeting's discussion regarding tax revenue related to the Tustin Costco, updates from City
Manager Aldo Schindler regarding renovations to Camino Real Park and Tustin Sports
Park, and the introduction of new public records software to increase transparency and
service for residents; commented the City is very fortunate to have a strong tax revenue
base that can be poured back into the City and its residents to improve quality of life for all.
Wished all in attendance a belated Happy Groundhog Day; added that, during a recent
business trip to New York and Chicago for business, he experienced frigid temperatures
and is grateful to endure an additional six weeks of winter in California's pleasant climate.
Mayor Lumbard
Reflected on City Manager Aldo Schindler's report of recent updates throughout the City;
thanked City staff for working to maintain the current speed of citywide progress;
acknowledged that the City Council and residents notice the progress and that much
positive feedback has been received following recent updates, especially to City
infrastructure; enjoys seeing taxpayer dollars at work to beautify the City.
Congratulated the Economic Development Department on their successful New Business
Reception; added that Tustin is a medium- to large -sized city with a small town feel, and
City Council February 3, 2026
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such events showcase this; emphasized to Economic Development Deputy Director
Valentin Flores, Management Analyst Micah Weichbrodt, and other involved staff that the
event captured the charm of Tustin; felt that the event was very well -received and that the
new businesses felt welcome; appreciate staff's careful attention to the event and to Tustin
businesses as they, too, contribute to our City tax revenue; expressed his excitement and
interest to partner in their success.
Highlighted several upcoming events, including:
• Paper Football Challenge XI, hosted by the Tustin Community Foundation, taking
place at Columbus Tustin Recreation Center on February 7;
• Smooches 'n' Pooches, taking place on Saturday, February 14 at 10 am at the Bark
Barracks at Tustin Legacy Park; and
• The Tustin Police Department's Citizens Academy, with applications accepted on a
year-round basis and upcoming classes taking place on Wednesdays, from March
11 through May 20, from 6:30 to 9pm; more information can be found on the City
website.
ADJOURNED at 6:36 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, February 17, 2026,
for the Closed Session Meeting at 4:30 p.m. and the Regular Business Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
AUSTIN LUMBARD,
Mayor
-vita N. q#,Sd &) Gf�
ERICA N. YASUDA,
City Clerk
City Council February 3, 2026
Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 9