ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 4, 2025
The regular meeting of February 4, 2025 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 January 30, 2025.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
INVOCATION: Reverend Dr. Joel Van Soelen, Anaheim Christian Reformed Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz
PRESENTATION: Recognizing Anaheim High School's Football Team for competing in the CIF Semi-Finals
Mayor Aitken announced the City Council enjoys celebrating youth and sports in the Anaheim community. She reported the Anaheim High School Football Team competed in the CIF Semi-Finals and highlighted their hard work and dedication to represent the City with pride. She added, for the seniors, the achievement is a testament to the years of effort they put in and the legacy they leave for future Anaheim High School athletes. She noted the underclassmen have set a high standard that they will continue to build on and recognized the parents, cheerleaders, and the Anaheim community who supported the team. She thanked the team for representing Anaheim with heart, passion, and pride.
Coach Gus Martinez and Anaheim High School’s Football team accepted the recognition. Coach Martinez thanked the City Council for the recognition and those who supported the team during the season. He expressed hope to build on what the team has accomplished in his first year at Anaheim High School.
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing February 11, 2025, as 2-1-1 OC Day and February 2025, as 2-1- 1 OC Month
Recognizing February 2025, as Career and Technical Education Month Recognizing February 1, 2025 - March 1, 2025, as Black History Month 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 Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
2 City Clerk Bass reported that a total of 13 public comments were received electronically prior to 3:00 p.m. [A final total of 13 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. – See Appendix.
R. Joshua Collins, founder of Homeless Advocates, expressed concerns that City Net and Chrysalis are not working together to address homeless issues. He noted individuals may be seeking employment or are currently employed but do not have access to housing and those with housing are not being connected to Chrysalis for employment. He encouraged the City Council to connect both entities to assist individuals. He expressed concerns regarding a camping ban on public sidewalks given the lack of availability at shelters.
Bryan Kaye referenced reports he’s filed with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding human trafficking concerns. He added he tried contacting an Anaheim Police Department (APD) officer who would not address his concerns. He noted he has received thanks from various APD officers and Deputy Sheriffs with the County of Orange for filing those reports. He expressed concerns that the City Council has not addressed his petitions and encouraged them to respond.
Ruben Greg Soto recounted his experience with the Fullerton Police Department and how he has provided videos of alleged drug dealers. He referenced an incident involving a deputy who made false allegations against him. He encouraged the Fullerton Police Department to investigate the deputy.
Paul Hyek reported Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides free trips to individuals riding OCTA buses and the Metrolink. He highlighted the benefits of using public transportation including avoiding traffic and not paying parking fees. He encouraged the City Council to investigate the Kraemer shelter for illegal drugs and drug trafficking. He suggested operating the shelters on a walk-in basis, explaining that 380 people died in Fullerton over the last month.
Erika Miller Nguyen, founding artist of Chance Theater and Chair of the Anaheim Culture and Heritage Commission, reported over the past weekend, Chance Theater opened its 26th season with a sold-out production of the musical, Tick, Tick... Boom! She highlighted reviews of the production.
She noted over the upcoming weekend Chance Theater will be hosting daily post-show discussions with the cast, a free wine tasting, along with their community spotlight and pride night, to continue its mission of building community through meaningful engagement. She noted Tick, Tick... Boom! runs through February 23 and invited the City council to attend. She also announced that the Sophie and Larry Cripe Eberhardt Drachman musical theater endowment fund, established with an initial $100,000 gift, ensures that musicals will continue to thrive at Chance Theater. She noted for over 26 years, Chance Theater has been a cultural pillar in Anaheim, fostering storytelling, arts, education and accessibility through programs like Speak Up for Teens, Veterans Story Telling Project, Savor Ticks, and pay-what-you-can tickets. She highlighted additional programs to provide to the City’s schools and community, offering free Shakespeare performances or bilingual productions in Anaheim parks and libraries. She announced that on March 7, Such Small Hands, by 2011 Chance Theater resident playwright, Adam Symkowickz, is a comedy-drama that explores love, aging and dementia while celebrating selflessness. She added the production is part of an ongoing commitment to showcase exciting, contemporary plays, musicals, and world premieres by emerging playwrights. She noted the financial strains the Chance Theater has faced including the pandemic, rising costs, and California’s new law AB 5 which reclassified many of its independent contractors as employees. She requested the City’s financial assistance. She announced the public can buy tickets, learn more, or donate at [email protected]. She thanked the City Council for their time, service, and commitment to the arts.
City Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
3 Cecil Jordan Corkern encouraged the City to get involved with Disney’s security. He cited concerns about the company’s animation films. He cautioned against children’s use of cell phones and computers.
Alexander Garcia, Anaheim resident and PhD candidate at Prescott College, reported he is conducting research for his dissertation which focuses on decolonization in the community garden and understanding how decolonized green spaces can transform dense urban areas into spaces that are not only productive and sustainable, but culturally vibrant, socially just and ecologically sound. He expressed concern about the closure of the common ground community garden on Katella during the pandemic.. He noted the East Anaheim community garden, located across the City, is the only remaining community garden for Anaheim residents and is limited to 78 plots to serve the entire Anaheim population. He highlighted the benefits of community gardens including connecting individuals, building relationships, cultivating a sense of belonging, strengthening community bonds, enhancing biodiversity, acting as carbon sinks, increasing property value, and providing a hands-on learning experience for sustainable practices. He announced his commitment to rally volunteers and secure resources to restore a common ground garden for individuals of all ages. He urged the City Council to partner with him and fellow Anaheim residents in the endeavor to restore the community garden and invest in the community’s health and well-being and to highlight the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship. He reported he prepared a Google Doc outlining the vision for the garden, the restoration process, fundraising plan and the educational programs to be offered. He noted volunteers are prepared to take the lead, however with the City’s support, funding can be secured to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure long-term success to benefit the community, honor cultural revitalization, ecological health, and a just and equitable future for generations to come. He requested guidance from the City Council.
Mayor Aitken thanked Mr. Garcia and on behalf of the City Council, expressed interest in reviewing the plans. She referred Mr. Garcia to the City’s website to access the City Council Member’s emails to share the document. She confirmed he could send a group email to the Council or distribute the document individually.
Ziad , owner of Al-Karmel Meat Market, invited the public and the City Council to attend his grand opening of his business on Sunday, February 9.
Mayor Aitken congratulated Ziad and welcomed the business to the City.
Matthew Duncan provided an update on a coyote he previously mentioned that was severely burned during the Eaton Fire. He read a poem about coyotes treated by Wildlife Care of Southern California.
He highlighted his respect for Wildlife Care of Southern California and for cities with plans that involve education and science.
Mark Richard Daniels inquired about the necessity of metal detectors and security at the City Hall entrance. He suggested placing the metal detectors towards the elevators or the back of the lobby.
He cited financial concerns with the cost of security and didn’t believe it was necessary to have security in place at every City Council meeting.
Marc Herbert submitted a public records request regarding Angels Stadium. He mentioned that it was unfortunate he had to submit the request, especially after receiving a report from Mr. Waterman with Visit Anaheim, upon request at the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Advisory Board meeting.
He noted City staff had directed him to file a public records request for the same report and thanked Mr. Waterman. He announced the draft Housing Element will be presented during the February 24th Planning Commission workshop with the public hearing taking place on March 10th. He volunteered to serve on the Housing Element Update Committee. He reported Mayor Pro Tem Meeks updated her City Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
4 calendar on the website, the Wi-Fi password is regularly posted, and the length of Council Communications.
Gilbert Torres provided comments on the Bible and spirituality. He requested an audit on a water project.
Jeanine Robbins reported that as an advocate for the homeless population, she witnesses an increasing homeless population that is subject to daily harassment by the Anaheim Police Department. She announced that the City has failed to enact legislation regarding rent control, eviction moratoriums, and affordable housing requirements to prevent homelessness. She cited a lack of action by the City to protect marginalized populations. She read the names of the unhoused individuals who have died on the streets of Anaheim.
Stephanie Mercadante continued reading the list of names of the unhoused individuals who have died on the streets of Anaheim.
Mike Robbins noted the names mentioned are from 2024. He continued reading the names of the unhoused individuals who have died on the streets of Anaheim. He highlighted their advocacy since Curt Pringle’s service on the City Council and the lack of action taken by the City Council during that time. He remarked that everyone deserves dignity, care, access to shelter, and support to thrive and survive. He called upon to the City Council to address homelessness through a collective effort to provide stable housing, health care, and social services.
Mazatl T. Tepehyolotzin thanked Dorothy Malone for assisting him through difficult times in his life.
He addressed City Manager Vanderpool and the City Council to recommend installing bike lanes off Olive Street and Vermont to address homeless issues and help the community. He offered prayer to the community to get through difficult times. He thanked President Biden for granting clemency to Leonard Peltier.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Maahs shared photographs and highlighted events she attended. She wished everyone who celebrates the Lunar New Year a Happy New Year. Council Member Maahs shared that she has been visiting schools in District 5 including Benito Juarez Elementary, Edison Elementary, Sunkist Elementary, James Guinn Elementary, Abraham Lincoln Elementary, Sycamore Junior High, and South Junior High. She stated that it has been a pleasure connecting with students, principals, parent leaders, and volunteers. Council Member Maahs attended the 45th Annual Black History Parade and Festival and stated it was a great day to celebrate the community. She noted the participation of Katella High School students as well as District 5 resident, Shelly Collins. Council Member Maahs also attended the festival, which included community resources like health screenings and information for families.
Council Member Leon thanked the Orange County Heritage Council for organizing the 45th Annual Black History Parade and Festival. He highlighted the importance of volunteers and organizers in making the event successful. Council Member Leon shared a PowerPoint slide and announced the upcoming Youth Leadership Summit and Expo on March 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the TGR Learning Lab. He shared that registration will be opening soon and updates will be posted on social media.
Mayor Aitken shared photographs and highlighted events she attended including the grand opening of Gallery Food and Libations, a new restaurant in District 6 at the Anaheim Hills Golf Club. Mayor Aitken shared that she and Mayor Pro Tem Meeks were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony and City Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
5 she thanked Director of Community Services Sjany Larson-Cash and her team for their hard work in making the Gallery Food and Libations a reality. Mayor Aitken participated in the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend challenge, completing 19.3 miles. She thanked the Disneyland Resort, YMCA, Public Works, Police Department, Anaheim Fire and Rescue, and organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of the marathon and the positive experience for participants. The Disneyland Resort was able to raise $50,000 and the running community contributed $30,000 for the local YMCA. Mayor Aitken along with several Council Members attended the Martin Luther King Day breakfast organized by the Orange County Labor Fed, emphasizing the importance of remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit and passion. Mayor Aitken thanked Congressman Lou Correa for organizing a breakfast to discuss local issues and funding for projects. She was accompanied by Council Members Maahs and Leon and a Whip Representative from Massachusetts. Mayor Aitken highlighted the ongoing efforts to establish the Gypsum Canyon Cemetery, the first Veterans cemetery in Orange County. She expressed gratitude to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the veteran community for their dedicated advocacy and work towards the project.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:03 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Leon recording a recusal for Item Nos. 8 and 9 and Council Member Balius recording an abstention for Item No. 11.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
1. Receive and file minutes of the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District Advisory Board meeting of October 16, 2024 (Special Meeting) and the Public Utilities Board meeting of December 18, 2024.
2. Waive the sealed bid requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the issuance of a purchase order with Keystone Ridge Designs, Inc., in the amount of $47,844 plus applicable tax and freight, for the purchase of bus shelter seating for the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue future as-needed bus shelter seating purchase orders, subject to available budget appropriations.
3. Approve Contract Number MA# 106-498347 with Signature Flooring, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $211,770, for the removal and replacement of carpet at the Anaheim Convention Center for a one year term; authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute all necessary contractual documents related to the agreement; and exercise any necessary change orders required to complete the work, in accordance with Request for Bids #9846.
4. Approve Contract Number MA# 106-498346 with W.W. Grainger Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 per year, for the purchase of maintenance, repair, and operation supplies, parts, equipment and materials; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute an agreement effective until December 31, 2027, with an option to renew for two additional one year periods.
City Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
6 5. Approve Contract Number MA# 106-498336 with BPS Tactical, Inc. for External Load Bearing Vests, in an amount not to exceed $200,000 plus applicable tax for a one year period, with four one-year optional renewal periods not exceeding $65,000 per year, for a total contract amount not to exceed $460,000 plus applicable tax; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents related to the agreement, including optional renewals, in accordance with Bid #9822.
6. Approve a post construction Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with EBS General Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $290,000; and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement.
7. Award a Professional Design Services Agreement to SWA Group, in the amount of $1,390,875, for the La Palma Park and Swan Street Parking Lot Renovation Project; authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the agreement, as determined by the City Attorney's Office; authorize the Director of Community Services to increase the contract amount by up to 10%, if such increase is necessary; and determine that this action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15306 of Title 14 of California Code of Regulations (Information Collection).
8. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-015 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing persons holding designated positions to execute Emergency Management and Homeland Security Grant documents for and on behalf of the City of Anaheim for the purpose of obtaining certain federal financial assistance and/or state financial assistance and rescinding Resolution No. 2022-016 [effective for three years following approval].
Authorize the Fire Chief to execute the Standard Assurances Agreement for State of California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Federal Non-Disaster Grant Programs.
Item No. 8 Council Member Leon recorded a recusal for Item No. 8.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); ABSTAIN (Recusal) – 1 (Council Member Leon). Motion carried.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the Fire Chief or his designee to submit a grant application on behalf of the City of Anaheim to the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-133 [Increase the Fire & Rescue Department budget accordingly, in an amount not to exceed $743,475 for the fiscal year in which grant funds are awarded, if the application is successful; a 10% local match of up to $73,448 will be required].
City Council Minutes of February 4, 2025
7 Item No. 09 Council Member Leon recorded a recusal for Item No. 9.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); ABSTAIN (Recusal) – 1 (Council Member Leon). Motion carried.
10. ORDINANCE NO. 6603 (ADOPTION)AN (UN-CODIFIED) ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM establishing the campaign contribution limit for the election cycle commencing January 1, 2025, pursuant to Anaheim Municipal Code Section 1.09.050 [contribution limit $2,700; introduced at the Council meeting of January 28, 2025, Item No. 20].
11. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of July 16, 2024.
Item No. 11 Council Member Balius recorded an abstention for Item No. 11 .
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); ABSTAIN – 1 (Council Member Balius). Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Council Member Kurtz requested a report regarding funding provided to agencies and non-profits for training, including the number of people trained and job success rates.
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:06 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk