ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 7, 2023
The regular meeting of March 7, 2023 was called to order at 4:01 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 March 2, 2023.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Jose Diaz, Carlos A.
Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Natalie Rubalcava
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 4:01 P.M., Mayor Aitken 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: Sanchez v. City of Buena Park/City of Anaheim, Orange County Superior Court Case No.: 2021-01231449
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Cyndi Utzman, et al. v. County of Orange, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 0-2020-01174005-CU-CR-CXC
At 5:02 P.M., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Jose Diaz, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks. Mayor Pro Tem Natalie Rubalcava and Council Member Carlos A. Leon joined the meeting at 5:04 P.M.
INVOCATION: Pastor Philip De Courcy, Kindred Community Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Stephen Faessel
PRESENTATION: Recognizing Anaheim business, The Sunbliss Café, for earning national recognition as No. 6 on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Places to Eat Mayor Aitken and Council Member Meeks recognized the Sunbliss Café for their achievement.
Sunbliss Café owner, Tani Ahmed, thanked the City Council for the recognition.
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
ITEM # 27
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Recognizing February 19 – 25, 2023 as National Engineer’s Week City Engineer Carlos Castellanos thanked the City Council for the recognition. He thanked the City’s Engineers for their service and provided a brief overview of their program to educate youth interested in the engineering field.
Recognizing March 31, 2023, as Cesar Chavez Day
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:
City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that Agenda Item No. 15 included a clerical update to Ordinance No. 6554 noted by staff which was distributed to the City Council and posted on the City’s website.
The update is consistent with the staff report and attachments presented at the public hearing on February 28th. She stated that adoption of the ordinance would include the clerical update from staff.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items, except public hearing):
City Clerk Bass reported that a total of 14 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 14 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council and made part of the official record.] – See Appendix.
Jeanine Robbins expressed concern that the City Council would be in charge of commencing a Strategic Plan on behalf of the City. She advised Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava recently approved $221 million for the Orange County Fairgrounds Master Plan. She noted six City Council Members have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations from special interests. She commented that Council Member Meeks has taken close to $1 million in special interest donations and proposed this concept. She expressed embarrassment at Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava’s behavior at the last City Council meeting regarding the City’s investigation of former Mayor Harry Sidhu and provided examples of her behavior at other meetings.
Hani Haidar, Arab American Civic Council, expressed support for the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study. He thanked the City Council for its official designation of Little Arabia and noted business owners in the community look forward to working with the City Council.
Amin Nash, Arab American Civic Council, expressed support and excitement for the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study and thanked City staff for their hard work during the process. He encouraged project members to listen to stakeholders as active partners and not passive voices. He noted he looks forward to the project providing tangible deliverables.
Gloria Ma'ae, former District 2 City Council Member, expressed support for the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study and thanked City staff for the amount of work they have invested in the project. She reported she presented the agenda item in August 2022 to develop a long-term plan that would help develop and grow the Little Arabia community and the entire corridor. She expressed excitement for the future of the area. She noted it was premature to focus on the Little Arabia area first before completing the research and gathering all of the data. She recognized the excitement of Little Arabia business owners to get started but believes waiting for six months to one year to build a solid foundation is prudent. She encouraged the City Council to move Phase 1 to Phase 2.
Vern Nelson expressed his support for the City Council voting to approve continuing the investigation of former Mayor Harry Sidhu. He noted that five libraries have opened for one more day per week for City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
$250,000 per year for each library day which he equated to one firefighter per library day. He expressed concern regarding the odd contract amount for the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study. He again noted the cost of the study is the equivalent of one library day or one firefighter for the City. He inquired why the study was being handled by a consultant and not being handled by City staff. He encouraged a member of the City Council to pull the item for discussion for the benefit of the public.
He invited the City Council to attend the March Madness Concert with The Vern Nelson Problem at the Anaheim United Methodist Church on March 18, 2023, at 8:00 P.M.
Brian Dehn, Artistic Director of the Meritage Vocal Arts Ensemble, thanked the City Council for their support of the arts. He invited the City Council and members of the public to attend a performance of Durufle's Requiem at St. Boniface Catholic Church on March 24, 2023, at 7:30 P.M. He noted the ensemble would be touring Scotland and Ireland and advised they also conduct masterworks annually.
Mark Richard Daniels encouraged the City Council to address the homeless, food insecurity, and the housing problem in the city. He encouraged the City Council to be more proactive in finding out what is happening in the community. He expressed support for a gate tax to support the residents of Anaheim.
John Dunton commented that Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava was very unprofessional when Judge Smith was addressing the City Council. He criticized her for continually interrupting Judge Smith and the investigative team while they addressed the City Council. He encouraged the City Council to follow the rules of decorum they expect the public to follow while attending City Council meetings. He reported he will be turning over documents to federal investigators for review which include Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava.
Mike Robbins expressed concern regarding the City’s budget and noted Anaheim is supposed to be the economic powerhouse for Orange County. He encouraged the City Council to investigate a gate tax and negotiate for the benefit of the residents. He reported the City of Fresno’s police force will be more than double that of Anaheim’s with only a 1/3 larger population than that of the City. He noted Fresno also added dozens of firefighters and emergency personnel, invested in parks, and provided $60 million for housing programs, all with a budget surplus. He encouraged the City Council to negotiate for the residents of Anaheim.
Cecil Jordan Corkern, Outreach Homeless Ministry, reported on all of the secrets of Disneyland. He expressed concern regarding gun laws. He advised he has been living at the Rancho Del Monte Apartments in Anaheim for nine years and noted he has been praying for the City Council every morning.
Marc Herbert recognized Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) for having 14 speakers at the last City Council meeting and for providing a translator. He recommended public comments be given after each item and encouraged the camera to be focused on the speaker so that members of the public watching can read their body language. He addressed the public and requested access to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) retiree magazine so he can find a retired agent who can help him untangle the web around an FBI investigation.
Paul Hyek reported there would be a Request for Proposal (RFP) for new operators running the homeless shelters and he would be exploring applying for the position. He vowed to clean up Bridges at Kraemer Place to its original intent.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Bryan Kaye expressed disappointment that Mayor Aitken and Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava have not responded to his communications. He noted members of the City Council continue to state that he resisted arrest and harassed retired Police Sergeant Daron Wyatt although there is no evidence. He encouraged the City Council to dig in and do the work.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Faessel requested the City Council meeting adjourn in memory of Anaheim business owner James “Jim” Stovall; former City of Anaheim employee Thomas “Tom” Liegler who assisted Gene Autry with the construction and design of Angel Stadium; and James and DeLoris Myers, in-laws to Helen Myers, a former City Council aide.
Council Member Diaz highlighted Illusions Hair Lounge located at 2940 W. Lincoln Ave. He highlighted the owner’s participation with Business Watch to improve the area for the community and her clients. He announced the Tacos with a Cop event on Thursday, March 16th from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at Teddy’s Red Tacos located on Ball Road; Coffee with a Cop on Friday, March 17th from 7:00 A.M. to 8:30 A.M.; and the Beach Boulevard Community Resource Fair hosted by Anaheim Public Utilities on Saturday, March 18th.
Council Member Meeks congratulated The Sunbliss Café for earning national recognition on Yelp’s 2023 Top 100 Places to Eat list. She announced the compost giveaway at Angels Stadium on Saturday, March 11th from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava announced a District 3 Neighborhood Survey was available online at anaheim.net/D3 for residents to provide feedback on their neighborhood.
Council Member Leon highlighted Cambridge Virtual Academy’s ASB President Priscilla Murgo who organized a clothing drive and distribution in collaboration with Love Anaheim. He announced his attendance at various District 2 elementary schools including Madison Elementary; Stoddard Elementary; Juliette Low School of the Arts; Walt Disney Elementary School; Maxwell Elementary; and Barton Elementary for Read Across America Week. He mentioned a ride-along that he completed with the West Anaheim police team to address various District 2 concerns. He thanked Sergeant Paqua and Officer Scaglione for the opportunity and their efforts in West Anaheim. He congratulated the Anaheim Police Department for a successful Bicycle Rodeo event. He mentioned that he met with Union Pacific Railroad to address constituent concerns near the railroad tracks across the southern portion of District 2. He thanked Ben Hurst from the Salvation Army for a tour of the new facility being built in Anaheim and their continued efforts to address homelessness.
Council Member Kurtz thanked Park Services Superintendent Rob Gomes for addressing fallen trees at Boysen Park. She noted that the Public Works Department assisted with the removal of the trees as well as answering residents’ questions along with Superintendent Gomes. She thanked Parks Manager JJ Jimenez and the Community Services Department for assisting with cleaning up baseball fields at Boysen Park for opening ceremonies for the East Anaheim Little League teams. She mentioned Neighborhood Services held a mobile Neighborhood Resource Center at the Provential and Bellevue neighborhood. She highlighted the efforts of Anaheim Public Utilities and the Public Works Department for addressing residents’ concerns regarding overgrown trees and street lighting.
Mayor Aitken mentioned her participation in an Advocacy Day in Sacramento advocating for legislation sponsored by Senator Eggman. She highlighted her role as Principal for the Day at Canyon High School, mentioned her staff’s participation at Price Elementary, and noted her participation in a book reading at Olive Elementary as a part of Read Across America Day. She City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
mentioned her attendance at the East Anaheim Little League opening day and the Anaheim Hills Little League opening day. She thanked Jamboree Housing for providing a tour of their Finamore location in Anaheim and highlighted the various resources the location will offer to residents. She thanked representatives from the Planning and Building Department and the City Manager’s Office and Council Member Faessel for touring pallet homes to learn about housing options that can be utilized in the City. She noted her attendance along with Council Member Kurtz at the Anaheim/Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association luncheon. She mentioned the passing of former Orange County Fair Board Chair Gerardo Mouet.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Manager Vanderpool announced a free resource fair on Saturday, March 18th between 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M., hosted by Anaheim Public Utilities and Community Services at the West Anaheim Youth Center on Beach Blvd. He mentioned residents will be able to test drive an electric vehicle, pick up high efficiency security lights, learn about improvements on Beach Blvd., and receive information about other City services.
He highlighted Agenda Item No. 11, a retired annuitant agreement with Jorge Cisneros to serve as Interim Chief of Police. He recognized the 33-year long career of Chief Cisneros and congratulated him on his retirement. He provided an update to the City Council on recruitment efforts for the Chief of Police position. He mentioned he will be working with the Human Resources Department to seek an executive recruiting firm to conduct the recruitment.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:15 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava pulled Items Nos. 03, 04, and
10. Council Member Kurtz pulled Item No. 13. Council Member Leon pulled Item No. 05 for separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel 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 to each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
1. Receive and file minutes of the Library Board meeting of January 9, 2023 and the Public Utilities Board meeting of January 25, 2023.
2. Approve a recognition recognizing the Magnolia High School girls’ soccer team on their first ever CIF-SS title win.
6. Rescind the acceptance of the bid from Heritage Armory LLC made at the City Council Meeting of February 7, 2023 for the purchase ballistic vests and related accessories for the Anaheim Police Department (Bid #9627), in the amount of $110,756.10 plus applicable tax, due to the awarded vendor withdrawing their bid prior to order placement; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to re-award the items upon completion of the evaluation of the remaining bid offers and issue the necessary purchase orders for the purchase of the ballistic vests and accessories in an estimated increase of $3,000 to the overall cost.
7. Waive the bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the purchase of one Pierce fire engine and one Pierce fire truck from South Coast Fire Equipment, Inc., in the amount of $3,093,727.73 which includes all applicable taxes and fees, for the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department. [This purchase will be made utilizing a cooperative purchase agreement City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
established by the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which was awarded to Pierce Manufacturing and made through their local authorized reseller as allowed by the terms of the agreement].
8. Waive the bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to purchase Lion Apparel, Janesville brand firefighting protective garments from Allstar Fire Equipment, Inc., in the not to exceed amount of $230,000 plus applicable tax, for a one year period and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute available renewals. [This purchase will be made utilizing a cooperative purchase agreement issued by Sourcewell, a Minnesota local government agency, and awarded to LION First Responder PPE, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement No. 032620-LIO, the purchase is being made through the authorized local distributor].
9. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Onyx Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $737,000, for the South Street Rehabilitation from State College Boulevard to Sunkist Street Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions; determine the project is categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 1, Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
11. Approve the appointment and retired annuitant employment agreement with Jorge Cisneros to serve on an interim basis to the vacant position of Interim Chief of Police, effective March 17, 2023, determining the specialized skills and critical need of the position to the City of Anaheim and within the Anaheim Police Department.
12. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-015 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM vacating an Irrevocable Offer for Dedication in Fee for public park purposes pursuant To California Streets and Highways Code Section 8330, et seq. - Summary Vacation (Lot B of Tract Map No. 17703).
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM accepting a grant deed conveying to the City of Anaheim certain real property for public park purposes (City Deed No. 12708; Aloe Promenade; ACQ2022-01419; APN:232-121-52).
14. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-018 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Letter of Understanding between the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association, Part-Time Unit, and the City of Anaheim concerning Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification pay (effective June 24, 2022 through July 3, 2025).
15. ORDINANCE NO. 6554 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending the zoning map referred to in Title 18 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to zoning (DEV2021-00195; 2219 West Orange Avenue) [reclassifying proposed Lot 2 of the Tentative Tract Map from “T” Transition zone to “RM-3” Multiple-Family Residential zone; introduced at the City Council meeting of February 28, 2023, Public Hearing Item No. 27].
Determine that the proposed Reclassification was adequately analyzed pursuant to the Mitigated Negative Declaration approved in conjunction with the project.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
BUSINESS CALENDAR:
3. Accept the proposal and approve a Professional Services Agreement with Dudek, in an amount not to exceed $199,500, for consulting Services to complete the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study for a one year term with two one-year optional renewals; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement.
Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported on August 23, 2022, the City Council directed staff to issue a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals (RFQ/RFP) for a study of the Brookhurst Street Corridor to research the needs of the local community and engage stakeholders including the Arab American business community, the non-Arab business community, customers, and residents of the corridor. He noted the study would identify improvements and potential funding options.
Mr. Ramirez reported that at the same meeting, the City Council voted to designate a portion of Brookhurst Street, bounded by Broadway and Ball Road, as the “Little Arabia” district. He noted that future studies would evaluate the potential expansion of the district boundaries. He advised on March 30, 2022, the City issued the RFP/RFQ with a scope that included identification of the study area, a field survey, identification of community stakeholders, community engagement, City staff engagement, economic analysis, real estate analysis, and a parking assessment.
Mr. Ramirez reported proposals were due on December 28, 2022, and noted five proposals were received. He advised a multi-departmental panel made up of City staff was utilized to evaluate the proposals for professional experience, key personnel, relevant experience, and time and costs. He reported in February 2023, the top two firms, Dudek and De Novo Planning Group were invited for in- person interviews consisting of a presentation followed by a question and answer session from City staff. He noted Dudek was selected as the top firm based on their experience, team qualifications, community outreach plan, and references.
Mr. Ramirez reported costs for the proposals came in higher than anticipated and explained the City team determined the parking assessment was not critical to the study and could be reincorporated at a future phase. He explained if the item is approved, the kick-off meeting with the consultant, City staff, and the City Council would be scheduled to develop the next steps. He advised staff recommended the City Council approve a contract with Dudek in an amount not to exceed $199,450.
Gaurav Srivastava, Urban Designer and City Planner with Dudek introduced members of the team to the City Council. He provided the City Council with an overview of their scope. He explained that the Brookhurst Corridor Outreach & Engagement Plan is a management and coordination task to ensure that the deliverables are prepared and completed successfully. He noted that Dudek and City staff would be back before the City Council in six months to present their final recommendations that will address the most appropriate type of designation for the corridor and analyze the appropriate regulatory framework. He reported that Dudek has worked on corridors similar to Beach Boulevard at a range of scales and provided examples to the City Council.
Mr. Srivastava reported that another critical task is the existing conditions analysis that will look at the corridor. He noted that some of the initial impressions of the corridor are that it is a regional destination serving the broader Middle Eastern and Arabic communities but is also multicultural. He explained their goal is to solicit information and to understand the needs and aspirations of all cultures along the corridor. He reported that another task is a profile of the corridor’s economy that will look at the demographics, business and employment, real estate conditions, and assess commercial performance.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Jenna Tourjé-Maldonado, Outreach Manager for Kearns & West, presented the approach to outreach and engagement. She noted Kearns & West’s goal is to build a good process for residents and stakeholders to provide input into the process. She advised they use a layered approach to engage City staff and leaders, the Brookhurst Working Group, and the broader community throughout the entire process. She presented images of the previous engagement activities they plan to provide during the process.
Catherine Saez, Project Manager for Dudek, reported that Dudek proposes to look at two case studies of other corridors in the region to close out the discovery and analysis phase. She advised this will help the project team learn what made them successful and discover any successful processes. She recommended studying Little Saigon in Garden Grove and Westminster, and Koreatown in Garden Grove. She noted that Whitter Boulevard in East Los Angeles may also provide useful lessons learned. She advised the project team will come back to the City Council in six months with a set of recommendations. She noted a list of potential outcomes may include a Cultural Designation, a Corridor Branding Strategy, a Legacy Business Retention Program, a California Cultural District, a Business Improvement District (BID), a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), an Overlay District, or a Specific Plan.
Mr. Ramirez reiterated if the item is approved, the kick-off meeting with the consultant, City staff, and the City Council would be scheduled to finalize the scope of the study and would include the City Council and the public’s feedback. He anticipates the process taking six months to complete and noted City staff would meet with the consultant every two weeks to review the process. He thanked City staff for their work on this project.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava thanked staff for the detailed staff report and for explaining the reason for needing a consultant. She recognized the value of using a consultant for this process.
She expressed concern that the parking analysis was pulled from the study and requested additional information behind the reasoning.
Mr. Ramirez explained that there is not currently a parking deficiency in the area between Ball Road and Broadway. He noted the multi-department team felt that the parking analysis would be more valuable once a determination was made for how the area was going to be used.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava acknowledged that the consultant was going to be looking at other districts in the region but noted that Anaheim is unique in that it is the largest city in the county. She encouraged the consultant to consider the uniqueness of Anaheim when looking at the corridor and identifying ways to partner with travel associations to market the area once there is a determination on what it will look like.
Council Member Faessel noted that the business community on Brookhurst made it very clear to the City Council that they wanted not only recognition but also attention and cooperation with the City, which he believes led to this study. He noted in August 2022, he had recommended that the adjacent residential communities be a part of the study and encouraged their participation in this process. In response, Mr. Ramirez announced that residential participation is a key element of the study.
Council Member Leon inquired if there was any change in the scope from when it was introduced to today. Mr. Ramirez confirmed this is the same scope that was introduced in August 2022.
Council Member Leon noted there is a focus on Little Arabia but inquired if the entire corridor is being studied. Mr. Ramirez confirmed the entire corridor is being studied and will consider all stakeholders.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Council Member Leon inquired if the goal is to reach out to as many members of the community as possible. Mr. Ramirez confirmed staff will be working with the entire City Council to cast as wide of a net as possible to obtain as much feedback as possible for the viability of the study.
Council Member Leon inquired if the study, once finalized, can be used as a tool or framework for private businesses that want to improve their businesses or for new small businesses coming to market. Mr. Srivastava explained the recommendation from this first six-month exercise is to provide the City with some recommendations to adopt either new regulations or a new designation that will facilitate the success of businesses in the corridor, make them more viable to operate and provide services to residents. He confirmed it will be a follow-up to the initial recommendations provided.
Council Member Leon inquired how a new designation could attract state and private investment. Mr.
Srivastava explained that the goal of the exercise is to find ways to improve the corridor for everyone through opportunities identified for both public and private investment. He noted one of the initial impressions of the Brookhurst Corridor is that a disconnect exists between the cultural identity of the corridor and the physical identity of the corridor. He explained there are opportunities where the public sector can make improvements along with opportunities for private businesses to find funds to improve their stores and have a better relationship with the street.
Council Member Meeks expressed concern with the broadness of the stakeholders and requested they try to balance the needs of all stakeholders.
Council Member Diaz noted he was proud to vote for this item and to designate Little Arabia. He encouraged the study of the entire corridor to improve it for everyone. He inquired who would be the stakeholders representing the City. He explained he wants a purely technical study devoid of political influence.
Mr. Ramirez advised the proposal includes a preliminary list of stakeholders that Dudek identified but noted staff would be working with the City Council to refine the list. He requested Mr. Srivastava provide the preliminary list to the City Council.
Mr. Srivastava explained they have initially identified businesses along the corridor including some landmark businesses. He noted the second component is to reach out to the residents along the corridor and invite them to participate. He explained there are schools, senior apartments, and a community center along the corridor who will likely be invited to participate. He noted they would like the working group to be the forum for stakeholders to have direct conversations with each other.
Council Member Diaz thanked Dudek for their future work on the study.
Mayor Aitken expressed support for the proposal and thanked staff for their work. She noted it is important to live up to the promise that was made to the community with the Little Arabia designation and to follow it up with renewal and investment in the area. She noted that Dudek is partnering closely with the City but encouraged that they also work with non-profits in the area. She expressed excitement to see how open business owners were to the type of district identified.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava pointed out that some non-profits were listed twice on page five of the presentation and recommended that they also reach out to Visit Anaheim.
Council Member Leon thanked staff and Dudek for their work and expressed excitement for working on this project on behalf of District 2. He noted he looks forward to renewing that commitment to the City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
community. He agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava that this is a tourist economy and will help create economic opportunities for the City and help celebrate Arab culture.
MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to accept the proposal and approve a Professional Services Agreement with Dudek, in an amount not to exceed $199,500, for consulting Services to complete the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study for a one year term with two one-year optional renewals; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
4. Adopt the 2023 Legislative Platform that guides the City’s support of, or opposition to, state and federal legislation and authorize City staff to contact federal and state representatives to advocate for legislative proposals consistent with the goals outlined within the 2023 Legislative Platform.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia provide a brief overview of the Legislative Platform.
Mr. Garcia explained that the item is the adoption of the 2023 Legislative Platform and noted the objective is to outline at a high-level the core legislative principles for advocacy efforts at the regional, state, and federal level. He explained the document is an outline of the City’s guiding principles. He noted all department heads have had a chance to review the document and provide input. He reported the document is shared with legislative offices and is made available on the City’s website.
He explained the document is also used with the City’s advocates in Sacramento and Washington D.C. for awareness.
Mr. Garcia explained the document allows the City to be efficient in responding to legislative proposals and communicating the City’s position on a matter. He noted at times controversial legislative proposals are introduced, and if they are of great importance, they will be brought before the City Council for consideration as one-offs. He explained the City Council can bring forward issues on their own that they would like the entire City Council to consider for support or opposition.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava noted the 2023 Legislative Platform is helpful to understand the City’s position and will help look at the City’s strategic initiatives.
Council Member Kurtz noted how important it is to have the Legislative Platform in place to allow staff to respond to fast-moving legislation on issues that are important to the City.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to adopt the 2023 Legislative Platform that guides the City’s support of, or opposition to, state and federal legislation and authorize City staff to contact federal and state representatives to advocate for legislative proposals consistent with the goals outlined within the 2023 Legislative Platform, seconded by Council Member Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
Mr. Garcia thanked Staff Analyst Alyssa Guerrero and the City Manager’s Office for their work on this item.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
5. Approve the Second Amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan to incorporate supplemental HOME Investment Partnership funds for the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) allocation, totaling $5,476,903 and designate the Director of the Housing & Community Development Department, or designee, as the Certifying Official authorized to execute all documents related to the administration, management, and implementation of the supplemental HOME Investment Partnership funding including discretion to the Director, or designee, to reallocate funds to eligible activities as deemed necessary to address greatest needs.
Housing & Community Development Director Grace Stepter reported that the item is to obtain the City Council’s approval for the Second Amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan to incorporate supplemental HOME Investment Partnership funds for the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) allocation totaling $5,476,903 which are to be used to advance housing for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. She explained the funds can be used for non- congregate shelters, capacity building for community housing organizations, tenant-based rental assistance, or the advancement of rental housing for those experiencing housing insecurity.
Ms. Stepter explained the City was required to consult with community–facing organizations and those experiencing homelessness to obtain the needs of the community. She noted the greatest need was identified as assistance for those experiencing homelessness and the advancement of affordable housing. She reported the City will fund the Studio 6 Motel and the Tampico Motel. She noted the Studio 6 Motel is non-congregate housing but is approaching a second phase that will convert it into permanent supportive housing. She noted the City will be seeking gap financing in the form of state credits to fully fund the project and these funds will be used as the local match required for state funding.
Ms. Stepter reported the City should be closing escrow on the Tampico Motel in late April. She explained the property will be primarily for seniors, and possibly homeless individuals, including transitional-aged youth. She noted the property was purchased through funding allocated by Senator Tom Umberg but there is also a local match. She advised staff recommends approval of the item.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Leon highlighted the importance of working with State Legislators for opportunities such as this that will help Anaheim residents.
Council Member Faessel noted the Tampico Motel has been a problem in Anaheim for several years and thanked Senator Umberg for allocating funds to upgrade the property.
MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to approve the Second Amendment to the FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan to incorporate supplemental HOME Investment Partnership funds for the HOME- American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) allocation, totaling $5,476,903 and designate the Director of the Housing & Community Development Department, or designee, as the Certifying Official authorized to execute all documents related to the administration, management, and implementation of the supplemental HOME Investment Partnership funding including discretion to the Director, or designee, to reallocate funds to eligible activities as deemed necessary to address greatest needs, seconded by Council Member Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
10. Approve the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreements with CSG Consultants, Inc. and Jason Addison Smith Consulting Services, Inc. increasing the compensation amount for both agreements by $750,000 for a total compensation amount of $2,000,000 each, for as- needed plan check, permit processing, and inspection consulting services for the Planning and Building Department; and authorize the Planning and Building Director to execute the individual amendments and other related documents necessary to implement the amendments.
Planning and Building Director Ted White explained the item before the City Council is a request to amend an existing Professional Services Agreement with two of the City’s on-call plan check firms, CSG Consultants, Inc. and Jason Addison Smith Consulting Services, Inc. He advised those contracts are three-year terms with one-year extensions which he is authorized to extend. He noted those initial contracts were $1.25 million. He explained staff is asking for an additional $750,000 for each consultant to last over the two remaining years of the contract term. He advised both firms have provided excellent professional work for the City during a period where a significant amount of investment is going on in the City along with the City having a difficult time filling positions with qualified individuals.
Mr. White explained the City has four open plan check positions that the City is struggling to fill with qualified applicants. He noted the City has always used supplemental help but has had to rely on them heavily over the last few years. He reported these contacts do not rely on the General Fund but are directly paid for by applicants who go through the building permit process.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava thanked Mr. White for providing an overview of the process and explaining that it has been difficult for the City to attract talent.
Council Member Diaz remarked that this is an ideal agreement for the City. He explained that when the economy improves the work increases for plan checkers and decreases as the economy slows.
He expressed support as the funding is not coming from the taxpayers but the applicants themselves.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to approve the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreements with CSG Consultants, Inc. and Jason Addison Smith Consulting Services, Inc. increasing the compensation amount for both agreements by $750,000 for a total compensation amount of $2,000,000 each, for as-needed plan check, permit processing, and inspection consulting services for the Planning and Building Department; and authorize the Planning and Building Director to execute the individual amendments and other related documents necessary to implement the amendments, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
13. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-017 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring its intention to vacate certain public streets, highways and easements. (Abandonment No. ABA2019-00390; five excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard, directly south of Midway Drive and adjacent to 200 West Midway Drive; Public Hearing scheduled for April 18, 2023).
DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz noted that the proposal is to close off the five short streets connected to Midway Drive so the developer can develop the entire property. She inquired about the mobile home park behind the property and inquired how residents will be provided access.
Director of Public Works Rudy Emami explained there is a public alleyway that accesses Midway Drive to the north but also has a public alley that connects east to Anaheim Boulevard. He explained City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
the mobile home park takes access from that location. He noted the item before the City Council is to schedule the public hearing for April 18, 2023, and will provide a more detailed aerial map.
Council Member Kurtz inquired if residents of the mobile home park will be noticed as part of the public hearing to be able to provide public comment.
MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2023-017 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring its intention to vacate certain public streets, highways and easements. (Abandonment No. ABA2019-00390; five excess segments of public access and street right-of-way lying west of Anaheim Boulevard, directly south of Midway Drive and adjacent to 200 West Midway Drive; Public Hearing scheduled for April 18, 2023), seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
16. Discuss and provide direction to staff on commencing a process to create a Vision Document and Strategic Plan, including the possibility of entering into an agreement with a consultant.
Senior Administrative Analyst Lylyana Bogdanovich explained the item before the City Council is further direction requested by staff to conduct a Vision Document and Strategic Plan. She explained strategic plans are often used as a roadmap for policy direction, strategic initiatives, and budgeting purposes. She noted staff has conducted a variety of strategic plans over the years primarily directed by City Council, Executive Management staff, and occasionally from various community stakeholders.
She noted strategic plans can take a variety of methods and forms and advised staff is looking for further direction from the City Council.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks expressed the belief that a Vision Document and Strategic Plan is an imperative document for the City to provide direction to staff to know what initiatives to bring forward to the City Council to allow for budgeting in a multi-year fashion to plan for larger expenditures. She noted the timing is important as the City looks towards the future and its ability to use increased revenues that become available once the City pays the resort bonds. She expressed the importance of using a consultant as a neutral facilitator that can bring the parties together and pull out the best ideas. She also believes staff needs to be the drivers of the document to work across departments to come up with new and bold ideas. She noted that stakeholders, community members, and businesses also need to be involved in the process. She suggested there be an Ad-Hoc Committee or short-range commission to help drive the vision forward. She also recommended looking at a 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year plan. She explained the reason is to prioritize the City’s needs and believes the City Council can guide that forward. She also suggested including recommendations for improving communication with residents.
Council Member Faessel thanked Council Member Meeks for bringing the item forward. He concurred with her that the City has very smart City staff that can bring this to fruition. He expressed support for the process and for using a consultant for this process.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava expressed support for a Vision Document and Strategic Plan. She concurred with Council Member Meeks that the City should plan for how to use increased revenues once the resort bonds are paid. She expressed concern about using a consultant and noted that while they play a vital role in developing strategic initiatives, no one knows the City better than its staff and members of the dais. She expressed concern that it would be more of a rubber stamp process rather than the City Council and staff engaging in the process and highly recommends avoiding that.
She encouraged public meetings, increased communication, and the addition of housing policy in the Vision Document and Strategic Plan. She expressed excitement to work on this document.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Mayor Aitken expressed support for the Vision Document and Strategic Plan and believes it is important to understand the shared priority so the City Council can lead thoughtfully together.
She agreed with having a facilitator who the City can trust to represent the different opinions moving forward. She agreed with having staff and department heads engaged in the process and looking towards ideas that are innovative and experimental.
Council Member Diaz reported the City has a robust Parks Plan, an Economic and Community Development Plan, a Draft Housing Element, a Specific Plan, and a Master Plan amongst others. He inquired how simple or complicated Council Member Meeks envisions the Vision Document and Strategic Plan to be.
Council Member Kurtz expressed support for the concept if the City Council is committed to including department heads and their key staff to explore innovation for their areas.
Council Member Leon inquired if staff had an answer to Council Member Diaz’s inquiry. Ms.
Bogdanovich explained that the Rebuild Beach Boulevard process was to bring in key stakeholders, executives, and key staff members to talk about visioning and the big picture. She concurred with Council Member Diaz that there are many plans but this document would be touching upon all of those to develop some key initiatives and categories to achieve some of the City’s goals and objectives as it moves forward on some of the projects and guiding documents the City already has.
City Manager Jim Vanderpool explained that many of the documents that Council Member Diaz referred to become the foundation of the discussions engaged as part of the process and are incorporated as a resource.
Council Member Diaz expressed concern that the City will spend time and money on a Vision Document and Strategic Plan that will ultimately sit on a shelf and collect dust. He expressed concern for its usefulness. Mr. Vanderpool explained the document must include outcome results with milestones to be useful. He noted he has been part of these exercises where the results have indeed become shelf documents but have also been a part of exercises where the results were actual deliverables and deliverable dates.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava noted that Council Member Diaz brings up a good point that the City already has a lot of the work completed. She referenced the Housing Element as an example, noting the City needs to build 8,000 homes in the next eight years and having a Vision Document and Strategic Plan will allow the City to plan well. She questioned the need for a consultant given that the City has the majority of the work completed. She recommended bringing back options to the City Council from staff. She reiterated that Anaheim is a unique City.
Council Member Meeks responded to Council Member Diaz’s inquiry about the usefulness of the document. She reported she has conducted these for the City previously. She noted the facilitator can help City staff to think in new ways and to help them think outside the box. She believes it will lead to bigger ideas. She concurred that the plan needs milestones and deliverables to be successful.
She recommended incorporating an annual assessment of the Vision Document and Strategic Plan.
Council Member Leon inquired about the next steps if approved.
Ms. Bogdanovich explained if the goal is to use it as a guiding document for the upcoming budget season, the goal would be to complete something by the end of the year.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Council Member Leon inquired if staff will be developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) and coming back to the City Council with scope ideas. Mr. Vanderpool reported that staff could do all of the above and the City Council could provide direction today for the next steps.
Council Member Leon inquired about the criteria for selecting a consultant. Ms. Bogdanovich explained the consultant would be selected based on research, their experience in other cities, and their work in strategic plans elsewhere. She explained the City Council could direct staff to enter into an agreement with a consultant that has been vetted by executive management and has experience with these matters within the City Manager’s signing authority. She noted if it is above his signing authority it would come back to the City Council for approval. She advised City Council could also provide direction that staff come back with a proposed scope of work to begin the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Council Member Leon echoed Council Member Diaz’s concerns that the work looks very broad and would like to have the scope determined for the facilitator or consultant. Ms. Bogdanovich explained that she has enough direction to move forward with a process that involves the City Council, executive management, and community input to come back with an outline of a process to create a Vision Document and Strategic Plan.
Council Member Leon inquired about the large range of costs for the consultant. Ms. Bogdanovich reported she believes the cost to be in the $100,000 range based on the direction she is hearing from the City Council and would come from next year’s budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava inquired if the City Council approved the item, could an Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Aitken and Council Member Meeks be created to review and consult staff regarding the RFP. City Attorney Robert Fabela confirmed that could be done as long as it was Ad-Hoc, of short duration, and be a Committee working with staff.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to direct staff to create a Request for Proposal (RFP), create an Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Aitken and Council Member Meeks to review and consult staff regarding the RFP, select a consultant, and return to the City Council with an outline of the process to create a Vision Document and Strategic Plan for City Council consideration, seconded by Council Member Meeks.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Leon thanked Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava for the motion and expressed his support for the process and believes it could be a great step forward for working with the community.
Council Member Kurtz requested clarity on the motion.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava explained her vision was that staff would prepare the RFP and the Ad-Hoc Committee would review it and make amendments or revisions.
Council Member Kurtz inquired if that meant the RFP would be published and a consultant could be hired. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava confirmed that was correct.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to direct staff to create a Request for Proposal (RFP), create an Ad-Hoc Committee consisting of Mayor Aitken and Council Member Meeks to review and consult staff regarding the RFP, select a consultant, and return to the City Council with an outline of the process to create a Vision Document and Strategic Plan for City Council consideration, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, and Meeks); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN – 1 (Council Member Faessel).
Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING:
17. Public hearing to consider adopting the 2022 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes (California Building Code, Residential Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Historical Building Code, Green Building Standards Code, Existing Building Code, Referenced Standards Code, and the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings) and the 2022 California Fire Code.
ORDINANCE NO. 6552 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing Chapter 15.03 and adding new Chapter 15.03 to Title 15 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Building Standards Codes (introduced at the City Council meeting of February 7, 2023, Item No. 13).
ORDINANCE NO. 6553 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing existing Chapter 16.08 and adding new Chapter 16.08 to Title 16 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Fire Code (introduced at the City Council meeting of February 7, 2023, Item No. 13).
Determine that the proposed ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of the ordinances may have a significant effect on the environment.
Planning and Building Director White reported the item is the second reading and final adoption of the 2022 California Building and Fire Code.
Building Official Terry Alford explained the codes that govern the building plan check, permitting, and construction and inspection process is commonly referred to as the Building Code but is comprised of a series of subject matter-specific codes that collectively comprise the Building Code. He explained these codes along with local amendments make up the Ordinance before the City Council for approval.
Mr. Alford explained that state law for the adoption of the Building Codes is slightly different from the City’s typical ordinance process. He explained the public hearing takes place as part of the second reading and adoption of the Ordinances. He reported that Building Codes ensure safe construction for occupants, provide general uniformity in construction throughout the state and county, and facilitates plan checks, field inspection, and permitting processes by setting clear and consistent standards.
Mr. Alford explained the codes are adopted on a three-year cycle. He advised the majority of changes in the 2022 codes are clarifications and not necessarily new or additional requirements. He reported changes of note include expanded solar requirements for new commercial buildings, requirements for new residential construction to be wired at the time of construction to allow for future installation of electrical appliances, requirements for the allowance and use of “intermodal shipping containers” as more permanent structures, and an additional vapor barrier requirements at under floor and under slab installations to decrease moisture intrusion and increase energy efficiencies.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Mr. Alford explained staff has been diligent in recommending local code amendments only as required to address important issues affected by climactic, geological, and topographical conditions.
He reported in this cycle the City is adopting the changes made by the state and recommended changes as agreed to by most other Orange County International Code Council (ICC) Chapter members to provide consistency within the County. He noted there are no new local amendments proposed.
Fire Chief Patrick Russell introduced the Fire Code Adoption. He introduced Fire Marshal Lindsey Young to discuss the updates to the 2023 Fire Code and a proposed amendment to the Fire Code.
Fire Marshal Lindsey Young reported the Fire Code serves the same important purpose as the Building Code in that buildings are safe to occupy as well as providing consistency in the design and construction process. She noted the Fire Code prioritizes protecting people first and property second.
She advised the Fire Code is also adopted on a 3-year cycle and noted there are very few changes to the 2022 Fire Code. She reported there are updated requirements for energy storage systems depending on the energy generated and battery materials used. She noted there are also wildfire mitigation updates regarding the interaction between vegetation management and defensible space requirements.
Ms. Young reported one new local fire amendment has been introduced that requires existing buildings to retrofit a fire sprinkler system when an addition is 33% or more of the existing building area and the resulting building area exceeds 5,000 square feet. She explained this amendment is tailored to a specific subsection of construction that could potentially affect emergency response and rescue efforts due to an increase in size without an equal increase in fire protection capabilities. She noted this will not impact new construction in any way, impact tenant improvement projects, or single- story buildings adding a second story or modest addition. She noted it has been adopted by all but one Orange County City.
Ms. Young reported Building and Fire Codes are important to the health and safety of the city. She noted at the same time staff recognizes that permitting, plan check, and inspection processes can be very complicated and time-consuming for businesses, residents, and property owners. She advised the Building and Fire Safety Divisions are committed to working with all customers to make the code compliance process as easy and clear as possible and to implement the requirements of the Building and Fire Codes fairly and flexibly.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz noted that it is his understanding that homeowners who construct additions with the additional required fire protections will be saving money in the event of an emergency because those new fire protections in place could mitigate damage.
Ms. Young confirmed Council Member Diaz’s understanding is correct.
Council Member Diaz expressed support for the item.
Mayor Aitken opened the public hearing.
City Clerk Theresa Bass reported no electronic public comments were received related to Public Hearing Item No. 17.
There being no in-person speakers, Mayor Aitken closed the public hearing City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 6552 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing Chapter 15.03 and adding new Chapter 15.03 to Title 15 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Building Standards Codes and ORDINANCE NO. 6553 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing existing Chapter 16.08 and adding new Chapter 16.08 to Title 16 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Fire Code and determine that the proposed ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of the ordinances may have a significant effect on the environment, seconded by Council Member Faessel.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Leon requested confirmation that this does not have a significant impact on business owners or residents trying to make improvements.
Ms. Young explained it is very specific to additional square footage and would not impact interior and tenant improvements.
MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 6552 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing Chapter 15.03 and adding new Chapter 15.03 to Title 15 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Building Standards Codes and ORDINANCE NO. 6553 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing existing Chapter 16.08 and adding new Chapter 16.08 to Title 16 of the Anaheim Municipal Code pertaining to the California Fire Code and determine that the proposed ordinances are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that adoption of the ordinances may have a significant effect on the environment, seconded by Council Member Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried, ordinances adopted.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Faessel reported his attendance at a Coffee with a Cop event at Starbucks located on State College Boulevard in the City of Placentia. He thanked the Community Policing team who was also in attendance. He noted his attendance at the Anaheim Regional Transit public workshop at the Anaheim Convention Center on transportation ideas regarding the East-West connection. He mentioned his attendance at the Anaheim Family YMCA Gala honoring Anaheim native Bill Taormina.
He also noted his attendance on a tour of pallet housing with Mayor Aitken and a meeting with Congressman Correa to discuss the OC River Walk park plan and the ocV!BE development project.
He congratulated Chief Cisneros on his retirement and thanked him for his service.
Council Member Leon thanked his Council colleagues for approving Item No. 3 related to the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study.
Council Member Diaz thanked Chief Cisneros for his leadership and his support of the Rebuild Beach project and West Anaheim.
City Council Minutes of March 7, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava noted the attendance of Youth in Government Day participant Mario Valdespino who represented District 3 and thanked him for his attendance.
Mayor Aitken noted that Item No. 2 was a recognition of the Magnolia High School girls’ soccer team and mentioned they will be attending the March 28th City Council meeting.
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested an item related to a strategy plan for the Economic Development Department.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 7:59 P.M., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of James “Jim” Stovall, Thomas “Tom” Liegler, James and DeLoris Myers, and Gerardo Mouet.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk