Anaheim City Council
February 1, 2022

ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 22, 2021
The special meeting of June 22, 2021, was called to order at 2:31 P.M. in person and telephonically, pursuant to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-08-21 (superseding the Brown Act related provisions of Executive Orders N-29-20 and N-25-20) in response to COVID-19. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on June 17, 2021.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Harry Sidhu and Council Members Stephen Faessel, Jose Diaz, and Trevor O’Neil (in person). Council Member Jordan Brandman (via teleconference). Council Member Avelino Valencia joined the meeting in person during Closed Session.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Council Member Jose F. Moreno
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
CLOSED SESSION: At 2:32 P.M., Mayor Sidhu recessed to closed session for consideration of the following:

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
(Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Elaine Estrada v. City of Anaheim, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2019-01105228
At 3:10 P.M., Mayor Sidhu reconvened the special meeting of the Anaheim City Council.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
At 3:11 P.M., Mayor Sidhu adjourned the special meeting of the Anaheim City Council and called to order the regular meeting of the Anaheim City Council.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Harry Sidhu and Council Members Stephen Faessel, Jose Diaz, Avelino Valencia, and Trevor O’Neil (in person). Council Member Jordan Brandman (via teleconference). Council Member Moreno joined the meeting in person at 3:18 P.M. and Council Member Brandman joined the meeting in person at 3:45 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: None
ITEM # 05
City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

WORKSHOP:

Proposed Fiscal Year 2021/22 Budget (Public Utilities, Public Works, Planning & Building, Community & Economic Development, and Convention, Sports, & Entertainment) Public Utilities Department
Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee reported Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) core services start with providing power and water needed to serve the Anaheim community and to do so with reliable infrastructure, affordable rates, and by engaging with customers. He advised APU’s proposed budget is $631,500,000 and includes both operating and capital expenses. He noted $2,200,000 of the General Fund budget pays for the energy use for street lighting operations and 311 call center services on behalf of the City.

Mr. Lee reported the APU’s Operating Budget remains flat from the prior year and the majority is for wholesale power, water, and related supplies. He advised operating labor makes up 11% of the budget and debt service is 14%, which helps to pay for investments in electric and water infrastructure. He reported there are 352 full-time and 39 part-time, full-time equivalent (FTE) staff positions, which remains unchanged from the prior year. He explained 46% of APU’s workforce is dedicated to electric, 20% to water, and the balance has common functions such as customer service, financial services, and administration. He advised that, on top of the pandemic, APU’s employees managed through rolling blackouts, local power outages, heat and windstorms, and wildfire threats.

Mr. Lee reported customer expectations today are much higher than in the past, so resiliency initiatives such as automation and computer system upgrades are within the budget. He reported APU has also received grant funding to supplement its budget. He advised the budget includes investments that assess the condition of power and water infrastructure citywide through inspections, maintenance, and employee training. The noted results of these assessments result in immediate repairs or tie into APU’s capital program. He announced APU’s electrical system was once again recognized by the American Public Power Association as among the top 10% in the nation for reliability and system performance.

Mr. Lee reported bill affordability has been a major focus during the past year. He reported APU suspended disconnections for financial reasons and developed a series of assistance programs in 2020. He advised the COVID Emergency Assistance Program has helped 6,400 households with up to $350 in immediate aid and noted $1,000,000 has been provided through this program. He reported Federal government assistance was also available and helped supplement funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program during the pandemic. He advised, with this program, 1,600 households were able to receive bill assistance totaling $700,000. He reported bill credits totaling $2,700,000 were provided this past winter.

Mr. Lee reported APU administered an Internet rebate program that helped 840 households remain connected for telework or remote school learning utilizing funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. He advised the Federal Government recently launched its Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that provides $50 per month to qualifying households. He reported a new program was established to provide bill credits to struggling small businesses and advised over 360 businesses have received much-needed assistance. He reported the feedback received from customers has been very positive. He advised, while businesses were in various stages of partial operations, APU used the opportunity to promote efficiency improvements such as City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

LED lighting, smart thermostats, low-flow water fixtures, and air conditioning tune-ups to help lower utility bills, resulting in $455,000 in efficiency investments for over 200 small businesses.

Mr. Lee reported APU continues to serve customers remotely and in person to support development activities. He advised APU provides home efficiency checkups, appliance rebates, shade trees, dusk- to-dawn security lights, and recycles old refrigerators. He reported that for developers seeking power and water service connections, APU conducted plan reviews electronically, which streamlined the process and he hoped to carry many of those practices going forward in the new budget year.

Mr. Lee reported APU’s community outreach would also be a focus on the upcoming Fiscal Year with plans to host community events and participate in safety walks to review street lighting needs as well as other ways to get feedback from customers to improve services and educate customers on water and power efficiency. He advised APU is continuing with efforts to promote sustainability programs by recognizing customers who have made smart choices. He reported over 5,600 electric vehicles were now registered in Anaheim and the need for charging was growing as auto manufacturers transition to battery-powered vehicles. He advised there are over 500 publicly accessible charging stations in Anaheim with plans to support additional locations for residents and visitors. He noted fleets such as school buses are beginning to transition to electric transportation and APU supported them by providing rebates on charging infrastructure. He reported the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies recognized APU with the Sustainable Water Utility Management Award for its efforts in promoting water infrastructure, reliability, resource resiliency, financial management, conservation, and community outreach. He reported, with drought conditions across the Western United States, APU is offering rebates to conserve water and hosting workshops to promote drought-tolerant native landscapes. He thanked the City Council for its continued support for municipal ownership of Anaheim's electric and water systems.

DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. Lee clarified the $2,200,000 he referred to earlier are expenses out of the General Fund, which pays for the energy for street lighting, the 311 call center, and citywide information services to residents. He explained General Fund transfers total over $20,000,000, as deemed in the City Charter. He reported that could be increased but cautioned that APU is currently under active litigation and needs to be careful with this discussion. Mayor Sidhu advised he was simply inquiring about future ways to increase the General Fund for ongoing expenses.

In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. Lee reported since the last major drought in 2015 there have been many investments made in supplies and making sure there is storage so Southern California is in pretty good shape this year and noted APU has a lot of water in storage. He advised due to chemical compounds, APU is drawing less from the groundwater system, which currently has a very robust supply and projected needing to tap into that two years from now.

In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. Lee reported APU started piloting different types of automated meters that could send information back without physical manual reads in approximately 2007 and tested different technologies. He explained there is no perfect technology and noted there are different types that have different throughput and connectivity issues. He reported APU has deployed 60,000 meters that have been covered to a new automated system. He advised that as new customers come in, such as a new condominium or apartment complex, APU is also installing those newer types of meters. He noted it helps prepare for more advanced rates as people put in solar panels or they go with the time-based rates that need a more sophisticated and advanced meter. He explained water is a little bit more challenging because it is physically underground and so it is a little bit behind but noted APU is still testing out technologies in that sector. He confirmed the 60,000 City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

meters previously mentioned are read automatically. He reported there are 125,000 electric meters and about 65,000 water meters in the City.

Council Member Valencia thanked Mr. Lee and commended APU for the incredible job on the bill affordability and the sustainability programs. In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr.

Lee explained there are 352 positions in APU’s budgeted, full allotment of staff. He advised APU is under its allotment due to retirements from the Accelerated Separation Program and resignations. He advised currently APU has about 339 positions filled, including part-time staff. He reported APU anticipates a $6,000,000 in labor savings this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel congratulated APU for its emphasis on capital improvement over the next year, which looks to be $100,000,000, and considering the pandemic APU is still able to maintain the City’s water lines and electric infrastructure and show customers APU is aggressive and committed to the infrastructure.

Public Works Department
Public Works Director Rudy Emami reported the City’s Public Works team is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents throughout the city. He advised Public Works provides comprehensive services to meet the City's complex infrastructure needs as well as serving as a resource to City departments. He reported Public Works’ core services to highlight its mission of planning, building, and preserving the Anaheim community for today and future generations. He advised Public Works plans improvements that will provide the necessary roadway, stormwater, and sewer capacity and promote alternative modes of mobility. He noted Public Works seeks grant opportunities from a wide range of sources to leverage local funds. He advised Public Works efforts also include the implementation of new environmental policies to meet changing regulations ranging from water quality to recycling.

Mr. Emami reported, as a complement to Public Works' talented in-house craftsmen, technicians, and field crews, the department engages contractors to build much of the infrastructure. He explained City Inspectors and Construction Managers play a vital role to ensure contract compliance on capital projects. He reported Public Works also manages all aspects of roadway maintenance, such as pothole repairs and slurry sealing as well as pipeline and landscape maintenance within the street right-of-way. He advised other preservation activities include the upkeep of the City's fleet and facilities, which are critical to the operation of all City departments.

Mr. Emami reported the Public Works budget of $219,000,000 makes up 11% of citywide uses. He advised Public Works allocation of $24,000,000 accounts for 5% of the citywide General Fund. He reported the Public Works Operating Budget is $135,000,000, which funds personnel and operating costs such as equipment, materials, contract services, fleet acquisition, technology, and debt service.

He explained the Operating Budget funds six divisions within Public Works including Operations, Fleet and Facilities, Engineering, Construction, and Finance and Administration. He advised Operations and Fleet and Facilities account for 84% of the Operating Budget. He noted the remaining 16% is distributed among the Engineering and Construction and Administration Divisions. He reported staffing remains constant at 236 full-time employees and 21.5 FTE part-time employees. He advised Public Works has been able to keep up levels of service through a combination of sound management practices, technology, utilization of contract services, and streamlined procedures.

Mr. Emami reported, in alignment with City Council priorities, Public Works continues to focus on the community by investing in neighborhoods as well as the City’s arterial and residential sidewalks. He advised improvements throughout the City include new street name signs, pavement, resurfacing, City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

concrete replacement, and drainage improvements. He reported upcoming improvement projects are in the Lotus, Sabina, and Torry neighborhoods. He advised, in addition, Public Works is planning to complete approximately 13 linear miles of sidewalk rehabilitation. He noted, since the inception of the Arterial Sidewalk Program in 2015, over 70 miles of sidewalks have been rehabilitated.

Mr. Emami reported Public Works is also responsible for the upkeep of public facilities throughout the City. He advised some highlights of City facility improvements that were completed this year included the Pearson Park Amphitheatre Stage Rehabilitation Project, the restoration and replacement of various city park shelters, the rehabilitation of Yorba Park parking lot and Willow Park pathways, and heating and cooling improvements at the Downtown Community Center. He advised upcoming projects include new roofing at the Family Justice Center and the East Anaheim Police Station, Community Center, and Library, the continuation of heating and cooling improvements at City Hall, and a new HVAC system at the Family Justice Center.

Mr. Emami reported, in addition to maintaining public facilities throughout the City, Public Works is committed to preserving City medians and clearing debris and trash from streets and sidewalks. He advised clean medians, streets, and sidewalks have improved the safety and quality of life for the community and attracted private investment and consumers to Anaheim.

Mr. Emami advised, in alignment with its motto “Public Works always there,” Public Works staff supported the COVID-19 response effort by assisting with food distribution drives, installing protective barriers throughout City facilities, and staffing the vaccine PODs. He advised, as part of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP), the neighborhood along Crone Avenue between Euclid Street and Walnut Street petitioned for traffic calming measures. He reported Public Works collected traffic data and validated the need as part of the NTMP process. He advised the City has surveyed the residents and obtained community support for speed humps, which were installed along with traffic signs and pavement markings on Crone Avenue. He reported traffic-calming measures resulted in reduced vehicular speed, improved livability, and increased safety of residents.

He reported, also as part of the NTMP, the neighborhood along Moraga Street and Sequoia Street between Brookhurst Street and La Palma Avenue petitioned for traffic calming measures. He advised Public Works has utilized the recently adopted NTMP schools and parks prioritization metrics to prioritize the petition. He detailed the project improvements, which include the installation of school signs, edge-line striping, and pavement markings. He reported the Ponderosa neighborhood and Madres en Accion requested traffic safety improvements near their neighborhood and the Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center as well as Ponderosa Elementary School. He noted Public Works analyzed and identified traffic safety improvements in the area and advised new school signage and pavement legends were installed to notified motorists of the nearby school. He reported Public Works looks forward to future improvements for the intersection of Orangewood Avenue and Mountain View Avenue to enhance access from the neighborhood to the north to the vital community resources to the south.

Mr. Emami noted Public Works is committed to planning, building, and preserving the City's infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for its residents. He reiterated Public Works is a resource to all departments in implementing their capital programs, maintaining their work environment, and maintaining the equipment they need to do their jobs.

DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. Emami reported Public Works conducts a citywide pavement analysis every two years that gives the pavement a rating from 0 to 100. He advised that the score is put into the matrix with all of the ongoing projects to put together a $14,000,000 to $15,000,000 pavement program for the year. He reported the same also goes for sidewalks and noted Public Works has made a concerted effort since 2015 to make pavement repair City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

and sidewalk repair a 50/50 project. He advised Public Works is halfway through the City to make intersections Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Mayor Sidhu thanked Mr. Emami for putting together a solid plan.

Council Member Valencia thanked Mr. Emami for the presentation and thanked Public Works on behalf of the residents, families, and students for their work in the Ponderosa neighborhood. In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr. Emami reported 14 positions are vacant and explained they would never be 100% due to retirements and employees who move on. He advised he does not have an exact number for labor cost savings because Public Works has a small number of General Fund positions so much of the savings goes back to enterprise programs or grant projects.

Council Member Moreno thanked Mr. Lee and Mr. Emami for their hard work helping Anaheim’s residents.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Emami reported 5% of the General Fund goes to Public Works, which includes streets. He explained Public Works spends $14,000,000 to $15,000,000 on City streets based on the pavement analysis conducted and advised the City needs to be spending about $33,000,000 per year. He advised the City makes up the gap through grant programs to leverage the funds received such as the gas tax. He explained Public Works will use that as a match towards other grants to try to maximize the amount of funding for the City. He noted one of the big arguments for SB1 was that the original gas tax had not increased in over 20 years so it made a big dent in what the City could achieve. He explained there are more EV vehicles on the streets not paying the gas tax which lowers the amount of revenue coming in for the City. He reported the Federal government is tracking a Vehicle Miles Traveled Tax that would be based on registration so every vehicle on the road is paying their fair share of maintaining the roads but noted it has not been implemented yet.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Emami reported the City Council approved some supplemental funding for $1,000,000, which was put into the Neighborhood Schools Priority Program, and advised there is still some of that funding available. He reported it is normally allocated approximately $500,000 but noted there is $100,000 available of the original allocation. He reported Public Works would be picking that back up and noted it is well funded for the future to go forward.

Council Member Moreno reported he receives regular calls regarding street racing and knows Public Works cannot put street humps everywhere. He advised the Anaheim Police Department (APD) reported there has been an incredible increase in street racing. He hoped Public Works could come back with a budget supplement on how the City might look at speed mitigation on some streets.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Emami thanked City Council for approving the new policy that decreased the queue, noted Public Works is making headway, and, at this time, there were 49 districts in the queue. He advised he would need to return to City Council with a number in the queue for parking permits and speed mitigation since it was stopped due to the pandemic. He clarified the 236 FTE is all staff regardless of the funding. He advised it is difficult to determine how many of those are City-funded since many of the positions are 95% grant-funded with the remainder coming from the General Fund. He believed it is 5% of the 236 positions, or 13 positions, are funded through the General Fund.

Council Member Moreno commended Mr. Emami for his ability to manage Public Works' very limited funds and figuring out creative ways to use the grants. He reminded City Council and the public when there are larger State and Federal conversations about taxes and fees that relate to the City’s City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

infrastructure. He noted those monies fund 220 staff positions in the City that work diligently to make sure residents are safe and that streets and City facilities are maintained.

Planning and Building Department
Planning and Building Director Ted White reported the Planning and Building Department’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 21/22 is $26,800,000, which is approximately 1% of the total City Budget and approximately 5% of the General Fund. He advised the department is largely supported by the General Fund as well as fees for service such as building permits and land use entitlements. He explained the budget is broken down into the department's four divisions and covers the three core service areas that include Planning, Building, and Community Preservation and Licensing. He advised these teams have acted as the permitting, licensing, and compliance guides for the City's more than 360,000 residents, 100,000 residential properties, and 27,000 businesses.

Mr. White reported the primary department expenses are labor, which accounts for 55% of the overall budget and operations, which is 42% of the budget. He reported those core services are provided by 76 full-time positions and 26 part-time FTEs. He reported the department also relies on consulting services for planning, plan check, inspections, and permitting and noted the City has two contract Planners, several Building Plan Checkers, as well as some permitting positions, and a single Building Inspector for the department.

Mr. White reported the Planning Team will continue to work on several iconic and transformative projects that will play a historic role in the future of the City. He advised staff continues to work with Angels Baseball to finalize the sale of the stadium property that will facilitate the development of the 150-acre property into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. He reported the City is also working closely with the Anaheim Ducks on the ocV!BE projects surrounding the Honda Center and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). He expects to see both of these projects move forward to public hearings in the fall and winter of this Fiscal Year.

Mr. White reported staff has also begun collaborative review and evaluation of the recently announced Disneyland Forward Project that will set forth the regulatory framework and entitlements for the Disneyland Resort that will facilitate the next phases of investment and imagineering that will propel the Anaheim Resort forward in the coming decades. He advised staff expects this to be a multi-year planning effort and cover numerous fiscal years.

Mr. White reported the Planning Team is also working on two priority City-initiated planning efforts this Fiscal Year that will establish important policies and tools related to housing. He advised the first is the update to the City's Housing Element, which will be brought to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration this fall. He advised the second is the Center City Corridor Specific Plan that will establish land-use policies to guide development and public improvements in Downtown Anaheim and surrounding areas. He expects the specific plan to be considered at public hearings in the winter and spring of 2022.

Mr. White reported there are some exciting projects that the City expects to break ground on and/or continue construction this Fiscal Year in the Resort, which includes the new Disney Vacation Ownership Project as well as other recently entitled hotel projects. He expects to see the groundbreaking and construction of the initial phases of the 39 Commons Project on Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue, including new townhomes, restaurants, and shopping. He reported the Platinum Triangle will continue to see the construction of the A-Town project where residents are enjoying the recently completed Aloe Greens Park and anticipates future for-sale townhomes, grocery store, shops, restaurants, and additional apartments to complete this master-planned community.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Mr. White reported the department continues to play a critical role in the City's response to homelessness. He advised the Planning Team will facilitate the development of the Salvation Army's Center of Hope, which is anticipated to be in the Building Plan Check process soon and under construction later this Fiscal Year. He reported the 325-bed emergency shelter and 72 units of permanent supportive housing are an integral part of the City's effort to provide a pathway home for persons experiencing homelessness in our community. He reported another critical piece of the puzzle is the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) pilot program. He reported since January 1, 2021, the CCRT has responded to over 6,000 calls, contacted over 2,500 people, and assisted nearly 600 people off the streets, with over 1,000 in active case management. He advised evaluating the success of the pilot program and looking for opportunities to further partnerships with service providers and government entities such as Be Well OC will be a critical part of the City’s efforts in the upcoming Fiscal Year.

Mr. White reported, in addition to improving the resources and services and access to housing for homeless individuals, the City would look to build upon partnerships and collaboration with Caltrans, the railroads, surrounding jurisdictions, as well as the City’s interdepartmental team to ensure that right-of-ways, parks, and public spaces are clean and safe for all.

Mr. White reported the Planning Department is committed to evaluating and improving how it does work. He reported the Planning Department launched an Electronic Plan Check Services this Fiscal Year that is already in the process. He anticipates the Accela Permitting System would launch this fall and would provide customers with new access to online resources and integrate with the Electronic Plan Check System. He reported the Building Division and Code Enforcement Divisions continue to provide virtual inspections and would continue to expand these services as the City emerges from the pandemic. He explained the pandemic provided other opportunities for innovation and efficiency and many have become practices that will continue after the pandemic. He advised customers have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in virtual Administrative Hearings for Code Enforcement violations, a new paperless land-use entitlement process, online request forms, and holding online community meetings. He advised the Queue Management System would be upgraded to provide new capabilities, such as mobile queuing, which will allow remote access to queue lines and will communicate with customers via text messaging in the event they need to come to City Hall.

Mr. White reported, to assist businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Planning and Building Department prepared several executive orders providing regulatory relief to affected businesses. He advised the executive orders relaxed sign regulations for temporary displays, allow dining and services to move outdoors, suspended permit and inspection fees for tents, canopies, and generators, and allowed for the sale of takeout alcoholic beverages consistent with State Alcohol Beverage Control. He reported these executive orders have helped Anaheim’s businesses stay open and serve their customers during this extraordinary time and have been extended through the end of the calendar year. He advised staff is currently evaluating regulatory relief measures for lessons learned from the pandemic and anticipates bringing forward a package of relief items that can be made permanent to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration this fall.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Sidhu thanked the Planning Department for the major role they played during the pandemic in taking emergency steps to keep doors open for restaurants and other businesses.

In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. White reported the Planning Department has a couple of positions that have been reduced in terms of selected budget savings but the numbers are consistent with past budget cycles. He confirmed there are currently nine vacant positions but they would be looking to fund a number of those positions as the City emerges from the pandemic.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported he has asked departments to hold positions from the mid-March discussion for at least 12 months. He advised the numbers presented tonight during the public hearing would reflect projections based on vacancies as of March 2021 but departments could possibly fill those vacancies again based on the numbers after March 2022.

Mayor Sidhu reported there are major projects before the Planning Department right now including Angel Stadium, ocV!be, and Disneyland Forward. He advised he feels it is necessary to fill eight to nine more positions to help support the upcoming projects and not slow down progress. He noted he was not trying to fast track the projects but just wanted to ensure those projects, along with regular business, were not slowed down due to available resources.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel reported he was involved in one of the virtual inspections and noted it went well. He advised he has been paying very close attention to conversations with Be Well OC. He noted he is looking forward to being at the Center of Hope groundbreaking in December. He advised he intends to continue the discussion with Mr. White regarding the review of North State College Boulevard.

Council Member Valencia acknowledged the incredible job the Planning Department has done in moving the discussed projects forward.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr. White confirmed the pandemic presented an endless number of challenges to staff and noted staff continues to adapt and change. He advised it impacted services and there continue to be challenges as an unprecedented amount of investment is happening in single-family homes along with a very high volume of permits coming through the system. He reported there are challenges in communication, challenges in the financial side of things, and an increase in permit activity. He applauded the Planning Team who have been at this daily, noting they never shut, and continued to provide plan check services, inspection services, and planning services throughout the pandemic.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr. White confirmed the Planning Department was successful this year and advised there were many lessons learned. He advised developers can now meet with staff virtually and noted many timesavers and efficiencies were found. He confirmed there are still a significant number of residents that need assistance through what is one of the more challenging processes that an individual might take on: large construction projects and investments in their homes.

Council Member Valencia advised the reason for his questions is to keep in mind the City is still going through budgetary hardships and many government agencies are moving into either full-time telecommuting work or part-time telecommuting work. He reported many studies have shown increasing efficiency and budgetary savings. He noted that even without the ability to have personal communication with customers the work continued with success. He encouraged the City Manager to take note and look into the possibility of the City beginning a new chapter and moving forward.

Council Member Diaz expressed appreciation that the Planning Department is applying technology to the process of plan checking especially for small developers or homeowners who need staff help. He challenged Mr. White to look at ways to make it easier for the developer to submit plan checks and go through the process.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Council Member Moreno thanked the Planning Department for their work over the last year. He requested Mr. White succinctly explain the Planning Department’s operations for the public.

Mr. White explained the Planning Department provides three core services. He advised one is the Planning Division that looks at both long-term implementations of the City's General Plan, which is the land-use plan for the City that looks at the mix of various land-use types including housing, industrial, and jobs trying to create a healthy economy as well as a healthy quality of life for residents.

He advised the Building Division is focused on fire and life safety efforts to ensure buildings are safe for people to occupy and that is done through two main components, which are the Building Plan Check process that reviews plans for compliance with the City’s Building Codes as well as the Building Inspection Process where a team of inspectors go out and make sure the buildings themselves are being built safely according to the approved plans. He advised the third and largest component of the department is the Community Preservation and Licensing Division that is focused primarily on compliance issues and making sure that not only the aesthetics, priorities set forth by City Council, and property maintenance comply, but also deals with building safety and illegal construction. He explained the Community Preservation Team has a broad range of responsibilities that look at things such as coyote management, homelessness, quality rental housing inspections, water quality management, and partnership with the Public Works Department. Lastly, he advised the last component is Business Licensing.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. White reported the Planning Department generates $10,000,000 in building check and plan check fees that makes up less than half of the $26,000,000 Fiscal Year 21/22 proposed budget. He advised the other half comes primarily from the General Fund with a small piece coming from Community Development Block Grant that funds some Code Enforcement positions and various other one-time state funding for various projects. He reported nearly all of the Planning Department staff is funded through the General Fund. He advised there are a couple of exceptions with one being the Community Development Block Grant which is roughly the equivalent of nine Code Enforcement Officers and the other comes from the Sanitation Fund through the Public Works Department which is about four positions.

Council Member Moreno noted it does not look like the Planning Department’s budget has increased although there are many more projects requiring detail and attention. He expressed concern for the health of the department.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. White reported the Planning Department has seen an increase in volume even during the pandemic and confirmed there has been an uptick in the number of permits being pulled. He advised revenues are up but not up significantly. He explained the department receives more revenue from large hotel projects in terms of fees than everyday home remodels. He advised it requires a significant amount of review, staffing, and hand-holding for customers. He advised the Planning Department is doing the best it can and noted some of the key metrics is how quickly staff is getting through land-use entitlements as well as plan check turnaround times. He advised they try to keep to the 95% of plans being processed in that time frame but noted there have been stressors this Fiscal Year on that timeframe and some inspections.

Council Member Moreno reported developers noted that Anaheim is a very developer-friendly City.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. White reported the Planning Department has two fee categories, which include the planning fees for project entitlements and building permit fees.

He characterized the fees as being in the middle in respect to fees charged by other cities. He reported the fees were increased in approximately 2017 and advised the City is receiving City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

approximately 40% of time recovered. He believed the Planning Department is in a good place in terms of being competitive with surrounding cities.

Council Member Brandman reported the Planning Department developed the remote digital plan check inspection and other cities looked to Anaheim to see what Anaheim was doing for this work. He advised they developed a program using FaceTime and thanked the Planning Department for being there from the beginning of the pandemic.

Mr. White reported the Code Enforcement Division won an award for the virtual inspection program and was very much an early adopter and champion for its success. He advised they received phone calls from across the country asking how Anaheim was performing virtual inspections.

Community and Economic Development Department
Community and Economic Development Interim Director Grace Stepter presented the budget of the Community and Economic Development Department for Fiscal Year 2021/22 including highlights from the past year. She reported the department's proposed budget for FY 21/22 is $225,000,000. She advised the budget funds core services, which include affordable housing, production, rental assistance programs, business support including retention and attraction, and workforce development activities. She advised $3,900,000 is for administrative purposes. She reported the budget represents 13% of the citywide proposed budget. She advised the department receives approximately 2% of the General Fund and these funds pay for the City's contractual obligations, including the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program related to the pandemic as well as other economic development activities related to the former Redevelopment Agency.

Ms. Stepter provided a brief overview of the operating budget of $221,000,000, which includes $137,600,000 for housing, of which $105,000,000 is specifically for the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, $32,500,000 for affordable housing development production, $37,800,000 for community investments including business retention and attraction, $4,600,000 to workforce development, and $3,900,000 for administrative purposes. She reported the department is comprised of 73 full-time staff, which remains unchanged. She noted the number of part-time employees has increased slightly as additional assistance was needed to deliver several emergency programs implemented this year.

Ms. Stepter noted this year has been like no other and staff has been called upon to ensure continuity of business as well as delivering new emergency response programs. She reported the two largest programs, the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program and the Workforce Development Department Division, quickly adapted to move services to online platforms and conducted hundreds of meetings via Zoom so the public experienced zero downtime. She reported staff initiated Emergency Rental Assistance for families impacted by the pandemic. She explained the first round in June 2020 was a self-initiated and self-funded City effort and was ahead of the curve in ensuring this kind of help was available. She noted, since then, the City has seen a large influx of Federal and State money and is currently in the process of deploying $21,000,000 in emergency assistance to prevent evictions. She advised the third round would be made possible as a result of new money recently announced, which is anticipated to be $6,000,000.

Ms. Stepter reported the department also administered three rounds of small business grants. She reported the first round was offered in May 2020, targeted micro-businesses that were the hardest hit, and advised the effort was initiated locally using City resources. She advised the department has since offered three rounds of small business assistance during this past year deploying over $3,000,000 to 400 unique businesses and advised the program would end at the end of the month.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Ms. Stepter reported the City as a whole has been engaged in a longer, more sustained response to those experiencing homelessness in the City. She advised the City had the unique opportunity to fund both front and back-end efforts to build upon the investments that the City has already made in enhancing the Homeless Assistance System. She reported using Emergency Solutions Grant dollars, the City provided funding for the Community Care Response Team (CCRT), an innovative outreach approach and is making solid grounds in increasing housing options for those ready to move into long-term housing options. She reported the units in the development pipeline include over 200 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). She advised the department has just secured 270 new Section 8 Emergency Rental Assistance Vouchers specifically for the City’s homeless neighbors that is the first allocation in over a decade.

Ms. Stepter reported the department undertook a deliberate effort to discuss the pipeline. She advised that many of their activities are in what is called the “silent period” in which not much is known about the work staff is engaged in, which sometimes leads to a public perception that nothing is happening. She reported the development pipeline is strong, with over 430 units having secured or actively seeking funding and the potential for at least another 400 units.

Ms. Stepter highlighted some of the department’s current projects. She reported El Verano is a PSH development and noted construction was completed in December 2020. She advised the development includes 54 affordable units of which 50% have been set aside for seniors exiting homeless and advised it is nearly 100% occupied. She reported Finamore Place and Anaheim Midway are family developments. She advised Finamore Place is in the final phase of construction and will offer 102 units of affordable housing with 20 being set aside for persons exiting homelessness. She advised Anaheim Midway is proposed to offer 86 units of affordable housing. She reported a Preliminary Award Letter funding commitment for this site is on the Housing Authority agenda for consideration later this evening. She reported Buena Esperanza is a PSH development and the first development to be completed under the City's locally-adopted Motel Conversion Ordinance. She advised Buena Esperanza will bring 69 units, is expected to be completed in July, and noted the selection process for future residents is underway. She reported the Salvation Army has secured a preliminary reservation of critical State funding for PSH that will be located on the campus of the Center of Hope and is expected to bring about approximately 80 units.

Ms. Stepter reported in addition to rental housing, the department is creating homeownership opportunities using down payment assistance. She advised 50 units of homeownership would soon be available to moderate-income families at three separate locations throughout the City. She reported staff is looking ahead to prepare for more affordable housing and the estimate is there is potential for a minimum of 430 units in short order. She reported the Economic Development Team has spent significant time identifying resources and quickly sharing such information with the business community. She advised the monthly Economic Development Newsletter quickly became a weekly newsletter to ensure information was getting out often and promptly. She reported staff continues to support those looking to build in Anaheim and reported the third cohort of the Emprendador@s Program was concluded in May 2021. She advised staff has worked with businesses in the Center City to assist them in adjusting to the ever-changing outdoor State guidelines and, with the assistance of the Planning Department and Public Works, an improved dining experience for the public was made possible. She noted businesses immediately adjacent to the parklets in the picture presented reported an increase in business of as much as 30%.

Ms. Stepter reported that as the economy begins to rebound and reopen, staff recognizes the importance of supporting job seekers and serving as a platform to link businesses with viable applicants. She advised, earlier this month, Workforce Department held a job fair in partnership with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and other County partners. She reported over 70 employers City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

participated in the job fair and noted a combined 2,400 vacancies were listed. Lastly, she advised the department closed on the sale of 39 Commons setting the stage for the first phase of development at the corner of Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Sidhu thanked Ms. Stepter for the wonderful presentation and expressed his astonishment at what the Community and Economic Development Department went through and accomplished during this pandemic. He advised the department showed it was able to succeed with a limited number of employees.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel expressed appreciation that the department has consistently performed over the last several months, reminding the City Council that they do great work. He reported District 5 is the recipient of a couple of great projects that were recently completed.

Council Member Valencia thanked the Community and Economic Development staff for the work they did on the Rental Assistance Program and the Small Business Grant Program the department put forth throughout the pandemic. He noted it is invaluable and truly appreciated. He echoed Mayor Pro Tem Faessel’s previous statements regarding projects in the pipeline or already underway specific to District 4. He advised several affordable housing developments are coming to the district and expressed his appreciation. He requested a map at a future meeting of where all the affordable housing projects are located throughout the City.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Ms. Stepter reported the department is pass- through. She advised the money comes to the City and then is allocated to programs. She reported the department is primarily funded by Federal and some State grants. She advised approximately five staff members are funded by the General Fund. She advised approximately 2.5 FTEs, including Andy Nogal who is the primary affordable housing contact ambassador, are working on affordable housing.

She reported those 2.5 FTEs have 400 units in the pipeline and another 430 that are in land assemblage or early finance discussions. She noted staff is always looking for where the next affordable housing project.

Council Member Moreno noted the total estimated need for the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is in the thousands. He reminded the City Council it has choices in the budget and encouraged them to consider that as they think about the budget. He thanked Ms. Stepter for the tremendous work of the Community and Economic Development team for bringing in Federal and State funds on behalf of the residents.

Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Department
Convention Center Executive Director Tom Morton reported the Fiscal Year 21/22 Convention, Sports, and Entertainment budget. He reported the department is an Enterprise Fund that is responsible for generating revenues to offset expenses necessary for operations. He advised the department manages the day-to-day operations of the Anaheim Convention Center and administers the leases and management agreements for Visit Anaheim, Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), Angels baseball, the Honda Center, and the City National Grove Anaheim. He reported the department budget totals a little more than $71,000,000 and noted the operating budget makes up approximately 4% of the total City budget and 3% of the City’s General Fund.

Mr. Morton reported the department's operating budget, which does not include debt service, totals $64,200,000. He advised the Convention Center operation represents 73% or $46,000,000 of the department budget and noted all capital projects are deferred for future years. He explained Visit City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Anaheim receives pass-through funding from a self-assessment district of hotels in the Anaheim Resort and the Platinum Triangle.

Mr. Morton reported the department includes 85 full-time employee positions and 122 FTE part-time staff which makes up a workforce of just over 240 part-time event-driven employees. He advised all of the venues except ARTIC were shuttered in March 2020. He advised that effective June 15, 2021, all venues have reopened within the new State of California’s Beyond the Blueprint guidelines. He reported the Convention Center has been generally shuttered since March 2020. He reported as of May 31, 2021, 142 events were canceled and 51 events were deferred to future years.

Mr. Morton reported that during the pandemic closure, the Convention Center hosted the OC Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank, partnered with the County of Orange for COVID-19 testing, and partnered again with the County of Orange on a COVID-19 vaccine super Point of Distribution (POD).

He announced the Convention Center was named the Best Convention Center by Exhibitor Magazine, honored as a Center of Excellence Award Winner by Exhibitor Magazine, and received the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) accreditation for following a high standard of cleaning, disinfection, and disease prevention. He reported on June 16, 2021 the Convention Center was honored as the 2021 Best Convention Center by Smart Meetings Magazine.

Mr. Morton reported the recent announcement of reopening had an immediate and positive impact on Convention Center bookings for this coming Fiscal Year. He advised in February 2021, events projected included only 62 events including 25 citywide. However, he advised, as of May 31, 2021, events projected include 80 total events including 35 trade shows and conventions, 25 sporting events, and 20 meetings. He reported this projection reflects 31 total citywide groups and noted large citywide conventions returning this next Fiscal Year include the Orange County Auto Show, Vidcon, the Wooden Legacy Basketball Classic, National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Natural Products Expo West, WonderCon, and the Star Wars Celebration in May 2022. Lastly, he reported Visit Anaheim confirmed the Oncology Nursing Society, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Mr. Morton reported Angel Stadium was closed to fans until April 1, 2022 when they were able to open at 10% capacity and advised that on June 17, 2021 the Angels were able to open to 100% capacity. He reported in late 2020, City Council approved an agreement with SRB Management authorizing the sale of the stadium site including the Angels Stadium and the City National Grove of Anaheim. He reported during the COVID-19 closure, the Honda Center assisted the Orange County Clerk-Recorder with over 5,000 outdoor marriages and, in partnership with the Orange County Registrar of Voters, was a Super Vote Center. He reported the Anaheim Ducks, in the past season, played three preseason and 42 regular-season games with five games being canceled. He advised 23 games were with no fans and five games with 10% fans. He reported the Anaheim Ducks are planning for a full season with 100% fan attendance beginning in September 2021.

Mr. Morton reported, for the Honda Center, the COVID-19 closure in the current Fiscal Year resulted in seven concerts being canceled and nine other events deferred for future years. He advised in Fiscal Year 21/22, the Honda Center has 17 concerts and 22 other events scheduled. He reported Anaheim Real Estate Partners submitted a development application for the Honda Center Development called ocV!be, which proposes new residential, shopping, dining, entertainment, parks, and open space around the Honda Center and ARTIC. He reported the City National Grove of Anaheim experience COVID-19 impacts as well with 44 events canceled, 31 deferred indoor events along with seven canceled, and one deferred outdoor event. He advised in July 2020, the Grove launched their Outdoor Drive-In Event Series and was named the Most Successful Drive-In Series in the Country by Billboard Magazine. He reported during the closure, the Grove partnered with City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Saddleback Church and hosted 46 food drives. Lastly, he reported the Grove’s Fiscal Year event calendar is already filling up with 21 events scheduled through February of next year and more to come.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Sidhu thanked Mr. Morton and was pleased to hear 60% – 70% of previous businesses are returning.

In response to Mayor Sidhu’s inquiry, Mr. Morton reported all 85 full-time employees were kept on staff. Mayor Sidhu advised that indicates he has managed the budget well. Mr. Morton reported the part-time staff are event-driven and were not provided any opportunity since there were no events.

Mayor Sidhu looked forward to events coming back to life.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel expressed his thanks to Nederlander and the Honda Center for their willingness to partner with so many non-profits over the last 12 to 14 months. He reported he was there with many Council colleagues helping in the food drives alongside City staff and the Convention Center staff.

Council Member Valencia thanked Mr. Morton, the Convention Center team, and the City for hosting the super POD that helped over 500,000 Orange County residents. He advised it is a testament to the City’s care to the community. He reiterated how incredible it is that Anaheim has these types of facilities to help the community stay safe.

Council Member Moreno noted the ability to retain the 85 full-time staff was incredible given the department is an Enterprise Fund and effectively pays for itself.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Morton reported no positions are funded through the General Fund. He advised reserves were used to sustain the full-time staff during the pandemic. Council Member Moreno noted this is exactly what reserves should be used for and thanked Mr. Morton for the great stewardship of those funds that allowed the use of the reserve dollars to keep people employed and keep the City positioned. Mr. Morton confirmed full-time staff was working towards the reopening for the duration of the pandemic.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Morton reported the $4,100,000 is for debt service through approximately 2026 but is unsure of the date. Public Works Director Rudy Emami believed it is between 2026 and 2028. Mr. Morton confirmed the 29% of the budget going towards debt service is for ARCTIC and the Convention Center expansion. He confirmed the debt service for the expansion of the Convention Center is approximately $14,000,000.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Morton reported the debt services is a General Fund expense and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue from Convention Center events is also General Fund revenue. Mr. Morton advised he could not state specifically how much of the revenue is due to the expansion but would report back to Council Member Moreno.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Morton confirmed the debt service comes out of the General Fund.

Council Member Moreno noted the future is looking bright in that conventions are coming back to the Convention Center and expressed his appreciation for the work in saving the Convention Center full- time staff positions using reserve funds.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

At 4:55 P.M., Mayor Sidhu recessed the City Council and reconvened at 5:09 P.M.

INVOCATION: Council Member Jordan Brandman
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Trevor O'Neil
Acceptance of Other Recognitions (To be presented at a later date):

Recognizing June 23, 2021, as International Widows Day
Recognizing July 2021, as National Parks and Recreation Month At 5:12 P.M., Mayor Sidhu called to order the Anaheim Housing Authority in joint session with the Anaheim City Council.

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items except public hearings):

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of five (5) public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of five (5) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. – See Appendix.

Vern Nelson thanked Arielle Barquero for saving a baby's life. He reported some small business owners in Sunkist Plaza have filed a request for a rehearing on the decision on his appeal as they do not believe the actions taken by the Planning Commission were properly recorded as he alleged that those members approving the project also stated the vote was dependent on the developer giving the tenant businesses six to nine months to save up and relocate, which would be until the end of this year. He believed it was very important that this be straightened out either by the City Council, the Planning Commission, or the appropriate staff. He advised it is a terrible time to make the businesses come up with tens of thousands of dollars to move and the developer would like to push them out as soon as possible now that she has won the appeal. He noted that while there is no more recourse, the six businesses could at least use the additional time, which was the intention of the Planning Commission. He advised the current District 2 representative was unable to be there for most of the appeal hearing and mistakenly thought it was about a housing project. Mr. Nelson further expressed concern that the awards the City needs to pay because of Anaheim Police Department’s officer- related deaths keep pouring in. He reported he met with Mayor Pro Tem Faessel about this and knows they are planning to bring up a new program or policy where experienced mental health workers show up to these kinds of emergencies instead of armed police. He noted this would allow the police to focus on the problems for which they are trained and needed for and should come out of that budget.

Kandee Beas, Community Services Board Chairperson, advised she was available for questions related to Item No. 10, which is the board's funding suggestions for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Paul Hyek reported there is an indoor bird problem at Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). He reported as of last June, AB 139 says anyone with a voucher, whether it is Orange County or Anaheim, qualifies for any programs in any of the cities; they can use that voucher and the management must take it whether they are in the program or not.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Mike Robbins alleged certain businessmen and Council Members would have Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges brought up against them at some point and he hoped they end up in jail. He stated Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Ada Briceno and Council Member Brandman visited his home and left a pile of junk in his living room that took an hour to clean up, with a smell remaining.

Jeanine Robbins expressed disbelief regarding the text messages Council Member Brandman had written against his then fellow Council Member Denise Barnes. She believed Council Member Brandman is mentally disturbed and threatening to others and she encouraged Council Member Brandman to resign or be removed, suggesting Ms. Barnes obtain a restraining order against him.

She reported Ms. Barnes was out during the pandemic helping residents while Council Member Brandman was nowhere to be found. She called Council Member Brandman a coward and noted when he is attacked he suggests it is discriminatory, but she advised people have attacked him because of his behavior, his lies, and his inability to represent the residents over big corporations.

She called on him to resign.

Mayor Sidhu noted the City condemns hate speech and offensive language but stands by its commitment to freedom of speech, which means the City Council takes both the good and the bad.

Mark Richard Daniels reported he said something a few months ago and had to give up his seat on the Cultural and Heritage Commission and, when he was provided with the facts, it turned out he was recorded saying something about Jodie Mosely. He expressed concern that it was recorded without his knowledge but he acknowledged he made the statement and left the Commission. He recently was notified there was something that was written about a statement he never made about Council Member Brandman. He condemned Council Member Brandman for the words he used against Ms.

Barnes.

Wes Jones provided a brief overview of Council Member Brandman’s corrupt campaign practices and believed his term as a Council Member had been terrible. He noted that Council Member Brandman voted for all of the stadium corruption on top of the texting controversy about Denise Barnes.

Matthew Mariscal addressed the City Council regarding Council Member Brandman and called him a fraud. He thanked Vern Nelson for publishing the texts in the Orange Juice Blog. He advised that Council Member Brandman should be ashamed of himself as a public official that represents thousands in Anaheim, advised Council Member Brandman is not fit for the role, and encouraged him to resign.

Herman Herman accused Mayor Sidhu of stealing from the public. He presented details of the harassment, retaliation, and threats to kill him in West Covina.

Mike Greenspan expressed concern about the vacancy on the City Council in Los Angeles and that Joe Busciano wants to become Mayor and is supportive of the chokehold.

Mayor Sidhu reported Anaheim is committed to freedom of speech and noted this microphone gives everybody a chance to address the City Council with their ideas and concerns as a City Council. He advised City Council encourages everyone to do so with civility and respect for others and believes this is the most effective way to get the point across. He reported that unfortunately, not everyone inspires to do the same. He explained the City Council condemns City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

hate speech and offensive language but its commitment to freedom of speech means it takes the good and the bad.

Kenneth Batiste expressed concern that Mayor Sidhu is telling residents how they should talk in the City Council meeting but has a Council Member making criminal threats. He advised he was not surprised by what Council Member Brandman said behind closed doors amongst friends because he believes the City Council is dripping with corruption. He addressed public perception of interactions on the dais. He noted the DPOC endorsed Council Member Brandman but have not addressed the current incident and wondered why Mayor Sidhu did not condemn the texts sent by Council Member Brandman. He encouraged the City Council to do the right thing and take care of the residents of Anaheim.

CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:

Fire Chief Pat Russell announced Fourth of July was coming up and encouraged everyone to celebrate safely. He noted communication efforts had already commenced via social media and electronic reader boards to focus on the use of safe and sane fireworks only. He reported enforcement teams consisting of Anaheim Fire & Rescue, Anaheim Police, and Code Enforcement staff would be on patrol from July 2 through July 5, roughly 5:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. He also explained staff would use heat maps to monitor activity and deploy resources.

City Manager Jim Vanderpool announced the annual Fourth of July celebration, co-sponsored by the Anaheim Hills Community Council and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, would take place on Sunday, July 4. He announced events would include a Firecracker 5k/10k race at 7:00 A.M., a Yankee Doodle Dog Show at 9:00 A.M., a parade at 1:00 P.M., food, booths, and entertainment available all day, and a fireworks show at 9:00 P.M. For more information, visit www.anaheimhillscommunitycouncil.org.

At 5:49 P.M., Mayor Sidhu recessed the Anaheim City Council to address the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda and reconvened at 6:06 P.M.

CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:06 P.M., the consent calendar was considered.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 0. Motion carried. [Item No. 16:

Council Member Moreno recorded a “no” vote. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Member Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Moreno, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES - 1: (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.]

3. Approve a recognition for Anaheim resident, Arielle Barquero, for successfully administering CPR on a drowning infant and saving his life.

4. Receive and file the Budget, Investment, and Technology Commission’s recommendation letter dated June 16, 2021 regarding the Fiscal Year 2021/22 proposed budget.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

5. Accept the bid from Bradley Lighting, Inc., in the amount of $277,380 plus applicable tax, for the purchase of palm tree lighting fixtures for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District in accordance with Bid #9517.

6. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsible bidder, A & H Refrigeration, Inc., in the amount of $219,500 plus a 20% contingency for extra improvements that may be required, for the removal and replacement of the Anaheim Police Department Evidence Freezer and Refrigerator; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any related documents, and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301, Class 1, and 15302, Class 2, of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions.

7. Waive the competitive bid requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the issuance of a master agreement to R.J. Noble Company, in the amount of $734,948, for the as-needed purchase of various asphalt concrete paving materials and the dumping of construction debris for a one year period with four optional one-year renewals; authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the renewal options in accordance with Bid #9532; and ratify the purchases of asphalt concrete materials from R.J. Noble Company, in an estimated amount of $72,000, for the period of April 1, 2021 through the approval of a new agreement.

8. Approve the First Amendment to Agreement with Consensus Systems Technologies Corporation, increasing the contract amount by $349,685.08 for a total contract amount of $1,096,793.43 plus a 10% contingency for extra work, to test and verify the National Transportation Communications ITS Protocol 1218; and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the amendment and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement and administer the amendment.

9. Approve a Cooperation Agreement between the City of Anaheim and the Anaheim Housing Authority, in substantial form, for the transfer of HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds, in an amount not to exceed $3,041,302, for the Midway Affordable Rental Housing Development located at the southwest corner of Anaheim Boulevard and Midway Drive and authorize the Acting Director of Community and Economic Development, or designee, to administer the Cooperation Agreement on behalf of the City (related to Housing Authority Public Hearing Item No. 02).

10. Approve the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) funds totaling $10,820,298; and designate the Acting Director of the Community & Economic Development Department as the Certifying Official authorized to execute all documents related to the administration, management, and implementation of the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs.

11. Approve the Anaheim Public Utilities 2021 Physical Security Plan pursuant to Senate Bill 699, and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee(s), to take the necessary actions related to or in furtherance of the Plan, including designate qualified authorities and execute or certify, all documents, certifications, notices, and any other submittals.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

12. Approve Amendment No. 4 to the General Agreement with eMeter Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for the upgrade to the Meter Data Management System (MDMS) and an annual amount not to exceed $60,000 for as-needed professional services; approve Amendment No. 1 to the Software License and Services Agreement with eMeter Corporation, in an annual amount not to exceed $128,556 with an annual escalator not to exceed 3%, to update terms of the MDMS software licenses and provide for support and maintenance and an option to purchase additional software licenses and maintenance in an annual amount not to exceed $100,000; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the amendments and any related documents, and take the necessary or advisable actions to implement and administer the amended agreements.

13. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-056 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan including the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, as may be modified, and amendments to the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, and authorizing the Public Utilities General Manager or designee to file the Urban Water Management Plans and take such other necessary actions to implement and administer the plans.

14. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-057 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and authorizing the Anaheim Fire Chief to execute the Operating Plan and any other documents required in connection with that Agreement (for wildland fire protection, in an amount not to exceed $152,647.34, for the term July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022).

15. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-058 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting a Memorandum of Understanding establishing terms and conditions of employment for employees in classifications represented by Service Employees International Union, United Service Workers West (effective January 5, 2021 through January 6, 2022).

16. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-059 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adding Policy 1.12 to City Council Policy Manual relating to Council Office Expenditures.

Item No. 16 Council Member Moreno recorded a “no” vote. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:

17. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-060 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM opposing California Senate Bill 12 “Local Government: Planning and Zoning: Wildfires.”
Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia reported the item is a resolution in opposition to California Senate Bill 12 regarding proposed changes to statewide planning and zoning laws in wildfire zones.

He advised at the June 8, 2021 City Council Meeting, Council Member O'Neil requested an agenda item to formally oppose California Senate Bill (SB) 12 due to its potential impact on development in the City. He explained that SB 12 establishes new requirements for addressing wildfire risk in General Plan, Safety, Housing, and Land-Use Elements. He advised the bill directs the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to take into consideration how much land within a City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

jurisdiction is considered a “very high fire risk area” when determining the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation.

Mr. Garcia reported SB 12 also requires land-use elements to identify “very high fire risk areas” and prohibits local governments from entering into development agreements, approving specified discretionary permits, or approving subdivision maps for projects within a “very high fire risk area” unless specified findings based on substantial evidence in the record are made. He advised the proposed resolution outlines opposition to SB 12 that would further require the State Fire Marshal to incorporate the Governor's Office of Planning Research (OPR) into statewide standards for developments of 100 or more residential units. He noted that doing so would give OPR control over the State's decision-making process about planning for future housing needs and potentially further erode local control. He advised, if adopted, the proposed resolution would be transmitted to the California Senate Appropriations Committee and other members of the State Legislature as appropriate.

DISCUSSION: Council Member O’Neil reported he has spent a lot of time fighting to preserve local control both here on this dais and on the many regional boards on which he has served. He explained it is important to note that local control does not always mean no, but that the City Council, as a local jurisdiction knows what is best for the community, not Sacramento with another unfunded mandate, particularly in his district. He advised Anaheim is in a high wildfire risk area and noted this bill puts an obscure State agency, OPR, in a role to decide what the City can or cannot build here in Anaheim and how it has to be built. He reiterated that is the job of the City Council. He expressed confidence in the Planning and Building Department, Anaheim Fire & Rescue, and existing State and local fire codes to ensure that new developments are protected as best they can from the threat of wildfires.

He advised the City is about to enter into a new RHNA cycle and the City is tasked with an allocation of over 17,000 new housing units. He reported the City is already in the middle of a housing crisis with costs high and supply low and advised the housing crisis would not be solved by piling on more regulations like this. He reported there is a broad coalition of stakeholders that have already opposed SB 12 including the Building Industry Association (BIA), Orange County Business Council (OCBC), Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), and he would like Anaheim to take a formal position and join the group in opposition.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-060 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM opposing California Senate Bill 12 “Local Government: Planning and Zoning: Wildfires,” seconded by Council Member Diaz.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Brandman expressed opposition to the item. He advised there are pieces of the legislation that are noteworthy and need to be addressed before the session ends in September. He advised the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) is listed as a supporter of the current version of the bill. He recommended that if the City Council approves the resolution opposing the bill in its current form, that Fire Chief Pat Russell convey that information to CalChiefs and try to work with them to see if there is a way to get them to consensus.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel reported he is a longtime member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and advised that every significant fire code and building code is published by them and then acted upon by various agencies such as the City Council to adopt. He reported he would normally be in favor of SB 12 because of his sensitivity to wildfire but losing local control is a greater consequence. He expressed support for the item.

Council Member Diaz expressed concern the bill would create another layer of bureaucracy to build affordable housing or any housing and would extend an already lengthy process. He advised the City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

building industry already has plenty of techniques being utilized to protect homes from fire. He expressed concern that the bill would push more RHNA numbers to the flatlands. He expressed support for the item.

Council Member Valencia advised he is a strong proponent of local control and echoed some of the comments made by his colleagues who spoke before him. He reminded the City Council the bill has not been voted on by the Assembly, which could stall or change the language of the bill. He noted he has reservations with the language in the bill but does not want to put the City in a situation where it opposes a bill that may not be voted into law the way that it is currently written. He cautioned the City Council to tread lightly on being so forward and taking public stances on pieces of legislation that have not been completed. He reported he would abstain from voting on the item.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Garcia believed that the California Department of Forestry And Fire Protection (CALFIRE) determines high-risk fire areas along with input from local jurisdictions.

Fire Chief Russell confirmed Mr. Garcia is correct. He reported CALFIRE has the responsibility of determining very-high fire hazard, high-fire hazard, and moderate fire hazard, depending on several things such as resources, vegetation management, and property location compared to the State and federal lands.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Fire Chief Russel confirmed CALFIRE has already deemed which areas of the City are considered high-risk fire zones that will be included in the State bill. He reported it is included in the CALFIRE contract that was approved in the Consent Calendar.

He advised the City has 4,000 acres that are in the very high fire hazard zone and another 2,200 acres that are in the high-fire hazard zone. He clarified Item No. 14 was an update to the CALFIRE contract, which gives the City resources for the very high fire hazard because it is deemed a Local Responsibility Area (LRA). He explained it is an insurance policy where the City pays CALFIRE upfront money so they send a response because a fire in that area would be the City’s responsibility.

Council Member Moreno advised the City Council has already approved a contract as insurance that if a fire occurs in a previously identified high-fire risk zones that are presumably listed in SB 12, the State would incur the cost of fighting the fire.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Fire Chief Russel clarified the City would not get billed as it would if it called for Assistance by Hire, which is when the City goes beyond the Mutual Response Aid but it would get specialty resources such as aircraft and the approved contract pays for some of those services upfront. He referenced the Freeway Fire where the City spent $1,200,000 for four hours of aircraft and retardant in Anaheim. He explained the City would have been on the hook for the bill had it not had the contract in place.

Council Member Moreno understood there is a concern that the bill infringes on the City’s local control but the City has entered into a contract to make sure the State covers the City if, based on local decisions, there is fire damage or a higher risk to our residents. He expressed concern that it may be premature to oppose the bill. He advised the City should keep in mind CalChiefs supports the bill. He suggests the author hold off and have staff and the City’s lobbyists at the State level communicate the concerns of the City Council as noted and see if they are willing to amend parts of the bill.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Fire Chief Russell advised he has only read the bill once and would be doing more research, along with the Fire Marshal, to give a more thorough City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

opinion. He advised CalChiefs tends to support anything that appears to be increasing fire protection or fire safety.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Garcia explained if the bill is approved it would allow the City to develop in very-high fire risk areas. He confirmed there is still a process that would allow development in those areas. He acknowledged the bill is confusing and involves other agencies that are not normally involved in the process. He advised it places an unfunded mandate upon local governments to do this additional work and analysis without cost recovery from the State.

Council Member Moreno expressed concern regarding unfunded mandates by the State and would prefer the City Council hold back to further negotiate with the State. He wanted to make sure the City does not contradict itself or seem hypocritical that it would only take State support in an emergency.

He was unsure who would be excited about building and approving developments in very-high fire risk areas.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Fire Chief Russell explained the City has to follow Federal and CALFIRE guidelines for inspections for those properties in very-high fire zones and high fire zones and advised there is a Continual Inspection Program to include enforcement where the City can bill the owner if there is no compliance to clear brush and complete required mandates. He reported there is very high compliance.

Council Member Moreno requested Council Member O’Neil consider sending a letter of concern to the author of the bill on behalf of the City through the City’s lobbyist and then, if the bill finally comes to vote, the City takes position at that time. Council Member Moreno advised he would abstain from the item.

Council Member O’Neil provided a brief overview of the State’s legislative process and how a bill is introduced. He believed that if the City does not take a position, it leaves the City without a seat at the table. He advised it is important the City take a position to influence any amendments to the bill. He reported the coalition the City would be joining does have amendments they would accept to remove opposition.

In response to Council Member O’Neil, City Attorney Robert Fabela opined that Council Member O’Neil could offer a friendly amendment to approve with the stipulation that if the coalition opposing the bill withdraws their opposition the City would do the same.

Council Member O’Neil offered a friendly amendment to approve with the stipulation that if the coalition opposing the bill withdraws their opposition the City would do the same, seconded by Council Member Diaz.

Council Member Moreno recommended the item be pulled to allow the City Council to read the amendments proposed by the coalition before taking a position.

Council Member Diaz reported it is very common for local government and water districts to oppose a bill as written and, if the bill transforms, change its position and withdraw its opposition.

Mayor Sidhu reported SB 12 would impose new and burdensome regulations on homebuilders, grant immense power to a single State agency regarding the planning of future planning needs, significantly undermine local control, and prevent cities from achieving their RHNA housing goals. He expressed support for the item.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-060 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM opposing California Senate Bill 12 “Local Government: Planning and Zoning: Wildfires” with the stipulation that if the coalition opposing the bill withdraws their opposition, the City will do the same, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 5 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, and O’Neil); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN - 2 (Council Members Moreno and Valencia). Motion carried.

18. Discussion of options to ensure the re-payment of the Working Capital Bonds from the General Fund once the Resort bonds are paid off.

Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia reported the item is a discussion item about the options for re- payment of the Working Capital Bonds from the General Fund once the Resort bonds are paid off. He advised at the March 23, 2021 City Council meeting, Council Member O’Neil requested an agenda item for staff to research and present options on how to direct tax revenue, or at least a portion of it, to be used to pay off the recently issued Working Capital Bonds after the 1996 Resort Bonds are paid, which is expected to occur within the next 10 years. He advised to gauge the City Council’s view on possible options to ensure repayment, Council Member O’Neil asked for the item to be agendized as a discussion item.

Mr. Garcia reported the issue of the Working Capital Bonds was raised at the March 23, 2021 meeting including a discussion about the pay-off of those bonds. He advised staff at that time had stated that an early pay down or pay-off would be an option for a future City Council. However, he advised the issue of whether an early pay-off could be mandated if certain future conditions are met (such as the pay-off of the 1996 Resort Bonds) was a more complicated question. He reported staff did consider whether the bond instruments themselves could contain such a condition but rejected that option because of the uniqueness of such a requirement and the uncertainty on how it would impact the marketability of the bonds.

Mr. Garcia reported the current City Council could pass a resolution or ordinance to establish a policy for an early pay-off of the bonds if certain conditions are met. He advised nothing would prevent a future City Council from rescinding any such resolution or ordinance. He explained in general and as a matter of law, a City Council cannot bind future City Councils’ legislative actions. He advised the most effective way to bind a future City Council to a certain course of action would be by voter- approved ballot measure, either in the form of an ordinance, but more assuredly in the form of a City Charter amendment. He advised a voter-approved measure could only be rescinded by another vote of the people.

Mr. Garcia reported an ordinance alone would be effective, but only if it does not change the discretionary power granted to the City Council under the City Charter. He advised to alter that power, the voters would have to approve any restrictions on City Council’s discretion through a City Charter amendment. Lastly, he advised this would require the preparation of a measure and its placement on the ballot.

DISCUSSION: Council Member O’Neil advised it was important to bring the item forward as the City just issued bonds to cover its operating deficit without a mechanism to repay them. He advised he does not want to carry long-term debt for a short-term budget deficit. He expressed disappointment that President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) left Anaheim behind while other cities received windfalls of cash while experiencing no budget need. He reported Anaheim would have its windfall coming when the Resort bonds are paid in the next ten years. He felt was important to use that revenue stream to pay off this debt after that existing debt is retired. He advised he favors the surety of a ballot measure to dedicate the funds over a resolution or an ordinance. He noted there City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

may be other things the City Council might consider earmarking that revenue stream for as well such as infrastructure, neighborhood improvement, and pensions. He looked forward to hearing the thoughts of his City Council colleagues. He suggests Mayor Sidhu establish an Ad Hoc Committee to further consider the options and bring back a recommendation to the City Council at a later date.

Council Member Valencia echoed Council Member O’Neil’s comments regarding fiscal responsibility and figuring out a mechanism to ensure that the bonds the City just borrowed to pay the City’s deficit are done as efficiently and appropriately as soon as the City is able. He requested the City Council be mindful that it just voted to oppose a bill that would in part handicap the City in terms of local control and now the discussion of handicapping future City Councils is taking place. He expressed support of having further discussions on how to repay the recently issued bonds but wants to be mindful about picking and choosing when City Council thinks it is appropriate to have local control and when it is not appropriate to have local control or handicapping future governing bodies.

Council Member Moreno echoed Council Member Valencia’s comments about consistency. He reported he was on a family vacation and was unable to attend the meeting where City Council approved more borrowing. He reported he is mindful of when the City refinanced the Resort bonds, it excited residents that the City was going to save so much money earlier to pay off these bonds and residents would finally get to see the $1.4 billion coming directly to the General Fund. He believed the idea of figuring out how City Council pays for its borrowing by hamstringing future City Councils is not responsible. He advised it takes a lot of money to put a measure on the ballot and he would be open to having the item go to a ballot measure. He recommended an additional ballot measure to consider a $1 per head ticket fee at Disneyland, Angels Stadium, and the Honda Center that would raise millions of dollars to help the City pay off that bond. He explained the ticket fee would go away once the bond is repaid.

Mayor Sidhu reported this is an information item that he would like to see more discussion on. He requested convening an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of himself, Council Member O’Neil, and Council Member Diaz to identify a solution and bring it back to the City Council.

Discussion item; no formal action taken.

19. Consider (re)appointments to fill scheduled vacancies on the Library Board, for terms expiring June 30, 2021.

Library Board:
[RE] APPOINTMENT David Laviguer (term ending June 30, 2025) (Incumbent, David Laviguer)
NOMINATION: Mayor Sidhu nominated David Laviguer for re-appointment. David Laviguer was unanimously re-appointed with no objection.

APPOINTMENT (term ending June 30, 2025)
Council Member Valencia requested this appointment be continued to July 13, 2021 with no objection from the City Council. The appointment was continued to July 13, 2021.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

PUBLIC HEARING:

20. Public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget and budget appropriations limits for the City and its Community Facilities Districts, and changes in various fee schedules.

City Manager Jim Vanderpool presented the proposed Fiscal Year 21/22 budget. He reported the pandemic created significant challenges for residents, businesses, and visitors and the prolonged and ongoing coronavirus economic downturn created a significant deficit in the City's budget. He explained the deficit stems from the unprecedented extended closure of Anaheim's theme parks and Convention Center, which drastically affected City revenue from hotel stays, which is Anaheim's largest source of funding for public safety and community services.

Mr. Vanderpool reported, despite these challenges, Anaheim led the way to recovery, supporting the efforts of the County of Orange, the State, and the Federal government to address the pandemic. He advised Anaheim has provided relief to struggling residents and businesses through the Anaheim Community and Economic Recovery Plan and dedicated millions of dollars to help families, seniors, essential workers, restaurants, those living in homelessness, renters, and others in need. He explained that undoubtedly, City revenues were disproportionately impacted when compared to almost all other cities in the region, state, and country. He noted, although federal stimulus helped with the massive shortfall, borrowing was still necessary to bridge budget gaps. He advised staff is confident the recommended budget proposal balances responsible fiscal policy with quality services residents have come to enjoy.

Finance Director Debbie Moreno reported the proposed Fiscal Year 21/22 budget includes citywide expenditures totaling $1.8 billion, with the largest portion of the budget belonging to Enterprise Funds at 40% and noted the bulk of the Enterprise Funds are from restricted sources. She advised the majority of Unrestricted Funds are in the General Fund which makes up 21% of the citywide budget.

Ms. Moreno reported the General Fund 5-year forecast is based on current revenue projections given what is known today. She advised General Fund operating sources total $378,000,000 and proposed operating uses total $434,900,000 based on existing service levels. She reported the deficit borrowing of $130,000,000 to be used in Fiscal Years 2021 through 2042 remain as presented on June 8, 2021 except for the debt service for the deficit borrowing beginning in Fiscal Year 23/24 with the amount being reduced from $8,800,000 million to $7,300,000 per year, saving the City $1,500,000 each year from the initial estimates.

Ms. Moreno reported the City closed on the borrowing this morning and has received the funds. She advised the team worked diligently to reduce the borrowing amount and cost. She explained, based on the stimulus coming in, staff had proposed to reduce the amount to approximately $162,000,000 to produce $140,000,000 in proceeds. She advised staff presented the budget on June 8, 2021 where it was estimated that borrowing is reduced to $150,000,000 providing $130,000,000. She reported the City closed on borrowing at $138,800,000 producing $130,000,000 and advised the team worked hard for different strategies. She reported the City obtained bond insurance that was used rather than a cash-funded reserve. She explained the City did not borrow the cash and advised the City has surety on that and the market conditions were in the City’s favor. She reported staff originally estimated interest rates at 3.6% and were able to close the deal at 2.94%.

Ms. Moreno provided a brief overview of the annual appropriation limits for Fiscal Year 21/22 for the City and its two Community Facilities Districts. She advised under the California State Constitution City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

each local agency must establish an appropriations limit before the commencement of each fiscal year. She explained the limits are based upon the limits of the appropriations before Fiscal Year 2021 adjusted for growth factors in City population and California per capita personal income growth. She advised there are no proposed General Fund increases for user fees and reported proposed fee changes this year include increases to Enterprise Fees for the Convention Center and Solid Waste Collection.

Ms. Moreno reported the Anaheim Convention Center is operated with the intent of recovering all expenses including overhead on a user charge basis from tenants utilizing the facility. She advised the proposed rates are the result of an effort to develop fair and equitable charges for these facilities and are consistent with those charged by comparable facilities. She reported the changes at the Convention Center are related to facility rental rates, meeting room resets, exterior advertising rates, and increases to personnel, technical service, and facility equipment rates. She advised the Solid Waste Collection Fees are proposed to increase by 8.5 % to offset increasing operational costs and contractual payments to the City's waste hauler, Republic Services, and payments to the County landfill system for disposal. She reported the single-family residential monthly Solid Waste Fee would increase by approximately $1.92 and the commercial Solid Waste Fee would increase by $14.34.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno thanked Ms. Moreno and her staff for preparing the budget.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Ms. Moreno reported the General Fund Lease Obligations outstanding before staff issued the close today was $725,000,000, the remaining unfunded liability for pensions totals $840,000,000, and the unfunded Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) or retiree medical totals $160,000,000. She clarified that does not include the $138,800,000. She reported the bonds debt service this year would be $58,000,000, the unfunded liability for pensions would be $69,000,000, and $13,000,000 for OPEB.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno reported the budget does not include land sales completed over the past year because the bulk of the cash would not be received until after the current fiscal year. She reported staff would adjust any point once it is determined how the money is spent. She advised City Council had an interest in it going back into the community so it is not intended to be part of the operating budget.

Council Member Moreno thought the revenue would be a part of the budget projections. Ms. Moreno explained it is considered a one-time revenue source. She advised the budget has predominantly focused on ongoing revenues over ongoing expenses so the stadium sale revenue is not yet included.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno confirmed the annual grants are factored into the budget revenue and are included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) but are not in the General Fund. She confirmed the $50,000,000 put into escrow for the Angels Stadium sale was also not factored into the budget because the City is not entitled to the funds until the sale closes.

Council Member O'Neil expressed concern about raising the fees at the Convention Center given the City is trying to win back business and feared the City may price itself out of the market.

In response to Council Member O’Neil’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno advised the fees are proposed by the Convention, Sports and Entertainment Department who manage the venue. Convention Center Executive Director Tom Morton confirmed that Visit Anaheim is aware of the proposed fee increases.

He explained Visit Anaheim does not set the rates but every convention is a negotiated rate so it is a City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

ceiling and rates can be negotiated below that. He advised many of the increases are labor hourly rates for part-time labor which might not even come into play. He confirmed Visit Anaheim and the Convention Center market together.

Mayor Sidhu opened the public hearing.

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic comments were received and there are no in-person public speakers.

Mayor Sidhu closed the public hearing.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Brandman reported there has been some development in Washington D.C. that is causing him concern. In response to Council Member Brandman’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno confirmed the City received $107,000,000 over two years from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). She advised the City has received $53,500,000 and would receive the remaining $53,500,000 in one year.

Council Member Brandman reported there may be a bipartisan deal coming together regarding infrastructure. He expressed concern if a budget is not approved that fully funds positions back to the levels that were approved on the day the State of Emergency was issued. He wanted to ensure the City is positioned to keep the $107,000,000. He noted he is unsure if he is asking for an amendment to the budget going forward or if he is asking City Council and staff to be mindful that as the budget is approved staff keeps an eye on Washington D.C. to ensure those monies are protected should there be a development.

Mayor Sidhu explained the budget being presented is balancing the budget for Fiscal Year 21/22. He advised the City Manager provide an updated budget review at the end of the year again to see where the City stands. He confirmed the ARPA funds have been approved and allocated by the Federal government.

Council Member Brandman expressed concern the Federal government can withhold the second allotment if the funds are not allocated.

Mayor Sidhu believed it was premature to discuss this now and wanted the City Council to focus on what was before them today, which is balancing the budget based on the Federal stimulus money that has been received and allocated. He believed the chances of the City not receiving the second allotment is slim.

Council Member Brandman advised he was not asking to stop the budget debate but was looking for a commitment from the Mayor that if the City knows that Congress is looking to approve a deal that puts those funds at risk to call a Special Meeting for discussion. Mayor Sidhu agreed to Council Member Brandman’s request.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel reported a letter was received from the Budget, Investment and Technology Commission (BIT) as Item No. 04 and noted they wanted to make sure as many of their suggestions as possible be incorporated into the budget discussion. He advised they requested the budget be revised and reviewed more frequently than in the past years to make appropriate changes to adapt to the ever-changing economic situation outside of the mid-year review cycle. He expressed support for the BIT Commission tackling the review on its own.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

In response to Mayor Pro Tem Faessel’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno explained the General Debt Limit is in most of these cases a much older construct because General Obligation Bonds require a vote by the people so it is timely and cumbersome. She advised that is why the Lease Revenue Bonds are the way to go. She reported the City’s debt has been typically noted by the rating agencies as moderate and, given there is a 10-year repayment horizon on the Resort obligations, the City is in a fairly favorable situation as far as debt load. She noted that otherwise, the City would not have been able to buy or sell bonds at less than 3% for 30 years. She explained the City is in a much better position to repay those bonds than most organizations
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Faessel’s inquiry, Ms. Moreno confirmed General Obligation (GO) Bond maximum limits are based upon the assessed valuation. She advised it is an arbitrary number on the assessed valuation and is something that does not apply to the City because it is not used.

She advised most cities no longer use GO bonds.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel advised he understands GO bonds are no longer used but City Council has only been told the City has $863,000,000 in debt and is unsure if that is a good or bad number. Ms.

Moreno advised on page 136 of the budget book it talks about General Fund lease obligations, which are $725,000,000, which is 1.42% of the taxable assessed value and approximately 5% is considered average. She noted the City’s total outstanding per capita is 2053 in 2400 is considered average.

Council Member Valencia applauded the Finance Department for their diligent work and then also the City Manager’s Office for the efforts put forth throughout developing this budget and guiding the City Council through the borrowing process. He appreciated the fact staff did everything in their power to ensure that the City borrowed the least amount to get it through the pandemic and maintain staffing levels as appropriate. He wanted to publically state that a priority in terms of budget for District 4 is for undergrounding of utility lines from Ball Road to the 91 Freeway which he refers to as the East Corridor. He explained the East Corridor divides District 3, 4, and 5, and given the upcoming revenue intake due to the sale of Angel Stadium and the expansion of potentially ocV!be and Disneyland, it is something that should be looked into. He reported Public Utilities Director Dukku Lee estimated that undergrounding the Southern California Edison portion of the lines to be $18,000,000, or $6,000,000 per district, and advised the City has the mechanism in place to be able to pay for the undergrounding of its portion of the utility lines. He believed it would be a great benefit to the East Corridor and make it similar to the Brookhurst and Euclid Corridors to ensure all major corridors are uniform.

Council Member O’Neil advised the City just borrowed $130,000,000 to cover an operating deficit and as long as the delta of what was budgeted and what is spent is less than $130,000,000, it is perfectly justifiable the City makes use of all the federal money. He noted he does not share Council Member Brandman’s concern.

Council Member Brandman noted he was just talking about language and semantics so the City was not caught unaware.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget and budget appropriations limits for the City and its Community Facilities Districts, and changes in various fee schedules through six (6) resolutions, seconded by Council Member Diaz.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno believed the City Council needs to reconcile that the City Council kept funding areas of the City that have compounded into becoming a tremendous liability on the City and those obligations need to come out of the General Fund. He wanted to look at not only sustaining services but also how to improve upon them. He advised on March 23, 2021, the City City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Council voted to borrow $140,000,000 and a few months before allowing Arte Moreno to pay $125,000,000 for City land over five years. He advised the City Council has made very clear the priorities for the $125,000,000 is for amenities for neighborhood services, which he supports. He noted that was previous to the pandemic and he thought many of the City Council were of a tradition of trying to make sure that the City’s burden and cost of decisions today do not pass on to Anaheim’s children. He advised allowing billionaires to pay off their debt to the City over five years while the City is borrowing does not make sense.

Council Member Moreno believed a much deeper conversation was needed regarding public safety and how the City could support Police Chief Cisneros to ensure the resources he has could be used with programs such as the Community Care Response Team (CCRT), which is an $8,000,000 program based on one-time Federal money. He expressed concern about how to sustain that program and what part of the budget would it be pulled from.

Council Member Moreno acknowledged staff for their hard work but noted it was within parameters.

He expressed concern that Anaheim has two event centers, Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, and the Disneyland Resort yet the City Council cannot even discuss whether or not it can enact a modest $1 per person fee to help the City in its fiscal crisis.

Council Member Moreno reported the City Council bent over backward to help the Resort industry get through its tough times. He advised they simultaneously increased gate revenues for themselves in the last recession and they would do it again if history serves as a marker. He found it hard to keep supporting budgets when City Council colleagues would not engage in more responsible conversations about the City’s fiscal present and future involving all the stakeholders to help the City get out of this fiscal crisis.

Council Member Moreno advised the City Council continued to approve contracts that would require the City to dip into its reserves to pay and this was pre-COVID. He noted the City now laments that it does not have enough police officers but it is too expensive to hire them because the City agreed to contracts that put it in a difficult fiscal situation. He expressed concern that the elected support public safety because the public loves public safety but often forgets about the librarians, community service providers, facilities workers, and the investments that need to be made there.

Council Moreno reported he could not support this budget moving forward when the City continues to only spend five cents on the dollar on infrastructure while it is one of the wealthiest cities in terms of revenues in the County. He expressed concern that the City has not increased the support for the Planning and Building staff and Community and Economic Development Department, who are doing the heavy lifting. He noted only two staff members manage the housing component so it is no wonder why they struggle to get so many projects going at the same time. He advised this budget does not reflect values the values he would like to express to residents. He noted there is no option to raise revenues.

Council Member Moreno advised he looks forward to the numbers to see how long it will take the City to pay off the Convention Center. He noted he can no longer support and will not support continuing with the status quo, given the grandiosity of the Federal government, and advised the City should expect more of the State and if there are record windfalls, where is Anaheim’s portion. He thanked the staff for their hard work given the parameters they were given to work with.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget and budget appropriations limits for the City and its Community Facilities Districts, and changes in various fee schedules through six (6) resolutions, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE:

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Council Member Moreno recorded a “no” vote on Item No. 20-A and an “abstention” on Item Nos. 20- B, 20-C, and 20-D. Council Member Valencia recorded an “abstention” on Item No. 20-D. Motion carried.

A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-061 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting the Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve Item No. 20-A, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES - 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.

B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-062 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adopting the annual appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year 2021/22.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-063 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adopting the Community Facilities District No. 06-2 (Stadium Lofts) annual appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year 2021/22.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-064 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, adopting the Community Facilities District No. 08-1 (Platinum Triangle) annual appropriations limit for the Fiscal Year 2021/22.

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve Item No. 20-B, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 0; ABSTENTION – 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.

C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-065 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending the schedule of rates, fees and charges for rental of space, parking and for certain labor, equipment and services at the Anaheim Convention Center effective July 1, 2021 [includes determination that the adoption of the schedule of rates is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 2100(b)(8) of the Public Resources Code and Section 15273 of the California Code of Regulations].

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve Item No. 20-C, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 0; ABSTENTION – 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.

D. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-066 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adopting a revised schedule of sanitation fees for solid waste and rescinding in part Resolution No. 2019-074 and determining such actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080 (b) (8) and Guideline Section 15273 (a).

MOTION: Council Member O’Neil moved to approve Item No. 20-D, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 5 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, and O’Neil); NOES – 0; ABSTENTION – 2 (Council Members Moreno and Valencia). Motion carried.

City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

Mayor Sidhu thanked Ms. Moreno and the Finance Department for doing a wonderful job. He advised it is a good and balanced budget and he looked forward to future reports as the budget moves forward.

At 7:50 P.M., Council Member Brandman left the meeting and re-joined the meeting via teleconference.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

21. This is a public hearing to consider a resolution to confirm the diagram and assessment and provide for the levy of the annual assessment in and for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2021/22.

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-067 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM confirming the diagram and assessment and providing for the levy of the annual assessment in and for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District.

Public Works Director Rudy Emami reported the item is a public hearing for the levy of the annual assessment for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 2021/22. He reported that at the City Council meeting on May 18, 2021, City Council initiated the Fiscal Year 21/22 annual levy proceedings by accepting the Assessment Engineer's Report and scheduling the public hearing. He reported following the public hearing, staff is recommending the City Council confirm the diagram and assessment and provide for the levy of the annual assessment in and for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District for Fiscal Year 21/22. He advised the proposed assessment for Fiscal Year 21/22 is approximately $5,000,000. He reported the City would waive the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for a second year to alleviate some of the burdens on property owners as a result of the pandemic. He advised the City would be able to increase the assessment in future years up to the sum of those amounts or the maximum assessment, which equals 3.95%.

Mayor Sidhu opened the public hearing.

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic comments were received and there were no in-person public speakers.

Mayor Sidhu closed the public hearing.

DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Emami reported that with the closure of the Resort, the City was able to adjust what maintenance was completed in the Resort Area and was able to stay within budget. He advised the City was able to help members that are paying the assessment by waiving the requirement. He advised the City kept adding the CPI sums up so when it fully ramps up it still gets the capacity. He noted the 3.95% increase could be added to the CPI for next year so the City would be able to meet the needs.

Council Member Moreno requested clarification. Mr. Emami clarified this is not a deferment and gives the City the ability to increase by CPI but since the City is waiting for those two years of CPI increase it can be added to future years.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Emami stated the money to pay for additional maintenance is coming from the assessment balance. He explained the assessment would be collected at the current rate and would be able to use that balance with the additional funds the City has for emergencies. Mr. Emami reported the City’s intent would always be to keep the Resort as a City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

world-class destination. Mr. Emami clarified there would be no gap and the City would stay within those budgets and maintain the Resort in a world-class manner.

MOTION: Council Member Valencia moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-067 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM confirming the diagram and assessment and providing for the levy of the annual assessment in and for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Moreno, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 0.

Motion carried.

22. This is a public hearing to consider the proposed vacation/abandonment of three excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard and directly south of Midway Drive lying adjacent to a future affordable 86-unit multi-family rental housing community development commonly known as Midway Affordable Apartments (ABA2019-00396).

RESOLUTION NO. 2021-068 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM vacating a portion of three excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard and directly south of Midway Drive (Abandonment No. ABA 2019-00396).

Authorize the Mayor to sign the Quitclaim Deed; authorize and direct the City Clerk to hold the recordation of the Resolution and Quitclaim Deed in the Orange County Recorder’s office until directed by the Public Works Director or designee; and approve the allocation of a portion of the compensation as reimbursement to Public Works Operations (total compensation of $1,260,000 payable to the City by the Anaheim Housing Authority for the excess public access and street right-of-way).

Public Works Director Rudy Emami reported the item for City Council consideration is the proposed abandonment of three excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard and directly south of Midway Drive. He advised the Community and Economic Development Department has requested this abandonment to assemble the proposed abandoned public access and street right-of-way with the adjacent properties owned by the Anaheim Housing Authority for a future affordable 86-unit multi-family rental housing community development commonly known as Midway Affordable Apartments.

Mr. Emami reported through the Midway Affordable Apartments development these segments of public access and street right-of-way would not be required for public, vehicular, or pedestrian traffic and are therefore considered excess. He advised there would remain outstanding pedestrian and vehicular access concerns and current and future public utility needs for the adjacent Golden Skies Mobile Home Park directly to the south and therefore, this abandonment is contingent on the Authority’s reconfiguration of vehicular and pedestrian access, which will be secured through a shared access easement. He advised the easement would preserve access to Anaheim Boulevard and reconfigure access to Midway Drive through a safe path for pedestrian travel. He explained this abandonment is under consideration and a future proposed abandonment for the west half of Zeyn Street shall not be finalized until the easement rights in the favor of the mobile home park are provided and determined as satisfactory to the Public Works Department. He advised, based on the foregoing, the right-of-way under consideration for abandonment is unnecessary for present or prospective public street use within the contemplation of Section 8325(b) of the Streets and Highways Code and is exempt from the Surplus Land Act. He reported an appraisal of the assembled properties including the segments of excess public access and the right-of-way was conducted by a duly City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

authorized appraiser retained by the Community and Economic Development Department. Lastly, he advised staff recommends to approve the proposed vacation/abandonment of three excess segments of public access and street right-of-way for the Midway Affordable Apartments Project.

Mayor Sidhu opened the public hearing.

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that one (1) public comment was received electronically related to Public Hearing Item No. 22. [A final total of 1 public comment was received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. – See Appendix.

No in-person public speakers.

Mayor Sidhu closed the public hearing.

MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Faessel moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2021-068 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM vacating a portion of three excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard and directly south of Midway Drive (Abandonment No. ABA 2019-00396) and authorize the Mayor to sign the Quitclaim Deed; authorize and direct the City Clerk to hold the recordation of the Resolution and Quitclaim Deed in the Orange County Recorder’s office until directed by the Public Works Director or designee; and approve the allocation of a portion of the compensation as reimbursement to Public Works Operations, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Diaz, Brandman, Moreno, Valencia, and O’Neil); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/AGENDA REQUESTS:

Council Member Moreno thanked staff for coordinating and attending various neighborhood and community meetings and for promptly responding to emails and assisting residents. He shared concern about text messages published on the Orange Juice Blog regarding former Council Member Barnes and hoped the issue would be addressed. He thanked all those who shared their public comments.

Council Member Diaz announced Western High School would host a drive-through personal care item distribution with Saddleback Church on June 24, 8:00-10:00 A.M., with information available at:
www.saddleback.com/getfood. He requested a return to having community religious leaders provide the invocation, to which City Clerk Theresa Bass noted the practice would return at the first meeting in July and Mayor Sidhu noted that clergy and religious leaders of various faiths in Anaheim would be contacted and invited to provide the invocation at a City Council meeting.

Council Member Valencia stated he does not condone hate or violent speech under any circumstances, believed individuals should be allowed to learn and grow from their mistakes to right their wrongs and hoped such opportunity would be taken. He reported he participated in the second annual decorated vehicle procession on June 13 with Mayor Sidhu and Mayor Pro Tem Faessel honoring Flag Day and Military Appreciation Day and wished everyone a safe and blessed Fourth of July.

Mayor Pro Tem Faessel requested the meeting adjourn in memory of 66-year Anaheim resident Elsie Bastrup, wife of former Police Chief Harold Bastrup. He reported he toured BeWellOC a few weeks City Council Minutes of June 22, 2021

ago with City staff and community members to visit the site and consider what a partnership might look like. He shared his attendance at a ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Mayflower Medical Group in District 6, the Anaheim Family YMCA Roaring into 2021 event with Council Member Diaz, and the Flag Day car parade. He thanked Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Josh Newman, and U.S. Congressman Lou Correa for joining in the parade. He announced the Muzeo is reopened with a “Faces of Mankind” exhibit. He noted his participation with Council Member O’Neil in a virtual neighborhood community meeting for Districts 5 and 6 and a celebration of Father’s Day with his family. He wished all a safe Fourth of July.

Council Member O’Neil noted a county veterans coalition had shifted its support from Irvine to Anaheim Hills for a veterans cemetery and requested an agenda item to re-affirm the City’s support of bringing a veterans cemetery to Anaheim in Gypsum Canyon and taking a proactive role in helping make that happen, concurred by Mayor Pro Tem Faessel and Council Member Diaz.

Council Member Brandman acknowledged public commenters regarding previous text messages and apologized to former Council Member Barnes and anyone who read the messages. He shared his commitment to working hard to make sure to conduct himself benevolently and with honor and hoped to earn back the trust and confidence of those who he respects and loves in this community. He wished everyone a Happy Fourth of July.

Mayor Sidhu reported the work to vaccinate neighborhoods continues, with more information at www.anaheim.net/vaccines. He wished everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July as they celebrate making it through the pandemic with their families and friends but encouraged all to celebrate safely.

He noted illegal fireworks were prohibited citywide and safe and sane fireworks were allowed on July 4 only but not in East Anaheim. To support local schools and non-profits, residents can purchase safe and sane fireworks, with locations and groups available at www.anaheim.net/fireworks. He announced the return of the Anaheim Hills Fourth of July celebration, including a parade, 5k run, dog show, food, entertainment, and fireworks show. More information can be found at www.anaheimhillscommunitycouncil.org.

ADJOURNMENT:

At 8:13 P.M., Mayor Sidhu adjourned the City Council in memory of in memory of Elsie Bastrup, wife of former Police Chief Harold Bastrup.

Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk