ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024
HELD ON DECEMBER 10, 2024 AND
REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2024
The regular adjourned meeting of November 19, 2024 held on December 10, 2024 was called to order at 3:02 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 December 5, 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: Father Michael Pontarelli, St. Juliana Falconieri Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Jose Diaz
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.
Mike Robbins acknowledged the departure of Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz, noting Council Member Faessel's eight-year tenure and $1.5 million received from special interests. He criticized the institution that stifles democracy in Anaheim, mentioning the high cost of votes.
Paul Hyek expressed his desire to help set up and run a winter shelter for the homeless.
Monica Robles, Asociacion de Emprendedor@s Founder and President, thanked Council Member Fassel for his support to the Monolingual Hispanic community during difficult times.
She also thanked Council Member Diaz, Mayor Aitken, and all Council Members for their support in recent years.
Barbara Gerovac thanked Council Member Fassel for his support in opening Anaheim Brewery and for his friendship and assistance.
David Bartash praised Council Member Fassel's character and private actions, including advocating for City LED lighting near the school his children attended and resolving street issues with the assistance of the City Manager and Department of Public Works. Mr. Bartash stated he was also thankful that Council Member Faessel hired his wife and assisted residents at all hours with a sewer pipe leak or an eviction.
ITEM # 19
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
Ben Hurst, Director of The Salvation Army, Center of Hope, thanked Council Member Faessel for his courage and leadership in building the Anaheim Emergency Shelter, the Center of Hope, and the Center for Applied Research and Innovation for the Salvation Army. He shared that the family of Private Raymond Oliver who tragically lost his life when he checked himself out of the shelter, are also grateful for the leadership of the City Council regarding the establishment of the emergency shelter.
Marc Hebert stated that public engagement and transparency are still an issue in Anaheim. He criticized the City's Housing Element, stating it falls short of the state's affordable housing target.
Mr. Herbert stated that there are also entry discrepancies in the public posting of City Council calendars.
Anthony Monroy, representing Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva's Office, thanked Council Member Diaz and Council Member Faessel for their service and dedication to Anaheim and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Erika Nguyen (Miller) Chair of the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission and Founding Member of Chance Theater, thanked Council Member Faessel for his support of the arts and community enrichment in Anaheim. She stated that Council Member Faessel’s legacy of service and kindness will continue to resonate throughout Anaheim. Ms. Nguyen welcomed Council Member-Elect Kristen M. Maahs to the City Council and congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz.
Gloria Ma’ae thanked the City Council for communicating and working well together, regardless of difference of opinions and views. She also thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their leadership, mentorship, and friendship. Ms. Ma’ae congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz and welcomed Council Member-Elect Kristen M. Maahs and Council Member-Elect Ryan Balius to the City Council.
Carol Latham thanked Council Member Diaz for his dedication to the City of Anaheim. She thanked Council Member Faessel for his knowledge, impact across every District, and support, especially in the arts. She congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz and welcomed Council Member-Elect Kristen M. Maahs and Council Member-Elect Ryan Balius to the City Council
Chief of Police Rick Armendariz stated that he was humbled, honored, and proud to represent the City of Anaheim because of the unwavering support of the City Council and City Manager.
On behalf of the Anaheim Police Department, he thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their dedication to the community and public safety and presented them with flags flown over the police department.
Jose Duran, on behalf of the Anaheim Police Association, presented plaques to Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz, recognizing their exemplary leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Anaheim community.
Matthew Duncan thanked Council Member Diaz for being the only Council Member to meet with him regarding the City's Coyote Management Plan. Mr. Duncan expressed concerns regarding coyote trapping by Jimmie Rizzo.
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
John Baca, IBEW Business Representative, congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz on her re-election to the City Council. He thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their support and dedication to employees and presented them with gifts.
Andrea D. Manes thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their dedication and for crossing District boundaries to serve all residents in the community. She presented them with Greek cookies and invited them to the upcoming Greek Festival.
Kim Keys thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their leadership, integrity, and service to the City of Anaheim. She thanked Council Member Faessel for the opportunity to serve as a District 5 Planning Commissioner and stated it was a great learning opportunity for her.
Janet Saldivar thanked Council Member Diaz and Council Member Faessel for their support and dedication to the community. She thanked Council Member Faessel for embracing the Hispanic community.
Mark Richard Daniels thanks Council Member Diaz and Council Member Faessel for their service to the City of Anaheim. He congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz on her election and stated she was initially appointed. Mr. Daniels suggested changes to the City Charter to prevent candidates from moving into a district just to run for council, emphasizing the importance of long-term residents like Council Member-Elect Kristen M. Maahs running for City Council.
Greg McGafferty, a former staff person and developer, thanked Council Member Faessel for his dedication and service to the City, noting his thorough preparation and open-mindedness.
Lorri Galloway, former Council Member, thanked Council Member Fassel for his service and support, especially his knowledge of the City's history and his dedication to the community. She thanked Council Member Diaz for being kind and generous to The Eli Home for abused children and for paying close attention to the housing needs of the homeless. Ms. Galloway congratulated Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz on her re-election.
City Clerk Bass reported that a total of eight (8) public comments were received electronically prior to 1:00 p.m. [A final total of ten (10) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records.] – See Appendix.
City Clerk Bass read a statement from Dave Faessel, Council Member Faessel's older brother who could not be in attendance.
“Steve, I wish to congratulate you for your years of faithful service to the City of Anaheim. Ever since you were a youngster, you have been devoted to this community. I remember when the park men at Peason Park would ask you to help find missing water lines or valves, and you knew where they were. You were in the newspaper for Hi! Neighbor Day. You have written history books about the City. I believe that if you were cut, you would bleed Anaheim! I am very proud of all you have done, and I know if our parents and our sister Joanie were still here, they would be in the front row beaming with pride today. And congratulations to Susan as well, for all she has done and for all the support she has given you. I wish you great success in whatever comes next in your life City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
of service to Anaheim and the community. Withy love and pride, your brothers, John and Dave Faessel (from Cathedral City/Palm Desert).”
On behalf of the nearly 3,000 City of Anaheim employees, City Manager Vanderpool thanked Council Member Faessel and Council Member Diaz for their service and dedication, expressing best wishes for their future endeavors.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz thanked Council Member Diaz and Council Member Faessel for their service, highlighting their contributions and the camaraderie shared.
Council Member Meeks thanked Council Member Diaz for his efforts in revitalizing Beach Boulevard and his dedication to the City, emphasizing the lasting impact of his work. She thanked Council Member Faessel for his service and stated that Council will continue to lean on him for answers, opinions, and history.
Council Member Leon thanked Council Member Diaz and Council Member Faessel for their Service. He stated he appreciates Council Member Diaz's partnership and advocacy for West Anaheim, noting their ability to find common ground despite differences.
Council Member Rubalcava thanked Council Member Faessel for his service and long-term commitment to the community. She thanked Council Member Diaz for having the best interests of residents and City employees in mind. She stated it was a pleasure to serve with both Council Members.
Mayor Aitken stated that two new Council Members would be sworn in shortly for Districts 1 and 5 and she expressed support for their future service. She recognized Council Member Diaz’s efforts in District 1, highlighting his work on the Rebuild Beach initiative, public safety, support for local businesses, and his leadership. Mayor Aitken commended Council Member Faessel for his service during the pandemic, his extensive involvement in city boards and commissions, and his dedication to the community.
City Council presented a proclamation recognizing their service to the City of Anaheim to both Council Members Diaz and Faessel.
Council Member Faessel reflected on his long-term involvement in the community, starting from his childhood in Pearson Park and his early experiences with city crews. He shared his career progression, including his roles on various City Boards and Commissions, and his ultimate appointment to the City Council. Council Member Faessel shared the mentorship and support he received from city officials and community members throughout his career. He expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, and the community for their support and contributions to his success. A video of his time on the City Council was displayed.
A video of Council Member Diaz’s time on the City Council was displayed. Council Member Diaz highlighted and shared photographs of his time on the City Council and he emphasized the importance of staff in executing Council decisions. He acknowledged the contributions and achievements of various City employees, Commissioners, and department heads and praised their dedication and impact on the community. He reflected on his own journey to public service, motivated by a desire to improve District 1 and the City as a whole. He encouraged Council City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
Member-Elect Ryan Balius to be himself, ask questions, listen to different opinions, and to understand the impact of his votes.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 5:00 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Faessel pulling Item No. 02 for separate consideration.
MOTION: Council Member Meeks 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 to each City Council Member, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
1. Ratify proclamations recognizing Council Member Jose Diaz and Council Member Stephen Faessel for their service on the Anaheim City Council.
3. Approve an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA), in substantial form, with Anaheim East Vermont, LLC (Owner), which establishes a period during which the City and the Owner will negotiate the terms of a purchase and sale agreement of the property located at 514-522 E. Vermont Avenue; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the ENA and to take the necessary or advisable actions to implement and administer the ENA, including any extensions; and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the ENA, as determined by the City Attorney’s Office.
4. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-127 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024, declaring the results and such other matters as may be provided by law.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
2. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, AWI Builders, Inc., in the amount of $13,943,211 and a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed amount of $15,337,532.10, for the Anaheim Fire Station No. 12 (Platinum Triangle) Project, located on Parcel 1 of Parcel Map No. 2006-262 on South State College Boulevard between Gene Autry Way and Katella Avenue, and waive any irregularities in any of the proposal documents; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents, and to take such actions as are necessary to implement and administer the contract; direct and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions; authorize the Mayor to execute the Grant Deed to subdivide the parcel for Fire Station No. 12; and authorize the City Clerk to record the Grant Deed in the Orange County Clerk- Recorder’s Office.
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
Council Member Faessel stated that after a great deal of hard work and effort, Council is considering awarding the construction contract for Fire Station No. 12 in District 5, marking a meaningful step forward in enhancing the safety of the community.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, AWI Builders, Inc., in the amount of $13,943,211 and a 10% contingency for a total not to exceed amount of $15,337,532.10, for the Anaheim Fire Station No. 12 (Platinum Triangle) Project, located on Parcel 1 of Parcel Map No. 2006-262 on South State College Boulevard between Gene Autry Way and Katella Avenue, and waive any irregularities in any of the proposal documents; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and any other related documents, and to take such actions as are necessary to implement and administer the contract; direct and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions; authorize the Mayor to execute the Grant Deed to subdivide the parcel for Fire Station No. 12; and authorize the City Clerk to record the Grant Deed in the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office., seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Kurtz, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Meeks, and Faessel); NOES - 0. Motion carried PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: None
ADJOURNMENT:
At 5:02 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the adjourned regular meeting of November 19, 2024, in memory of Ron Eastman, to the regular meeting of December 10, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the River Arena, 201 E. Broadway, Anaheim, California, for the purpose of administering the Oaths of Office.
ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2024
The regular meeting of December 10, 2024 was called to order at 5:18 P.M. at the River Arena located at 201 E. Broadway, Anaheim, California. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on December 5, 2024.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Norma Campos Kurtz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council Member Jose Diaz
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
INVOCATION: Chaplain Nathan Zug, Anaheim Police and Fire FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Natalie Meeks
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
OATHS OF OFFICE:
District 1 - Council Member-Elect Ryan Balius
City Clerk Theresa Bass administered the Oath of Office to District 1 Council Member-Elect Ryan Balius.
Council Member Balius shared that he never imagined standing on a big stage and delivering a speech and stated that he is incredibly grateful for everyone in attendance. He thanked God for the path that he has guided him on and asked for his continued wisdom and guidance as he begins this new chapter of service in the community. He thanked his wife Angie for her unwavering love and patience and stated she has been the foundation of everything he has been able to achieve. He thanked his mom for instilling in him the values that have shaped who he is, and his brother for always supporting him, his mother-in-law Vonnie for her love and encouragement, all his family for their consistent support, and his campaign team for their dedication and passion. Council Member Balius thanked former Council Member Diaz who worked tirelessly to make sure that District 1 in the City of Anaheim is a safe and vibrant place to live; former Council Member James Vanderbilt for the years of support and friendship; former Council Members Gloria Ma’ae and Stephen Faessel for their wisdom and guidance; his campaign staff for all their assistance; Mike Christianson, his right hand man throughout this journey; the Anaheim Police and Fire Departments; and workers across the City who make life in the City possible.
Council Member Balius stated that there has been significant progress on Beach Boulevard in District 1, but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is his top priority because of the tremendous potential it has to be a resource for Anaheim in providing critical revenue to the City through hotel and sales tax, job opportunities, and housing. He stated improvements have already started with the undergrounding of the utilities along Beach Boulevard, progress at 39 Commons, and headway is being made in addressing the transient population along Beach Boulevard.
Council Member Balius shared that the City of Anaheim has officially taken over the management of the roadway of Beach Boulevard from Caltrans. He stated that as a 25-year resident, he is committed to expediting the development of 39 Commons, getting that grocery store up and running, and pushing forward with other commercial and mixed-use developments further down Beach Boulevard. He shared that the City has already acquired and closed five of the motels along Beach Boulevard and he will continue to push for their conversion into attractive residential spaces that everyone can be proud of.
Council Member Balius stated that it is crucial to maintain an overall focus on economic development and work hard to replace the sales tax revenue and the jobs that the City has lost because West Anaheim has been in decline. He will continue to focus on bringing in businesses that contribute to the community by providing better paying jobs, not only for West Anaheim, but for all of Anaheim. While Beach Boulevard is improving there are still critical issues with homelessness that must be addressed with compassion and urgency. Council Member Balius stated that more housing solutions that provide wraparound services must be identified and developed. He stated that he is committed to working with state and federal partners as well as local stakeholders to make progress.
Council Member Balius stated that public safety is another top priority for him because every resident deserves to feel safe, and he is committed to ensuring that public safety staff have the City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
resources they need to protect the community. With his background in Information Technology, he understands the importance of using cutting edge technology to maximize public safety resources and he looks forward to working with the Anaheim Police Department Real Time Crime Center and other innovative ideas. He will also join Mayor Aitken to ensure that Anaheim has the tools it needs to combat street takeovers to make West Anaheim an example of what can be done when everyone is pulling in the same direction.
Council Member Balius stated that he will continue to focus on the things that make a big difference in the quality of life of residents, including potholes, sidewalks, parking issues, and the streets that need attention. As a former Parks and Recreation Commissioner, he is committed to increasing park amenities and finding ways to restore some of the park acreage that was lost in District 1 over the past decade. He shared that one of his long-term goals is to build a dedicated senior center to meet the growing needs of the City’s senior population. He stated that achieving those goals will not be possible without the economic resources needed to complete them. That is why he is committed to protecting the Anaheim Resort because more than 60% of the general fund revenue comes from the visitor economy. He will work closely with the businesses in the Resort Area to ensure they have the infrastructure and the public safety resources they need to continue to make Anaheim a world-class destination. Council Member Balius stated that revenue is critical to supporting the services that make life better for everyone in Anaheim and maintaining that strength is vital. He stated that by working with residents, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods can be built making them more welcoming to all families.
Council Member Balius thanked everyone for their time, support, and trust. He stated he was excited to serve the community and to work in collaboration with his City Council colleagues as they collectively work together to make Anaheim the best place that it can be.
District 4 - Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz
City Clerk Theresa Bass administered the Oath of Office to District 4 Council Member-Elect Norma Campos Kurtz.
Council Member Kurtz thanked the residents, businesses, and workers in District 4 for their support and stated she is truly honored to be able to serve them. She thanked her staff, Nadia Villafana and Robert Mendoza for their service to the community. She thanked her family for their support and patience. Council Member Kurtz thanked her husband for being supportive and a sounding board when she needed to vent.
Council Member Kurtz noted that District 4 is home to 56,000 residents and the Resort Area, which is an economic engine, attracting 25 million tourists to District 4 every year. Most importantly, District 4 is the home of diverse, unique, and wonderful neighborhoods, and she will continue to commit to ensuring that every single one of those neighborhoods receives the same level of services as all the other neighborhoods throughout the City. To help with that she will need help from District 4 residents and businesses, including neighborhood champions like “Madres en Accion” at Guinida Lane and Ponderosa Park who work with her to improve the quality of life for themselves and their neighbors; champions like Julie who advocated for better lighting in the park near her home; champions like Francis, who worked to close down Disney's Gate 26 on Walnut Street to reduce traffic, noise and pollution; and Champions like Melinda and her mother, who spoke out when cars were speeding down their residential street. She stated that there are many District 4 champions and she would like to continue working together to ensure that neighborhoods are safe and clean.
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
Council Member Kurtz stated that while the Resort Area is in District 4, there are also hundreds of other large, mid-size, and small businesses in the area. She stated that just like Anaheim applauds and supports the growth of DisneylandForward and OCVIBE, she will also support the growth and success of all businesses, no matter the size. She stated that the Resort Area is the City’s economic engine, but the smaller businesses are the heart of the City.
Council Member Kurtz stated that there is no question that there is a need for housing, and Anaheim is not and has never been a Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) City. With Council support, the Anaheim Housing Trust was established, and staff is working on programs like first time home buyer assistance, vouchers, and working with developers to build low-income housing.
She noted that Disney is also contributing $30 million to the Anaheim Housing Trust as part of the DisneylandForward agreement and negotiations are underway with Resort Area hotels enabling them to offer housing assistance to their own employees.
Council Member Kurtz stated that she will continue to champion for increased services for older adult residents and a stand-alone Senior Center. She shared that staff is actively looking for a site for a permanent Anaheim Senior Center and because the need is immediate, they are looking for a pop-up site as well.
Council Member Kurtz thanked the City's Police and Fire Departments for serving residents, businesses, visitors, and workforce because if the City is not safe, the 25 million tourists will not visit Anaheim and businesses will not grow.
Council Member Kurtz thanked Anaheim City employees for their professionalism and dedication to the City. She stated that together all businesses, residents, and visitors are Anaheim, and things will get done the Anaheim way.
District 5 - Council Member-Elect Kristen M. Maahs
Jennifer Bender administered the Oath of Office to District 5 Council Member-Elect Kristen M.
Maahs.
Council Member Maahs shared that her best friend, Jennifer Bender, administered her Oath of Office and noted that they met in fifth grade at Saint Anthony Mary Claret and were VolunTEENS together at Pearson Park.
Council Member Maahs stated that it is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that she stands before everyone in attendance as the newly elected representative for District 5. She stated she is humbled by the trust and inspired by hope and ready to serve the great City of Anaheim with unwavering dedication. She thanked her family, especially Bruce Chloe, Arthur, and her parents for being her anchors and inspiration. Council Member Maahs stated that their love reminds her of why she does this work so that every family in this City can share in the sense of connection and support. She thanked Team Maahs, every supporter, every volunteer, and voter and stated she appreciated their time, encouragement, and willingness to take a chance on her. She stated the victory is for every resident, every family, and every individual in the community who believes in the power of unity, compassion, and hard work. Council Member Maahs thanked former Council Member Stephen Faessel for his dedication to the City, his encouragement along her journey, and for bringing back the old school public servant spirit to Anaheim. She stated that his impact on the City will be felt for generations to come. Council Member Maahs stated that as the proud daughter and granddaughter of United States Navy veterans, she thanked all active duty or veterans in attendance and thanked them for their service.
City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
Council Member Maahs stated that as she takes her oath, she is filled with both humility and determination. She stated that Anaheim is a city of immense opportunity, rich history and diverse communities. It is a city where neighborhoods, small businesses, and world class attractions come together to form the vibrant tapestry everyone cherishes. Council Member Maahs stated that she pledges to lead with integrity, an unwavering belief in justice, and fairness. Council Member Maahs stated that she promises to listen, to learn, and to act in the best interest of the community. As a Council Member she will dedicate herself to ensuring Anaheim is a place where everyone, regardless of age, ability, country of origin, job title, or circumstance, feels seen, supported, and valued. She stated that her family has been in Anaheim for over 100 years and she knows that families are the heart of the City. Generations should be able to live, work, and grow together in Anaheim, passing down traditions, values and dreams. She stated that for those who do not have family, Anaheim is their family, and the City welcomes, supports, and stands together.
Council Member Maahs stated that public safety will remain at the forefront of her priorities. She has heard from parents who hesitate to take their children to Anaheim parks, and from seniors who long to stroll through their neighborhoods but may feel unsafe to do so. She stated that is unacceptable, and Council should continue to invest in neighborhoods and make Anaheim a City where everyone feels secure in their community spaces. She will ensure that first responders have adequate staffing, training, and tools to not only reduce response times, but to take care of their own health and well-being, enabling them to continue serving the community with resilience and dedication.
Council Member Maahs shared that equally important is fostering a healthier Anaheim. She noted that public health indicators determine whether someone is feeling better, by improving access to nutritious foods, adding resources like a grocery store in the platinum triangle, or ensuring sidewalks and parks are safe and accessible, an environment can be created where health and wellbeing are within reach for everyone. Mental health is a vital part of the community's well-being, and she is committed to advocating for resources that support those in need. She stated that everyone can work together to reduce stigma and ensure that mental health is prioritized alongside physical health.
Council Member Maahs stated that there will be more music at parks and art at public spaces.
Opportunities for expression and economic opportunity will be created and will also be part of the vision for the future. She stated that jobs must be created to sustain families, support youth, and provide pathways for the next generation to build their lives in Anaheim. Council Member Maahs stated that to ensure every child in Anaheim can dream boldly and achieve fully, she is committed to ensuring that investments strengthen neighborhoods. She stated that every Anaheim neighborhood deserves to feel valued, and she will advocate for equitable development that reflects that the City has taken meaningful steps towards transparency.
Council Member Maahs stated she is committed to building upon that progress from decisions about future development to revitalizing parks and public spaces. The discussions will be open, inclusive, and conducted with the community's trust at heart. Council Member Maahs stated that as someone who has seen the challenges of living with disabilities through work and personal experiences, she ensured Anaheim is a City for everyone. Projects like an accessible skate park in District 5 can bring youth together in positive ways that foster inclusiveness. Children deserve safe places to gather, play and grow, and she looks forward to collaborating with the community to bring this vision to life.
Council Member Maahs shared that one of her earliest memories is riding her strawberry shortcake banana seat bike around Pioneer Park. She would post signs that said, do not litter. It City Council Minutes of December 10, 2024
is in that same spirit that she will clean up City streets. Council Member Maahs stated that she believes in a shared responsibility for keeping Anaheim beautiful. She stated that simple actions like picking up litter and caring for neighborhoods go a long way in fostering pride and unity in the City. Council Member Maahs stated that keeping trash off City streets protects and benefits the environment and together everyone can make Anaheim a city where every park, every street, and every neighborhood feels like home. She stated she is thankful for the opportunity to serve is ready to get to work.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Meeks welcomed the newly elected Council Members. She stated that every Council Member has similar goals for Anaheim, and they will all continue to serve with respect for each other to find the best answers for Anaheim moving forward.
Mayor Aitken thanked Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz and the newly elected Council Members for having the bravery to run for public office. She stated there is no shortage of opinions in the City of Anaheim, and she know that they have the faith, integrity, and the dedication to serve their Districts. She thanked their families for allowing the candidates to serve the City and to devote their time away from family and from leisure time on weekends to make Anaheim an even greater City. She stated that they are now part of a bigger family and that is the Anaheim family.
Mayor Aitken stated that once a Council Member starts serving, they are the representative of those who voted for them and the ones who did not vote for them, and she knows they will do an amazing job in serving all of Anaheim. She stated that Council Members may lean on her or staff for anything they need or any questions that you may have.
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:02 p.m., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk