Anaheim City Council
May 5, 2026

ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 2026
The regular meeting of February 3, 2026 was called to order at 4:00 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 January 29, 2026, with a revised agenda posted on January 31, 2026.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava (joined the meeting at 4:01 P.M.), Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:

Duane Roberts alleged a violation of the California Public Records Act. He explained that a responsive email was not produced related to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and within the scope of his request. He shared that he obtained the email from an external source and involved communications about a gathering with individuals with financial interests before the City. He reported that the California Supreme Court has upheld decisions regarding the disclosure of public business communications, including those conducted on private accounts. He raised concerns about the disclosure of records on personal devices and transparency within the City.

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were submitted related to the Closed Session agenda.

CLOSED SESSION: At 4:03 P.M., Mayor Aitken recessed to Closed Session for consideration of the following:

1. 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

2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RESIGNATION
(California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1))
At 5:01 P.M., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks
INVOCATION: Pastor Ethan Hedberg, Ambassador Church
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz
ITEM # 11
City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Without objection, Mayor Aitken requested to hear the Report on Closed Session Actions out of order.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: City Attorney Robert Fabela reported that on Closed Session Item No. 1, on a vote of 7-0, the City Council authorized the City Attorney to file a Petition for Receivership against Marylyne Patao, owner of the property located at 905 Emily Street. He announced that for Closed Session Item No. 2, the City Council, on a 7-0 vote, accepted the resignation of City Manager Jim Vanderpool, effective February 3, 2026 at 5:00 P.M., subject to a resignation notice and agreement.

PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Katella High School’s Spirit Squad for their collection of food and clothing for the community
Mayor Aitken recognized Katella High School’s Spirit Squad for holding a drive to collect food and clothing, directly helping those in the community. She shared that the squad showed school pride and the valuable lesson of giving back to the community. She added that they balance school, practices, and other responsibilities while giving back to the community.

Recognizing Randy Reyes for his years of service to the City of Anaheim Mayor Aitken recognized Randy Reyes for his nearly 50 years of service to the City of Anaheim. She shared that he began his career in 1976 as a Recreation Aide at Pearson Park, following his graduation from Servite High School. She added that he later grew into leadership roles, including as site director. She stated that since 2000, Mr. Reyes has been a welcoming presence at Brookhurst Community Center. She shared that his commitment to service reflects a family legacy, noting that his mother, Eleanor Reyes, worked for the Community Services Department and established the Tiny Tots program. She reported that in addition to his City service, Mr. Reyes spent 37 years teaching social science and physical education at Anaheim High School. She shared that he will retire in June 2026, leaving a lasting impact on the City’s parks, schools, and the community.

Mr. Reyes thanked the City for hiring him and shared his pleasure in serving the City. He thanked his family for attending, the participants in City programs, and his colleagues.

ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):

Recognizing February 11, 2026, as 2-1-1 OC day and February 2026 as 2-1-1 OC Month
Recognizing February 17, 2026, as Random Acts of Kindness Day Recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month
Recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month
Recognizing February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that for Public Hearing Item No. 10, the applicant has requested to continue the public hearing to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

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 113 public comments were received electronically prior to 3:00 P.M. [A final total of 122 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. – See Appendix.

Mark Richard Daniels commented on celebrity criticism of federal immigration enforcement at the recent Grammy Awards. He supported the remarks and voiced opposition to the role and presence of immigration authorities. He expressed concern about escalating violence and future harm due to federal immigration enforcement.

Susan Burrows expressed concerns regarding the alleged misuse of library equipment at the Haskett Branch Library. She shared that she found materials regarding items and literature to encourage public interaction with federal immigration enforcement activities. She questioned whether taxpayer funds were used to produce the items and materials. She emphasized her support for law enforcement and the respectful expression of different viewpoints. She also voiced her support for Love Anaheim.

Ruben Greg Soto shared his personal experiences and expressed concern regarding substance abuse. He alleged misconduct by individuals and institutions and shared his interactions with law enforcement. He expressed additional concerns about alcohol service at locations where minors may be present.

Jeanine Robbins raised concerns about corruption in the City and information leaked during Closed Session. She commented on high turnover rates for the City Manager and Chief of Police. She questioned transparency and accountability among City officials and raised concerns regarding law enforcement practices. She questioned the lack of investigation into the death of Jordan Brandman and the release of information in the death of Alberto Arzola, and development in the City by a former Council Member. She called for greater accountability and systemic change.

Mike Robbins criticized current and former Council Members regarding a lack of transparency and the influence of special interests on decision-making. He commented on discussions with the Angels, which include individuals from the previous negotiations. He raised concerns about funding priorities and campaign contributions impacting Council decisions.

S. Mercadante expressed concern about City decision-making influenced by special interests. She cited the Deer Canyon project as an example, noting evacuation safety concerns and documented evacuation issues. She stated that although there were documented safety concerns, the project was not denied unanimously. She expressed concern regarding the environmental and health impacts of Disneyland fireworks. She stated that the City approved the DisneylandForward project, although significant and unavoidable impacts were raised. She referenced the Angels Stadium deal and corruption investigation to call for greater accountability, independent decision-making, and efforts to restore public trust.

R. Joshua Collins raised concerns about homelessness and the challenges unhoused mothers face.

He questioned the actions the City is taking to support families and prevent student homelessness.

He emphasized the need for improved access to services and assistance for vulnerable populations, noting that some individuals have difficulty obtaining support through City Net. He proposed implementing an income-based “day fine” system to help prevent financial hardship that may contribute to homelessness.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Lizz Diaz shared her personal experience separating from her spouse and seeking stable housing for her and her children after losing her home. She described her employment efforts to make a living to support her family. She shared her involvement in the community through church service and volunteer activities. She expressed her desire to secure housing to continue to serve the community.

G. Price expressed public safety concerns over the proposed Festival project. She explained that the project is located in a high fire hazard area, citing risks over evacuation limitations, traffic congestion, and insufficient infrastructure. She stated that approving the project would create public safety risks and potential legal liability for the City. She questioned special interest influences surrounding the project and requested that the public hearing be reopened to allow for further community input.

Carina shared that she seeks justice for the death of Albert Arzola. She requested the release of the unedited body camera footage and the names of the officers involved. She expressed concern regarding the City Council’s response and engagement on the matter and called for more proactive leadership and action.

Lorranie shared personal remarks regarding Albert Arzola. She described his character, work ethic, and close relationships with his family and loved ones. She shared her grief over the loss and the impact on the families. She called for justice for his death.

Mariah expressed concern about law enforcement’s response to the death of Albert Arzola. She commented on the treatment of family members and children present, and the emotional impact on the families involved. She called for accountability, justice, and the release of the full body camera footage.

Grace A. called for accountability and justice for the death of Albert Arzola. She alleged patterns of excessive force by the Undercover Division and disputed claims by the Police Chief regarding individuals tagging. She expressed concern regarding the timeline of the investigation and the inconsistency between statements on the incident. She requested the release of the unedited body camera footage and increased transparency. She shared the ongoing emotional distress experienced by the family and community. She reported potential Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues in the Council Chamber.

Leslie L. expressed concerns over the Police Chief’s statements on the officer-involved shooting of Albert Arzola. She recommended that the Police Department improve public relations and communications training to restore public trust. She shared that Albert was a promising 19-year-old and noted the impact of the loss on the family. She acknowledged the apology issued by Council Member Rubalcava but raised concerns about the ongoing harassment of the family within the community. She highlighted the Arzola family’s contributions to the community without recognition.

She requested the release of the full body camera footage.

Sergio P. raised concerns over a reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) meeting at Angel Stadium. He noted that the meeting caused fear among employees and community members.

He questioned the City’s role and use of public resources in relation to ICE's presence on City property. He expressed his support of the Arzola family and described Albert Arzola as a motivated and determined 19-year-old with future aspirations.

Mayor Aitken requested that Assistant City Manager Garcia follow up with the Angels organization to confirm ICE activity.

Art Castillo shared his personal experiences working in Parks and Recreation and alleged mistreatment and exploitation of immigrant workers, including wage issues and retaliation. He recounted events he witnessed that were not publicly reported. He expressed concern about alleged City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

cooperation with ICE agents and raised issues regarding police practices and misconduct by officers.

He urged the City Council to listen to community concerns and work toward solutions to improve public trust. He expressed his sympathy for the Arzola family.

Joe Gutierrez expressed opposition to the Festival development in Anaheim Hills due to public safety concerns. He explained that wind-driven wildfires in the Canyon area are highly unpredictable and could result in significant damage and emphasized the need for preventative measures. He referenced previous major wildfire events and emphasized the importance of preparedness and proactive planning. He provided an example of Morgan Stanley employee Rick Rescorla who evacuated over 2,600 employees during 9/11. He urged the City Council to delay development until adequate infrastructure and safety measures are put in place.

Betty Farnsworth raised concerns regarding public safety related to traffic, evacuation routes, and infrastructure limitations for the Festival project. She opposed the development in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, citing risks to life and property. She referenced previous fire incidents to emphasize the dangers and community vulnerability. She urged the City Council to prioritize public safety responsibilities and to reconsider the project. She noted potential liability concerns if development proceeds without adequate safety measures.

Vance Dizney suggested retrofitting the Regal Theater and retrofitting ideas on the freeway.

Joni Gaynor shared her opposition to the proposed Festival development and requested that public comment be reopened for the March 3 City Council meeting. She explained that key questions had not been answered and the public had not been given a fair opportunity to respond to updated project proposals. She emphasized concerns over transparency and incomplete information, including consideration of alternative locations. She stated that reopening the public comment period would ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust. She commented that the Know Your Way evacuation plan is inadequate and unfamiliar to the public. She urged the City Council to prioritize resident safety and public trust before moving forward.

Dean Gaynor expressed opposition to the proposed Festival development. He shared his personal experience during wildfire evacuations, noting traffic congestion and hours to travel short distances.

He emphasized that existing infrastructure is insufficient and questioned the reliability of traffic studies that do not reflect real-life emergency conditions. He warned that adding over 1,000 additional vehicles would increase the traffic congestion in the area. He referenced his experience during the Lāhainā fires and the emotional impact of wildfires. He urged the City Council to prioritize public safety and consider alternative locations for the project.

Douglas Robbins spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival development, expressing concerns over evacuation safety and the accuracy of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). He stated that the EIR does not reflect realistic evacuation scenarios and underestimates evacuation times. He challenged the comparisons between the previous theater traffic and the proposed residential development. He urged the City Council to prioritize public safety and deny the project.

Christine Lopez Ediss spoke about the fatal police shooting involving her nephew, Albert Arzola. She called for the immediate release of the unedited body camera footage and questioned the use of force in the incident. She urged City Council Members to engage directly with the family and the community and take accountability. She called on the City Council and the Police Department to rebuild public trust through open communication and full disclosure. She emphasized the need for systemic changes in policing practices to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Pearl addressed the City Council regarding the fatal police shooting involving her brother Albert Arzola. She stated that her brother did not have a criminal record and called for the release of the officer's names and unedited body camera footage of the incident. She expressed frustration over the Police Department’s handling of the incident and alleged a lack of transparency and accountability.

She alleged harassment by the Police Department near her home. She urged the City Council to take action, engage with the family, and address community concerns about policing practices and public safety.

Bryan Kaye criticized current processes surrounding police accountability. He expressed concern over the reliance on current police procedures, including addressing investigations into officer- involved shootings, and called for changes. He urged the City Council to take steps to reform existing processes, improve accountability, and prevent future tragedies.

Shelly Robbins expressed opposition to the proposed Festival development project, citing significant deficiencies in the EIR related to traffic and evacuation analysis. He explained that the EIR relies on limited data, which did not account for extended peak traffic hours and congestion areas. He emphasized that the evacuation modeling does not account for real-world human behavior during emergencies. She expressed concern about the shift from low-density commercial use to residential.

She urged the City Council to deny the project due to unresolved safety issues.

Andrea Phelps urged the City Council to deny the Festival project. She explained that comparisons to the former movie theater use are misleading compared to the increased vehicle traffic for residential use. She suggested that the site remain commercial, which would benefit the surrounding residents and community. She expressed concern about evacuation safety, fire safety issues, and increased traffic in the community. She added that the Wildland Urban Interface Regulations require a 100-foot buffer zone and a five-foot non-combustible zone around the property. She referenced insufficient parking at similar developments. She explained that the project is overly dense, prioritizes profit over quality of life, and should be denied or reduced.

Engler Fish Phelps urged the City Council to deny the proposed Festival project. He expressed concerns about overcrowding and evacuation safety. He raised questions over the Know Your Way evacuation plan, including resident notification and coordination during an emergency. He questioned the need for the development, noting the project is not required under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). He requested that the City Council consider reducing the project’s density to improve safety.

Steve Herr requested that the City Council deny the proposed Festival project due to evacuation and safety issues similar to the ones mentioned during the Deer Canyon project denial. He shared his personal experiences evacuating during other wildfires, noting significant traffic congestion that prevented his wife from leaving the area. He expressed concern that adding 500 housing units would worsen evacuation challenges, increase traffic congestion, and strain the existing infrastructure. He urged the City Council to deny the project.

Dewayne Fillipi expressed safety concerns regarding the proposed Festival development. He explained that community opposition to the project is driven by previous wildfire experiences and doubts about the Know Your Way Evacuation Plan. He emphasized the need for better communication and transparency regarding the evacuation plan and resident feedback. He urged the City to build community engagement in the process to build trust and address safety concerns regarding evacuations.

Grace McGee urged the City Council to reject the proposed Festival project. She cited concerns over increased traffic, wildfire evacuation safety, and the project’s location in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. She stated that existing traffic congestion has increased due to freeway cut-through City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

traffic and noted that any additional units would strain evacuation routes. She expressed concern over the safety of families, children, and seniors in the event of an emergency. She noted that District 6 has contributed significantly to housing development and questioned the City Council’s position since the denial of the Deer Canyon project. She urged the City Council to deny the project.

Leida Erickson spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project. She described the challenges of evacuating with young children during a fire and emphasized the dangers of the existing evacuation routes. She shared that when her home was built, the City was zoned for low-density housing and expressed concern about the increased development over the years. She urged the City Council to consider the real-life risks residents face during wildfire emergencies.

Mazatl T. Tepehyolotzin expressed solidarity with Anaheim Hills residents regarding concerns over the proposed Festival project and with the Arzola family. He emphasized opposition to the development based on financial interest and called for protecting natural resources and open space.

He expressed concern over justice, transparency, and trust in local government. He urged City leadership to act in the community’s best interest and support healing and accountability.

Tannis Dunbar Soto spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project. She expressed concerns over wildfire safety, evacuation capacity, and traffic congestion in the area. She noted the area’s limited evacuation routes and vulnerability during emergencies. She urged the City Council to deny or delay the project until resident concerns have been fully addressed. She suggested considering alternative commercial uses for the site, including restaurants, grocery stores, or community services, rather than additional housing. She recommended that the City coordinate with transportation and public safety agencies to improve freeway access and emergency evacuation planning.

Tammy Hill expressed concerns over wildfire evacuations related to future development in the area.

She acknowledged the City’s Know Your Way Plan but questioned its effectiveness without testing.

She referenced the Paradise fire and emphasized how quickly emergency situations can escalate and the dangers of traffic gridlock during evacuations. She urged the City Council to prioritize realistic emergency preparedness and public safety planning. She encouraged the Council Members to work collaboratively and focus on shared community goals.

Doug Hill spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project citing wildfire evacuation and infrastructure concerns. He stated that the proposed rezoning could lead to expanded dense housing, inconsistent with the area’s original zoning designation and location in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. He shared his personal experience evacuating and the delays due to traffic congestion. He urged the City Council to prioritize infrastructure improvements and expanded evacuation routes before approving further development.

Andrew Winger expressed concern regarding transparency and availability of traffic and evacuation planning information related to the proposed Festival project. He referenced previous statements from City officials and Council regarding the traffic model used to evaluate evacuation impacts. He noted that the requests for the supporting study and related communication procedures had not been fulfilled. He expressed concerns that the City Council would be making decisions without the public having access to key supporting information. He formally requested that the City Council reopen the public comment period for the Festival project to allow residents the opportunity to review and respond to outstanding documents.

Teresa Ploum spoke in opposition to the Festival project, expressing concerns about wildfire evacuations safety, traffic congestion, and the uncertainty of the Know Your Way Plan. She acknowledged improvements in emergency coordination since the 2017 Canyon 2 Fire; however, she stated that the Know Your Plan remains untested. She questioned project testimony that additional vehicles would have a minimal impact on evacuation times. She urged the City Council to complete City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

infrastructure improvements before approving additional development and requested that the public comment period for the hearing be reopened to allow residents to respond to updated information.

She expressed support for greater transparency and accountability in community matters.

Linda Hurley expressed concerns regarding the proposed Festival project and the Know Your Way Evacuation Plan. She noted the proximity of a nearby senior living facility and raised concerns about the ability for elderly residents to evacuate safely. She referenced wildfire fatalities in other communities with limited evacuation routes as a cautionary example and argued that Anaheim Hills’ larger population and similar ingress/egress limitations could create significant risks. She urged the City Council to prioritize resident safety over development interests and deny the project.

Stephanie Dorantes addressed the City Council in support of the Arzola family. She called for accountability, transparency, and the release of information related to the officer-involved shooting.

She urged the City Council to take action to ensure accountability for the officers involved and called for justice for the family. She expressed opposition to the proposed Festival project, citing public safety concerns.

Marc Herbert spoke regarding concerns about transparency, accountability, and public engagement in City government. He referenced news articles, development-related concerns, and issues related to the Anaheim Community Foundation. He expressed concerns regarding the City’s management of public concerns and urged the City Council to improve transparency, responsiveness, and public trust.

Kenneth Batiste addressed the Council regarding concerns about accountability, transparency, and public safety. He referenced concerns about corruption and budget management in the City. He called for accountability in the death of Albert Arzola and urged the release of information related to his death. He spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project, noting concerns over wildfire safety, evacuation challenges, and impacts to the residents in the community. He urged the City Council to prioritize community safety.

COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:

Council Member Maahs thanked Anaheim Fire & Rescue for their visit to Sycamore Junior High and for providing sidewalk CPR training. She invited District 5 residents to a Community Open House on Wednesday, February 18th, at Sunkist Elementary School. She shared that information on street takeovers, Code Enforcement, fire preparedness, traffic safety, OCVIBE, and fireworks would be provided. She announced that Police Chief Cid would also be in attendance.

Council Member Meeks announced the District 6 Community Meeting on February 19th. She shared that she invited the Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works Department to attend to provide information on traffic and Know Your Way. She noted the additional exposure fire safety has received from the community. She encouraged the public to attend and learn about fire zones and communication methods. She noted the importance of evacuation methods and safety in the area despite the outcome of the Festival Project.

In response to Mayor Aitken, Council Member Meeks announced the meeting would be held at the East Anaheim Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m.

Mayor Aitken announced that community meetings would be held in each district and information would be provided on the City’s social media.

Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff Sergeant Grant Ward who passed away due to cancer. She expressed her condolences to his City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

family and recognized his sacrifices and cancer battle. She recognized the passing of Maria Ponce.

She thanked Director of Housing and Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter, who assisted Ms.

Ponce with finding housing. Council Member Rubalcava expressed her condolences to the Arzola family. She stated that there is an independent process associated with the incident and would be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office. She explained that the internal process for the City is to review alternatives and assured the family that the process is ongoing. She stated that the City Council would continue to work on what’s best for the residents. She requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Alberto Arzola. Council Member Rubalcava acknowledged the resignation of former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. She highlighted his work in the City and acknowledged the resilience and professionalism he demonstrated throughout his tenure. She shared that despite difficult times, he served as a steady source of stability for employees and residents. She added that the foundation he set for the City would remain. She thanked Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia for filling in. She addressed Department Heads, City employees, and residents, sharing that the City Council cares about the future of the City and would continue to advocate for the residents. She thanked Jim Vanderpool for his service to the City.

Council Member Balius shared that Mr. Vanderpool provided consistent leadership to the City during challenging periods. He noted that he was involved with advancing the Beach Boulevard project in District 1 and leading the City through the COVID-19 pandemic. He reported that Mr. Vanderpool was the longest tenured City Manager for Anaheim over the past fifteen years. He shared that stability in City leadership is an important factor in maintaining confidence in local government by employees and residents. He added that his tenure provided a level of consistency that was valued by the City and the community. He stated that as the City moves forward, the selection process would focus on the qualifications and the capacities necessary to lead the City. He thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service. Council Member Balius announced that the District 1 Community Meeting would be on Wednesday, February 4 at Brookhurst Community Center.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon shared his participation in the Point in Time Count hosted by the County of Orange every two years. He explained that the event provides an understanding of how many unhoused individuals are living on the street. He shared that the experience allowed him to hear individuals' stories and provide perspective. He thanked Housing and Community Development Department staff for joining him and their continued work. Mayor Pro Tem Leon echoed his Council colleagues' comments and thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service to the City. He reported that under his leadership, the City made progress on important priorities and delivered results. He added that leadership transitions can cause uncertainty, but expressed full confidence in the strength of the City and professionalism of City staff. He shared that the City’s employees are the backbone of the City and highlighted their dedication. He wished Mr. Vanderpool the best in his future endeavors and expressed gratitude to City staff who continue to work for the residents.

Council Member Kurtz thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service to the City. She thanked Assistant City Manager Garcia for stepping up and ensuring the City would move forward. She thanked the Department Heads for their commitment to the City’s residents. Council Member Kurtz shared that her prayers extend to the Arzola family. She shared that she looks forward to a full, complete, and transparent report on the incident. She assured the family that the report would come and the investigation would be thorough.

Mayor Aitken thanked the Syrian American Medical Society for the invitation to their event. She shared that the event was attended by doctors raise money for those impacted by the civil war in Syria. She highlighted the many members of the Syrian community who attended. She reported that she attended the United States Conference of Mayors, where she chaired a panel on arts and representing voices in the community. She added that she met with two United States Senators to discuss immigration and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to ensure safety in the City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

community. Mayor Aitken thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department for their work during the Disneyland Half Marathon. She shared that the course passed through Downtown Anaheim, small businesses, City Hall, and the Resort area. She highlighted the community meetings with Chief Cid and his outreach efforts in the community. She thanked the residents who attended.

CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:

Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia reported that District Community Open House meetings would begin on February 4, 2026, in District 1. He shared that all residents are welcome to attend. He added that residents can stop by at any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with no need to arrive at the start of the Open House. He reported that City leaders and staff would be present and available to connect with residents. He shared that each district’s open house will cover a variety of topics relevant to their neighborhoods and staff will be seeking high-level feedback and thoughts on what residents think about the stadium site. He shared that information on the locations and details of the open houses would be available on the City’s social media and website.

CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:43 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered, with Council Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 5 and Mayor Aitken pulling Item No. 6.

MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Leon moved to 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 Maahs. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

1. Receive and file minutes of the Cultural and Heritage Commission meeting of December 18, 2025; Library Board meeting of December 8, 2025; and Older Adults Commission meeting of November 20, 2025.

2. Appoint three new members to the Anaheim Workforce Development Board with terms ending June 30, 2030 [Karla Rodriguez and Kurtis Adams, representing business; and Richard Licerio, representing labor].

3. Approve Contract No. MA 106-498952 with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP, in an amount not to exceed $420,812.96, for the upgrade of the Fire Suppression System Panel:

Node 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents related to the agreement, in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 030421-JHN between Sourcewell and Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP.

4. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Motorola Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $981,885.95 for the purchase of Motorola 800 MHz radio equipment; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

7. Approve an Independent Contractor Agreement with the Coast Community College District, in the amount of $50,000 paid to the City, for the Strong Workforce Program Transforming Intermediary Partnerships for Student Success, for a term ending June 30, 2026; and authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement and any future modifications; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department’s Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget by $50,000.

BUSINESS CALENDAR:

5. Authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Velocity Truck Centers, in the amount of $331,635.41 for the purchase of one Freightliner packer truck; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 032824-DAI between Sourcewell and Daimler Trucks North America.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz expressed her support for the purchase of the vehicle. She inquired about the timeline to receive the new vehicle.

Director of Public Works Rudy Emami reported that the truck would take 18 to 24 months through the build and delivery.

In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Emami stated that service levels continue without the truck in operation. He explained that the requested vehicle is one of two in service. He explained that the truck is being replaced due to a fire, with insurance proceeds contributing to the purchase of the new vehicle. He added that due to the delays in vehicle acquisitions, the Department has been supplementing work with pickup trucks, stake bed trucks, and a smaller packer truck.

Council Member Kurtz thanked Public Works for being flexible and expressed hope the vehicle would be delivered sooner than 24 months.

MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Velocity Truck Centers, in the amount of $331,635.41 for the purchase of one Freightliner packer truck; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 032824-DAI between Sourcewell and Daimler Trucks North America, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

6. Approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Cameron Ridge LLC, at an average annual cost of $12,800,000, to purchase wind-generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Cameron Ridge Project for a ten year term (term aggregate of $128 million); approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Alta Oak Realty, LLC, at an average annual cost of $5,700,000, to purchase wind-generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Zephyr Park and Oak Creek Projects for a ten year term (term aggregate of $57 million); and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreements and any amendments or restatements to the agreements that are cost-neutral/reducing or that involve only minor administrative cost increases, and execute all related or implementing documents to the agreements, including documents contemplated by the agreements, assignments, collateral assignments, power scheduling agreements, and scheduling coordinator agreements; and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee reported that the item is for two Power Purchase Agreements to receive wind-generated energy and the associated renewable and capacity attributes.

He stated that the facilities are located near Tehachapi, California, approximately 30 miles southeast of Bakersfield. He reported that in Spring 2025, Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) issued a Request for Proposal, which received 16 responses. He shared that Terra-Gen Development Company, LLC (Terra-Gen) submitted a proposal for two facilities that had been operating since 1999. He noted that the facilities include approximately 120 wind turbines, providing a combined capacity of 78 Megawatts (MW), enough to serve 29,000 homes.

General Manager Lee reported that a key benefit of the facilities is that they could begin delivery soon after execution of the agreements, and the City receives renewable energy credits that assist with State compliance for renewable power regulations. He added that the capacity of the resource helps meet the original grid operator requirements for reliability and capacity. He stated that the pricing for the resource is $18.5 million per year, and includes energy, renewable attributes, and capacity. He noted that by bundling the components, the City avoids spending $6.7 million per year in separate market purchases wholesale, resulting in a net annual cost of $11.8 million. He added that the City only pays for the energy that is delivered. He concluded that the agreements support Anaheim’s clean energy goals while maintaining affordability and reliability for customers.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken requested clarification on the funding source for the agreements.

General Manager Lee confirmed that the agreements would be funded through Public Utility funds, not the General Fund. He explained that the Department maintains both an Electric Utility Fund and a Water Utility Fund, and clarified that the agreements would specifically be paid from the Electric Utility Fund.

In response to Mayor Aitken, General Manager Lee reported that residents support green energy initiatives, but have expressed concern regarding increased rates. He explained that APU has been transitioning away from higher-emission energy sources, noting the final took its final kilowatt hour of energy from coal last year. He emphasized the Department’s efforts to balance compliance with State climate policies while minimizing costs and maintaining affordability. He noted that the differential between the City and Southern California Edison is reaching 50%.

Mayor Aitken inquired about the City’s long-term plan on purchasing or acquiring an ownership stake in renewable power companies or if the City would continue to enter into Power Purchase Agreements.

General Manager Lee explained that the City’s current strategy is to maintain flexibility with energy procurement. He noted that staff explored installing battery storage adjacent to an existing plant and solicited proposals; however, the proposals received were costly. He added that maintaining flexibility is important as the City monitors market conditions, including tariffs and other factors that may affect energy costs.

Council Member Balius requested information on the estimated cost increases to the rates for the contract.

General Manager Lee explained that the agreement is part of the City’s broader $300 million power supply portfolio and does not represent a standalone cost increase. He stated that the contract accounts for approximately 6% of the overall portfolio and clarified that the City only pays for the energy it actually receives. He noted that costs can be offset through wholesale markets, and the agreement replaces former coal-based energy resources.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

In response to Council Member Balius, General Manager Lee reported that the City’s utility rate increases over recent years averaged 1.5% annually.

Council Member Balius requested clarification regarding the renewable portfolio standard of approximately 42% and how renewable energy percentages are calculated.

General Manager Lee explained that renewable energy projections are based on modeling using historical wind generation profiles. He noted that the wind resource has been operating since 1999, allowing the City to use historical performance data to estimate the amount of energy expected to be received.

Council Member Rubalcava commended General Manager Lee for his leadership and highlighted APU as a valuable enterprise asset. She highlighted the competitive rates compared to other utility companies and the reliability of Anaheim’s power system. She acknowledged the Department’s progress in technology and infrastructure modernization, particularly in improving remote outage detection and maintaining reliable service for residents.

MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Cameron Ridge LLC, at an average annual cost of $12,800,000, to purchase wind-generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Cameron Ridge Project for a ten year term (term aggregate of $128 million); approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Alta Oak Realty, LLC, at an average annual cost of $5,700,000, to purchase wind-generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Zephyr Park and Oak Creek Projects for a ten year term (term aggregate of $57 million); and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreements and any amendments or restatements to the agreements that are cost-neutral/reducing or that involve only minor administrative cost increases, and execute all related or implementing documents to the agreements, including documents contemplated by the agreements, assignments, collateral assignments, power scheduling agreements, and scheduling coordinator agreements; and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

8. Receive a presentation of the Chief of Police’s strategic priorities for the first 100 days in office, which includes his intention to learn and evaluate the Anaheim Police Department and the community it proudly serves [informational item].

Chief of Police Manny Cid thanked the City Council for the opportunity to present. He acknowledged previous Council comments regarding challenges and uncertainty during leadership transitions. He noted that every management level employee at the Police Department, sworn and professional staff, were present. He shared that each person has welcomed him with open arms and excitement. He thanked the Police Department staff at all levels and expressed confidence in the team to serve the community each day.

Chief Cid reported that his initial focus has been on assessing the organization, learning departmental operations, and building relationships internally and externally. He shared that he has been attending patrol briefings across all shifts to meet them and establish expectations for the organization. He added that he would be meeting with each section in the organization, including management to evaluate strengths and areas for improvement, and engaging with employee union leadership. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, trust, and establishing a shared vision for the Police Department. He emphasized the value of the Police Department’s management team and noted the importance of understanding the Department’s history and institutional knowledge to help City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

guide future improvements. He reported meeting with Department Heads, including Fire Department leadership, and praised the City’s executive leadership team for their professionalism and talent. He discussed outreach efforts with the City Council, school district leaders, business and resort stakeholders, and community groups to better understand community needs and strengthen partnerships. He noted his participation in community events and Police Review Board meetings. He announced his plans to re-establish the Chief’s Community Advisory Panel to provide feedback on policies and initiatives.

Chief Cid outlined key strategic priorities focused on strengthening the Police Department’s operations and workforce. He emphasized team-building as a foundational priority, noting the importance of fostering collaboration across all levels. He explained that the priority is achieved through clarifying expectations, focusing on the Department’s mission to serve the community, improving morale within the organization, reorganization, and supporting professional development and succession planning. He stated that creating a strong internal culture and maintaining high standards of professionalism are essential to the Department’s long-term success.

Chief Cid identified another major priority to reprioritize Patrol Operations. He reported plans to evaluate staffing and organizational structure to increase patrol presence in the community, improve response times, enhance visibility, and support proactive policing efforts. He noted that increased officer presence can help reduce and deter crime, address quality of life issues, and strengthen public safety in neighborhoods facing ongoing challenges, including gang activity, homelessness, and challenges along Beach Boulevard.

Chief Cid identified traffic safety and enforcement as a top community concern. He noted that expanding the Traffic Bureau is a priority. He noted the Bureau is important to work in and around the Resort District and for special events. He stated that expanding the Bureau would help increase efforts to address street takeovers and racing, e-bike safety, and other traffic concerns. He expressed interest in establishing a Commercial Enforcement Unit to support safety oversight for the City’s major commercial and entertainment areas.

Chief Cid highlighted the importance of building and preserving trust in the community through professionalism, accountability, and transparency. He reported that he would be evaluating the Department’s processes and policies, including use-of-force and pursuit policies, to ensure they remain effective and responsive to community expectations. He emphasized transparency in departmental operations and data sharing. He highlighted the role of data transparency and clear public access to departmental policies as key components in building public trust and maintaining accountability. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility within the Department, noting that effective management of overtime was necessary to support public safety services. He acknowledged that overtime is necessary to support public safety services, particularly for major events, the Resort District, and other large venue; however, the Department would continue to seek ways to operate as efficiently and responsibly as possible while maintaining service levels.

Chief Cid discussed the importance of long-term planning and preparing the Department for future growth and emerging public safety demands. He noted upcoming major events and developments in the City including the 2028 Summer Olympics, expansion of the Resort District, and OCVIBE, as opportunities that would require strategic planning and operational readiness. He emphasized the need to evaluate staffing models, invest in technology including drones, the Real Time Crime Center, and improve operational efficiencies to keep offices in the field and enhance service deliveries. He highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and collaboration with the Fire Department to respond effectively to natural disasters, major incidents, and other community safety incidents.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken thanked the Chief for meeting with each Council Member to discuss priorities. She inquired about future plans on staffing levels for sworn and non-sworn personnel.

Chief Cid acknowledged that public safety represents a significant portion of the City’s budget and emphasized that staffing is the foundation for effective public safety services. He explained that staffing needs are measured by an officer-to-resident ratio. He noted that with the City’s population, combined with the annual visitor volume, the City requires additional service demands beyond typical city comparisons. He explained that the national average is 1.5 officers for every 1,000 residents. He stated that a staff size of 500 sworn officers would be a reasonable long-term goal to maintain effective service levels while remaining efficient. He noted that reaching that number would require a phased, long-term approach and careful planning to balance service demands, employee workload, and fiscal responsibility.

In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Cid emphasized that technology will play an important role in the future of the Police Department. He highlighted the Real Time Crime Center as an example of technology improving operational efficiency, officer safety, and overall effectiveness. He noted that technology can serve as a force multiplier, helping address staffing challenges and improve service delivery. He discussed the potential use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline administrative tasks such as report writing to allow officers to spend more time in the field.

He emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with careful evaluation to ensure technology investments are practical, effective, and fiscally responsible.

