Council establishes independent Tet parade foundation; no city seed money, staff to return with bylaws

The Westminster City Council on May 14 approved creation of an independent foundation to raise money and manage fundraising for the Westminster Tet Parade.

Mayor Wynne described the proposal as a way to “create a much smaller foundation board” focused solely on financing the parade and to avoid continued reliance on the city’s general fund. Council discussion emphasized no initial seed money from the city and that startup legal and staff costs should be reimbursed by the foundation from later fundraising.

Nut graf: The council approved a structure in which each council member appoints one representative to the foundation board and the mayor and vice mayor may serve on the board. The council directed staff to prepare draft bylaws and articles of incorporation and to return with naming options; staff will present startup timelines and reimbursement mechanisms.

Councilmember discussion included proposals to limit board size, protect fundraising independence and ensure the foundation is sustainable without using city general fund dollars. Vice Mayor Manzo and Councilmember Wynne were later named to an ad hoc committee to work with staff and the city attorney on the Westminster Community Foundation bylaws and foundation details.

The motion passed 4‑0 (District 3 Councilmember Wynne: Yes; District 4 Councilmember Wynne: Yes; Vice Mayor Manzo: Yes; Mayor Wynne: Yes). The council also directed staff to return with draft bylaws and articles of incorporation and suggested options for a formal name for the new organization.

Ending: Staff will draft incorporation documents and bylaws for council review; the council set a direction that no seed money be provided from the city and that startup costs be reimbursed by the foundation.