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Mayor Hupp adjourned the Closed Session at 6:29 p.m.

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Council Member Stewart stated that he and Mayor Hupp served on the Interview Committee and interviewed candidates to fill the unscheduled vacancy on the Cultural Arts Commission. 

Council Member Stewart nominated Michael Tinio to the Cultural Arts Commission to serve the remainder of an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026.

The City Council voted 5-0-0-0 (Ayes: Hupp, Simonoff, Marick, Stewart, Vargas) to confirm Council Member Stewart's nomination and appoint Michael Tinio to the Cultural Arts Commission, to serve the remainder of an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026.

Financial Services Manager Madrazo provided a presentation and background information on Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) in the City. She reviewed Orange County TOT rates, Prop 218 requirements, rate options, estimated revenue, and records retention requirements. She also provided background information on the City's business license tax. She reviewed the pros and cons of tax-based and fee-based structures, jurisdiction comparison, proposed updates to business tax, and ballot measure costs. 

The City Council discussed engaging the Chamber of Commerce, the business license revenue cap, the number of businesses that would be impacted by the business license tax adjustment, modernizing the business license tax, TOT rates and revenue, cost recovery, and costs associated with ballot measures.  

City Manager Griffith confirmed that the City has been in communication with the Chamber of Commerce and stated they no longer publicly support or oppose ballot measures. She also stated staff will work with the Chamber to share information about business license tax and TOT rates.

The City Attorney provided clarification regarding the process for updating terminology as it relates to TOT and short-term rentals and triggers for requiring a ballot measure.  

Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Killebrew spoke about TOT rate adjustments in surrounding cities and Economic Development opportunities.

The City Council discussed cost recovery, the business license tax cap, business license payment notifications, budget impacts, and revenue. 

City Manager Griffith indicated staff will bring back the item to the next regular City Council meeting for further discussion. 

Mayor Hupp adjourned the Study Session at 6:57 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 707 led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Pastor Tyler Lemen, Birch St Friends Church, led the Invocation. 

The City Council displayed a video recognizing the Business of the Quarter, No Limits Learning Center.

City Manager Griffith provided a report on the prior Study Session. 

Council Member Vargas encouraged residents to complete the pickleball survey to help navigate the interest in our community. He indicated the survey can be completed on the City website. 

Council Member Marick announced that the City of Brea's Housing Rehabilitation Program manages federal funds, allocated through the County of Orange that help Brea families finance home repairs. She noted the program funds are based on availability and applicants must meet income and other general criteria. She indicated additional information can be found on the city website. 

Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff asked residents to save the date for Go. Serve. Brea, a community-wide service day that will be held on Saturday, April 25. He encouraged residents to submit service projects and noted the projects must be completed within 2 to 3 hours. He indicated residents can submit projects by visiting the City website.

Council Member Stewart announced the City is offering free disaster preparedness training. He noted that participants will receive classroom and hands-on training to learn about disaster preparedness and announced the next class will take place February 24 through March 14 on Tuesday/Thursday evenings and Saturday morning. He indicated pre-registration is required for each class, which can be completed by visiting the city website.  

Debbie Medina, Citizen CPR Foundation, spoke about National Heart Month, shared lifesaving strategies, and expressed interest in Brea designation as a Heart Safe Community. 

Shelbie Garcia expressed concerns with the homeless population at City Hall Park. 

Derek Morris expressed concerns with the homeless population at City Hall Park and spoke about a recent theft incident.

Jerry Hunter spoke about the homeless population in Brea and expressed concerns with response from the Brea Police Department.

Mark Strom expressed concerns regarding the Economic Development Agreement with Dwight Manley.

Gary Eychaner spoke in agreement with Mark Strom regarding the Economic Development Agreement with Dwight Manley.

Police Captain Walehwa responded to public inquires regarding homelessness in the City. 

The City Council approved the January 20, 2026 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as written. 

The City Council approved a change order in the amount of $39,264, plus applicable tax, for required modifications to three (3) Type 1 fire engines purchased in 2022 and currently in production with Pierce Manufacturing; and authorized a contingency amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the original contract amount ($135,929) for the three (3) Type 1 fire engines to address potential manufacturer-driven specification changes prior to final acceptance; and approved a change order in the amount of $23,046, plus applicable tax, for required modifications to the ladder/tiller truck purchased in 2023 and currently in production with Pierce Manufacturing; and authorized a contingency amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the original contract amount ($99,408) for the ladder/tiller truck purchased in 2023 to address potential manufacturer-driven specification changes prior to final acceptance; and authorized the City Manager or designee to approve change orders within the approved contingency limits. 

The City Council received and filed the City Disbursement Registers for January 16 and January 23, 2026.

The City Council, as the Successor Agency, received and filed the January 16, 2026 Successor Agency Disbursement Register. 

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