Council approves Flower Street fee waiver, engineering fee increases and Siemens HVAC contract

The Garden Grove City Council took several business items at its Jan. 27 meeting, approving a mix of event support, fee adjustments, and a maintenance contract.

Waiver for Flower Street festival: Deputy Director Janet Pelayo reported that the Vietnamese Sport Association of Southern California requested a fee waiver for use of the Courtyard Center activity room for 13 days of preparation for the Flower Street on Historic Main Street event (Feb. 13–15). The city estimate for the requested rental fee was $5,915. After council discussion about community value and fiscal oversight, the council approved the waiver by roll call (recorded as 5 yes votes, 1 no and one absence). One council member urged organizers to provide accounting after the event.

Engineering user fees: Finance Director Patricia Song presented a staff recommendation to increase five engineering‑related user fees — including plan check and grading plan check fees — to reflect higher contract rates and incorporate a 4% annual escalator through 2030. The council opened the public hearing, heard one public commenter, and adopted the resolution (roll call recorded as 6 yes votes).

Siemens HVAC contract: Deputy Director Sam Kim summarized a negotiated, source‑authorized services agreement with Siemens Industries for maintenance of proprietary Siemens HVAC and control systems in 25 city buildings. The negotiated three‑year agreement is for $209,710 with options to extend up to five years (total $370,270); funding is available in the adopted facilities operating budget. The council approved the contract on a majority vote.

These measures were presented as routine but tied to larger budget and service discussions; councilmembers asked for after‑action reports and transparency on costs and outcomes where appropriate.