ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2025
The regular meeting of October 14, 2025 was called to order at 3:04 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 South Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related material were duly posted on October 9, 2025.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Natalie Meeks and Council Members Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs. Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Member Natalie Rubalcava joined the meeting during Closed Session.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
CLOSED SESSION: At 3:05 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Meeks 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: Sandra Jaime v. City of Anaheim, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No.: 30-2024-01423933-CU-OE-CJC
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Winter Myers v. Anaheim Convention Center, City of Anaheim, Orange County Superior Court Case No.: 30-2023-01340784-CU-PO-NJC
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of Subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9): One potential case
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (General, Clerical, and Part-Time Units)
At 5:02 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 Kim Skilling, First Presbyterian Church of Anaheim FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Carlos A. Leon
ITEM # 12
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
PRESENTATIONS:
Recognizing October 5 - 11, 2025, as Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week Mayor Aitken recognized Code Enforcement Officers and their work across the City to increase residents’ quality of life. She shared that Code Enforcement Officer Appreciation Week is a time to thank officers who help keep the City’s neighborhoods safe, healthy and livable for everyone. She thanked the Code Enforcement team for their work which supports safe housing, fair standards, and thriving neighborhoods across the City.
Director of Planning and Building Heather Allen and Code Enforcement Staff accepted the recognition. Director Allen introduced new Community Preservation and Licensing Manager Marc Archibald.
Presentation by Anaheim Ducks Street Team
Mayor Aitken invited two members of the Anaheim Ducks Street Team and announced opening day for the Ducks season. She wished them a great season.
Ray and Sarah with the Anaheim Ducks Street Team thanked the City Council for the invitation and look forward to representing the City during the 2025-26 season.
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing October 5 – 11, 2025, as National Fire Prevention Week Recognizing October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day Recognizing October 2025, as Domestic Violence Awareness Month At 5:12 p.m., Mayor Aitken called to order the Anaheim Housing Authority, in joint session with the City Council.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: 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 seven (7) public comments were received electronically prior to 2:30 p.m. [A final total of eight (8) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. – See Appendix.
R. Joshua Collins requested that the City Council agendize an item to discuss code changes that would facilitate housing for homeless individuals at churches and other locations, and requested an expansion of current shelters or new shelters for seniors and disabled residents. He criticized the City for rising housing costs, large housing and programming waiting lists, and the lack of availability of beds at shelters. He called upon the City Council to prioritize housing over corporate subsidies.
Mark Richard Daniels spoke of his brother, who recently passed away. He expressed his appreciation for Council Member Rubalcava for her comments on his brother. He emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
Ruben Greg Soto shared his personal hardships and his connections with diverse members of the community. He shared the importance of kindness and perseverance.
Matthew Duncan announced that the City’s Living with Coyotes recommendations were posted on the City’s Facebook page. He shared that a statement regarding coyote trapping was removed from the site, and a new statement was added about coyote interactions. He reported that he participated in the California Fish and Game Commission meeting to clarify California Code of Regulations Section 465.5(g)(3).
David Tran reported excessive noise and vibrations from freight operations in his neighborhood. He thanked Council Member Rubalcava for stepping in to assist with the matter, which resulted in a decrease in activity. He shared that over the last few days, the activity has increased and requested consistent permit mitigation, transparency, and accountability to protect homes and health.
S. Mercadante criticized the Disneyland Resort’s ticket increases and their opposition to a proposed gate tax. She reported an imbalance in the relationship between the Disneyland Resort and the City and third-party interests influencing political activity. She urged the City Council to support a gate tax and investigate pay-to-play politics.
Vern Nelson reported recent cases of tenant issues in District 2, including illegal rent increases, new contract demands, and threats of eviction. He criticized the City’s lack of enforcement of tenant protection laws. He expressed his appreciation for Council Member Leon speaking to residents but called for increased tenant resources, rent control, and a local rent board. He invited the public to attend a Tenants United meeting on October 27th.
Jennifer Gies requested the City establish a Sister City relationship with Al-Khalil located in the West Bank. She shared her experience visiting the area and highlighted the social and economic challenges the residents face. She explained that she chose Anaheim due to the tourism industry and Little Arabia. She reported that no city in the United States serves as a Sister City to Al Khalil.
Ashley A. shared she was taking a political science class where she is to interview with an elected official. She formally requested an interview with Mayor Aitken and Council Member Kurtz.
Mayor Aitken provided her contact information and Council Member Kurtz shared that she would contact the speaker.
Marc Herbert provided information on a previous speaker Girlie Bloomquist and reported that she has not received assistance. He raised concerns about public engagement at Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) Advisory Board meetings, citing the lack of microphones and a lack of a central email for public comments.
Bryan Kaye addressed the City Council over concerns that the City Council was not addressing his petitions. He requested that the City Council meet with him to discuss the petitions.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Maahs highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the District 5 community barbecue on September 24th and shared that numerous engaged residents attended. The gathering was focused on strengthening neighborhood relationships and civic trust and served as a meaningful demonstration of interdepartmental coordination and community-based engagement in action. Council Member Maahs thanked the Police Department for the invitation and their sustained efforts to foster positive community relations. She thanked the Neighborhood Services and Library teams for their consistent commitment to accessibility and to resident outreach. Council City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
Member Maahs stated that CHIRLA was there to share about immigrant rights and Neutral Ground was there to provide resources. She stated that events like this reinforce the importance of collaborative and relationship centered approaches to local governments. Council Member Maahs attended Public Utilities' Public Power Week celebration with Rio Vista Elementary School’s fourth grade class. The program introduced students to the importance of public power and how community owned utilities contribute to the real life, reliability, sustainability, and accountability of the services provided to Anaheim residents. She thanked Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee and General Services Officer Melinda Avelino-Walker and their team for their continued commitment to community engagement. Council Member Maahs attended the Triumph Foundation's Annual Over- the-Line Wheelchair Baseball Tournament on October 11th, recognizing Andrew Skinner and the Foundation's efforts in creating inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals of all abilities. After his own spinal cord injury, Andrew was contacted by hospitals to support others facing similar challenges. Council Member Maahs celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day, starting at the Santa Ana River, City Hall, and ending at the Community Center. She shared that this is the sixth consecutive year that the City has formally recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, and it is a reflection on the City’s commitment to honoring the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities. She thanked Community Services Supervisor Liz Hernandez and City staff for their contributions. Council Member Maahs announced that the District 5 community meeting will be at Katella High School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. She invited everyone to stop by and share their concerns and to learn about City departments.
Council Member Balius thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Utilities for responding Saturday night to a car incident that caused a power outage on the west side. He shared that Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee and his team replaced the pole and got the power back on in a timely manner.
Mayor Pro Tem Meeks shared that last Saturday many families attended the Fire Prevention Fair to learn how they can protect their homes and what the City is doing to protect them. She thanked the Fire Department, Public Works, Public Utilities, and Community Services for coordinating a successful event. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks suggested a Fire Prevention Task Force to address vegetation and issues. She highlighted the importance of being prepared for potential disasters like earthquakes. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks announced the District 6 meeting at the East Anaheim Community Center.
Council Member Leon congratulated the Anaheim High School football team on their win over Magnolia High School. He thanked Council Member Rubalcava for loaning him an Anaheim High School jersey to wear. Council Member Leon requested to bring in the Anaheim High School football team to be recognized and noted he still owes them a pizza party. Council Member Leon discussed efforts to assist residents affected by the sale of District 2 properties. He shared that the Housing and Community Development team is trying to work with as many residents as possible to assist them and get them resources and information. Council Member Leon shared that the District 2 open house is on October 22nd at Magnolia High School in the new cyber security building from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He invited everyone to the Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat event on October 30th at Anaheim Elementary Key Campus off Ball Road, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Council Member Rubalcava highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including hosting a young Girl Scout, alongside Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster, who is earning her Government Badge. Council Member Rubalcava shared that she was interviewed by the Girl Scout, and she was able to share the work that the Council is doing on behalf of the residents in the City.
The Girl Scout was very impressed to walk the wall of mayors and see that the first female mayor in Anaheim’s 167-year history is currently serving on the Council. Council Member Rubalcava shared that staff also hosted approximately 20 Girl Scouts from Troop 3777, who were working on their City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
Democracy Badge. She thanked Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee, Community Services Manager Anaheim Sporn, City Clerk Theresa Bass, Police Detective Laura Lomeli, and Fire Chief Pat Russell for providing an educational experience for the Girl Scouts. Council Member Rubalcava highlighted the groundbreaking for the rebuilding of Patrick Henry Elementary School in District 3, which was funded by bonds. She noted that Council Member Maahs and City Manager Jim Vanderpool were in attendance as well. The students have been transferred to a different location for the next three years, but when it is completed, they will have a state-of-the-art facility, which the students in Anaheim deserve. Council Member Rubalcava discussed the new format for community open houses, which received mixed reviews but were generally well-received. The Police and Fire Departments were present to answer questions. Some of the concerns in District 3 are coyotes, fireworks, public safety, and clean parks. The open house forum provided an opportunity for residents to go to the different booths and get answers to questions from City staff. She thanked Mayor Aitken for attending the District 3 community meeting. Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Ducks organization for their support and for visiting the Packing House. She stated it was a fun experience to see a lot of people supporting the local hockey team. Council Member Rubalcava thanked Community Services for hosting the Fun on Wheels event on Pauline Street, a challenged area in District 3 with significant gang activity. She shared that there was a drive by shooting in the area the week before the event. Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Anaheim Police Department because they hosted a hotdog giveaway for the kids. Neutral Ground was at the event and provided resources. She shared that Neutral Grounds is a nonprofit that provides gang intervention and prevention in impacted schools, including Anaheim High School and Sycamore Junior High School.
Council Member Rubalcava recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, highlighting the importance of recognizing the land's ancestral homelands and the contributions of the Tongva Nation. She joined members of the community at the Anaheim Coves Trail alongside Virginia Carmelo, a third generation Orange County resident and Sandonne Goade, who is the Tribal Council Chairwoman for the Tongva Nation. She highlighted that in Anaheim, it is recognized that the land rests on the ancestral homelands of the Tongva people, the original caretakers of the region, long before modern cities were established. She shared that a bald eagle flew over right at that time. Council Member Rubalcava congratulated Gaby Sutter who is celebrating 13 years with the Anaheim Police Association as the Executive Director. Many of us know the President, but we know she's doing all the hard work. The Anaheim Police Association represents 400 plus, men and women, who are sworn officers in the City.
Mayor Aitken shared her official travel on September 26th to join mayors from across the country at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting in Oklahoma City, where the Oklahoma City Declaration condemning political violence and encouraging civil discourse was signed at the Oklahoma City Memorial National Memorial and Museum, which sits on the site of the deadliest act of domestic political violence in living memory over 30 years ago. She stated that the U.S. Conference of Mayors is a nonpartisan group of mayors from across the country, and she is proud to serve as their Vice Chair for Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment, and Sports Committee. Mayor Aitken shared that she joined Visit Anaheim for an official visit to Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico. This visit came at an important time and allowed her to share with Mexico that Anaheim is a great place to visit.
She noted that visitors from Mexico make up the largest group of international visitors to the resort districts, and their numbers have remained strong despite the dip in tourism to Anaheim and California and the nation in general. The visit also allowed her the opportunity to meet her counterpart in Guadalajara, Mayor Veronica Delgadillo, who also serves as the first female mayor of Guadalajara.
Mayor Aitken shared that the Sister City relationship between Anaheim and Guadalajara was formalized, making it Anaheim’s first Sister City in Mexico.
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Manager Vanderpool provided a general update on Angel Stadium, stating that there are no long-term discussions or imminent plans. The stadium is in the second phase of an ongoing assessment. Testing will continue throughout the off season, working around off-season events.
Once the testing is complete, the findings will be reviewed and analyzed as standard procedure, the last step in the assessment will be to hire an engineering firm for a final assessment based on the testing that is being done. The finalized assessment is expected mid-2026. City Manager Vanderpool shared that there is a new format for community District meetings. Three meetings have been completed, but there are three remaining. He encouraged the public to attend meetings that will take place in Districts 2, 5, and 6. He shared that residents could drop in anytime, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information is also available on the City’s website and social media platforms. City Manager Vanderpool invited everyone to a night of community and culture to celebrate a cherished Mexican tradition honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed. The Annual Dia de Los Muertos event will be held on Friday, October 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Center Greens Park. He stated there will be colorful altars, flowers, and live performances that celebrate life, memory, and culture. City Manager Vanderpool shared that the annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade will be held on Saturday, October 25th. This year, the festival will take place at Center Greens, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The parade will start at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, traveling down Center Street, Harbor Boulevard, and Broadway before it ends at Manchester Avenue.
At 6:06 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the City Council to address the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda and reconvened at 6:09 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Leon recording a recusal for Item No. 10.
MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to waive 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 Mayor Pro Tem Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES - 0. Motion carried. [Item No. 10: Council Member Leon recorded a recusal for Item No. 10.
MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN (Recusal) – 1 (Council Member Leon). Motion carried.]
3. Receive and file minutes of the Cultural and Heritage Commission meeting of June 19, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of August 27, 2025, and the Public Utilities Board meeting of August 27, 2025.
4. Approve recognitions recognizing October 2025 as National Community Planning Month; Anaheim Housing Authority's 50th Anniversary; Isabella Rodriguez for donating proceeds from her lemonade stand to support Gilbert High School’s teen program; Sophia Romero for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the community in District 3; and Anaheim Police Department officers and the Bank Manager for their professional handling of the incident at Bank of America.
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
5. Approve agreements with Mills Collision Center, Premier Collision Center Inc., Russ Ward Auto Body, Mahoods Inc., and G.U Collision Center, in an initial combined amount of $775,198.42 for the first year, for a cumulative combined amount of $3,875,992.10, plus applicable sales tax and a 20% contingency, to provide as needed automotive body repair services, each for a one year term with four one-year optional renewals, and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute all necessary contractual documents and renewal options in accordance with Invitation for Bids No. 412-288243-MQ.
Waive the sealed bidding requirements of Council Policy 4.0 and ratify a nine-month extension of the current master agreements with Mills Collision Center, Russ Ward Auto Body, and Premier Collision Center, in a total combined amount of $280,000, for the continued provision of automotive body repair services for critical vehicles during the solicitation process.
6. Authorize award of Purchase Order (Contract No. 515-407202) to All American Lock Corporation, in the amount of $408,864, for the removal and replacement of courtyard doors at the Anaheim Convention Center, and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute all necessary contractual documents in accordance with Invitation for Bids No. 515- 208900-AH.
7. Approve an agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc., in a cumulative amount not to exceed $500,000 including taxes, to perform forensic phlebotomy services for a one year period with four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Chief of Police, or designee, to execute any cost neutral amendments or renewal options under the terms and conditions of the agreement.
8. Approve the Catalyst Subcontractor Agreement with Charitable Ventures, in the award amount of $749,500, for the Orange County Business Council’s California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative – Catalyst Grant to support the Store One project, for a term expiring September 30, 2026, authorize the Housing and Community Development Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents for the grant, and to take any actions necessary to implement the agreement and related documents; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department’s Fiscal Year 2025/26 revenue and expenditure appropriations accordingly.
9. Approve the Catalyst Subcontractor Agreement with Charitable Ventures, in the award amount of $50,000, for the Orange County Business Council California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative – Catalyst Grant for a Permit Fee Waiver Pilot Program Feasibility Study, for a term expiring September 30, 2026, authorize the Economic Development Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents for the grant, and to take any actions necessary to implement the agreement and other required documents; and increase the Economic Development Department’s Fiscal Year 2025/26 revenue and expenditure appropriations accordingly.
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
10. RESOLUTION NO. 2025-089 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the Fire Chief, or designee to accept a grant award on behalf of the City of Anaheim from the Department of Homeland Security for the Fiscal Year 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program and amending the budget accordingly (grant funds in the amount of $8,326,980 inclusive of a local match of $3,192,009).
Item No. 10: Council Member Leon recorded a recusal for Item No. 10. MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES - 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN (Recusal) – 1 (Council Member Leon). Motion carried.
11. Approve minutes of the City Council meetings of August 12, 2025, August 26, 2025, and September 9, 2025.
BUSINESS CALENDAR:
12. Consider appointments to fill vacancies on the Housing and Community Development Commission for terms expiring December 31, 2026 and December 31, 2028.
Housing and Community Development:
DISTRICT 4 APPOINTMENT: Marc A. Flores (term ending December 31, 2028) (unscheduled vacancy)
NOMINATION: Council Member Kurtz nominated Marc A. Flores for the District 4 appointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES – 0. Nomination approved.
APPOINTMENT: (term ending December 31, 2026)
(at-large; tenant representative)
APPOINTMENT: Brian J. Stephenson (term ending December 31, 2028) (at-large; tenant representative)
NOMINATION: Council Member Balius nominated Brian J. Stephenson for the at-large; tenant representative appointment to the term ending December 31, 2028. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES – 0.
Nomination approved.
City Council Minutes of October 14, 2025
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS:
City Attorney Robert Fabela stated there was no reportable action for Item Nos. 1, 2, and 4. For Item No. 3, the Council approved 6-0 (AYES: Mayor Aitken and Council Members Meeks, Leon, Balius, Kurtz, and Maahs; ABSENT: Council Member Rubalcava) to join Long Beach in filing an amicus brief in support of a Ninth Circuit rehearing en banc in the case of Garcia v. County of Alameda in an effort to support ordinances making it unlawful to be a spectator at illegal street racing events.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Council Member Maahs requested to agendize a proclamation for Judy Koyama, the founding Girl Scout Leader of the Orange County Buddhist Church Troop for their 40th anniversary. She requested to recognize Extra Mile Day on November 1 and stated it is a day to recognize people and organizations in Anaheim who are creating positive change through their extra mile efforts in volunteerism and service.
Council Member Leon requested a recognition for the Anaheim High School football team.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council at 6:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk