ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR AND REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING
OF FEBRUARY 1, 2022
The regular meeting of February 1, 2022 was called to order at 3:00 P.M. and adjourned to 4:00 P.M. for lack of a quorum. The regular adjourned meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on January 20, 2022.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Harry Sidhu and Council Members Trevor O’Neil, Jose Diaz, Gloria Ma’ae, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel. Council Member Jose F. Moreno joined the meeting during closed session.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Robert Fabela announced that Closed Session Item No. 01 pertained to potential underpayment of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) by the Staybridge Hotel and Closed Session Item No. 02 pertained to a recent challenge by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to the stadium transaction.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
CLOSED SESSION: At 4:01 P.M., Mayor Sidhu recessed to closed session for consideration of the following:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9 and/or initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case
At 5:16 P.M., Mayor Sidhu reconvened the Anaheim City Council.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Harry Sidhu and Council Members Trevor O’Neil, Jose Diaz, Gloria Ma’ae, Jose F. Moreno, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel Invocation: Preacher Jimmy Gaston, State College Boulevard Church of Christ Flag Salute: Council Member Avelino Valencia
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Presentation: Presentation by Orange County Family Justice Center Foundation Adriana Moreno, Executive Director of the Orange County Family Justice Center (OCFJC) Foundation, thanked the City for its long-term support of the OCFJC and its mission to provide direct assistance to victims and impacted families due to domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault. She reported several of the OCFJC’s partners worked remotely during the pandemic, presenting a challenge in how to best deliver services. She advised the pandemic also reduced the OCFJC’s staffing capacity. She commended the City for approving the instrumental Community Coordinator position and expressed gratitude to the City Council.
Ms. Moreno noted the OCFJC is one of over 130 Family Justice/Multi-Agency Centers across the country using a co-located service model with 50-75 more in active development. She reported the OCFJC works in alignment with the California Family Justice Center Network to advocate for victims, work towards the prevention of such crimes, help implement California Penal Code 13750, and mitigate the impact of high Adverse Childhood Experiences scores in children exposed to family violence.
Ms. Moreno discussed the OCFJC Foundation’s 2022 events focused on prevention, including its July Motown event, an August back to school program, an adopt a family program slated for December 14th, and ongoing empowerment and violence prevention programs. She noted the support the Foundation has received in the past from the Anaheim community, including directly from Council Members and City staff, for these popular and meaningful events. She invited the Council Members to tour their Center.
Mayor Sidhu noted he was a part of the City Council when the OCFJC opened in 2006 and applauded its work.
Council Member Faessel thanked Ms. Moreno, noting he and his wife have supported the OCFJC from its early days. He commended the organization’s work, noting the fact that it is often off the radar is possibly for the best given the nature of its work.
Council Member Moreno reported immigrant families, including Anaheim’s, have faced many challenges over the past 10-12 years, particularly due to negative political rhetoric nationally. He reported the Anaheim Police Department’s (APD) Secure Communities Program worked in the past to separate families and deport residents for committing very minor violations including speeding. He stated the OCFJC helped communicate to the APD about how it was undermining the community’s trust in both reporting crime and APD officers. He commended Police Chief Jorge Cisneros for his work in ending this erosion of trust through his work with and support of the OCFJC. He thanked Ms.
Moreno for her immigrant community advocacy work.
Acceptance of Other Recognitions (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing February 2022, as Make Kindness Contagious Month ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items):
City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of two (2) public comments were received electronically prior to 2:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Anaheim City Council. [A final total of 2 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. – See Appendix.
Prior to receipt of public comments, an outline of rules for public comments and a brief decorum statement was provided by Ms. Bass.
Mark Richard Daniels reported the Los Angeles Rams, formerly of Anaheim, have made the Super Bowl in search of an elusive championship. He commended Council Member Moreno for his comments about minorities and minor traffic violations going very badly. He stated every month should be Make Kindness Contagious Month. He recognized the 165th anniversary of the Mother Colony House, calling it a jewel of the City. He noted it is a very short agenda and called for the addition of an official designation for Little Arabia to celebrate the City’s diversity. He stated the City needs to find a way out of its perpetual homeless situation and called for lobbying the United States House of Representatives and Senate for needed assistance. He reported the fentanyl crisis is also getting out of hand.
Robert Mirshafiee reported being able to receive a copy of his police report since he spoke to City Council in December 2021 and it provided him evidence of a false report by the APD and Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R). He added the City’s prosecutor stated it could not help him with the matter of his assault at City Hall in September 2021 and had the Orange County Sherriff’s Department remove him from the public reception area. He stated it was traumatic and prevented him from conducting other City Hall business. He reported taking a photo of the controversial thin blue line flag being displayed at the APD headquarters on Harbor Boulevard and stated this display is against the virtue of the United States flag.
Cecil Jordan Corkern stated they have to believe all that has happened with Disneyland since 1955.
He reported meeting Walt Disney while he was working at Kohl’s department store but Mr. Disney was fired because he was frightening people. He called for a meeting with Walt Disney Company officials to discuss his reports and those of Art Linkletter. He stated there is a dark side of Disney stemming from events involving sexual contact on rides at Walt Disney World. He encouraged the Council Members to get copies of “The Dark Side of Disney” and “The House that Mouse Built” to better understand the history of Mr. Disney and his namesake company. He requested financial support from the Council.
Vance Dizney spoke of the creation of the calendar, the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and the mammocratic oath recognizing women as being built by God to nurture people so only women can be doctors. He stated this is why Cleopatra’s calendar is better than the Roman one we use today. He told the tale of the Romans refocusing the Egyptian calendar to the Year 0 and discussed the lives of multiple Roman Emperors. He advised an adjustable center wall on the City’s freeways was needed and wished everyone a happy New Year.
Ameila Castro advised critics of the Angel Stadium deal overlooked the benefits of keeping the Los Angeles Angels baseball team in the City until 2050. She commended the deal for its civic benefits, including taking the City out of the stadium-ownership business and its associated costs. She added that the cost of building a new stadium would be at the expense of SRB Management. She noted the team creates thousands of jobs and activates an economic engine. She noted how well the planned development would align with the area around the Honda Center while generating millions of dollars in tax revenue. She stated it is unfortunate the City is being sued over this agreement and reported the community wants it to succeed.
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Bryan Kaye reported Council Members have claimed to celebrate Black History Month and Holocaust Remembrance while also dedicating an earlier portion of the meeting to discuss victims of violence, including caregivers. He stated APD officers are caregivers but receive no assistance. He reported being called racial slurs by the APD with no call for an apology from the City Council. He stated the Police Review Board simply follows the Council’s orders. He spoke of his relatives’ leadership roles for Poland during World War II fighting against hate. He believed Council Members do not have enough courage to deny his statements and should not use the tragedy of the Holocaust to aid their political agendas.
Ross McCune, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Chairman, stated its mission to promote business, economic vitality, and support neighborhoods. He stated the sale of Angel Stadium would accomplish these goals. He noted the charitable donations and economic vitality brought to the City by the Los Angeles Angels since their 1966 relocation to Anaheim. He stated this economic engine needs to be protected, noting many other cities would build a stadium for the team, citing the recently built SoFi Stadium in the City of Los Angeles. He stated all deals have challenges and this one needs to be resolved as a community team effort as opposed to lawsuits where the whole community suffers. He encouraged the City to stop bickering and work to keep the Angels in Anaheim.
Kenneth Batiste stated the Angel Stadium deal was a bad one and its supporters are gaslighting residents. He stated the current deal with the Angels is also a bad one, noting how much more revenue the team made than the City. He stated people who work for the Angels are protesting looking for better jobs and wages. He stated the City is $1.5 billion in debt because it has been giving money to millionaires to help make them billionaires. He disagreed with Mayor Sidhu’s lead negotiating role, noting he won the election by only 400 votes. He cited several cities around the State remaining in the stadium business because they make money and believed City Council only thought about money, not people.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Manager Jim Vanderpool highlighted the return of the Anaheim Magazine to residents’ and business’ mailboxes, with the issue including a new, improved, and modernized look and including information on the City’s response to the pandemic, its bright future, the 42nd annual Black History Parade on Saturday, and progress in west Anaheim. A digital version is available online at www.anaheim.net/magazine.
He also noted the installation of a new video server to enhance and improve the delivery of video content, including City Council meetings, to Anaheim’s cable channel and noted the City will continue to refine lighting and other areas to assist with the delivery of videos, even with certain limitations of standard definition display. He announced the communications team would be working on a website hosting live video feeds and videos on demand to increase public access to content.
Mr. Vanderpool announced that the City continues to encourage the Anaheim community to be part of the redistricting process, noting at a public hearing held on January 25, the City Council identified four focus maps and directed the City’s demographer to create revised maps based on comments made by the City Council and the public. All maps can be found on the City’s redistricting website, AnaheimRedistricting.org. He announced that the City Council would hold its fifth public hearing on March 1, 2022 at 6:30pm in the Anaheim City Council Chamber when the City Council will discuss the final presentation of maps, review public comments, and select a final map for adoption. He stated the Anaheim community is encouraged to review and share their feedback on the focus maps by Friday, February 18, 2022 to be included as part of the material presented at the March 1, 2022 public hearing. Written comments can be submitted to [email protected].
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
On behalf of the Community Services Department, Mr. Vanderpool announced the 6th Annual Anaheim Reads Kick-off event would be on February 12 at 2:00 P.M. with a festive Tet Vietnamese New Year celebration with a live performance by the Thien An Lion Dance Troupe at the Central Library and free copies of the featured book, in addition to cultural displays. The program will run from February 12 to March 12 and is funded by grants and local support groups.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:02 P.M, the consent calendar was considered with Mayor Sidhu pulling Item No. 02 and Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil pulling Item No. 03 for separate discussion and consideration. MOTION: Council Member Diaz 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 Ma’ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members O’Neil, Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
1. Approve a proclamation recognizing the 165th Anniversary of the Mother Colony House.
4. ORDINANCE NO. 6525 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapter 1.04 of Title 1 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to departments of the city (modifying the Community and Economic Development Department name to Housing and Community Development Department) (introduced at the City Council meeting of January 25, 2022, Item No. 16).
5. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of June 22, 2021.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
2. Authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to accept and manage the awarded Orange County Transportation Authority Environmental Cleanup Program 2021 Tier 1 Measure M2 (OC Go) grant totaling $500,000 for the installation of connector pipe screens in storm drain catch basins throughout the City, determine that the Catch Basin Screen Installation Project – 2021 is categorically exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and amend the Department of Public Works Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget by $500,000.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Sidhu stated he pulled Item No. 02 as the Anaheim representative to the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) Board. He stated OCTA is mostly known for buses, Measure M, and street work, but this partnership would work to help prevent waste and trash from reaching the Pacific Ocean. He commended the City’s street sweeping work in helping with preventing harm to the coastline and marine life. He added this agreement with OCTA would add screens to the storm water catch basin under Anaheim’s streets and the pipes carrying the water away, helping create another line of defense. He expressed his pride in being part of this grant and requested support from the Council Members.
MOTION: Mayor Sidhu moved to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to accept and manage the awarded Orange County Transportation Authority Environmental Cleanup Program 2021 Tier 1 Measure M2 (OC Go) grant totaling $500,000 for the installation of connector pipe screens in storm drain catch basins throughout the City, determine that the Catch Basin Screen Installation Project – 2021 is categorically exempt from further environmental review under the California City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, and amend the Department of Public Works Fiscal Year 2021/22 budget by $500,000, seconded by Council Member Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members O’Neil, Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
3. ORDINANCE NO. 6526 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapters 18.04 (Single-Family Residential Zones); 18.06 (Multiple-Family Residential Zones); 18.08 (Commercial Zones); 18.10 (Industrial Zones); 18.14 (Public and Special-Purpose Zones); 18.36 (Types of Uses); 18.38 (Supplemental Use Regulations);
18.40 (General Development Standards); 18.42 (Parking and Loading); 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening); 18.62 (Administrative Reviews); 18.92 (Definitions); 18.110 (East Center Street Development Specific Plan (SP 90-2) Zoning and Development Standards) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; and finding and determining that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, Section 15061(b)(3) because it will not have a significant effect on the environment (Zoning Code Amendment No. 2021-00179) (Adjustment No. 3 to the East Center Street Development Specific Plan No. 90-2 (SP 90-2) (SPN90-2c)) (DEV2021-00138) (Code Streamlining and Improvement Program).
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil thanked City staff for looking at ways to reduce regulatory burdens on new and existing businesses, noting he is a business owner. He stated this item grew from the Ad Hoc Committee he chaired to look at pandemic-related regulatory relief measures for small businesses. He thanked his committee colleagues and added they would meet again prior to the July expiration of other Executive Orders to consider further Municipal Code amendments. He stated this was a win for Anaheim businesses.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil moved to introduce ORDINANCE NO. 6526 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapters 18.04 (Single-Family Residential Zones); 18.06 (Multiple-Family Residential Zones); 18.08 (Commercial Zones); 18.10 (Industrial Zones); 18.14 (Public and Special-Purpose Zones); 18.36 (Types of Uses); 18.38 (Supplemental Use Regulations);
18.40 (General Development Standards); 18.42 (Parking and Loading); 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening); 18.62 (Administrative Reviews); 18.92 (Definitions); 18.110 (East Center Street Development Specific Plan (SP 90-2) Zoning and Development Standards) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; and finding and determining that this ordinance is exempt from the requirements to prepare additional environmental documentation per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, Section 15061(b)(3) because it will not have a significant effect on the environment (Zoning Code Amendment No. 2021-00179) (Adjustment No. 3 to the East Center Street Development Specific Plan No. 90-2 (SP 90-2) (SPN90-2c)) (DEV2021-00138) (Code Streamlining and Improvement Program), seconded by Council Member Ma’ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Sidhu and Council Members O’Neil, Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0.
Motion carried; ordinance introduced.
6. Receive a presentation on the Anaheim Resort Mobility Study (informational item).
Mayor Sidhu stated the Anaheim Resort Mobility Study (Study) is a high-level look at how workers, residents, and visitors get around in the Anaheim Resort. He reported the Study looked at transportation, signs, environmental improvements, and other items. He added it has gone through public meetings and considered input from stakeholders. He added this Study would provide flexibility as technology and transportation options continue to evolve.
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Traffic Engineer Rafael Cobian reported the multi-year Study was funded by a Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Transportation funds. He added input for the Study was sought from City staff and partner agencies. He added nationally recognized transportation consultants Fehr & Peers were selected to lead the team. He noted the Study would lead the City but not be adopted or mandated by the City Council. He added any options identified would be subject to further study, funding options, and approval by City Council and others.
Mr. Cobian reported the Study’s vision is to ensure the transportation infrastructure in the Anaheim Resort area keeps up with new and changing trends. He added the Study looks into the future of the Resort area. He noted the Resort area attracts over 25,000,000 visitors annually and includes the largest convention center on the west coast. He added it is bisected by Harbor Boulevard, the busiest north-south transit corridor in Orange County, and traversed by three of Anaheim’s busiest streets of Harbor Boulevard, Ball Road, and Katella Avenue. He noted it is served by the four (4) major freeways of Interstate 5 and State Routes 91, 57, and 22. He added there is more than $1.5 billion in recent or planned development in and around the Resort.
Mr. Cobian reported much has changed since the area was last planned 20 years ago and it is safe to assume a comparable amount of change would occur over the next 20-30 years. He stated dozens of mobility options and factors were studied. He noted it was fortunate public outreach for the Study began in July 2019 before the pandemic and detailed the outreach, including pedestrian and vehicular data collection. He added the Study was also presented to the Anaheim Transportation Network Board of Directors on January 26, 2022. He added the pandemic affected the initial timeline for the Study but Caltrans extended the deadline to February 2022.
Mr. Cobian reported the goals for pedestrians were to create a high-quality environment, reduce vehicular conflicts, and increase sidewalk capacity. He stated this led to strategies of pedestrian bridges, sidewalk improvements, crosswalk enhancements, and pedestrian wayfinding. He added options were created for each strategy, citing potential pedestrian bridges at the intersection of Disney Way and Katella Avenue, and potential sidewalk widenings along Katella Boulevard. He added work is underway to install safety bollards on Harbor Boulevard and widen pedestrian ramps.
He reported one of the biggest advantages of pedestrian bridges is eliminating the conflicts between pedestrians and right-turning vehicles, along with removing delays for both pedestrians waiting for signal changes and vehicles stopped for crossing pedestrians.
Mr. Cobian reported the goals for mass transit are to have it at a high caliber, reduce its impact on traffic, enhance the usage of the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), and attempt to get more visitors to use mass transit. He noted mass transit strategies require significant coordination and investment. He stated they did not get specific with routing options because they extend beyond the Resort area but acknowledged a need to connect the Resort area with the Platinum Triangle, primarily along Katella Avenue.
Mr. Cobian reported for roadways and parking the goals included reducing congestion and redistributing traffic flows. He added input from the public called for easier access from freeways, cited issues with passenger loading from ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, noted neighborhood parking issues, and called for having dynamic signage to redistribute traffic during major events.
Mr. Cobian reported there was a bicycle audit with community members and a group of City employees resulting in goals of improving bicycle access, lower-stress options by avoiding major streets, and integrating with other improvements. He added there is a general lack of bicycle parking City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
in the Resort area. He displayed a map of potential bicycle paths and bridges based on the City’s Bicycle Master Plan and possible locations for bicycle parking.
Mr. Cobian reported on an extensive chart showing how long and at what cost it may be to implement any of the projects suggested in the Study. He added all items would require further individual study for implementation.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Sidhu commended the comprehensive Study as a starting point to best accommodate future growth in the Resort area.
Council Member Faessel expressed his appreciation for the Study not requiring any specific modes at this point. He lauded the work of Mr. Cobian and Principal Planner Linda Johnson on this Study and in general.
Council Member Valencia stated his pleasure at seeing this Study as the District 4 representative to the Council. He added transportation is ever evolving and the City has to stay ahead of the times as much as possible.
Council Member Diaz commended staff on such an extensive Study. He stated this would be needed before big decisions are made in the future. He noted how the City of Las Vegas, Nevada had to make rushed modifications 25 years ago due to paralyzing traffic situations, costing much more money than if its crippling traffic had been previously studied and anticipated.
Council Member Moreno concurred with his colleagues in commending the Study. He stated the more data from impacted businesses and residents the better.
In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Cobian stated there is an extensive appendix detailing all of the public outreach efforts. He added the online survey reached the most people. He confirmed summaries of the public’s input are in the appendix and were then manifested into the proposed goals and strategies.
In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Cobian stated it would be challenging to quantify the visitor vehicular traffic, especially with so many tourists arriving at the Resort area by car and utilizing Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) buses from there. He added shifting the modes of transportation would be key to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions.
Council Member Moreno requested more information on vehicles coming to the area, citing concerns about parking both at the Resort and spilling over into neighborhoods. He added emphasizing ARTIC means they may need more parking near the station.
In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Mr. Cobian clarified the purpose of the Study was to identify the need for an east-west connection. He noted transit is evolving, citing the rise of Uber and Lyft as examples. He added they did not identify specific modes of transportation in the Study because it would be another study on its own to find the best method of service. He added one potential pitfall with a streetcar is it is fixed and perhaps something more dynamic would work better based on future trends.
In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, Director of Public Works Rudy Emami stated staff is working with ATN as it looks to expand, and added parking studies need to be a part of it. He noted technology is changing at lightning speed and the City is attempting to keep up with it. He added the City needs a flexible system capable of moving large crowds around major events and then being City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
completely different the next day. He added specific modes of transit would be part of future studies but this is just a toolbox of things to consider.
Council Member Moreno commended how the staff is staying flexible in its future visions. He requested not allowing powered scooters, stating they are a mess in other major cities. He commended ATN on its creation of a green fleet of buses.
Council Member Valencia agreed with Council Member Moreno’s call to not allow motorized scooters.
Informational item- No action taken.
7. Update on the City’s response to COVID-19.
Mayor Sidhu reported the City and Country are both seeing a drastic decline in new COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant wave. He stated the City has peaked, following the same pattern seen worldwide, but noted COVID-19 remains within the City. He encouraged residents to follow best safety practices and get vaccinated.
Mayor Sidhu stated each Council Member now has test kits to distribute to those in need in their districts and reported his kits will go to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3173 on Sycamore Street and Access California in west Anaheim, along with N-95 masks.
Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster stated the report is encouraging with weekly cases in Orange County dipping to 19,720 after three (3) consecutive weeks over 43,000, including an unprecedented level of 52,428 on January 18, 2022. He reported this declining trend is playing out globally. He noted the County’s case rate, positivity rate, and health equity rate all remain high but are all declining significantly. He reported the County’s fully vaccinated rate is 74%. He noted unofficial data show this trend is continuing beyond when the latest statistics were compiled 10 days ago. He showed how the City’s trends mirror the County’s with high levels although ones substantially declining.
Mr. Lyster reported January saw the City set a record for performing 36,035 tests at its six (6) sites, up 58% from December 2021, with 17,576 of the tests being administered at City Hall. He added the Anaheim Hotel is now the second-largest site, administering 8,725 tests in January. He reported 822 vaccinations were provided at the City’s three (3) sites but added this is a decline from 1,654 in December 2021. He added the 822 shots include boosters.
Mr. Lyster reported in December 2021 staff looked at the possibility of opening another testing site but data has shown their decision was correct, as six (6) sites were able to get the City through the Omicron variant surge. He added the City received 4,000 rapid tests on January 19, 2022, distributing 1,800 to family resource, community, and senior centers, 1,400 to Council Members to address needs in their districts, and retaining 800 by City staff for potential future needs.
Mr. Lyster reported free rapid tests are being made available through the United States Postal Service. He added the federal government has made it mandatory for medical insurers to reimburse the purchase of up to four (4) rapid tests per month. He reported the proposed vaccine mandate for large employers has been withdrawn by the Presidential administration following a Supreme Court ruling limiting its ability to implement the regulation.
Mr. Lyster reported the focus of medical research now is on the Omicron BA.2 variant but added there is no current impact on cases.
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Mr. Lyster stated staff’s guidance is a cautious but gradual return to “pandemic normal.” He added community spread is high but the trends are encouraging. He reported staff recommends residents prioritize attendance at large gatherings, such as placing a family event over a nightclub. He encouraged residents to get vaccinated and/or a booster shot, noting the lowest case rates fall among those who are vaccinated with a booster shot. He encouraged residents to continue to wear masks as required or needed, utilize testing, and follow best safety practices.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Valencia highlighted the vaccine clinic and testing facility at the Anaheim Hotel. He reported being approached in November 2021 about increasing the City’s presence in the Resort area and added it has been encouraging seeing this collaborative effort come together for workers, visitors, and surrounding residents.
Council Member Faessel reported he has contacted his neighborhood volunteers and reported he would be bringing his allotment of testing kits throughout the District 5 community attached to food drives. He directed Mr. Lyster to get them out soon because they have a six-month shelf life.
Council Member Moreno reported he is working on the best way to get the test kits out into communities that have not been touched as regularly by the City’s previous efforts.
In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Lyster reported the City has been regularly testing students from Anaheim schools at the City’s testing sites. He added Anaheim’s school districts regularly recommend students go to the City’s sites. He added there are cases everywhere, including schools, but the City has helped schools by making testing easier.
Informational item - No action taken.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/AGENDA REQUESTS:
Council Member Valencia reported he met with a coalition of District 4 residents and businesses to discuss a few challenges impacting the community, especially around the Resort, expressed his gratitude to all who participated, noted his commitment to working toward resolving the challenges, and requested a meeting with the City Manager and Police Chief to discuss the issues. He reported his attendance at the Center of Hope groundbreaking yesterday, noting the facility will play vital role in addressing homelessness in the region, wished his mom a Happy Birthday, wished all a Happy Lunar New Year, and hoped for a good Super Bowl game.
Council Member Faessel requested the meeting adjourn in memory of Francis Thang Cao, father of St. Anthony Claret Church pastor Father Bill Cao. He reported his attendance at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope groundbreaking and acknowledged the Samueli family for donating $1,000,000 to the facility. He thanked staff for neighborhood improvements in the East Almont/State College neighborhood, wished all a Happy Lunar New Year in Vietnamese, and announced the annual Black History Parade at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday.
Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year in Mandarin.
City Council Minutes of February 1, 2022
Council Member Ma’ae wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and stated the Year of the Tiger stood for new beginnings. She announced a partnership with Love Anaheim on Thursday at their pantry to distribute at-home COVID tests and masks. She reported her attendance, with Council Member Faessel, at the Miss Anaheim competition and noted the accomplishments of the participants; and announced the upcoming Black History Parade.
Council Member Diaz displayed photos and thanked the Knott Avenue Christian Church for their drive-thru food distribution where his office partnered to distribute at-home COVID tests and masks.
He commended the Salvation Army for the groundbreaking of the Center of Hope to help address homelessness and looked forward to the grand opening. He announced the District 1 and District 2 Neighborhood Community Services meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:00 P.M. and wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year.
Council Member Moreno acknowledged the groundbreaking of the Center of Hope, expressed his gratitude and congratulations, and noted he could not attend due to work conflicts. He thanked Public Utilities its communications, for updating water infrastructure on Indiana Street, and for partnering with Public Works on infrastructure on North Street. He reported on a meeting of the District 3 youth advisory group and looked forward to their contributions regarding bike lanes, traffic safety, and a youth assessment survey. He addressed a City Facebook post and press release regarding existing litigation pertaining to Angel Stadium and stood by his statements regarding changing from a lease to a sale of the property. He requested the City Attorney provide a legal memo about the process for a Council Member or staff to report alleged violations observed during Closed Session as well as regarding the reporting out of actions made during Closed Session. Council Member Moreno shared his allegiance to serving the public honestly and transparently. He requested the City Attorney agendize Closed Session items with identification of the topics of each matter and report out at each meeting on any direction provided. In response, City Attorney Robert Fabela stated the City would continue to abide by the Brown Act in regards to agendizing and reporting out on Closed Session items, including statutory language.
Mayor Sidhu addressed Council Member Moreno’s comments, declaration, and previous statements about the stadium transaction, as well as his actions on a deal with the Anaheim Ducks in 2018. He noted the recent City court filings set the record straight and validate that the process followed the law. He thanked the Salvation Army for their dedicated efforts in Anaheim and congratulated them on the groundbreaking for the Center of Hope, which will provide shelter beds, permanent supportive housing, wraparound services, and a pathway out of homelessness. He wished all a Happy Lunar New Year, announced the Black History Parade on Saturday, February 5, and encouraged everyone to continue efforts to fight COVID.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 7:14 P.M., with no further business before the Council, Mayor Sidhu adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of Francis Thang Cao.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk