ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2024
The regular meeting of March 19, 2024 was called to order at 5:02 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 14, 2024.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Norma Campos Kurtz, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
INVOCATION: Dr. Joseph Gichuhi, Morning Star Victory Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Natalie Meeks
PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing K&A Café’s 15th Annual Community Holiday Brunch Mayor Aitken congratulated K&A Café for celebrating their 15th Annual Community Holiday Brunch.
She noted the event was created by owner Kathy Cervantes and her husband Art to ensure that all children were visited by Santa on Christmas Eve and engaging the community. She added the event is held in Downtown Anaheim on Center Street Promenade and event brings together the community with toys, smiles, and breakfast. Owner Kathy Cervantes and her family accepted the recognition. Ms.
Cervantes thanked the community, family and friends, K&A and Cervantes Mexican Kitchen staff, the Anaheim Fire & Rescue Department, Anaheim Police Department, Visit Anaheim, and the City Council particularly Council Member Rubalcava.
Recognizing Kareem’s Falafel for being honored as one of Los Angeles Times Hall of Fame Restaurants
Mayor Aitken noted the Little Arabia-based restaurant is one of only two in Orange County making the Los Angeles Times list – with both restaurants located in Anaheim. She reported the restaurant was established by Nesrine Omari and Mike Hawari in 1996 and is now run by siblings Kareem and Nora Hawari. She congratulated the restaurant and expressed excitement for their continued success in Anaheim.
Presentation by Muzeo
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center Executive Director Kelly Chidester stated they engage the community in exploring and celebrating the City’s diverse heritage, culture, and arts through creative programming in addition to its gallery displays. She added that the Muzeo’s goal is to represent the community authentically and honestly. She highlighted their participation in the Fall Festival, a National Geographic exhibition, and grant-funded free courses provided. She noted Muzeo works to connect Anaheim citizens to resources to be civically engaged cultural creators, consumers, and stewards. She highlighted recent exhibitions that strived to capture the interest and participation of visitors through relevant interactive displays and programs. She highlighted upcoming events in Spring and Summer 2024. She reported on Muzeo’s ongoing initiatives to make their facility more accessible to those struggling financially through Museums for All and Blue Star Museums which provides discounts for groups such as those who are on a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ITEM # 23
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Program. She invited the Council Members and the public to their upcoming events including Spring Exhibitions on March 23, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the 32nd Annual Children’s Festival on May 18, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Pearson Park. She thanked the opportunity to present and for the City’s continued partnership.
Presentation by Cultural & Heritage Commission
Cultural & Heritage Commission Chair Kristin Maahs introduced the Commissioners, George Serna, District 1; Alicia Jacinto, District 2; David Zuniga, District 3; Karen Uyematsu, District 6; and Erika Nguyen, Mayoral appointee. She provided additional information on herself and expressed her appreciation for her fellow Commissioners. She reported on the Commission’s duties as an advisory body to the City Council including recognizing cultural and historical assets; promoting and enhancing the cultural and historical environment of the City; supporting cultural and historic art, events, and programs; and recommending goals that serve visual, performing, literary, and multi-media arts. She highlighted the Commission’s recent efforts to showcase the City’s diversity and some ongoing initiatives including previous and ongoing initiatives and programs such as the Public Art Plan, Poet Laureate Program, Heritage Markers, Chicano Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Carnegie Building Window Project. She thanked the Council for the opportunity to highlight the Commission’s work and passion for culture and art.
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 procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum statement.
City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 13 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 18 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. – See Appendix.
Janis Heckel, Executive Director of the Anaheim Community Foundation (ACF), expressed ACF’s support of the playground at Little People’s Park in Item No. 16. She presented copies of the ACF’s 2023 Impact Report to the Council Members highlighting the organization’s accomplishments, including the awarding of Helping Hands Grants and efforts to combat homelessness and youth mental health issues. She reported the Accelerate Change Together (ACT) collaborative which includes the ACF has already assisted over 11,000 Anaheim youth this year. She reported the ACF has been named the Celebrated Charity for the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon weekend in September. She provided information on how residents can contribute to the ACF and provided information for residents to participate in their two Anaheim Needs Assessment Surveys from March 25th through April 25th for the City’s youth and senior citizens. She noted the surveys will provide vital information on how to better serve residents.
Paul Hyek encouraged putting homeless residents with trade skills to work in the homeless facilities as part of Item No. 03. He encouraged making shelters walk-in and noted many people looking for housing do not have telephones. He reported a homeless friend, Judy Stanford, was recently struck and killed in a hit-and-run incident and she had been bullied by shelters for 30 years. He encouraged better use of nursing students or interns in City shelters.
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Rev. Fr. James Noble requested clarification on the public comment process.
In response to Rev. Fr. James Noble’s inquiry, Mayor Aitken clarified all residents only get one three-minute window for public comments, whether it is on an Agenda item or general comments.
Rev. Fr. James Noble stated he would return during the general comment portion.
Vern Nelson noted Item No. 05 ties into DisneylandForward. He stated that $2 million seems like a lot of money for a pedestrian study by Kittleson & Associates. He reported many residents do not trust Kittleson & Associates due to its recent traffic count on Magic Way conducted over days of poor weather producing deceptive results beneficial to The Walt Disney Company. He reported the People’s Homeless Task Force has recently been protesting along Magic Way and the study is not even close to their observations of the volume of non-Disneyland local traffic on the street. He added the selection of the Disney-approved Kittleson & Associates extends the City’s bad image from the years of former Mayor Harry Sidhu where there was no separation of special interests and the City.
He decried the possible need to lay off teachers and declining school enrollment in the City due to the long-standing lack of affordable housing through decades’ worth of Council failures and the current Council’s failure to even consider an inclusionary housing ordinance. He stated Disney would be paying much less than the value it would receive through DisneylandForward and added the process is too rushed. He stated many residents love Disneyland, but they love Anaheim more. He invited the Council Members and staff to his concert on Saturday.
Richard P. Castro expressed concerns over an incident in Anaheim Hills on March 2nd with the Anaheim Police Department (APD) around a multi-car collision involving a mentally ill individual who left his car, caused damage in the area, and assaulted him. He reported the APD refused to write up the assault he suffered and encouraged him to merely trade information with the other drivers and clear the roadway. He added the APD officers did not file an accident report and one involved driver is now denying the accident ever happened leading to difficulties with his insurer. He reported an APD officer did not file a complaint form he filled out until he returned to the station and insisted it be filed. He added he has not been contacted by an APD investigator. He encouraged Council Member Meeks to follow through on this matter as a District 6 resident. He stated the APD has been told by Chief of Police Rick Armendariz not to file accident reports unless there is an injury.
Mayor Aitken requested Chief Armendariz follow up with Mr. Castro.
Mike Robbins stated housing is a human right and expressed his concerns over the City’s lack of affordable housing. He added DisneylandForward will bring economic benefit to the City but noted Disney has not lived up to its housing obligations since 1998. He stated this critical issue impacts the foundation of the community. He questioned the value of 13,000 new jobs if the employees cannot afford a home. He stated a new expansion without addressing the affordable housing crisis is of grave concern. He expressed concerns over the failure to recognize the interconnectedness of the City and Disney by omitting affordable housing, doing a disservice to the community. He encouraged the Council to ignore the special interests and fight for affordable housing and accountability for Disney’s past obligations before even looking at the future.
Jeanine Robbins stated the only way to solve homelessness is to house people but previous Council’s and the current Council ignore that. She decried the City’s lack of a housing mandate. She noted there have been no meetings and updates from the City’s Housing Element Update Committee since September 2021, adding since-disgraced former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Todd Ament is still listed as a Committee member as is sitting Council Member City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Rubalcava. She stated if Disney pays its employees so little, that they require public subsidies such as food stamps, then it is not a job creator but subsidizing off the public. She noted Disney defaulted on multiple points of its 1996 agreement with the City including not meeting affordable housing demands and hotel construction mandates, robbing the City of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). She chastised the City for not enforcing the 1996 agreement and all of the woes it has caused and/or exacerbated for Anaheim including decreased student enrollment and teacher layoffs. She decried Disney for not providing its employees with proper wages and encouraged the Council Members to speak to protesting Disneyland employees before voting on DisneylandForward.
G. Price expressed concerns about the public hearing on street abandonments relative to the DisneylandForward project. She reported confusion in documentation sent to residents which did not mention the abandonment of streets and only cited “Amendment 9” without any direct means of correlating it DisneylandForward. She cited many ways residents are being deceived in the public hearing notice through its Amendment 9 terminology by quoting its direct language about Magic Way and Disneyland Drive not included in the public notice. She questioned why the street abandonment hearing was happening after the DisneylandForward hearing. She questioned why the Council would be voting on Item No. 05 to study pedestrian bridges if the project has not yet been officially approved.
Aaron Leal, Outreach and Advocacy Manager for Alzheimer’s Orange County, cautioned dementia is a public health crisis, robbing residents of their memories and minds and devastating family members. He reported that 164,000 Orange County residents suffer from dementia and added it is the third-leading cause of death in Orange County. He promoted the organization's work to combat illness and support caregivers. He encouraged residents to participate in their March for Alzheimer’s on March 23rd at Angel Stadium and thanked Mayor Aitken and other Council Members who have registered for the event.
Mark Richard Daniels commended the demolition of the Anaheim Lodge Motel earlier that day and the ongoing beautification of Beach Boulevard, highlighting the efforts of Mayor Aitken. He stated homelessness and affordable housing are the greatest challenges for the Council along with food insecurity and mental health issues. He encouraged pursuing more federal assistance, stating the matter is too big for Anaheim to handle alone. In reference to Item No. 05, he questioned spending $2 million to study a pedestrian bridge for an unapproved project.
Stephanie Mercadante reported on the Disneyland Hotel’s delivery process wreaking havoc on Walnut Street despite the terms of the agreement as an example of why the public does not trust studies about Resort expansion. She questioned how this could go unflagged if the traffic studies were truly accurate. She noted how Hermosa Village residents already struggle to exit their driveways and how taxpayers fund frequent road repairs caused by overweight Disney delivery trucks using Walnut Street when they should not be. She noted this issue – unidentified in the project – as being just one among many other conflicts in encouraging the Council to slow down the DisneylandForward process so it can be done correctly. She questioned if the Council Members fully understand everything included in DisneylandForward and how it impacts residents.
Mirvette Judeh reported on the conflicts in her native Palestine. She read a resolution calling for a peaceful solution recently passed by the Anaheim Democrats Club and encouraged the Council to consider a similar resolution as home to a large Middle Eastern population.
Rev. Fr. James Noble prayed in Hebrew to relate to victims in Palestine who have experienced family loss. He reported an incident with his third wife where he was prevented from seeing her even though he is a clergy member, and it is a civil penalty for every time he was blocked – directing the fact to City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
City Attorney Robert Fabela. He criticized the APD for threatening him with trespassing charges. He reported Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) representatives told him complaining about the APD is a mental health issue. He expressed hopes Chief Armendariz is investigating the APD keeping him out of the hospital. He accused the APD of not returning all of his confiscated property.
He stated his previous wife died because the APD refused a dispatch an office.
Marc Herbert read from the DisneylandForward Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which acknowledges the project does not align with the General Plan’s focus on affordable housing as the population increase would outpace the housing demand. He added the EIR addresses projections and not the Housing Element. He questioned if DisneylandForward can be approved while the City is already out of compliance with State housing laws, and does not align with the City’s General Plan.
He questioned how the recent court ruling for the plaintiffs in Californians for Homeownership, Inc. v City of Beverly Hills will impact Anaheim which also severely lacks affordable housing. He noted Anaheim’s Housing Element Update Committee has not met for two and a half years even though the Housing Element’s sixth cycle continues. He noted Council Member Rubalcava and a convicted felon in Mr. Ament are both still listed as being Committee members. He theorized the third draft of the City’s Housing Element has not yet been approved because there has not been sufficient public participation to meet State guidelines.
Matthew Duncan encouraged the City to adjust its coyote management plan after learning recently the City has updated its “Living with Coyotes” website. He reported Vern Nelson wrote a good piece on him for his blog and coyote advocates Statewide have reached out to him. He reported the City’s website coyote section has been reduced to four sentences. He questioned if any of the revised verbiage also means the City has changed its contracted trapper.
Cecil Jordan Corkern stated there will always be trouble with Disney and encouraged parents to avoid its classic films due to their subliminal pornography. He encouraged everyone to accept Jesus Christ. He stated he could not go to Disneyland due to his conspiracy reports and encouraged the Council to read his reports.
Cynthia Ward stated there is not much time until the City votes on the DisneylandForward project.
She noted Disney’s public engagement efforts are very light on facts with many noncommittal words such as would and could. She reported residents saw no details until 3,000 pages were submitted to the Planning Commission three days before its public meeting on the matter. She stated the Development Agreement has language prohibiting a future Gate Tax, adding this line deserves its own Agenda item instead of being buried in a lengthy document. She lauded the work of the Council to date to combat the cloud of corruption over the City and encouraged them to discuss the provision with staff – offering the Council the benefit of the doubt that they were unaware of the clause. She noted the appraisal for the City streets has not been made public, adding this sort of action was part of the crux of the problem with the rescinded Angel Stadium sale under former Mayor Sidhu. She added the $40 million is being earmarked to mitigate Disney’s traffic impacts as opposed to Disney paying for the streets. She questioned what the vague East-West Connector in the Agreement would be and noted the Resort is already connected to the stadiums by a street the City plans to abandon, and it will not be done in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Mayor Pro Tem Campos Kurtz highlighted and shared photographs of events in District 4. She shared that sisters Mariam and Angela El Haj opened the IHOP on Harbor Boulevard across from Disneyland in 1994 and it is the best performing IHOP in the United States. They opened their second IHOP in 2004 on Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard and most recently they opened Calaca Mamas Cantina. Calaca Mamas is a homage to a culture that they love, and they pride themselves on supporting local growers and farmers and only source sustainable seafood, grass-fed meats, and free-range chicken. She noted that parking is free with validation. She attended the community meeting at Tyrol Plaza on the corner of Vermont Avenue and State College Boulevard. The residents at Tyrol Plaza are happy that the encampments at Boysen Park are gone and that the City is increasing services to seniors across the City. Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz attended the Spring Resource Fair at Olive Street Elementary School and thanked the Anaheim Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Services, and Economic Development Departments. She noted that Economic Development staff were able to provide information to residents regarding how to start their own business. Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz thanked businesses who helped make the Anaheim Elementary School District event a success including La Casa Garcia for providing burritos, Raising Canes for providing lemonade and gift certificates for the kids, and Joe's Italian Ice for providing ice cream. She thanked Police Chief Armendariz for taking the time to greet two little kids as he was leaving a meeting. Their parents were astounded that Anaheim's Police Chief would take the time to speak to tourists. The tourists also mentioned that is the reception they received during their three-day visit to the City of Anaheim from City employees and residents.
Council Member Faessel highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended including the 5th Annual Family YMCA Gala. He noted that the YMCA in Anaheim is over 100 years old. The Anaheim Family YMCA recognized Mr. Paul Kott for supporting the Anaheim Family YMCA for over 60 years.
He shared that Sycamore Junior High School received a $15,000 grant from Anaheim Public Utilities through the Sustainable Schools Award program. He displayed a photograph with Principal Nancy Cortez and shared that Sycamore Junior High School is in District 5 and the school was recently rebuilt. Council Member Faessel and a few City Council Members attended the 49th Annual Americana Awards hosted by the Cypress College Foundation. The event recognized Anaheim volunteers. He shared that he and his wife Susan have participated for a couple of decades, and they earned their medallions in 2016. He shared that he along with Council colleagues and 150 children from Lincoln School attended an event to celebrate Chef Bruno Serato’s 10 millionth meal served to children. Approximately 8,000 meals are served a week to Anaheim children. Chef Bruno also celebrated receiving his President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Council Member Faessel stated he attended the Anaheim Lodge Motel demolition and noted this is the third motel demolition in just a few years.
Council Member Leon shared that on April 6, 2024 there will be a park cleanup event at Modjeska Park, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and he encouraged everyone to register at loveanaheim.org. On April 27, 2024, his office is hosting the 2nd Annual Children's Day Fun Fair. The event will be held at Barton Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He thanked Mayor Aitken and Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz for meeting with him and stakeholders and businesses in Little Arabia, as it was a great opportunity for important feedback on the recommendations from the Brookhurst Corridor Study. He shared that the Little Arabia freeway signs are making their way through the Caltrans process, drafts of renderings were received for the street banners that will be hung in the next few weeks, and a discussion of potentially requesting state and federal funds to improve the area and the corridor for everyone.
Council Member Leon attended the Loara Little League home opener and stated it was great to hang out with future Major League Baseball all-stars and their parents. He thanked all the parents and volunteers who made it all happen. He participated in the Read Across America Week and was able to reconnect with his former third and fourth-grade teachers at Maxwell Elementary School. He City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
shared that the elementary school displayed photographs of him as a student there. He thanked all teachers and educators for all they do. Council Member Leon attended Dale Junior High School for Career Day and congratulated Mrs. Urguidez and Mr. Gaudette for celebrating 30 years of teaching.
Council Member Leon highlighted and shared photographs of Angelo's Burgers, the February Restaurant of the Month. The restaurant is located off Ball Road and Brookhurst Street. He encouraged everyone to support local restaurants and shared that Angelo’s Burgers has a great variety of different meals. For the February Business of the Month, he recognized Brizuela’s Bakery.
Brizuela’s is located off Katella Avenue and Euclid Street and is owned by a family who has been there for several years and whose kids attended Loara High School. The March Business of the Month is Al Tayebat Market. Al Tayebat has been serving the Little Arabia community since 1983 and was one of the first businesses in Little Arabia. Al Tayebat means “the tasty and delicious” in Arabic and the specialty market is a one-stop shop for quality goods from Middle Eastern cultures. The market was opened by Mohammad Sammy Khouraki and his wife. Their legacy continues with their sons and their commitment to providing top notch products at unbeatable prices. The market is located off Brookhurst Street and Ball Road, and he encouraged everyone to visit the market.
Council Member Rubalcava highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Orange County Women in Leadership Summit she co-hosted on International Women's Day. She had the opportunity to interview Cathryn Rivera, Appointments Secretary for the State of California, who is responsible for appointing people to very important Boards and Commissions. She noted that Mayor Aitken served on the Orange County Fair and Events Center Board for several years and was appointed by former Appointments Secretary Mona Pasquil Rogers. She thanked Council Member Meeks and Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz for attending the event along with City staff from Public Utilities, Fire, and Community Services. She shared that the improvements at Little People's Park in District 3 continue, and a design workshop was hosted at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School for future playground development, and thanked Community Services Director Sjany Larson-Cash, Neighborhood Services, and Jose Jimenez for engaging students in the design process. One of her neighbors was in attendance and requested wheelchair-accessible opportunities at the playground.
Council Member Rubalcava mentioned that Westmont Elementary School currently has wheelchair- accessible equipment. District 3 hosted a Mobile Family Resource Center at Sage Park and thanked Neighborhood Services for their assistance. The Mobile Family Resource Center is instrumental in bringing resources to underserved neighborhoods. She thanked Anaheim Fire, Public Utilities, Public Works, and all the non-profits who participated to engage directly with residents to provide resources including fresh food, milk, and vegetables. Council Member Rubalcava stated that one of her initiatives as a Council Member is to ensure that youth are provided with various opportunities. She shared a photo with a student from Savanna High School who asked for an interview. Council Member Rubalcava was able to provide her with information on what she does as a Council Member, what inspired her to run for public office, and what has been the most fulfilling part of her role. She stated it was an honor to participate in that interview. She highlighted local artist Carla Roque for some of the murals that she has created across District 3 and at Anaheim Elementary School District schools. Ms. Roque provides engaging experiences for students during the after-school program to create lasting inspiration for students. Mayor Aitken visited the elementary school with the first mural in District 3, and now Ms. Roque has started her second mural at Westmont Elementary School which is also in District 3. Council Member Rubalcava recognized Dr. Yadira Moreno, an Anaheim High School graduate, who is one of the administrators for the Anaheim Elementary School District who commissioned all the murals to ensure that students have access to art. Council Member Rubalcava shared that she and Council Member Leon had the opportunity to visit AltaMed which is a local medical provider that serves the predominantly Latino communities in Anaheim Districts 2, 3, and 4 as well as across Orange County. The CEO was present at the grand opening and provided an overview of the different services they offer. She participated in the Read Across America Week at Vibrant Minds Charter School located in District 3. She had the opportunity to read to a sixth-grade City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
class and the students were engaged and asked good questions. Her student host did a fantastic job giving her a tour of the school. In recognition of Women's History Month, Council Member Rubalcava recognized Planning Commissioner Michelle Lieberman, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Carlotta Clark, Community Services Board Member Shandra Barrera, Housing and Community Development Commissioner Cassandra Perez, and Senior Citizen Commissioner Kandee Beas. She highlighted local artists in the area that are working to combat graffiti in District 3. She shared that she is working with Police Chief Armendariz and City Manager Vanderpool to focus on making sure neighborhoods are clean regardless of where they are located. The neighbors on Pauline Street and Sycamore Street decided to put up murals in the area which have beautified the community and prevented some of the graffiti from coming back. Council Member Rubalcava invited residents to the Anaheim Family YMCA and City Church Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23rd at noon at the Anaheim Family YMCA Community Complex. She thanked the Public Utilities, Police, and Community Services Departments for their participation. Council Member Rubalcava thanked Congressman Lou Correa for obtaining a congressional grant to help with gang intervention efforts.
The grant has been awarded to Neutral Grounds, a local non-profit in the area that will be focusing on Anaheim and Santa Ana, the two largest cities in the County of Orange.
Mayor Aitken highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the AI Summit hosted by the Anaheim Union High School District where they gathered educators, business leaders, and leaders from the tech industry from around the country. It was a wonderful program by the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation to focus on how AI and that type of emergent technology can be integrated into schools. She thanked Anaheim Union High School District Superintendent Michael Matsuda for the invitation and Council Member Leon for joining her. She had the opportunity to attend the annual South by Southwest festival, where the United States Conference of Mayors co-hosted the Mayors’ Summit and mayors participated in panel discussions regarding how cities can use AI and emergent technologies. She stated she was proud of Anaheim Public Utilities because a lot of the suggestions and programs discussed have already been implemented by Anaheim. Mayor Aitken thanked Convention Center Deputy Director Mindy Abel for hosting her at the Natural Products Expo at the Convention Center. On day one there were 30,000 People in attendance with 40,000 people coming to the later days. Mayor Aitken had the opportunity to attend Read Across America Day at Jefferson Elementary School. She read a book called Sophia Valdez, Future Prez to a sixth-grade class. It was a book about a girl who goes to City Hall to change her community and the illustration of City Hall in the book looks just like Anaheim City Hall. She also got a chance to read to one of the second-grade Korean immersion classes and she received a warm welcome. She attended the 5th Annual Family YMCA Gala honoring Mr. Paul Kott for supporting the Anaheim Family YMCA for over 60 years. She attended the 49th Annual Americana Awards hosted by the Cypress College Foundation honoring Jody Daily and Kevin Kidney for their work with Green Bird and bringing that wonderful litter prevention program to Anaheim and Person of the Year Bobbie Stovall. She attended the Caterina’s Club event celebrating Chef Bruno Serato’s 10 millionth meal served and she stated that as a former Board Member, she is very proud of the organization. She thanked the City Council Members for joining her. Mayor Aitken attended the Anaheim Lodge Motel demolition. She stated the demolition highlights the commitment started with Council Member Diaz in District 1 as well as the City's commitment to try to revitalize and deliver on promises made to West Anaheim for investment and change to that community. She thanked Housing and Community Development Director Grace Ruiz- Stepter and staff for securing the funding and making programs in the area happen. Mayor Aitken asked the community to nominate individuals who volunteer, embody the Anaheim way, and are deserving of City game and event tickets. Anaheim has amazing volunteers and nominations could be for a PTA mom or dad that are active at a school, a docent at the Mother Colony House, or self- nominations are welcomed as well. Please visit Anaheim.net/mayor to submit a nomination.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
City Manager Vanderpool thanked Mayor Aitken, Council Members, and staff for a successful day and demolition of the Anaheim Lodge Motel. He thanked Congressman Lou Correa for securing $5 million in funds for improvements on Beach Boulevard, Center of Hope for permanent supportive housing, OC River Walk, Store One, and a $2 million Public Works federal grant for transportation.
City Manager Vanderpool invited everyone to an Anaheim Public Utilities Resource Fair on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Savanna High School. There will be electric vehicle test drives, kitchen organics pail giveaways, document shredding, and more. The free event is from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will be fun for the whole family.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:49 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz pulling Item Nos. 04 and 05 for further discussion.
Council Member Diaz reported his recusal for Item No. 09 due to a conflict of interest as his employer is the City of Orange.
In response to Mayor Aitken’s inquiries, City Attorney Fabela clarified because Item No. 09 is remaining on the Consent Calendar the Council can have a single vote with the note Council Member Diaz is recusing himself from the item and they do not have to conduct a separate vote.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Council Member, seconded by Council Member Meeks.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks). (Item No. 09 ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN – 1 (Council Member Diaz)). Motion carried.
1. Receive and file minutes of the Library Board meetings of January 8, 2024 and February 12, 2024, and the Public Utilities Board meeting of January 24, 2024.
2. Approve recognitions recognizing Canyon High School Girls Basketball Team for winning the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA Championship; California Highway Patrol Officer Ray Payton’s retirement; and Anaheim High School Student, Lilyana Balderas for winning CIF- Southern Section Masters Champion and placing in the State Championships for wrestling.
3. Approve the final submission of the regional Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program grant application and attachments to the California Interagency Council on Homelessness; authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to modify the application and attachments as needed, provided that any such modifications do not materially change the purpose or scope of the submission; if awarded, increase the Housing and Community Development Department’s revenue and expenditures budget accordingly to commensurate with the grant award; and authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to accept the grant, execute required grant documents, and take the necessary actions to implement grant activities.
6. Waive the bidding and publication requirements of Council Policy 4.0 and award a purchase order to SITE Intelligence Group, in the amount of $178,500 plus applicable tax (to be City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
reimbursed by the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program), for a two year database analytics software subscription; and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute documents related to the purchase order.
7. Approve Professional Services Agreement with 14 consultants, each in an amount not to exceed $400,000 per Work Order Package with a total contract amount not to exceed $1,000,000 per contract year per consultant, for on-call materials testing, deputy inspection, and environmental engineering and science services to support the Construction Services Division of the Public Works Department each for a two year term, with the City’s option to extend the agreement for two additional two-year terms, through 2030; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the agreements and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements; and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreements, as long as such changes are determined to be de minimis by the City Attorney’s Office [C.E.M. Lab, ENGEO Incorporated, G3 Quality, Inc., Geo-Advantec, Inc., Geocon West, Inc., GMU Geotechnical, Inc., Group Delta Consultants, Inc., Koury Engineering & Testing, Inc., Leighton Consulting, Inc., Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical and Environmental Sciences Consultants, Smith-Emery Laboratories, Inc., Tetra Tech BAS, Inc., Converse Consultants, and Twining, Inc.].
8. Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreements (i) with Los Altos I, L.P., in the acquisition payment amount of $372,100, for the purchase of real property at 1201 N. Magnolia Avenue for a Sanitary Sewer Utility Easement and a Temporary Construction Easement and (ii) with Community SeniorServ, Inc., in the acquisition payment amount of $205,000 for the purchase of real property at 1200 N. Knollwood Circle for a Sanitary Sewer Utility Easement and a Temporary Construction Easement for the Knollwood Circle Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to accept City Deed Nos. 12775 and 12776 (APN 070-781-03, ACQ 2022-01394) located at 1201 N. Magnolia Avenue and City Deed Nos. 12773 and 12774 (APN 070-791-15, ACQ 2023-01494) located at 1200 N. Knollwood Circle conveying to the City certain real property interests granted in conjunction with the project pursuant to Resolution No. 2021- 042; and authorize the City Clerk to attest and cause said Deeds to be recorded in the Office of the Orange County Recorder.
9. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement with the City of Orange for the funding, design, and construction of the Orangewood Avenue Bridge Widening over the Santa Ana River and a new City of Orange water main from State College Boulevard to Eckhoff Street; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the amendment and related documents and to take to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended agreement; and increase the Department of Public Works Fiscal Year 2023/24 revenue and expenditure budget by $3,096,673 to reflect the additional funding contribution from the City of Orange.
Item No. 09 Council Member Diaz reported a conflict of interest as his employer is the City of Orange and recused himself from the item. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN – 1 (Council Member Diaz)). Motion carried.
10. Approve the Final Map and Subdivision Agreement of Tract No. 19153 with Anaheim Real Estate Partners, LLC for a proposed mixed-use development (ocV!BE), subdivision boundary City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
is located by State Route 57 (SR-57) to the west, Santa Ana River and the City of Orange to the east, Union Pacific Railroad to the north, and Katella Avenue to the south.
11. Approve the Site License Agreement for Telecommunications Facilities Mounted on City Facilities between T-Mobile West, LLC, which authorizes T-Mobile to continue to maintain and operate the existing interior 126 Distributed Antenna System (DAS) and 15 exterior rooftop Antennas at the Anaheim Convention Center (Convention Center) to provide cellular service coverage; pay to the City a monthly fee, in the amount $19,033.29 (with an annual increase and potential increases for additional approved antennas or space), with an initial term of ten years with up to two automatic successive five-year renewals; and authorize the Executive Director of the Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department to execute related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement.
12. Approve Amendments to Temporary Employment Services with four temporary employment service agencies to increase the not to exceed amount from $125,000 to $275,000 per contract year for each agreement to provide contract labor services for the Cleaner Set-Up Worker position at the Anaheim Convention Center, on a non-exclusive basis, with no guarantee as to the number of times personnel will be requested or the number of hours that may be needed, to supplement the Convention Center’s existing labor force; and authorize the Executive Director of the Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department to execute the amendments and related documents and take the necessary actions implement and administer the amended agreements [Cloud Personnel LLC (first amendment); Health Advocates Network, Inc. (second amendment); Kimco Staffing Services, Inc. (first amendment); and S4 Global Solutions LLC dba Hospitality Services Group (first amendment)].
13. Approve Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Anaheim, the Anaheim Workforce Development Board, and individually with four America’s Job Center of California partners to outline the expectations and participation level of each partner in the operations of the local one-stop delivery system for the term beginning on July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025; and authorize the Mayor and the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to execute and administer the MOUs and any corresponding license agreements on behalf of the City [State of California Employment Development Department Wagner-Peyser and Unemployment Insurance (EDD), the State of California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA), and North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)].
14. Approve the Canine Transfer Release and Agreement to Indemnify, Defend, and Hold Harmless with Officer Brett Klevos, in the amount of $1.00, authorizing the transfer of ownership of retired Police Service Dog “Leo,” and authorize the Chief of Police to execute and implement the agreement.
15. Approve and authorize the Police Chief, or designee, to accept a donation from the Friends of the Anaheim Police K9 Association, in the amount of $12,500, towards the purchase of a new Police K9.
16. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-021 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the Director of Community Services or designee (“Director”) to accept all grants from KABOOM! on behalf of the City of Anaheim for the installation and City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
maintenance of playground equipment at Little People’s Park, authorizing the director to execute all required grant documents and amending the budget accordingly [City contribution of $8,500 plus additional funding in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for equipment upgrades].
Approve and authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute the Community Partner Agreement with KABOOM! and act as the agent of the city on all matters concerning the grant programs and accept future stipends and funds received from KABOOM! for maintenance of the playground equipment at Little People’s Park.
17. ORDINANCE NO. 6569 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Section 1.01.389 of Title 1 (Administration) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to make it unlawful for any person to threaten, follow, intimidate, obstruct, or impede any Community Preservation Officer engaged in the performance of his or her respective duties, job description, and/or enforcement authority as provided in the Anaheim Municipal Code; and to authorize Community Preservation Officers to ask persons who are violating provisions of the Code or State law for their identification, as allowed by law, in order to facilitate the enforcement of the Code and State law (includes determination that the proposed amendments are not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations) [introduced at the Council meeting of February 27, 2024, Item No 27].
ORDINANCE NO. 6570 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Chapters 18.04 (Single-Family Residential Zones); 18.06 (Multiple-Family Residential Zones); 18.08 (Commercial Zones); 18.10 (Industrial Zone); 18.14 (Public and Special-Purpose Zones); 18.30 (Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) Overlay Zone); 18.38 (Supplemental Use Regulations); 18.42 (Parking and Loading); 18.44 (Signs); 18.46 (Landscaping and Screening); 18.52 (Housing Incentives); 18.62 (Administrative Reviews);
18.92 (Definitions); 18.122 (Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; Adjustment No. 7 to the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan No. 2017-1 (SP 2017-1) Zoning and Development Standards; and finding and determining that this ordinance is not subject to 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. 2023-00047) (Annual Code Update) [introduced at the Council meeting of February 27, 2024, Item No 27].
18. ORDINANCE NO. 6571 (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 (DEV2019-00161) (125 EAST BALL ROAD) (reclassify APN 234-161-04 from the “I” Industrial Zone to the "C-G" General Commercial Zone) [introduced at the Council meeting of February 27, 2024, Public Hearing Item No. 31].
19. Approve minutes of City Council meeting of August 15, 2023 and August 29, 2023.
BUSINESS CALENDAR:
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
4. Approve the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Reports for Marketing and Transportation Component Funds.
DISCUSSION: Principal Transportation Planner Joe Alcock reported the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) was established by the Council in 2010 to promote local tourism and conventions along with supporting transportation improvements in the Resort area and Platinum Triangle. He added it is a 2% assessment, mirroring the City’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), and is used to support ATID-eligible expenditures.
Principal Transportation Planner Alcock reported the establishing Ordinance specifies that 75% of the revenues are to support tourism and the convention industry with the remaining 25% going towards transportation improvements in the Resort area. He noted that ATID operates under general oversight by the City Council-approved management plan. He reported the agreement mandates the marketing funds must be managed and administrated by a contracted entity, such as Visit Anaheim.
He added the transportation component is managed by a three-member committee with representatives from the City, the Resort’s largest hotelier (Disney), and a Visit Anaheim recommended appointee. He reported that the Department of Public Works staffs the City’s committee seat.
Principal Transportation Planner Alcock reported both the transportation and marketing groups are required to submit Annual Reports which are subsequently approved by the City Council. He added Visit Anaheim representatives were available to answer questions regarding the marketing component.
DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz’s inquiries, Principal Transportation Planner Alcock clarified the attachment in the back half of the report details where the transportation funds went. He added the transportation component report reports on eight active projects. He clarified the funds must go to transportation projects within ATID’s boundaries which includes portions of the Platinum Triangle. He confirmed this area includes Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. He added the only active project in the report is an ongoing study to look at connecting the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) to the Resort which was funded with the transportation funds.
In response to Council Member Meeks’ inquiry, Executive Director of Convention, Sports and Entertainment Tom Morton confirmed working groups have been established to look at tourist and event opportunities around the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. He added there is a substantial need for Anaheim hotel rooms for both events.
Council Member Leon requested additional information on how the Visit Anaheim Board is selected.
Visit Anaheim Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Christina Dawson clarified the Visit Anaheim Board’s designated seats are based upon the largest-collecting ATID properties as well as the City of Garden Grove. She added Executive Director of the Department of Convention, Sports and Entertainment Tom Morton and City Manager Vanderpool serve as Anaheim’s representatives.
She added several seats are annually elected positions. She added the elected positions generally go to people within the industry who are placed on the ballot by a nominating committee. She reported the Board meets every other month while the Executive Committee meets monthly.
In response to Council Member Leon’s inquiries, Ms. Dawson clarified Visit Anaheim has an internal accounting team tabulating its expenditures and then reports them back to the City. She stated the funds are managed by Visit Anaheim’s Board of Directors.
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
In response to Council Member Leon’s inquiries, Ms. Dawson confirmed the Sports Commission is a separate Board and Visit Anaheim is considering how this group will continue in the future. She clarified the sports group has participation from several entities including the Honda Center, adding it all evolved from Visit Anaheim’s Sports Anaheim initiative.
In response to Council Member Leon’s inquiries, Ms. Dawson stated Visit Anaheim’s communications team does social media research to identify top influencers with whom Visit Anaheim will contract to experience the attraction or event first-hand and report about it. She stated these top influences come from many different places and, although she could not quantify the number, assured the Council some of them are local to Anaheim.
In response to Council Member Leon’s inquiries, Ms. Dawson confirmed Visit Anaheim had an ending net balance of about $9 million in the Annual Report but added it has not been audited. She added Visit Anaheim does perform monthly audits so the number would be accurate for June 2023. She confirmed the total revenue for Fiscal Year 2022/23 is about $24.6 million. She confirmed the approved budget for FY 2023/24 is about $27.4 million.
Council Member Leon requested clarification on what “business intelligence” is. Ms. Dawson clarified business intelligence refers to obtaining industry data such as tourism economics to help identify trends impacting the area. She added this information is shared with all Visit Anaheim partners. She stated the increase in the business intelligence expense is engaging in more platforms to specifically track visitor economic impact.
In response to Council Member Leon’s inquiries, Ms. Dawson confirmed Visit Anaheim has reserve funds. She reported of funds available, $11 million has already been contracted for buydown on the Anaheim Convention Center for future groups. She added she has conducted research with peer organizations and many of them have reserve funds to sustain their organization for about six months based on lessons learned from the pandemic and other recent economic downturns. She added Visit Anaheim’s sustainability reserve is about $9 million. She added other reserved Board-designated funds are for industry-hosted events such as the United States Travel Association’s International Pow Wow (IPW) which is coming to Anaheim in 2030. She clarified Visit Anaheim has a single reserve fund combining all of these subtotals and the fund’s contents are allocated by the Board. She stated there has always been a reserve, even before the pandemic, but it has been small and they are hoping to receive approval to increase it. She confirmed there are currently at least $11 million in emergency reserve funds.
Executive Director Morton clarified several travel industry terms cited by Ms. Dawson including occupancy percentage, average daily rate (ADR), and revenue per available room (RevPAR).
MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to approve the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Fiscal Year 2022/2023 Annual Reports for Marketing and Transportation Component Funds , seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
5. Approve an agreement with Kittelson & Associates, in an amount not to exceed $1,560,808 plus a 10% contingency for as-needed extras services, for consultant services for the evaluation of pedestrian circulation improvement options in the Anaheim Resort; authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to execute the agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement; and authorize the Director of Finance to City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
increase the Public Works Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget by $1,900,000 to provide Anaheim Tourism Improvement District transportation funding for the evaluation of pedestrian circulation improvement options in the Anaheim Resort.
DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz’s inquiries, Director of Public Works Rudy Emami confirmed the money for this item is not coming from the General Fund. He confirmed the funds are coming from the ATID transportation budget. He confirmed the Study would look at pedestrian circulation in the Resort.
Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz inquired if the funding includes the bridge proposed in the DisneylandForward project. Director Emami clarified the Study will look at pedestrian circulation as a whole, inclusive of a proposed bridge connecting Disney’s east transportation hub to the theme park. He added it will also look at pedestrian bridges across Disney Way, Katella Avenue, and Harbor Boulevard.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz’s inquiry, Director Emami clarified the $1.9 million would also look at the concept, cover outreach, and take the project to the point where the City would be prepared to conduct the environmental study, and final construction.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz’s inquiry, Director Emami confirmed the Study is also looking at easy methods of access for all businesses along Katella Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve an agreement with Kittelson & Associates, in an amount not to exceed $1,560,808 plus a 10% contingency for as-needed extras services, for consultant services for the evaluation of pedestrian circulation improvement options in the Anaheim Resort; authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to execute the agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement; and authorize the Director of Finance to increase the Public Works Fiscal Year 2023/2024 budget by $1,900,000 to provide Anaheim Tourism Improvement District transportation funding for the evaluation of pedestrian circulation improvement options in the Anaheim Resort, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Council Member Faessel recognized City Clerk Theresa Bass for doing a phenomenal job.
Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz requested an update on when the discussion regarding the ongoing funding of the Anaheim Housing Trust with ATID funds will be agendized.
City Manager Vanderpool responded that staff has retained outside counsel and the item will be agendized in the next 30 days.
Council Member Meeks shared that Miles Chamley-Watson who trains at the Orange County Fencing Center in the City of Anaheim has qualified for the Paris Olympics. She requested recognition or an event for Olympians who live or train in Anaheim who have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
City Council Minutes of March 19, 2024
Council Member Leon requested a recognition for the Servite High School Soccer Team for winning the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 Championships.
Council Member Rubalcava requested an update on the Street Racing Task Force.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 7:16 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk