By Jacob Wilson/
Garden Grove Journal
Anyone planning a party in Westminster next month may want to think twice. Or buy some headphones.
Tougher restrictions and increased fines for “loud parties” go into effect Jan. 14. The new rules were approved by the Westminster City Council on Dec. 14.
According to a staff report, a “loud party” refers to a gathering “which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood.”
If police are called out one time, the violator is given a warning. A second response within 14 days means a $250 fine. Fines are doubled for third responses.
Fines then increase $200 for every response, capping at $1100 for each subsequent response.
In other council business, Tri Ta was named mayor pro tem for a one-year term. Outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Tyler Diep and Ta then switched chairs so Ta could begin serving his term immediately.
“I want to thank everyone on the city council for nominating me,” Ta said. “I want to thank our police officers and city staff for their dedication and everything they do in the community.”
Although the mayor and all council members are elected by the public, the position of mayor pro tem is rotated among the council members every year. In addition to serving as a council member and voting on council matters, the mayor pro tem fills in at meetings and events if the mayor is absent.
The council followed Ta’s appointment by appointing its members to a series of compensated agencies and commissions. Because they are paid positions, nominees cannot vote for themselves and have to leave the room while the rest of the council votes.
Mayor Margie Rice said she gets $100 per month for serving on the Public Cable Television Authority. She and Ta were reappointed as delegates by the rest of the council.
Councilmember Andy Quach was reappointed to the West Orange County Water Board with Rice named as alternate. Quach was also renamed to the Southern California Association of Governments.
Diep will continue to serve as a delegate for the Orange County Fire Authority. Ta will be the alternate.
Finally, Frank Fry will continue his long-time appointment to the Orange County Vector Control.
Quach did not attend the meeting. The city council will not meet again in 2011. The next scheduled meeting is Jan. 11, 2012.
