1. CLOSED SESSION - EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 3RD FLOOR - 5:30 P.M.
1.A. Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Hupp called the Closed Session to order at 5:30 p.m. All members were present.
1.B. Public Comment
None.
1.C. Conference with City's Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 Regarding the Brea Management Association (Non -Safety); Brea City Employees' Association (BCEA); Administrative and Professional Employees' Association (APEA); Brea Fire Association (BFA); Brea Fire Management Association (BFMA); Brea Police Association (BPA); and the Brea Police Management Association (BPMA); Executive and Part-Time Employees - Kristin Griffith, Negotiator.
1.D. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) - Anticipated Litigation. Initiation of Litigation: 3 potential cases.
Mayor Hupp adjourned the Closed Session at 6:10 p.m.
2. STUDY SESSION - EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 3RD FLOOR - 6:00 P.M.
2.A. Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Hupp called the Study Session to order at 6:14 p.m. All members were present.
2.B. Public Comment
None.
2.C. Clarify Regular Meeting Topics
None.
2.D. Mayor Appointments
Mayor Hupp maintained the same Council Committee assignments as the previous year with the exception of appointing Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff as Chair of the Finance Committee and Council Member Stewart as Chair of the Development Committee.
2.E. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Delegate and Alternate for the Regional Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for May 7-8, 2026
The City Council appointed Mayor Hupp as the Delegate and Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff as the alternate for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for May 7-8, 2026.
2.F. Council Member Reports/Requests
None.
2.G. Study Session Adjournment
Mayor Hupp adjourned the Study Session at 6:15 p.m.
3. GENERAL SESSION - COUNCIL CHAMBERS PLAZA LEVEL - 7:00 P.M.
3.A. Call to Order/Roll Call
Mayor Hupp called the General Session to order at 7:00 p.m. All members were present.
3.B. Pledge of Allegiance: Brea Girl Scout Troop 8108
Brea Girl Scout Troop 8108 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.C. Invocation: Pastor Rick Darden, Friends Community Church
Pastor Rick Darden, Friends Community Church, led the invocation.
3.D. Proclamation: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Mayor Hupp presented Rabbi Levi Biesofsky from the Chabad of Northern Orange County a Proclamation recognizing January 27, 2026, as international Holocaust Remembrance Day.
3.E. Presentation: Visiting Student Delegation from Brea Sister City - Anseong Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Community Services Supervisor Steyerman spoke about the relationship and exchange between the City of Brea and the City of Anseong Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, and displayed a video from Bora Kim, Mayor of Anseong.
Members of Brea Korea Sister City Association Nancy Lee and Jatinder Singh spoke about the history of exchange between the City of Brea and City of Anseong and thanked the City of Brea for their continued support.
Chaperone Daewon Jang and student delegate, Choyeon Park, thanked the City of Brea for hosting the students and spoke about the prosperous exchange between the City of Brea and Anseong.
The City Council recognized the student delegates and chaperons and presented them with Commendations memorializing their visit.
3.F. Report - Prior Study Session
City Manager Griffith provided a report on the Prior Study Session.
3.G. Community Announcements
Council Member Stewart spoke about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and invited the community to join the CERT team. He announced the next series of classes will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings starting February 24 through March 14. He noted the CERT training is free of charge, but pre-registration is required for each class. Participants can register online at cityofbrea.gov/CERT.
Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff announced the 2026 Spring Brea Line newsletter is now available to view online at cityofbrea.gov/BreaLine.
Council Member Marick announced the Economic Development Division is now offering free resources during their Business Connect hours. She noted businesses, property owners, and entrepreneurs can obtain a variety of resources by visiting the Brea Civic & Cultural Center on Wednesdays, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. She stated additional information can be found by contacting the Economic Development Department at business@cityofbrea.gov.
Council Member Vargas announced the Brea Gallery’s Annual Made in California Juried exhibition is now accepting submissions. He explained that the exhibition highlights artists in all stages of their careers and provides the opportunity to compete for prizes. He noted the entry deadline is February 6 and Brea residents and Gallery members receive one free entry. Members can apply at BreaArtGallery.com.
3.H. Matters from the Audience
Alex Joseph thanked the Council for recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and spoke about pickleball courts in the City.
Jerry Hunter expressed concerns regarding the homeless population at City Hall Park.
Michael Gonzales expressed concerns regarding elected officals and the upcoming General Municipal Election.
Mark Strom expressed concerns regarding the Economic Development Agreement with Dwight Manley.
Sean Thomas spoke about allegations against Brea Olinda School Board Member.
Craig Farris expressed appreciation for City staff and thanked the City Council for their forward thinking.
3.I. Response to Public Inquiries
Police Chief Hawley responded to public inquiries regarding homelessness in the City.
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.A. Approval of the Applications for Participation in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Fiscal Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 for Housing Rehabilitation and Public Facilities and Improvements
Community Development Specialist Salgado and Community Services Manager Colacion provided a presentation on the item. Community Development Specialist Salgado provided background information on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, grant application timeline, and housing rehabilitation. Community Services Manager Colacion spoke about recent CDBG funded projects at the Brea Senior Center and reviewed proposed projects.
Mayor Hupp opened the Public Hearing.
Seeing no members of the public wishing to address the Council, Mayor Hupp closed the Public Hearing.
The City Council discussed CDBG funding process, Senior Center courtyard improvements, backup powered generator for the Brea Community Center, and resurfacing projects at Arovista Park and Senior Center.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff and seconded by Council Member Stewart to adopt Resolution No. 2026-01 approving Fiscal Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 applications to the County of Orange for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for housing rehabilitation; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-02 approving Fiscal Years 2026-27 application to the County of Orange for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for public facilities and improvements; and authorize the City Manager on behalf of the Council, to execute forthcoming grant agreements with the County of Orange; and amend the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for Fund 290 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of the approved projects. Motion passed 5-0-0-0 (Ayes: Hupp, Simonoff, Marick, Stewart, Vargas).
4.B. Public Hearing for the Establishment of the Short-Term Rental Pilot Program Fees
Management Analyst Magaña provided an overview of the item. She spoke about short-term rental (STR) fees, noticing and CEQA requirements, and staff recommendations.
Mayor Hupp opened the Public Hearing.
Fred Grunner spoke in support of short-term rentals and priority registration for legally operating properties.
Seeing no further members of the public wishing to speak, Mayor Hupp closed the Public Hearing.
In response to public comments, Management Analyst Magaña and Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Killebrew provided clarification regarding the eligibility requirements, approval process, violation fees, and program duration.
A motion was made by Council Member Stewart and seconded by Council Member Vargas to approve a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption determination; and adopt Resolution No. 2026-03 to establish a short-term rental application license fee. Motion passed 5-0-0-0 (Ayes: Hupp, Simonoff, Marick, Stewart, Vargas).
5. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
5.A. City of Brea Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Related Audit Reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025
Administrative Services Director Lo introduced the item and the City's consultant, Lance, Soll & Lunghard, LLP (LSL).
Ryan Domino, LSL, presented an overview on the audit process and procedures and highlighted changes to financing principles. He reported that the City of Brea received a clean audit with no findings of fraud, waste or abuse.
City Council received and filed the City’s Annual Comprehensive Report (ACFR) and the related audit reports for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A motion was made by Council Member Stewart and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 6A - 6H. Motion passed 5-0-0-0 (Ayes: Hupp, Simonoff, Marick, Stewart, and Vargas).
6.A. December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved the December 16, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as written.
6.B. Adopt Resolutions Authorizing the Director of Public Works to Prepare and File Reports Relating to Annual Maintenance Assessment in Landscape and Lighting Maintenance Districts 1 through 7
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-04 – 2026-10 authorizing the Director of Public Works to prepare the Annual Maintenance Assessment Report for each Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District to present at the City Council meeting on April 21, 2026.
6.C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 1271, an Ordinance of the City of Brea Extending the Term of a Pipeline Franchise Granted to Cardinal Pipeline, L.P., Repealing Ordinance No. 1268, and Approve a CEQA Exemption Determination
The City Council waived full reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1271, “An Ordinance of the city Council of the City of Brea extending the term of a pipeline franchise granted to Cardinal Pipeline, L.P. and repealing Ordinance No. 1268,” by title only, and approved a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption determination; and appropriated any revenues received as part of this franchise in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating Budget; and authorized the City Clerk to accept a new faithful performance bond upon final adoption of the Ordinance.
6.D. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1270, an Ordinance Establishing Standards and Procedures for a Pilot Short-Term Rental Program, Adding Chapter 5.32 "Short-Term Rentals" to the Brea City Code, and Approving a CEQA Exemption Determination
The City Council found Ordinance No. 1270 exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines; and waived the full reading of and adopted Ordinance No. 1270 titled, “An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brea Establishing Standards and Procedures for a Pilot Short-Term Rental Program, Adding Chapter 5.32 Reading Short-Term Rentals to the Brea City Code, and Approving a CEQA Exemption Determination”.
6.E. Resolution of Intent to Conduct a Public Hearing to Grant Crimson California Pipeline, L.P., a Franchise to Operate and Maintain Existing Pipelines in the City
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-11 noticing a Public Hearing for February 17, 2026, to consider granting Crimson California Pipeline, L.P., a franchise to operate and maintain existing pipelines in the City.
6.F. 2026 Legislative Platform
The City Council adopted the 2026 City of Brea Legislative Platform to coincide with the current legislative session.
6.G. Monthly Report of Investments for the City of Brea for Period Ended December 31, 2025
The City Council received and filed the monthly report of investments for the City of Brea for period ended December 31, 2025.
6.H. December Outgoing Payment Log and City Disbursement Registers for December 12, 19, and 26, 2025 and January 9, 2026
The City Council received and filed the December outgoing Payment Log and City Disbursement Registers for December 12, 19, and 26, 2025 and January 9, 2026.
7. CITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY - CONSENT
A motion was made by Council Member Stewart and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Simonoff to approve City/Successor Agency Consent Item 7A - 7B. Motion passed 5-0-0-0 (Ayes: Hupp, Simonoff, Marick, Stewart, and Vargas).
7.A. Monthly Report of Investments for the Successor Agency to the Brea Redevelopment Agency for Period Ended December 31, 2025
The City Council as the Successor Agency, received and filed the monthly report of investments for the Successor Agency to the Brea Redevelopment Agency for the period ended December 31, 2025.
7.B. Successor Agency Disbursement Register for January 9, 2026
The City Council, as the Successor Agency, received and filed the Successor Agency Disbursement Register for January 9, 2026.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS
8.A. City Manager
None.
8.B. City Attorney
None.
8.C. Council Requests
None.
9. COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
9.A. Council Announcements
None.
10. ADJOURNMENT
10.A. Meeting Adjournment
Mayor Hupp adjourned the General Session at 8:29 p.m.