ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2025
The regular meeting of February 11, 2025 was called to order at 4:08 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 February 6, 2025.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M.
Maahs. Council Member Natalie Rubalcava joined the meeting during Closed Session.
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: City Attorney Fabela reported that Closed Session Item No. 2 relates to potential claims versus the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
CLOSED SESSION: At 4:08 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: Grandma’s House of Hope v. City of Anaheim, et al, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2022-01241823
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: Two potential cases
At 5:11 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council.
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.
INVOCATION: Pastor David Kim, HolyWave Ministry of Sa-Rang Community Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Kristen M. Maahs
Council Member Maahs requested to keep active military members and veterans in mind during the Flag Salute.
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ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing February 17, 2025, as Random Acts of Kindness Day Recognizing February 16 - 22, 2025, as National Engineers Week Recognizing February 2025, as American Heart 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 Clerk Bass reported that a total of eight (8) public comments were received electronically prior to 2:00 p.m. [A final total of 10 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, addressed the City Council on homelessness issues and referenced a recent Voice of OC article discussing the need for affordable housing. He expressed concerns that in October 2024, 30,000 families were on the waiting list for Section 8 housing vouchers and 4,000 were awaiting affordable housing units. He suggested vacant land, between Angel Stadium and the Santa Ana River trail could be used for tiny homes, a walk-in shelter, and a park. He mentioned tiny homes cost between $10,000 to $90,000 which would provide affordable housing options. He noted 26% of Anaheim resident's income is spent on rent and suggested the City Council explore these options.
Cecil Jordan Corkern expressed concerns over sex trafficking and explicit images and Disney.
Ruben Soto announced that his First Amendment rights had been violated. He outlined his constitutional rights and stated he had been targeted by the police and family law.
Vern Nelson reported during the DisneylandForward vote, that dozens of Walnut Street apartment tenants were being evicted so that landlords could substantially remodel units and charge double the rental amount. He noted most tenants were Spanish-speaking and either moved or became unhoused. He reported many tenants won their cases against the evictions and were able to stay in their apartments at the original rent He commented that while the California Tenant Protection Act does not have an enforcement mechanism, some cities have enforced the legislation. He requested a status on the ordinance Council Member Rubalcava requested which would require the City to enforce State law. He reported Tenants United Anaheim is available for Anaheim tenants who are interested in learning about and protecting their rights and requested the public provide any information on excessive rent hikes and evictions. He announced the next Anaheim Democrats Club meeting is February 14 at Unitarian Church in Santa Ana where they will be joined by the Orange County Board of Supervisors Democratic candidates Connor Traut and Fred Jung, as well as OC Rapid Response and OC Resilience to discuss immigrant protections.
Duane Reports announced he was following up with concerns he raised at the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting regarding whether a Council Member deliberately withheld information from their public calendar to conceal a meeting with a lobbyist hired by a San Francisco-based company seeking future city contracts potentially worth millions of dollars. He noted the lobbyist donated several thousands of dollars to the Council Member's political campaign and threw a private holiday party which was attended by the Council Member. He added since the meeting he has discovered a high-ranking City staffer also attended the same holiday party along with three Council Members 3 City Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
both past and present. He expressed concerns about ethical issues that may arise with registered lobbyists hired by companies seeking to influence what firms receive City contracts. He called upon the Council to take action on the issues raised.
Matthew Duncan provided an update from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding Anaheim's coyote trapping and gassing plan. He read a letter that was sent to the City Council urging the City to end its coyote trapping program, contracted with Jimmy Rizzo. He cited concerns about Mr. Rizzo’s criminal history and receiving payments from the City for trapping services while incarcerated. He noted Mr. Rizzo has violated many State laws with no oversight by City officials. He added PETA has expressed that the City’s plan is cruel and ineffective during a time when California’s wildlife needs the most support due to the wildfires.
Gloria Hale invited the City Council to the inaugural Women in Leadership Luncheon held by the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. She noted the reception and business expo will be held on Wednesday, March 13, at the JW Marriott in Anaheim, beginning at 11 a.m. She reported the event celebrates women who elevate their profession through their own inspiring personal journeys and will provide empowering techniques and messages to provide courage, strength and motivation. She addressed Mayor Aitken who is unable to attend the event and requested if she could provide a prerecorded speech. She added she resides in Anaheim Hills, and thanked the City Council for the beautification of Santa Ana Canyon Road. She noted she has invitations to distribute for the event.
Mayor Aitken requested that Ms. Hale provide a copy of the invitation to Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster to post to the City’s social media. She confirmed she could pre-record a speech for the event.
Marc Herbert referenced Mayor Pro Tem Meeks’ previous request for an update on the City’s rental inspection program. He requested that the database which tracks open and closed violations over the past two years be shared with the public. He noted that on Monday, February 17, the Planning Commission will be holding a workshop on the Housing Element, with a public hearing scheduled for March 10th. He requested that the information be shared during Council Communications. He suggested that public meetings such as the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Board meetings and Visit Anaheim meetings be published. He requested clarification on the Housing Element Update Committee such as membership and whether the Committee has concluded as mentioned by Council Member Rubalcava at a previous meeting. He suggested that for those meetings, public comments are distributed to the Committee’s members.
In response to Mayor Aitken, Assistant City Manager Garcia confirmed the ATID Advisory Board meeting was posted. City Clerk Bass added the meetings are posted on the City’s website under the Boards and Commissions page with the agenda and following the meetings, each of the boards and commissions post the audio and minutes following approval.
Bryan Kaye stated that he has presented numerous petitions that have gone unanswered. He commented on recent legal troubles involving the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and her assistant.. He requested that the City Council communicate and respond to petitions.
Mazatl Tepehyolotzin thanked Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster. He highlighted a recent walkout by local high school students. He applauded the Police Department’s response to the event.
He noted the City Council has not approved an agenda item regarding becoming a sanctuary city, but encouraged the City Council to consider one. He thanked the community for speaking up on the issues. He added that he participated in a walkout held years ago at Katella High School in response to Proposition 187. He noted his most recent participation to support the students and ensure there 4 City Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
was no violence from students or the police. He thanked Anaheim High School Principal Ruben Calleros for supporting the situation and noted any disruptions were addressed by the Anaheim Police Department. He applauded the recent landscaping at El Pollo Fino on Orangethorpe and Lemon Street. He restated his desire for the City to become a sanctuary city. He clarified he does not support undocumented immigrants committing violent crimes. He added there are undocumented immigrants who are hardworking and contribute to society.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Kurtz shared that the District 4 community meeting will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Ponderosa Family Resource Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Meeks shared that the District 6 community meeting will be held on Thursday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the East Anaheim Community Center.
Mayor Aitken noted that all community meetings will be reposted on the City’s website.
Council Member Maahs shared photographs and highlighted events she attended, including the grand opening of PayMore on January 31st. PayMore buys and sells pre-owned electronics to help reduce e-waste in Anaheim. On February 6th she had the opportunity to visit the Anaheim Union High School District’s WorkAbility Program which collaborates with Anaheim Public Utilities to help special education students transition to work and independent living. The WorkAbility Program is funded by the California Department of Education and the State Department of Rehabilitation. Council Member Maahs shared that the District 5 community meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 19th at 7:00 p.m. at Sunkist Elementary School. She invited everyone to Katella High School's inaugural Resource Fair to be held on Saturday, March 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Council Member Leon thanked residents who attended the District 1 and District 2 community meeting on February 6th. He attended the Al-Karmel Market grand opening in Little Arabia off Brookhurst Street and Orange Avenue and he wished the business success. Council Member Leon congratulated his alma mater, Magnolia High School, on their International Show which highlighted diversity in the community. He stated that it was great to see the students have pride in their culture and traditions. Council Member Leon shared a PowerPoint slide and announced the upcoming Youth Leadership Summit and Expo to be held 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 workshops are being finalized. Council Member Leon requested adjourning the meeting in memory of former City of Anaheim Employee and District 2 resident, Tobin Cross. He expressed condolences to the Cross family on behalf of District 2 and the City of Anaheim.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Manager Vanderpool apologized for his tardiness due to jury duty. He announced the City received a $21 million grant to address community needs along the La Palma corridor between Brookhurst Street and Euclid Street. The improvements will reduce flooding on La Palma Avenue, enhance bus stops and traffic signals, and upgrade lighting and amenities at John Marshall Park.
The Local Transportation Climate Adoption Program created by Senate Bill 198 provided Public Works the opportunity to partner with Anaheim Public Utilities and Community Services to incorporate the full spectrum of community needs in the grant application. 5 City Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 5:54 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Mayor Pro Tem Meeks pulling Item No. 4 for separate consideration. Council Member Balius requested to record an abstention for Item No. 7.
MOTION: Council Member Rubalcava moved to waive the reading of the resolution and adopt the balance of 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, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
1. Approve recognitions recognizing the Fire Watch Team for volunteering 311 hours patrolling east Anaheim during the red flag warning in January; and Bharat Patel as Citizen of the Year for Anaheim and A.C. Green as Person of the Year for the Cypress College Foundation’s Americana Awards.
2. Receive and file the list of Professional Services Agreements authorized by the City Manager in January 2025 and the list of Visit Anaheim Subcontractor Agreements approved by the Executive Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment in January 2025.
3. Approve Citywide Master Agreements for the rental of construction support vehicles, equipment and tools: Contract Number MA# 106-498338 with Sunbelt Rentals, Inc., in an annual amount not to exceed $700,000 plus a 30% contingency per year, effective until January 25, 2026 with one one-year optional renewal; Contract Number MA# 106-498337 with Herc Rentals Inc., in an annual amount not to exceed $300,000 plus a 30% contingency per year, effective until October 31, 2025 with one two-year optional renewal; and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute the agreements including optional renewals.
5. Approve a Cooperative Agreement with the cities of Santa Ana, Brea, Placentia, and Orange for the Kraemer Boulevard/Glassell Street/Grand Avenue Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project from Lambert Road in Brea to Dyer Avenue in Santa Ana for a term through December 31, 2030, which may be extended upon mutual consent of all parties; authorize a cost match in an amount not to exceed $130,655; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and the Director of Public Works to implement and administer the agreement.
6. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-017 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM ratifying and approving the actions of the Director of Community Services, or designee, in submitting an application for grant funds to the State Coastal Conservancy for the River Park Project, authorizing the acceptance of such funding on behalf of the City and amending the budget accordingly, and determining that these actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guideline Section 15306 [grant funds in the amount of $2,000,000].
Approve the naming of vacant land between Angel Stadium and the Santa Ana River Trail, currently proposed for development as a new park site, as River Park. 6 City Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
7. Approve minutes of the City Council meetings of January 23, 2024 (revised), July 23, 2024, and August 13, 2024.
Item No. 7 Council Member Balius recorded an abstention for Item No. 7.
MOTION: Council Member Rubalcava 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.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
4. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. C-3-2751 with the Orange County Transportation Authority for the State Route 91 Improvements from State Route 57 to State Route 55 Project increasing the reimbursable funds to the City of Anaheim by $1,201,000 for a total amount not to exceed $1,446,000; increase the Department of Public Works revenue and expenditure budget by $1,201,000 in the appropriate fiscal year; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment [Segment 1: SR-91 between SR-55 and Lakeview Avenue; Segment 2: SR-91 between La Palma Avenue and SR-55; Segment 3: SR-91 between Acacia Street and La Palma Avenue].
Mayor Pro Tem Meeks emphasized the importance for the community to be aware of the projects on the 91 freeway which impacts District 6 and all the City’s residents. She noted improvements are underway and the City is working with its partners at Caltrans and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to enhance the situation. She added that she requested Public Works outline the projects that will be coming forward.
Director of Public Works Rudy Emami introduced City Engineer Carlos Castellanos who provided the presentation. City Engineer Castellanos reported the item for approval of Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with OCTA for State Route (SR) 91 improvement project increasing reimbursable funds to Anaheim by $1.2 million, for a total of $1.4 million. He explained that OCTA, in partnership with Caltrans and neighboring cities, will improve mobility throughout the corridor by making operational improvements that will reduce weaving and merging between ramps and interchanges. He reported the project is divided into three segments, beginning with Segment One which is expected to start early 2025 to late 2027 to reconstruct the Lakeview Avenue overcrossing to improve the connection between the SR-91 and SR-55. He explained in its current configuration, there's significant weaving from vehicles traveling westbound on the SR-91 to reach the SR-55.
Mayor Pro Tem Meeks requested to display the configuration to show and describe the drop ramp locations.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Meeks, City Engineer Castellanos explained that they are a direct connection to the SR-55 to eliminate weaving from the SR-91. He added, in addition, the actual entry to the SR-55 is going to be further east which will reduce the distance to merge into those lanes. He added the entrance will be extended three times further to allow for a smoother transition into those lanes.
Director Emami added that the majority of the traffic and backup observed in the mornings in the westbound movement is due to vehicles entering from the existing Lakeview on-ramp and then trying to merge to the SR-55. He clarified there will be two different ramps that will converge onto the SR-91, one that drops down in the middle directly onto the SR-55, and the other for the westbound traffic that will use the same configuration, partially modified from its current location on the SR-91. 7 City Council Minutes of February 11, 2025
City Engineer Castellanos reported Segment Two, which is expected to begin in early 2026 to early 2030, will add an eastbound general purpose lane and then reconstruct the Kraemer Boulevard and Tustin Avenue crossings. He added that the segment, per the amendment, includes reimbursable costs of up to $700,000 for installation of a sewer liner and $500,000 for maintenance of a concrete barrier near SA Recycling. He noted it also facilitates a sewer easement exchange on the SA Recycling property. He reported Segment Three expected to begin late 2025 to mid 2029 will improve the connectors between SR-91 and SR-57 to add an auxiliary lane and reconstruct the La Palma Avenue overcrossing. He added staff intends to present the information at the upcoming District Six meeting the following week.
DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Pro Tem Meeks, City Engineer Castellanos confirmed the second segment will improve backup traffic from those entering the SR-57 from the westbound SR- 91 westbound. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks applauded the projects.
Director Emami noted the project will replace the La Palma bridge. He reported the bridge had been struck multiple times due to clearance issues. He explained that La Palma will be rebuilt next to the Republic Services site, which will require a number of overnight closures on the SR-91 freeway, which may impact traffic. He noted there will be plenty of outreach to inform the community.
Mayor Aitken thanked staff and requested they assist Mayor Pro Tem Meeks and herself in sharing the information with the community.
Council Member Leon reported that he is the representative on the OCTA board and referenced concerns from residents near the area in District Six on the east side regarding infrastructure and improvements. He added that he has been addressing residents’ concerns with OCTA staff and hopes the item is a step toward improving infrastructure.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Meeks moved to approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. C-3-2751 with the Orange County Transportation Authority for the State Route 91 Improvements from State Route 57 to State Route 55 Project increasing the reimbursable funds to the City of Anaheim by $1,201,000 for a total amount not to exceed $1,446,000; increase the Department of Public Works revenue and expenditure budget by $1,201,000 in the appropriate fiscal year; and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment [Segment 1: SR-91 between SR-55 and Lakeview Avenue; Segment 2: SR-91 between La Palma Avenue and SR-55; Segment 3: SR-91 between Acacia Street and La Palma Avenue], seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES –
0. Motion carried.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Council Member Kurtz requested to recognize District 2 resident Ernest Badalian, who will be turning 100 years old. Mr. Badalian is an immigrant from Armenia who purchased the 32-room Motor Lodge on Harbor Boulevard and attended meetings with Walt Disney.
Council Member Rubalcava suggested consistent meeting dates in 2026 to avoid wasting resources and to improve community engagement.
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ADJOURNMENT:
At 6:04 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council meeting, in memory of Tobin Cross.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk