ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 4, 2023
The regular meeting of April 4, 2023 was called to order at 3:01 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 30, 2023.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Jose Diaz, Carlos A.
Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks.
Mayor Pro Tem Natalie Rubalcava 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: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
CLOSED SESSION: At 3:02 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: Fenton v. City of Anaheim et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01304268
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
(Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, USDC Case No. 1:17-MD-02804 (S.D. Ohio)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION
(Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Los Angeles Times Communications LLC v. City of Anaheim, et al., OCSC Case No. 30-2022-01291867-CU-WM-NJC
4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Property: 1515 W. North Street, Anaheim, CA 92801 (APN 034-460-33) City Negotiator: Jim Vanderpool, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Salvation Army Red Shield
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
At 4:06 P.M., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks
ITEM # 09
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
WORKSHOP: MID-YEAR BUDGET
Finance Director Debbie Moreno introduced the budget team including Budget Supervisor D’Anne Lee, and Budget Analysts Charlene Alfaro and Arlene Roa. Director Moreno provided an overview of the workshop including a General Fund Overview, General Fund Five-Year Forecast, Citywide Projects, and the Budget Calendar.
Director Moreno reported the adopted budget of $2 billion provides strategic core services and service enhancements that continue to strengthen our neighborhoods. The City of Anaheim budget is comprised of many different sources of funding including Enterprise Funds used to fund operations for our City’s water and electric utilities, solid waste and sanitation, golf courses and the Convention, Sports and Entertainment Venues; Special Revenue Funds awarded by other governmental agencies for restricted programs such as the Housing Authority, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Gas Tax and Roads, and Workforce Development; Capital Projects Funds are primarily funded by other governmental agencies for restricted projects such as street improvements and infrastructure. She reported Internal Service Funds are used to track costs for internal services such as employee benefits and insurance, fleet and facility maintenance and replacement, and Information and Communication services, with the remaining restricted funds in the budget and other general purpose funds representing only 5% of the overall City budget.
Ms. Moreno reported the General Fund comprises 21% of the total budget and highlighted the bulk of the discretionary funding and cost of services comes from the General Fund. General Fund financial sources for Fiscal Year 2022/23 were $510,000,000. She added 74% of the General Fund’s revenues from the “big three” taxes: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Sales Tax, and Property Tax.
Ms. Moreno focused on the largest source of General Fund Revenue, the Transient Occupancy Tax, which comprises $184,000,000 or 36% of the General Fund. She explained visitors to Anaheim pay a tax of 15% on their hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays of 30 days or less. The tax is locally controlled, and the city keeps 100%. TOT is collected monthly with a one-month delay from when the tax is paid by the visitor to when the city receives the revenue. Ms. Moreno compared the TOT revenues from Fiscal Year 2016 through the current Fiscal Year and highlighted the anticipated 9% growth to $201,000,000 for the next Fiscal Year.
Ms. Moreno highlighted Sales & Use Tax which is applied to the sale of tangible personal property.
The sales tax rate in the city is 7.75% of retail sales as of January 1, 2017. She mentioned the bulk of sales goes to the State to fund schools and other state-supported programs; the City receives one cent of every dollar spent in Anaheim. She reported the adopted Sales and Use Tax budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23 is approximately $104,000,000, or 20% of the General Fund operating sources. She highlighted Sales Tax revenues were not as severely affected during the pandemic and reported the City is above pre-pandemic levels and projected to be $3.7 million over budget at year-end.
Ms. Moreno reported the City receives approximately 20% of the property tax revenue distributed by the County. She added the Property Tax budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23 is approximately $93,000,000 or 18% of the General Fund operating sources.
She reported the remaining revenues of fees and permits, intergovernmental service charges, Business License and Property Transfer Taxes, and refunds and reimbursement revenue comprise 26% of the General Fund budget.
Ms. Moreno reported the largest expenditures from the General Fund goes toward public safety and providing necessities to the public including Public Works and Public Utilities. She mentioned the City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
majority of transfer expenditures go to Economic Development and supporting debt for Resort Debt or Lease Payment Measurement Revenues.
Ms. Moreno provided a brief overview of how the General Fund Five-Year plan is developed. She stated the City reviews expenditures, considers base inflation and anticipated changes in labor costs, transfers out to other funds, and our long-term obligations to determine the Total Operating Uses. She added operating uses were adopted at almost $502,000,000 and consisted of salaries and benefits. She mentioned Operating Uses reflect a deficit of $16,000,000 that declines as the years progress.
In March 2021, the City Council approved a plan to issue deficit bonds of $138,000,000 to address the structural deficit. She reported the action addresses the deficit over the next two years allowing the City to preserve basic services. She added the City’s ending reserves in the adopted budget were estimated to be approximately $69,000,000, or 17% of ongoing expenditures. Ms. Moreno mentioned repayment of the deficit bonds begins in Fiscal Year 2023/24.
Ms. Moreno provided reports on current-year projects including over-budget projections for the Big 3 revenues, other revenues including fees and permits. She reported transfers from other funds and labor costs are projected to be near budget. She added transfers from other funds are projected to be higher due to increased transfers to the Anaheim Resort debt service fund for Lease Payment Measurement Revenues (LPMR). She summarized the current year projections adding the City is better off than expected, adding the total change in reserves remains unchanged but the City will be using $13.7 million lease bond proceeds than originally planned.
Ms. Moreno highlighted the LPMR and identified it to improve the economic engine without risk to the General Fund. The amount of each lease payment is measured by portions of the three largest revenue sources (TOT, sales tax, and property tax). The TOT rate was increased from 12% to 15% and an amount equal to that increase (20% of all TOT) in addition to incremental Disney revenues above an escalating base became the funding mechanism for repayment of the lease revenue bonds.
She reported the Anaheim Resort generates a surplus of $103.8 million, or 27% of ongoing General Fund expenditures.
Ms. Moreno provided Current Year Highlights from each department beginning with the Community Services Department. She highlighted their mobile family resource center program, their partnership with KaBOOM! for the Center Greens Park, Project S.A.Y Brookhurst Park Teen Center addition, and the new developer-built park Aloe Promenade.
Ms. Moreno featured the Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center project and Drone as a First Responder Program, intended to decrease response time. She highlighted the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department’s partnership with California Conservation Corps to clear seven acres of vegetation in the Fairmont/Canyon Rim, Deer Canyon, and Oak Canyon areas to reduce the risk of wildfires. She also featured the Anaheim Ambulance Program implementation and recruitment efforts for ambulance operators.
Ms. Moreno highlighted Anaheim Public Utilities and their Wildfire Mitigation Plan and Groundwater Treatment Program. She featured the Public Works Department for receiving $2,000,000 in additional funding to support the Arterial Sidewalk Program and SB1-funded Neighborhood Rehabilitations.
She spotlighted the multi-departmental collaboration effort for the Rebuild Beach project that focuses on crime reduction, community engagement, enforcement of codes and land use entitlements, and improving the quality of life along the Beach Boulevard corridor. She featured the OC Vibe mixed-use City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
entertainment project, the Finamore Place Affordable Housing Project, and the Studio 6 Interim Housing Project.
Ms. Moreno provided a brief overview of the preliminary proposed budget including increased operating sources for next year, deficits in Operating Sources Under Operating Uses, and bond proceeds. She reported during the month of April the budget team will meet with the City Manager to review the budget proposal. At the end of May, the City Manager’s Proposed Budget will be published for review by the City Council, the Budget, Investment and Technology Commission, and the community. She stated Budget Workshops and neighborhood meetings would be held in June concluding with the budget adoption on June 27th.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: Prior to public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass announced Spanish interpretation services are provided at each City Council meeting and provided information about the services.
Mike Robbins expressed concerns about the City’s unfunded pension liabilities and the existing debt service on City properties. He suggested the City Council take steps to address the financial liabilities.
City Clerk Theresa Bass noted no electronic public comments were received related to the workshop.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel inquired regarding the City Manager’s direction provided for early pay-off of bond debt. Director Moreno responded the debt was restructured and also refinanced to take advantage of lower interest rates. It is staff’s estimation the debt can be repaid as early as 2028 or 2029. City staff also confirmed the surplus amount was $108 million.
Council Member Meeks requested clarification as to the sales tax levels over the past few years and how much the City receives in sales tax from online shopping. Director Moreno clarified the amount for online shopping goes into a County pool and the City receives a share. As the City’s revenue increases, its share in the pool also increases.
Council Member Diaz requested clarification regarding the projected slowdown in sales tax for the next Fiscal Year. Director Moreno responded the budget was lower, however, the sales tax projection is higher. Council Member Diaz also stated the City typically does not spend every dollar allocated in the approved budget, which leaves the City in a sound financial position.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested line item details for some of the revenue sources, including which hotels are providing the most revenue, a breakdown of SB revenues, and a more granular presentation of expenses and bond debt service. Ms. Moreno responded they will provide additional documents with the requested detail. Ms. Moreno also confirmed they are prohibited from releasing confidential sales tax information for specific businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested the revenue amounts related to Measure J. Ms. Moreno estimated the amounts could be up to $10 million per year, however, there are certain provisions for the distribution of the funds.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested clarification on the amounts paid toward bond debt service, citing concerns regarding the potential of an upcoming recession. Ms. Moreno responded the City pays the required minimums and that the requirements for trustee payments are different, noting they are set at a flat rate. The City’s primary objective is to protect its general fund. City staff also clarified City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
that pension obligations are citywide, not just for public safety departments. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested additional detail as to the City’s employee benefits and pension obligations.
Mayor Aitken requested clarification on the opportunities for public participation in the budget process. Ms. Moreno confirmed the public meeting scheduled for budget review and public participation. Ms. Moreno also confirmed they would examine the feasibility of live streaming or recording the District meeting on the budget.
City Council took a brief recess and reconvened the meeting at 5:05 P.M.
INVOCATION: Laura Garcia, Anaheim House of Prayer
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Jose Diaz
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing April 7, 2023, as Arbor Day
Public Works Tree Operations Supervisor Joe Vargas accepted the proclamation. He announced an Arbor Day tree planting event will be held Friday, April 21st at Benito Juarez Elementary School. He noted this is the 39th year as a Tree City USA member.
Recognizing April 2023, as National Poetry Month
City of Anaheim Poet Laureate Wendy Van Camp highlighted upcoming literary projects including Indie Author Day and Anaheim Poetry Review. Ms. Van Camp read a poem she wrote titled “Grandfather’s Journey” about her grandfather’s journey from Ukraine during World War II.
Recognizing April 23 – 29, 2023, as National Library Week City Librarian Audrey Lujan accepted the proclamation. She highlighted week-long events to celebrate National Library Week and the variety of programs the Library offers. She mentioned the AnaCon event scheduled for April 15th.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): Prior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of public comments procedures, a brief decorum statement, and announced Spanish interpretation are provided at each City Council meeting.
City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of three (3) 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 three (3) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. – See Appendix.
Paul Hyek requested information on the particular site locations related to agenda Item No. 6, noting he is very interested in the clean-up of several of the sites.
Cecil Jordan Corkern made various comments regarding his personal faith beliefs and prayers for the Council and community.
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
R. Joshua Collins commented on his personal faith beliefs and expressed support for additional services for homeless individuals in the community, rent stabilization, and increased efforts by the City Council regarding public transparency.
Mark Richard Daniels commented on the important work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraged members of the community to volunteer their time and efforts.
Jeanine Robbins expressed concern with recent Council actions related to the JL Group item. She also expressed concern regarding a lack of public transparency and decreasing efforts to address crime in the City.
Mike Robbins expressed concern that the City is not prioritizing budget support for services for youth, homeless individuals, and affordable housing.
Vern Nelson expressed concern the City Council will not follow through with the investigation into corruption and expressed support for the full report to be released to the public. He thanked City Clerk Theresa Bass for the prompt response to his recent public records requests.
Jonathan Echavarria, representing Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, invited the City Council to the Assemblymember’s upcoming Breakfast Club event on April 14, 2023 in Buena Park.
Bryan Kaye commented on the community’s commitment to having new representation on the City Council. He expressed concerns regarding allegations of improper actions taken by the Anaheim Police Department, including those related to shootings.
Kenneth Batiste expressed his personal faith beliefs and encouraged the City Council to complete the investigation into corruption and release the full report. He expressed support for the City Council to address evictions, rent stabilization, campaign reform, and paying off the City’s debt.
Card # 3205, the speaker requested the City increase its support of services for the homeless, including assistance with landlord-tenant disputes and shelter availability. She noted that current homeless services are not responsive and requested the City Council make them accountable.
Mayor Aitken advised the speaker to provide her contact information to staff.
Rebecca Kovacs-Stein expressed concern that the homeless services are not being responsive, as cited by the previous speaker. She did attest to the excellent work being done in the community by homeless advocates and volunteers.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Diaz featured Ambala Sweets & Spices located at 3107 W. Lincoln Ave. He mentioned the restaurant also serves as a grocery store and caterer. He highlighted the authentic Indian food and encouraged residents to support the business. He reported a new issue of the Rebuild Beach newsletter was published. He mentioned residents can sign up to receive the newsletter at Anaheim.net/rebuildbeach.
Council Member Kurtz thanked the residents of Walnut Village, located at Ball Road and Walnut Street, for holding a reception to honor the firefighters that serve their community. She also thanked Anaheim firefighters for their service to the community.
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
Council Member Faessel requested the meeting adjourn in memory of longtime Anaheim resident, Sally Joanne Bengochea-Ferreira. He mentioned his attendance at the 2023 Community Services Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the National Grove and the OC River Walk community meeting at the Honda Center. He highlighted a performance he attended, along with Council Member Kurtz and Anaheim Elementary School Board President Jackie Filbeck, by the Anaheim Ballet at Sunkist Elementary School. He mentioned his participation in the Alzheimer’s Walk held at Angel Stadium on Saturday, April 1st. He highlighted his attendance at a resource fair held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3173 located on Sycamore Street.
Council Member Meeks thanked City Clerk Theresa Bass for the announcement related to translation services at the City Council meetings. She mentioned her attendance at the Anaheim Hills Rotary Club’s Easter celebration at Reagan Park and thanked the Rotary Club for organizing the event. She highlighted the Interfaith Iftar Dinner held in the City of Yorba Linda. She noted the event’s purpose was to bring together people of various faiths to share the spirit of Easter and giving.
Council Member Leon thanked the Community Services Department for organizing the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. He reported his participation in a tour of the Dwelling Place Food Pantry. He expressed interest in bringing a similar food pantry to West Anaheim. He mentioned his participation in the Alzheimer’s Walk at Angel Stadium and various Easter egg hunts, including at the YMCA with Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. He thanked Love Anaheim, Magnolia Baptist Church, Sandals Church, and Victory Church for organizing the 2023 Easter Eggstravaganza event at Maxwell Park. He thanked Public Utilities, the Community Services Department, and the Fire & Rescue Department for their attendance at the event. He announced in English and Spanish, he will be attending a Breathe Healthy, Live Mindfully resource fair at Gilbert High School on April 5th. He mentioned staff from the Housing & Community Development Department will also be in attendance to provide information on applying for the Section 8 Housing Voucher waitlist. In both English and Spanish, he wished his grandmother a happy 93rd birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava displayed photos from an Easter egg hunt hosted by City Church and the YMCA. She mentioned the event was co-sponsored by Ruby’s Restaurant and the local health and fitness company, Intrvl. She highlighted District 3 business, JR’s Wheels & Tires, and thanked the Economic Development Department for assisting the business with securing a larger space for their business. She thanked Chef Martin for taking over the We Give Thanks event and highlighted his work for the upcoming Mexico en el Corazón event taking place in May at Pearson Park. She thanked Director of Community Services Sjany Larson-Cash for assisting Chef Martin with securing Pearson Park for the event. She recognized the passing of Anaheim resident Cruz Pinelli, who passed away before her 100th birthday. She noted Ms. Pinelli was going to be recognized at the March 7th City Council meeting for her 100th birthday. She mentioned she intends to bring Ms. Pinelli’s family to a City Council meeting in May to recognize her history in the City. She recognized Officer David Richards, a 29-year veteran of the Anaheim Police Department who is battling cancer. She encouraged residents to keep Officer Richards and his family in their thoughts and prayers.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:08 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Leon pulling Item No. 05 and Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava pulling Item No. 03 for separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt 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 City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
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 Public Utilities Board meeting of February 22, 2023.
2. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Bonadiman Water Inc., in the amount of $487,210, for the Citywide Sanitary Sewer Improvement on Brookhurst Street North of Lincoln Avenue Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine the project is Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303 (d) (New Construction) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions.
4. Waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve an agreement with The Counseling Team International, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $175,000, for peer support services for a term retroactive from February 1, 2023 and until services are complete or contract amount is exhausted; and authorize the Interim Chief of Police, or designee, to administer the agreement.
6. ORDINANCE NO. 6555 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapters 15.08 (Street Naming and Premises Numbering); 18.04 (Single-Family Residential Zones); 18.06 (Multiple-Family Residential Zones); 18.08 (Commercial Zones);
18.10 (Industrial Zone); 18.14 (Public and Special-Purpose Zones); 18.18 (Scenic Corridor (SC) Overlay Zone); 18.20 (Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay Zone); 18.30 (Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) Overlay Zone); 18.32 (Mixed Use (MU) Overlay Zone); 18.36 (Types of Uses); 18.38 (Supplemental Use Regulations); 18.42 (Parking and Loading); 18.44 (Signs); 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening); 18.52 (Housing Incentives); 18.60 (Procedures);
18.62 (Administrative Reviews); 18.66 (Conditional Use Permits); 18.92 (Definitions); 18.116 (Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2 (SP 92-2) Zoning and Development Standards);
18.120 (Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-1 (SP 2015-1) Zoning and Development Standards); and 18.122 (Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards) of Title 15 (Buildings and Housing) and Title 18 (Zoning) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; Adjustment No. 13 to the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan No. 92-2 (SP 92-2) Zoning and Development Standards; Adjustment No. 13 to the Anaheim Canyon Specific Plan No. 2015-1 (SP 2015-1) Zoning and Development Standards; Adjustment No. 6 to the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards; 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 (Development Application No. 2022-00080)[introduced at the City Council meeting of March 28, 2023, Item No. 21].
7. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of January 10, 2023.
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
BUSINESS CALENDAR:
3. Waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve an agreement with Lyons Security Service, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $245,018.87, for a pilot program, not to exceed one year, for abandoned property removal services; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement.
Deputy Police Chief Rick Armendariz introduced Lieutenant Yepez from the Modesto Police Department. He noted the City frequently receives requests to remove abandoned property from public spaces. The subject pilot program will provide security for abandoned property removal to maintain the intended use and accessibility for all citizens in public spaces pursuant to Anaheim Municipal Code (AMC) Section 11.10.50. He mentioned the Code Enforcement Division and Police Department currently work collaboratively to remove, store, and return abandoned property. The one- year pilot program will involve an agreement with Lyons Security Service, Inc. to work with Code Enforcement and the Police Department to remove, store, and return abandoned property in public spaces, thereby allowing the Police Department staff to focus their efforts on community policing.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava expressed support for the program and partnership and requested clarification regarding the process. Deputy Chief Armendariz responded with detail on how the program will work and provided information regarding metrics and measurement of the performance of the program was also provided.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested regular updates on the program. Deputy Chief Armendariz responded it can be provided at the intervals preferred by the City Council, although they suggested quarterly reports would be more appropriate.
Mayor Aitken requested clarification on the difference between abandoned property and its relationship to illegal dumping in the City. Deputy Chief Armendariz responded they are essentially the same, however, if no one takes ownership of the abandoned/illegally dumped property, then the City can identify it as abandoned and they have the authority to remove the items. Deputy Chief Armendariz confirmed there are hotspots for this type of activity throughout the City.
Council Member Leon confirmed the pilot program will operate citywide and noted there is activity occurring along the railroad off Katella Avenue.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve an agreement with Lyons Security Service, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $245,018.87, for a pilot program, not to exceed one year, for abandoned property removal services; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement, 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.
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
5. Approve a Direct Payment Agreement No. 23Y-5006 with the State of California, Department of Community Services and Development to receive federally-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant funding to be applied to accounts of eligible electric utility customers for a term commencing April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement and administer the agreement.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava disclosed that she is an employee of the State of California, however, she does not work for the Department that this item is affiliated with.
Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee reported the agreement is for Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) to continue to receive the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant funds that are provided once per year for assistance to help customers who have difficulty paying their electric bills.
He provided detail on the eligibility requirements and mentioned the term of the agreement was three years. He concluded by reporting that the APU offers many options and programs to assist customers with the payment of their bills.
Council Member Leon clarified that residents apply through the Orange County Community Action Partnership and they coordinate with the City as related to the specific account. APU General Manager Lee commented on the various educational and marketing efforts taken by the APU regarding this and other programs. Council Member Leon requested staff provide him with information he could pass along to residents of his District.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava expressed support for the work of APU General Manager Lee and the APU team.
Council Member Kurtz expressed appreciation for the work of staff as related to the Mobile Family Resource Center, which will feature the APU as their next “pop-up.” MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to approve a Direct Payment Agreement No. 23Y-5006 with the State of California, Department of Community Services and Development to receive federally- funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant funding to be applied to accounts of eligible electric utility customers for a term commencing April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2026; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement and administer the agreement, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
8. District 2 appointment to the Youth Commission to an unexpired term ending August 31, 2023; and District 3 appointment to the Budget, Investment and Technology Commission to a term ending December 31, 2026.
Youth Commission
District 2 appointment: Andrew Campuzano (term ending August 31, 2023) (unscheduled vacancy)
City Council Minutes of April 4, 2023
NOMINATION: Council Member Leon nominated Andrew Campuzano. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES –
0. Nomination approved.
Budget, Investment, and Technology
District 3 appointment: Jorge Gavino (term ending December 31, 2026) (unscheduled vacancy)
NOMINATION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava nominated Jorge Gavino. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0.
Nomination approved.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Faessel congratulated the Public Works Department and Public Utilities for the Capital Improvement project on Sycamore Street. He mentioned, as part of the project, he was invited to view the new three-foot tunnel underneath Amtrak train tracks. He highlighted Public Utilities Electric Utility Inspection Supervisor Jeff Robison for answering his questions about the project and working closely with the community and community leaders to ensure residents could navigate the road closure.
Council Member Diaz wished the public a happy Easter.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava announced District 3 stakeholder meetings at the Downtown Community Center on April 20th, June 22nd, and September 21st. She invited her Council colleagues to attend and mentioned District 3 Commissioners would be in attendance.
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested an update at the April 18th City Council meeting regarding the recruitment process for the new Chief of Police. She requested a staff report on how the City can address coyote concerns beyond the Coyote Action Plan. She requested an agenda item before August for the Chicano Heritage Initiative.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 6:35 P.M., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council in memory of Sally Joanne Bengochea- Ferreira and Cruz Pinelli.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk