[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[1:15] The July 21 general session meeting, the city clerk previously took roll call. At this time, Jason Kilibrew will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Immediately following, Pastor Rick Darden, friends community church will lead the invocation. Please rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation. Ready begin.
[2:28] For the many citizens who are very interested and involved in the well-being of our city.
[2:36] God in the days to come, we pray for wisdom, we pray for your favor and protection, and
[2:42] we pray for unity as we continue to be grateful for this place in which we live.
[2:49] So thank you for tonight, thank you for each person here.
[2:52] And we're grateful for this time of year, time to maybe have different schedules and time
[2:58] to enjoy the outdoors more, but Father, most of them were grateful for this opportunity to
[3:03] be here.
[3:03] and thank you for it.
[3:05] Jesus name we pray. Amen.
[3:07] Thank you.
[3:09] Next, I'd like to invite senior community service leader
[3:12] of Day Camp, Chase Kiddelsen,
[3:15] Lifeguard Instructor Cohen Sankville,
[3:17] and senior community services leader for sports,
[3:20] Nick Tosta, to receive a proclamation
[3:22] for Parks Make Life Better Month.
[3:40] Whereas Parks and Recreation promote physical,
[3:43] emotional, and mental health and wellness
[3:45] through organized and self-directed fitness, play, and activity, and whereas Parks and Recreation
[3:51] create memorable experiences through youth sports and enrichment activities, teen and
[3:56] senior programs, adult fitness and enrichment programs, community events, and beyond.
[4:02] And whereas Parks and Recreation foster social cohesiveness in communities by celebrating
[4:08] diversity, providing spaces to come together peacefully, modeling compassion, promoting
[4:13] social equity, connecting social networks and ensuring all people have access to its benefits.
[4:20] And whereas parks and recreation support human development and endless learning opportunities
[4:25] that foster social, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth in people of all ages and
[4:31] abilities.
[4:32] And whereas parks and recreation sustain and stewards of our natural resources by protecting habitats
[4:39] and open space, connecting people to nature and promoting the ecological function of Parkland and whereas parks and recreation supports safe, vibrant and attractive communities like Brea by providing positive recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life.
[4:55] Now, therefore, I, Cecilia Huff, mayor of the City of Braya, on behalf of the Braya City
[5:01] Council, recognize the importance of access to local parks, trails, open space, and facilities
[5:08] for the health, wellness, development, inspiration, and safety of all brands, and do hereby proclaim
[5:14] July, 2026, as parks make life better month.
[5:22] Okay.
[5:29] Sorry, I was not prepared to say anything, but yeah, we use parks. I've been here for
[5:34] eight years with the city. We use many of the different parks around Brea, and it's
[5:39] definitely given a good space for all the kids to just enjoy each other, make friendships.
[5:46] It's definitely a relief for me to get out of the building to be with the kids in the sun
[5:51] and kind of just play around and it's just been amazing
[5:54] having that access here in Brea.
[6:08] From the sports end, we see kids coming back
[6:14] and joining our programs.
[6:15] We have ages from start from around four.
[6:18] This summer we went up to 11.
[6:20] So it's just great being able to see
[6:22] these kids rejoin our program on the youth sports side
[6:26] and with the dole sports side we have teams that just keep them back so we
[6:30] like to see people we like to see new faces but on the other end we also like
[6:34] seeing people enjoying our programs and coming back so it's an honor to be
[6:40] able to accept this.
[7:21] Okay next city manager Griffith will provide a report on
[7:25] on our prior steady session.
[7:31] Thank you, Mayor.
[7:32] On item 2D, Council designated Mayor Hub as a voting delegate for
[7:37] the League of California City's annual conference and expo on September 23rd through 25th.
[7:43] And Mayor pro-tim Siminoff as the alternative.
[7:46] For item 2E, city attorney contract and lease agreement discussion,
[7:51] Council directed me to follow up with RWG and
[7:53] bring it back to a future council meeting.
[7:55] Thank you.
[7:56] Thank you.
[7:57] Okay, next we'll have community announcements.
[8:00] Laura, would you like to start?
[8:03] The Fall Bray Align Newsletter is now available on the City website.
[8:08] Learn about the latest classes, upcoming City events, activities and news.
[8:13] Not yet subscribed.
[8:15] Visit the City website to sign up to receive the Fall Bray News newsletter straight to your inbox.
[8:24] Spend a summer evening at our concerts in the park.
[8:26] These concerts are free and family-friendly.
[8:28] Head over to City Hall Park on Wednesday nights and until August 5th and enjoy concert music starting at 6.30 p.m.
[8:36] The next featured band is Soul 360 which is tomorrow night playing pop and soul hits from the 1960s featuring songs from Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson 5 and unfortunately I remember all those groups
[8:52] Seating will be at City Hall Park, will be on the lawn and we encourage you to bring your dancing shoes, blankets, lawn chairs and enjoy the show.
[8:59] There will be food and drink vendors selling barbecue tri-tip, popcorn, nachos, and for more information, please visit the City website.
[9:10] You are invited to our most appetizing event of the year, Brea Fest. Join us on Friday, August 7th at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center here at 6.30 p.m.
[9:20] Guests are invited to sample delicious food and beverages donated from local restaurants while enjoying live entertainment.
[9:27] Admission is free and taste tickets are available for purchase on the day of Brayafest for $4 a ticket.
[9:35] For more information, visit the City website.
[9:38] Thank you.
[9:39] Just as a reminder, the City of Bray recently launched a limited-term pilot short-term rental program.
[9:45] Interested property owners may submit a short-term rental license application.
[9:49] Now until Friday, July 31st, after this period, applications will be accepted on a rolling
[9:55] basis as licenses become available.
[9:58] To qualify, applicants must complete a home inspection, provide proof of insurance, and
[10:03] hold a valid business license.
[10:05] For more information and all program requirements, visit the city's website.
[10:12] Next assistant, assistant city manager, community development director Killebrew and public
[10:20] development public works updates. Thank you Mayor. It's a good evening I would like to share
[10:26] a few updates that are related to the community development department. So talking about entitlement
[10:32] reviews, a new entitlement application is under planning review that was received for 915 Imperial
[10:39] Highway where the St. Jude Medical offices are, the former ECCU campus. The proposed project is
[10:47] in amendment to the Brea industrial specific plan and looks to facilitate the demolition
[10:53] of three existing office buildings keeping the main building as you come in on the main
[10:58] entrance for the construction of 237 four-cell residential units.
[11:05] In addition, Binihana is coming to downtown Brea and will occupy the ground floor of the
[11:11] former Buffalo Wild Wings building.
[11:13] The city recently received a new submittal for the rooftop, which is looking to propose an SDK restaurant rooftop and both projects will continue to be under review as well as the permitting process under construction and update for the green buyer residential project construction continues on the site where a recent building permit has been issued for the utilities including water sewer storm drains as well as street improvements to support the next phase.
[11:43] days of development.
[11:46] In addition, construction will begin at 424Berry for a new warehouse, demolition, grading,
[11:54] building, landscaping, and accessory structure permits have already been issued.
[11:59] And lastly, for new businesses that are coming to town and opening soon, located at the Rhea
[12:04] Gateway Center, a boot barn at the former Wright Aid, is projected to open sometime later
[12:11] this month, and then also more updates for the Brayomall, the highly anticipated opening
[12:18] of Dinh Tai Phung is projected to open sometime in August. Those are my updates for the evening
[12:25] related to community development. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. I have a few updates to
[12:29] share from the Public Works Department. The streets division is currently working throughout
[12:33] the city on a slurry seal project that started this week. There are two neighborhoods in this
[12:38] project. The first neighborhood is south of Imperial Highway to Elm Street and within
[12:43] Braille Boulevard to State College. The second location is in the Corsican villas on
[12:49] Tanglewood and Kerwood streets. The process includes crack ceiling application of oil base
[12:55] and then the type 2 slurry is laid down. The fresh slurry needs the cure for about 8 to 10 hours
[13:02] depending on the weather. This process prolongs the usefulness of the asphalt and the project is
[13:08] estimated to be completed by early August. If there's any area that the city
[13:12] would or any of the residents would like us to look at please contact the
[13:15] Public Works Department at 714-990-7691. Thank you Mayor and those are my
[13:23] updates. Thank you. Now we'll move on to public comment on agenda items. This is
[13:29] your opportunity to make any comments relating to general session items.
[13:34] Comments related to non-agenda items will be heard at the designated public
[13:37] comment period for non-agenda items. Please submit a speaker card to the city clerk,
[13:43] raise your digital hand now or dial nine on a telephone to indicate that you wish to speak.
[13:49] When it is your turn to speak please begin by stating your name and city of residence and limit
[13:54] your comments to five minutes. I will first call on members of the public participating in person
[13:59] followed by remote participants and remember if you're speaking in person tonight to speak
[14:05] into the microphone. Thank you. Do we have anyone wishing to speak? Anyone remotely?
[14:12] Okay, I'm going to close public comments.
[14:17] Okay. And I'm going to ask Mr. Boga to report on our.
[14:25] Certainly, Madam Mayor. Item 4C on the consent calendar is an employment agreement amendment
[14:30] with the city manager. If this is approved it will provide a 2.5% salary increase this fiscal
[14:36] year and a 2.5% salary increase next year. Consistent with the action the council took
[14:41] at the last meeting for the other executives. Thank you very much. Now we'll move on
[14:46] to the city council consent calendar. Do I have a motion to approve items 4A through 4K?
[14:51] Move.
[14:52] Do I have a second?
[14:53] Second.
[14:54] Okay.
[15:04] Motion passes 5-0. Okay. Now we'll move on to the city's successor consent calendar. Do I have a motion to approve item 5A? Move, move, move. Do I have a second?
[15:25] Motion passes 5-0. Okay. Now we'll move on to public comment on non-agenda items. This is your opportunity to make any comments related to non-agenda items. Please submit a speaker card to the city clerk. Raise your digital hand now or down nine on a telephone to indicate that you wish to speak.
[15:42] When it is your turn to speak please begin by stating your name and city of
[15:46] residence and limit your comments to five minutes. Again I will call on members
[15:50] of the public participating in person first followed by remote participants.
[15:58] Okay the first registered speaker I have is Jean Chung followed by Andrea
[16:02] Strom.
[16:08] Jean Chung City of Brea. The citizens who elected you have come to the City
[16:13] Council meeting since they were made aware of the Costco deal that was taking
[16:18] in place behind closed doors.
[16:20] Since December, numerous speakers
[16:22] have stood before this group with questions
[16:24] regarding all aspects of this deal
[16:27] from location and environmental concerns
[16:30] to finances and the long impact, long-term impact
[16:34] of the revenue sharing plan with the developer.
[16:37] We have yet to hear responses to these questions.
[16:41] When I spoke here last, I shared how the city of Diamond Bar
[16:44] had solicited input from all the citizens of the city.
[16:48] The banners they had placed around the city were compared to the signs that had been
[16:53] posted on the Beckman Lot announcing that Costco had applied to place a warehouse on
[16:58] that property.
[16:59] How does that solicit input?
[17:02] Where are the informal meetings where all parties can share information and questions can
[17:08] be answered?
[17:09] In an interview with the Orange County Register, the developer of this project was quoted
[17:15] as saying, and I quote, the council and school board are voting on things that they personally
[17:21] have no idea about.
[17:23] They are 100% dependent on staffs who have their own agendas end quote.
[17:31] If that is the case, isn't it time that you met with your constituents and did your own
[17:36] research?
[17:37] which?
[17:37] Thank you.
[17:43] The next registered speaker I have is Andrea Strom, followed by Linda Criner.
[17:52] New setups since I was here last.
[17:56] Brea for all has been derided as an imbece.
[18:00] I hope you know by now that the city's own words and actions have ignited something much
[18:05] bigger.
[18:06] That's why we're still actively engaged and well ahead of the EIR.
[18:10] Whatever happens with the Costco project, we want to see change at City Hall.
[18:15] In the last meeting, you were asked 12 important questions.
[18:18] One was answered and the other 11 were not.
[18:22] They are not new questions.
[18:24] You've known them for months.
[18:25] Immediately after the meeting, you were sent detailed footnotes to the city records supporting
[18:30] each question.
[18:32] The developer is starting to answer some of the questions himself.
[18:37] The questions are directed to the city, not him.
[18:40] He is not an elected official, and he has 77 million reasons to make a favorable sounding case.
[18:49] We're still waiting for the city to answer our questions.
[18:53] In closing, I'd like to take a moment to stand up for my husband.
[18:57] I understand when people disagree on a topic.
[19:00] But I find it disturbing how quickly the comments in this forum and
[19:05] especially on social media have turned into personal attacks.
[19:09] It should be beneath everyone to do that.
[19:13] I believe we can only make progress when we get thoughtful and unbiased answers directly from the city.
[19:19] So as mentioned in previous meetings, lights organize an open forum with the city council to specifically address those 11 remaining questions and whatever other questions spray a citizens might have.
[19:33] Thank you for your time.
[19:34] The
[19:38] next registered speaker I have is Linda Criner, followed by Gail Nita.
[19:55] I've Linda Criner, I've lived in Brayas since 1979.
[19:59] I am very concerned about the Costco project in our city.
[20:03] The effect on the quality of life for the residents of 300 plus homes and east just closer.
[20:12] Okay, sorry.
[20:13] The effect on the quality of life for the residents of the 300 homes in East Brayas is extremely negative.
[20:22] The traffic generated by the Colleges Costco in the state with its 40 gas pumps would be in nightmare.
[20:30] There would be probably 10,000 cars on weekdays and 14,000 on the weekends driving on
[20:37] Kramer and Birch.
[20:40] A bigger issue for the entire city, not just those of us that live near the Costco, is the
[20:51] made with the developer. The developer gets the majority of the sales tax revenue from
[20:57] the Costco for 30 of the 50 years of the deal. There are 11 questions that mark email to
[21:07] you. Question one, did the city have a positive financial objective for putting a Costco in
[21:15] What's the, question two, why did the council not receive or ask for an annual analysis
[21:24] of the general fund impact before voting?
[21:28] Question three, did the council receive a task or ask for a benchmarking of the Costco
[21:34] deals compared to other municipalities?
[21:38] Were you surprised that there is nothing in California or the United States that is as favorable
[21:44] to the developer as the Brea Costco project.
[21:49] Question four, for one of the most consequential deals
[21:53] in Brea's history, why didn't the city
[21:56] conduct an independent financial analysis?
[22:00] Question five, on multiple of occasions,
[22:03] why did the Council build consensus
[22:05] with the developer and make decisions out of public view?
[22:10] On October 16th, 2025,
[22:13] Why did the community developer redirect a report to the developer that nobody wants to have all homes on that whole site?
[22:24] Question 6, there are questions about giving the developer 40% of the future sales tax increase.
[22:33] Question 7, the seniors benefit has been talked about a lot but it's a shell game.
[22:40] question eight. The city staff conducted project strategy sessions with the
[22:46] developer's legal council rather than with the developer. Question nine. When
[22:53] communicating with the developer is it appropriate to refer to the
[22:57] concerned citizens as the opposition? Question ten. Why was the narrative for the
[23:06] December public hearing. So this is the first time it was public, carefully
[23:12] crafted, yes, fundamentally misleading, as to what the vote meant that
[23:17] occurred in the seven previous months. Question 11, why did the community
[23:23] development director disavow that he had substantive involvement in the
[23:28] Heinz property bidding process? What was the city's role? All of these questions
[23:35] to serve serious answers in an open, two-way forum.
[23:41] You pledge transparency and accountability
[23:44] when you campaign.
[23:46] Will you act upon that?
[23:48] Thank you.
[23:54] The next register speaker I have is Gayle Nita,
[23:56] followed by Michael Burns.
[24:19] Good evening.
[24:20] My name is Gayle Nita.
[24:23] On June the 2nd, I was able to meet with council member
[24:27] Seminoff, Mayor Huff, and Jason Kilibrew to have my questions regarding the
[24:34] Cusco parcel answered. My major concerns are the impact of traffic on
[24:42] Birch and Kramer. Jason showed me how the traffic would flow into the area of
[24:50] gas pumps as shown here. Coming up or down from
[24:56] Kramer, going in here on this road, coming around this way, and here would be
[25:02] the gas pumps. Then they would exit this way back out to Kramer. However, on
[25:10] Kramer, if you look at it, and if we go south on Kramer, there is another
[25:19] street and it has also a signal like there and so there's such a short distance to make a
[25:28] left to try to go down to Imperial Highway. Therefore most people who are busy usually would
[25:38] take the fastest way to get out of the Costco. So most of them would probably take a right and
[25:48] go up to Kramer and also at Kramer, they would either go west or they would go east on Kramer.
[25:58] I mean, on Birch. Another way to get out of this parcel is to go on Ranger. Go up Ranger to Birch.
[26:11] And again at Birch you could go west or you could go east making it very, very busy street.
[26:22] We know that already we have a lot of traffic on Kramer and Birch.
[26:30] And now with Costco coming in there is even more traffic that we have to deal with.
[26:38] Now, maybe you don't live in this area here, so it doesn't concern you too much.
[26:45] But for the people that live in this area, I wish that there would be more transparency
[26:51] on the City Council because it really impacts, I feel that you should be asking the people
[27:02] here, the people that are impacted by this Costco coming in, what their feelings are before
[27:11] you make any decisions. And I really would appreciate that you do that because that's
[27:19] part of the thing that's really lacking from this city council. Anyway, on another different
[27:30] topic now.
[27:37] I would like to invite everyone to our Ali Open House on Saturday, August 8th,
[27:46] 2026. We are located on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. Ali is a non-profit organization of
[27:57] semi-retired and retired individuals who love to learn and to socialize. Some classes include
[28:08] arts, music, languages, science, and technology to name a few. Open House will be at the Ruby
[28:27] August 8, 2026. I have some flyers here and I would like to invite you to come and see
[28:37] what kinds of things that we do at Oli. So these flyers, okay, these flyers will let you remember
[28:52] I remember that I think on the 7th you said you have the Braille Fest and on the Saturday we have this open house.
[29:01] This also is a little Jason, this also.
[29:10] Anyway, I thank you for your time and I appreciate for your listening, a year.
[29:19] Thank you.
[29:23] The next register speaker, I have is Michael Burns, followed by Nancy Clifton Hawkins.
[29:35] Hi, I'm Michael Burns, and I think everybody knows me, Madam Mayor and
[29:39] distinguished council members.
[29:42] I keep looking at this and I keep canvassing all over the place, be at the city park for the 4th of July,
[29:48] the church in Andrew Murray, Chief Evie Frey, which is now floored in, which is right on the border.
[29:54] And then I was at the Brea Mall, probably for 20 hours in the last month.
[29:57] And it's still running about nine.
[30:00] Number one, on four Costco versus against, and in fairness to Linda and Mark and everybody else, we agreed to disagree, but we all come back to the same thing. At least I do revenue. How are we going to make up the revenue if Costco weren't here? And there's no way that you can bring this kind of revenue into the city unless we do have the Costco. And we need the revenue because in the future, you have fire and police going on a retirement, you have pensions that we already have to pay.
[30:28] And by the way, the Burns family is own property here in Bray this is 1976.
[30:34] So I think that's important that everybody has to say and everybody gets to agree to disagree
[30:41] if they want to.
[30:42] But at the end of the day, I've asked Linda, I've asked Mark, well, if you don't want the
[30:47] Costco, then what are you proposing?
[30:49] And they haven't come up with the thing yet.
[30:51] So I would just remind everybody that at the end of the day, we have to pay for everything.
[30:57] everything's going up revenue is going down so it's a simple thing of math thank you for your time
[31:06] next registered speaker I have is Nancy Clifton Hawkins followed by Craig Ferris
[31:15] Good evening mayor city council members city staff Jason members of the public I'm Nancy Clifton Hawkins and I've been a resident of Ray for the past 30 years
[31:27] A few months ago, I stood before you with a simple request that the city, Costco, the
[31:34] developer, come into our neighborhood and talk with the people who will be most directly
[31:39] affected by this proposed project.
[31:42] Since then, a project sign has been installed,
[31:48] a sign is not community engagement, a sign
[31:52] forms but conversation builds trust. Assign cannot answer questions, it cannot
[31:59] explain what is being proposed, and it cannot help residents understand how
[32:03] this development may affect their daily lives.
[32:08] More importantly, assign only
[32:10] works if people can read it and understand it.
[32:17] Our neighborhood is wonderfully
[32:18] diverse. We have neighbors who speak primarily Chinese, Korean, English, among
[32:23] others, and many of them still have no idea what is being planned outside their
[32:29] neighborhood, or how this project could affect traffic, noise, construction, and
[32:34] quality of life.
[32:38] Transparency is an achieved by posting a sign. Transparency is
[32:43] achieved when every neighbor understands what is being proposed and has an
[32:48] opportunity to ask questions in a language they understand. That's why our
[32:54] neighborhood is extending an invitation. Instead of asking our neighbors to come to
[33:00] City Hall, we're inviting you to come to our turf. To come into our neighborhood to meet
[33:06] our neighbors and hear directly from the people who will live with the results of this project
[33:12] every day.
[33:15] Please join us, believe it or not, on Saturday, August 8th. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
[33:23] So there's wiggle room, the location is included on invitation that I'll be providing to each of you Jason there right here if you don't mind passing the amount I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
[33:34] Come share the history of the project, explain what is being proposed, answer questions and listen to concerns and please come prepared with information and interpretation in our local threshold languages.
[33:49] So that every resident has a meaningful opportunity to understand this project and participate in the conversation.
[33:57] This invitation is offered in the spirit of partnership.
[34:01] We believe good projects begin with good communication and good communication means it begins by meeting people where they are.
[34:12] After all, being a good neighbor is measured by the size of a project sign.
[34:17] It is measured by the willingness to have a conversation.
[34:22] We sincerely hope that you'll accept our invitation.
[34:25] Thank you.
[34:31] The next registered speaker, I have is Craig Ferris, followed by Keith Follington.
[34:43] Good evening, Mayor, City Council, residents that are in attendance tonight.
[34:49] My name is Craig Ferris.
[34:51] I've lived here since 1971, which is longer than 50 years.
[34:56] I've watched this city grow.
[34:58] and tonight I prepared something that I'm going to read rather than every time I've spoken which I speak in favor of the developer, the development, the Costco, but I've wanted to collect my thoughts and I wanted to make sure that I myself am accountable to myself as well.
[35:17] So I wrote something down that I wanted to share.
[35:19] And we have a common theme all of us tonight.
[35:24] I mean I respect that every resident has the right to express an opinion whether they
[35:29] support or oppose a project.
[35:33] However I believe our community benefits the most when those opinions are based on direct
[35:38] conversations with the people who are involved in the project.
[35:42] To my knowledge, there are many, some posting on social media, that have not met, I myself,
[35:52] it took me quite a long time, about a month, to do some outside research, do some investigation,
[36:00] meet with the city, and then I actually picked up the phone and I called and I met with
[36:04] the developer.
[36:04] And I asked a series of questions.
[36:06] and the city was extremely transparent to every question that I had.
[36:11] The developer was extremely transparent to every question that I had.
[36:16] I feel that we here in Brea were very fortunate to have that opportunity.
[36:23] And I'm not sure 100% if everyone that views or opposes the development
[36:29] and it's not necessary, I don't think the take is on the Costco
[36:33] So as much as just they don't want it by their house or they're afraid of the traffic or they're afraid of planning or they caught caught by surprise and things of that nature.
[36:50] But I would encourage those that have not reached out to reach out to the city developer are in the city planner and ask those questions like I did.
[37:01] and things became more transparent.
[37:05] Pick up the phone and call the developer.
[37:10] Things became extremely transparent for me on that.
[37:17] One point I'd like to make of importance
[37:19] is being fully informed
[37:20] before making public positions of a project
[37:25] that is this significant, I think, to the city.
[37:28] this is almost as significant as the development of the Brea Mall, the development of the Brea Plaza,
[37:36] the development of certain key benchmarks that are anchored throughout this city, and this will
[37:42] be another one.
[37:46] I understand that Mr. Dwight Manley has openly offered to me and has been available
[37:52] to anyone who's interested in the proposed development.
[37:56] I believe that that is an admirable level of transparency
[38:00] within itself of the developer.
[38:02] He's going above and beyond probably what he needs to do.
[38:06] When the opportunities like that are made available,
[38:08] I encourage anyone.
[38:10] I myself have spoken to Mr. Manley and said,
[38:13] I would like to walk through the property
[38:15] and understand things even more.
[38:19] And I encourage everyone to take advantage
[38:21] of understanding the total scope from both sites.
[38:25] Speaking directly with a developer,
[38:27] the city staff provides a much better understanding
[38:29] in the facts than to rely on assumptions
[38:33] and register articles and where those come from,
[38:38] let alone, it still dumps me as a business owner
[38:41] who could purchase some land and a development
[38:44] that is earmarked for what is going into the area.
[38:48] and I get the opposition but yet the I don't feel right about appearance of a
[38:58] shady deal or a deal that's long-term I look at it a long-term deal can
[39:03] benefit long-term the city. So I do respect the people that can reach out
[39:10] and reach for themselves different conclusions and after reviewing the facts
[39:15] However, I believe our community is best served when opinions are formed after taking the time to ask the questions.
[39:22] Here are the answers and understand the project in detail.
[39:26] If someone chooses to oppose the project without taking advantage of those opportunities,
[39:31] I believe residents should recognize that there was an open invitation to become better informed
[39:36] before reaching to a final conclusion. Thank you for your time.
[39:40] The
[39:45] next register speaker I have is Keith Bullington.
[40:34] I'm so used to coming to this microphone with the podium that just didn't seem right.
[40:45] Anyway
[40:49] it's good to be here tonight and I have a few matters or issues that I would like
[41:00] to just briefly mention,
[41:05] I think that
[41:11] the City of Brea
[41:15] needs to have many, many, many
[41:20] more downtown events.
[41:28] If money becomes a problem, hey, charge a fee for all those who attend.
[41:40] That's how you collect your funds.
[41:50] Another issue,
[41:54] the program all
[41:58] in my opinion needs to be renamed the Wayne-Wadeen Mall.
[42:13] If you have any questions, see me.
[42:16] I
[42:25] mentioned the downtown events sorely needed.
[42:33] One of the things that need to be held downtown is an event where there's fifties and sixties
[42:45] music.
[42:49] Bray, I have a lot of seniors whether you know it or not.
[42:54] I happen to fall into that category.
[43:01] I can't just automatically go back forty years.
[43:03] So anyway, please give that some thought.
[43:18] Costco,
[43:24] not sure why we would even debate it.
[43:32] City of Brea can use the funds that it would generate.
[43:43] Dwight Manley is
[43:48] not a good businessman.
[43:49] He's an excellent businessman,
[43:55] and he deserves a unanimous goal for it.
[44:00] The
[44:07] funds that, like I said, that would be generated would help the city of Braia.
[44:16] The location is ideal and
[44:23] the traffic that would be generated would be pretty scattered and
[44:34] the city could easily handle it.
[44:40] Those are my thoughts.
[44:46] Thank you.
[44:47] That
[44:53] concludes all our preregistered speakers and as of right now, we do not have any on Zoom.
[45:05] Yeah, thank you, Mayor. I heard a few comments related to to Costco as well as transparency, communication, as well as process. So a couple of things I do want to clarify, which I do think some in some prior city council meetings, I verbally ran through, you know, in a nutshell, the summary of what the process is. And so first thing I want to address is the intention of the sign that is there.
[45:34] is merely to inform, so that is a correct statement,
[45:38] but it also is to connect.
[45:41] And so there is contact information that is there,
[45:44] and like Mrs. Strong said, you can be ahead of the process
[45:48] in asking your questions, submitting comments,
[45:53] submitting even information to our city planning division,
[45:56] and that all gets incorporated into the analysis,
[46:00] as well as the public record moving forward,
[46:02] as that project is further evaluated.
[46:05] That project from a planning standpoint
[46:06] as well as a California environmental quality standpoint
[46:09] is in its very infant stages.
[46:12] And one of the major milestones that would occur
[46:16] is what's called a scoping meeting.
[46:19] And so in that scoping meeting,
[46:21] that is where generally so I can tell you
[46:23] for other projects we have actually gone into the community
[46:26] and had scoping meetings in the community.
[46:28] And what that scoping meeting is
[46:31] This is an open form that connects our technical experts, our city consultants, as well as city staff with the community to hear, it's just comments.
[46:43] We just hear comments about the project, we hear concerns about the project, and that is yet to be scheduled because the project is still being evaluated from a standard standpoint.
[46:57] And once that kind of is set in a preliminary way that can move forward in a way that can actually be looked at, reviewed, and then commented on, that's when the scoping meeting would be scheduled.
[47:12] Another comment was related to just making sure, you know, with diversity that we're accessible in any which way we can from a language standpoint.
[47:23] point. So, again, the sign there links to the city's website. In the city's website,
[47:31] we have what's called a projects and process. The entire city website is translated, there's
[47:38] actually a translation, but on the website, and in the majority of the languages that were
[47:45] expressed in the letter. So, that is an effort that we do, and then ahead of time, if we do
[47:50] you know that we have a desired language, we do offer translation, especially as meetings
[47:59] like school meetings. Appreciate the invitation. I personally would be happy to join. I don't
[48:07] mind adding an extra day of commuting into the city of Braya, but I do want to, and maybe
[48:13] the city attorney can open on this as well, but I just want to clarify that the project itself
[48:19] will still have to go through its process.
[48:23] I'm not the decision maker in that process.
[48:25] And so I'm allowed to actually get into a conversation,
[48:30] provide information, even though information at this point is fairly limited because we haven't gone through
[48:35] the sequel process and done all of the different analysis.
[48:40] But I'm happy to do that.
[48:41] I would say appointed and elected officials would strongly be discouraged from that.
[48:47] that because that potentially could preclude them from actually considering that project when it comes before them so although the application itself
[48:57] unless appealed only goes to the planning commission if appealed and I would bet my cards that it would be appealed on either side regardless of the decision that most likely will come before the city council and so to give the
[49:12] the deference to the process itself.
[49:15] That's where you most likely would not have a appointed or an elected official in an engagement of a project ahead of its consideration for approval.
[49:26] A lot of conversation about traffic and so we don't know.
[49:30] We don't know what those traffic metrics are going to be.
[49:34] We don't know what the traffic analysis outcome and conclusions will be because that has yet to occur.
[49:40] So I just want to put that out there that that is part of the California environmental quality act environment impact report process.
[49:48] And one question was brought up about behaviors, right?
[49:53] And so that is something that traffic impact analysis do look at is distribution,
[49:59] behaviors, vehicle trips, congestion, all of those things will be evaluated.
[50:03] So, again, a little ahead of it, we don't have that information at this time, but that information is forthcoming, and I've made this commitment back when I explained the process that we will be there, we will be engaging, we don't necessarily are going to require you guys to come to us, but there is that opportunity, and that's why the information contact information, is there if you do have questions in the meantime, and we will do our best to address.
[50:33] So that was my comments mayor in response to the matter from the audience comments.
[50:38] Okay, thank you for the clarification on that.
[50:41] I've been asked to open the public speaking for one speaker that we missed.
[50:49] Yes, I'm told that we had a speaker that was registered.
[50:52] Do I eat mainly?
[51:03] Thank you.
[51:04] I'm not sure what happened, but I did sign up in advance.
[51:09] I wanted to try to clarify, because in a way this is a game of whack-a-mole.
[51:16] But I think that every effort to speak here makes things a little bit clearer for people, even if it's one person at a time.
[51:25] On the comment about $77 million going to the developer, I totally understand the
[51:35] The thought of that number and just seeing that, but underneath that $77 million over 50 years versus the $140 million cost upfront, I just did quick math with my phone $140 million at 6% over 50 years is $2.5 billion.
[52:01] It's over two and a half billion dollars.
[52:05] So the compounding of money and how all that works.
[52:08] I know you can, with semantics and statistics, make things look frightening.
[52:14] And it seems like some people are using that to hammer against the developer or somehow the city.
[52:20] But the math is incredibly transparent and real.
[52:27] And it's an incredibly low rate of return, all things annually over 50 years that no other developer was willing to even come close to doing a deal like that.
[52:41] It's because I love Brea, it's because I think this is a great thing to have in Brea, the last thing that we don't need to ever have to leave the city to give this a go.
[52:53] to say okay, I'm going to put my money up for years and then decades to hopefully make this happen.
[53:01] As far as reaching out, Jason knows and staff knows I reached out to Mark Strom directly.
[53:10] I reached out to Steve Franks directly or actually through a school board member and said, I'm here to meet, I'm happy to meet.
[53:19] I was rejected repeatedly, country hills, board members, neighbors, happy to meet, after
[53:28] sticking against the project, I've met them personally, I've met them on the site,
[53:32] I've walked the site, I've spent hours with them multiple times to their neighborhood,
[53:38] and it's gone really well, really appreciative of what the facts are.
[53:43] And just like Craig said, there are things I won't publicly say, but I'll share things
[53:49] things in private that make this very understandable.
[53:53] I don't think it takes college education because I don't have one to understand what's
[53:59] going on here.
[54:02] But in life and in communities, growth is a necessity to be able to succeed.
[54:10] In this city, I made a list while I was sitting up there, the high school farm has changed.
[54:15] The high school has changed, the mall has changed, downtown has changed, the Bank of America
[54:22] Building is changing, the Unicall Research Center has changed, the Imperial Golf Course,
[54:29] it's changed, it's gone, Alinda School has changed, South Brea Boulevard has changed,
[54:35] Brea Hospital, gone, changed, the Christmas Tree Farm, gone, changed, all-state Mercury
[54:42] insurance building changed. Change is inevitable, quality change is important, I agree. We don't want
[54:52] to have high rises all over the place. This thing could have been a lot of density, something either
[55:02] a lot of people crammed in there or some kind of high occupancy or busy FedEx kind of a center or
[55:10] something like the Amazon and something that actually benefits the majority of the community
[55:15] or anybody that shops there is a good thing for this city.
[55:21] And most importantly, the repeated comment about the senior center contribution of 5% annually
[55:31] being pre-baked or some kind of whatever.
[55:33] I have spilled that out on the Facebook page where I've also said I would meet.
[55:39] That came from a lunch I had with my lender that I bounced it off of him because I've
[55:45] been repeatedly asked what happens when you die for the seniors and I said I have a solution.
[55:51] Make this permanent no matter what.
[55:54] Alive or dead property owned or not, those seniors are going to have that Christmas party
[55:59] and all those benefits every Friday dollar lunch and so on forever.
[56:04] And that's how it happened, thank you.
[56:06] Thank you.
[56:07] Okay, did we miss anyone else?
[56:11] No, okay.
[56:13] All right, are there any city manager or city attorney announcements?
[56:17] Madam Mayor, yes, one quick comment.
[56:19] I would like to reiterate Mr. Kilibru said earlier about due process rules and
[56:23] limitations on the ability of elected officials and appointed officials to comment on matters publicly.
[56:29] When those matters, a project is coming before them in a public hearing setting.
[56:33] There are strict rules that the courts have imposed.
[56:37] And if the wrong thing is said, it's perceived as a pre-judgment of the matter,
[56:41] then the officials can be disqualified.
[56:43] So it is something we would absolutely discourage the council and
[56:45] public planning commissioners from doing.
[56:48] I'm sorry, just clarify that.
[56:50] So you're saying that not to say anything, but
[56:54] there's no reason I can't go and have a cup of coffee with the neighbors, is that correct?
[56:58] Correct, thank you, correct.
[57:00] Okay, thank you for the clarification.
[57:03] Are there any council requests or announcements?
[57:06] I have something to say.
[57:09] Yes, Keith Fallington brought up Wayne Woodene.
[57:12] And Wayne Woodene came out with a new book about two months ago.
[57:16] It's called The Braia, Dividend.
[57:18] A city manager's story of vision, growth, and connection.
[57:23] And it's fascinating little book, and it's a quick read.
[57:26] But anyway, he addresses in the front part of it about the lectern here.
[57:32] He specifically said that it's higher than the staff and the City Council,
[57:38] which is meant to give the citizen and send a signal that the citizen is above us and above staff.
[57:46] So I have asked at the last meeting, what is the purpose of the delineators,
[57:51] and can we have them removed?
[57:54] Can we at least have a discussion about it,
[57:56] about why we're blocking the public
[57:59] from coming down to the lectern,
[58:01] that Wayne Wadine designed for participation
[58:08] and of the citizens.
[58:09] I'll add that at the last May or May or Pro-10 meeting,
[58:12] we had a discussion with the city manager
[58:14] and there'll be more information coming.
[58:16] Perfect, thank you very much.
[58:18] Anyone else?
[58:19] I'm sorry, one other thing is that upstairs in the study session we had a presentation on a potential lease agreement and a new contract for the city attorney.
[58:30] And in that discussion, there was some progress made on the contract language that is beneficial to the city.
[58:42] However, there's still an outstanding debt of $200,000 in travel expenses that was not authorized
[58:49] and is still outstanding and is not going to be addressed.
[58:53] I think that I would like to continue that discussion.
[58:55] We'll have a discussion on that on August 18th, but I just think it's wrong that we keep on going back to the city.
[59:03] The people and the business, I'm talking to the people, the business community.
[59:08] The outside council indicated that you were wrong, and that's a contingent.
[59:13] Outside council, as a matter of fact, said that I was right, and that the billing for travel time is inappropriate, and it's no longer in the contract, as a matter of fact, which is a validation that it should have never been put.
[59:31] She also stated that our former city manager left that go and there was culpability on both sides and the chances of us prevailing in a lawsuit are very, very slim.
[59:43] So would you have us waste the community's money in a fruitless lawsuit?
[59:49] I'm going to add, the fact that you wanted to brag to us that you sued the city prior and that you could do it again?
[59:56] I'm sorry. I mean, you're wrong.
[59:57] I never said that I'm going to sue the city.
[59:59] I've decided...
[1:00:00] So the city prior, why would you bring that up? We don't need to get into it. We're going to have the discussion further. My point is, is that we keep on going back to the citizens and increasing their rates. We go to the business community. We go to the business community increased their rates. Steve, we have not raised rates on the community. Okay, we're adjourned.