Council Member Meeks thanked the Chief for his leadership and strategic direction during his first 30 days in office. She expressed support for the Chief’s focus on team-building and organizational planning and encouraged continued evaluation of overtime usage and staffing levels. She expressed concerns over potential burnout due to ongoing overtime demands, particularly for recurring annual events and public safety needs, and suggested that expanding staffing may be a more fiscally responsible and sustainable long-term solution than relying heavily on overtime.

Chief Cid acknowledged Council Member Meeks’ concerns and noted that he has engaged in discussions with the management team regarding a balance. He stated that overtime will continue to play a necessary role in providing public safety services, but emphasized that as staffing levels grow and efficiencies improve, overtime demands should be reduced. He noted that reducing excessive overtime is important not only for fiscal responsibility but also for employee wellness, emphasizing the importance of ensuring officers are well-rested, healthy, and prepared to perform their duties effectively.

Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Chief for the overview and commended his thoughtful approach to assessing the Department’s needs and operations. She expressed support for the Chief’s internal evaluation of staffing and resource allocation over the use of a consultant, emphasizing the importance of understanding operational needs before making budget decisions.

She highlighted concerns regarding concerns regarding overtime, particularly mandatory overtime, and its impact on employee quality of life, including dispatch staff and sworn personnel. She requested that the Chief work with City partners who enhance overtime in the City. She encouraged him to review staffing and reimbursement arrangements related to the City’s resort district and major events to ensure the City is adequately compensated for public safety services provided. She requested that he evaluate the staffing for major events at the Honda Center and Disneyland to assess the staffing needs and the fully-burdened costs to the City. She mentioned she received concerns from residents regarding overtime costs for a recent Disney event. She requested additional information regarding the Chief’s Advisory Council including the structure, purpose, and how community members would be selected to provide input and guidance.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Chief Cid confirmed that there was a citizens’ advisory committee at his previous department in the City of Glendale. He explained that they accepted applications citywide with parameters to attract different stakeholders from different cultural, faith-based, educational, and community stakeholder groups. He explained that the purpose would be to strengthen relationships, build trust, provide community feedback on department initiatives and policies, and improve communication between the Police Department and the broader community. He reported his intent to launch the application process later in the year once he completes his initial transition and assessment period.

Council Member Rubalcava expressed her support for the advisory group and encouraged the Chief to ensure broad and inclusive community representation. She emphasized the importance of including residents from diverse backgrounds, working families, parents, and neighborhood residents who have connections to the community.

Council Member Kurtz expressed support for the reprioritization of patrol operations, particularly efforts to reduce response times and increase officer presence in neighborhoods. She emphasized the value of officers building relationships within the communities, understanding neighborhood- specific concerns, and improving safety through direct engagement. She highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of underserved communities and ensuring equitable attention and public safety services across all neighborhoods.

Council Member Balius congratulated the Chief on his first 30 days in office. He inquired about current response times.

Chief Cid shared plans to improve transparency by providing regular public updates on key Police Department performance metrics, including response times, crime trends, and traffic enforcement activity. He reported that the current emergency response times are averaging six- to seven minutes, with a goal to reduce the average to five minutes or less.

Council Member Balius thanked the Chief for his commitment to sharing data and performance metrics, noting the importance of keeping both the community and Council informed about public safety trends and Department performance. He expressed support for the Chief’s planned review of departmental policies and emphasis on accountability to ensure policies are followed. He inquired about the future role of technology in policing, specifically whether existing tools such as surveillance cameras can be used more proactively to prevent incidents and improve public safety response, rather than solely serving as investigative tools after incidents occur.

Chief Cid reported that advancements in technology can support more proactive policing and serve as a force multiplier for the Department. He explained that tools such as real-time intelligence centers can improve situational awareness and help identify issues before they escalate. He mentioned based on his previous experience, he noted that increased technological monitoring can also generate additional workload for officers who must respond to those incidents. He emphasized the need to balance technology implementation with staffing capacity and operational demands, while noting that future technological advancements may allow for more automated alerts and improved efficiency.

Council Member Balius emphasized the importance of evaluating operational efficiencies, including patrol deployment strategies, noting that Anaheim’s geographic size may require a more decentralized approach to improve response times and coverage. He highlighted the effectiveness of the City’s homeless outreach efforts, citing a recent example during the Point-in-Time Count where a Homeless Assessment Liaison Officer (HALO) successfully connected an unhoused individual with services quickly. He inquired whether the Police Department is assessing strategies to address City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

individuals who repeatedly refuse services and whether additional approaches may be considered to better respond to ongoing homelessness-related challenges in the community.

Chief Cid acknowledged that while he is still in the early stages of his tenure, he is actively assessing the City’s homelessness response strategies and the effectiveness of specialized units such as the HALO team. He noted that part of his role will be identifying and removing operational obstacles to improve service delivery and responsiveness to community challenges. He stated that addressing homelessness may require collaboration across City departments, including evaluating environmental design solutions and potential enforcement tools in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office. He shared that the Department will continue exploring options and bring forward recommendations as needed.

In response to Council Member Maahs, Chief Cid expressed strong support for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, emphasizing its importance from both a public safety and community relationship-building perspective. He shared his personal experience as a parent and his own positive interactions with an SRO as a youth, he highlighted the program’s role in creating safe school environments and fostering trust between law enforcement, students, parents, and school staff. He noted that the City has made significant investments in youth services and stated he does not intend to scale back those efforts, but rather hopes to expand the program in the future to ensure full school coverage.

Council Member Maahs expressed her appreciation for his support of school safety and youth engagement efforts, noting the importance of school resource officers from the perspective of a parent. She commented on his emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, recognizing the value of maintaining a team-oriented focus in serving the community effectively.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon thanked Chief Cid for his early leadership and acknowledged the challenges of stepping into the role during a complex time for the City. He requested additional clarification on the Police Department’s role as a public safety agency, separate from immigration enforcement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community trust and ensuring residents feel safe contacting law enforcement without fear.

Chief Cid reaffirmed that the Anaheim Police Department does not participate in, assist with, or enforce immigration laws, consistent with State law, departmental policy, and departmental practice.

He emphasized that the Department’s role is public safety and maintaining community trust, and stressed that residents should not hesitate to contact police for assistance or to report crimes, regardless of immigration status. He acknowledged the fear and confusion that immigration enforcement activity can create in the community and noted that the Department would continue outreach and education efforts to reinforce the Department’s mission. He clarified that while the Department does not assist federal immigration enforcement, it is legally prohibited from obstructing federal agencies in the performance of their duties.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon expressed appreciation for Chief Cid’s focus on transparency, policy review, and community trust-building, emphasizing that public confidence requires a multifaceted approach and continuous improvement. He mentioned homelessness as a significant ongoing issue, , particularly in District 2, and acknowledged the work of the HALO team in addressing homelessness- related challenges. He suggested exploring the future creation of a narcotics unit to support HALO officers in addressing drug-related activity encountered in the field and suggested it as a potential long-term consideration for the Department’s strategic planning.

Chief Cid expressed strong support for re-establishing the narcotics teams within the Police Department. He shared his experience in narcotics enforcement at both the local and regional levels.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

He emphasized the importance of addressing street-level drug activity as well as larger-scale trafficking impacting the community, particularly given Anaheim’s location within the greater Los Angeles high-intensity drug trafficking area. He acknowledged that staffing constraints remain a challenge and noted that expanding specialized narcotics enforcement efforts would likely depend on future organizational growth and resource availability.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem Leon, Chief Cid acknowledged the City’s and Police Department’s significant progress in addressing homelessness, crediting the HALO team’s growth and effectiveness in delivering results. He noted that while additional work remains, the Department has made meaningful strides and continues to see strong value from the City’s investment in the program.

He reported that the HALO team still has a small number of vacancies to fill and indicated that additional staffing could further strengthen the team’s capacity, given the ongoing demand for homelessness outreach and services. He emphasized that the team’s work has been highly impactful and continues to provide substantial benefits to the community.

Council Member Rubalcava requested additional information on the strategies to address gang activity.

Chief Cid identified gang prevention and enforcement as a key priority. He outlined a three-pronged approach for gang enforcement, suppression, and deterrence, including positive youth engagement, continued gang suppression through visible patrol and enforcement in impacted neighborhoods, and strengthened investigative efforts targeting gang leadership and organized criminal activity. He noted that while the Department has strong foundations in youth outreach and patrol-based suppression, additional work is needed to enhance the investigative component, which he intends to strengthen in the coming months.

Council Member Rubalcava commended Chief Cid’s early leadership and the strong support shown by Police Department personnel, noting it as a positive indication of departmental morale and organizational culture. She emphasized the importance of respectful and positive interactions between officers and youth, highlighting the role law enforcement can play in shaping young people’s perceptions and futures. She praised community engagement efforts, including youth-focused programs and neighborhood outreach, and expressed support for the Chief’s vision and anticipated positive changes within the Police Department.

Mayor Aitken thanked Chief Cid and the Police Department personnel for their service and attendance.

Informational item; no formal action taken by the City Council.

9. Discussion and possible action to waive the attorney-client privilege as to a Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney’s Office – Ethics Division to the Mayor and City Council regarding “Gift Reporting Requirements for Section 87200 Filers (Form 700) and Analysis of Resort Stay Provided by a Donor”.

Mayor Aitken announced that she requested the item to consider an internal investigation into allegations regarding unreported gifts by the City Manager and potential failures to disclose documents in response to Public Records Act requests. She added that she requested the Ethics Officer’s memo to be released as a public record. She noted that the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) had initiated an independent investigation into possible gift reporting and disclosure violations, including public records compliance. She added that the District Attorney’s Office was investigating disclosures from the January 27th Closed Session. She explained that in light City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

of the external investigations, she would withdraw her request for staff and the City Attorney’s Office to conduct any further investigations. ‘
MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to waive the attorney-client privilege as to the Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney’s Office – Ethics Division, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon.

City Attorney Fabela advised that unless the Council waives the privilege, the subject matter and contents of the memo should be withheld from discussion. He noted that if the Council votes to waive the privilege, the memo would become a public record.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Rubalcava inquired if the District Attorney’s Office has subpoena authority to obtain documents protected by the attorney-client privilege.

City Attorney Fabela shared that in his experience, the District Attorney’s Office has procedures for reviewing and segregating potentially privileged records from materials used in an investigation, but he could not confirm whether that applies as a general rule.

In response to Council Member Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela reported that staff could prepare a memo for the public outlining the subject matter of the Ethics Officer’s memo that would provide the public information while preserving attorney-client privilege.

Council Member Rubalcava expressed concern about waiving attorney-client privilege, emphasizing the importance of preserving legal confidentiality and work product protections. She stated that waiving privilege could set a negative precedent and suggested instead requesting a separate memo for the public from the Ethics Officer on similar policy issues to provide transparency without compromising privileged legal communications.

City Attorney Fabela confirmed the Council could request a separate memo for the public. He clarified that waiving attorney-client privilege in this instance would constitute a limited waiver, not a blanket precedent for future privileged communications. He noted that any future waiver of privileged materials would require separate Council action.

Council Member Rubalcava stated that she would support the motion, explaining that the information should be publicly available. She acknowledged the City Attorney’s Office for preparing the memo.

She expressed concern about the item’s presentation but shared support for transparency and public access to the information.

Council Member Meeks concurred with Council Member Rubalcava’s position. She requested that the City Attorney and Ethics Officer review the memo to ensure that any confidential personnel-related information is protected and that disclosure does not create legal or privacy concerns for the City.

City Attorney Fabela stated that staff is comfortable with releasing the memorandum but will conduct an additional review to ensure that no confidential personnel-related information is disclosed.

Council Member Kurtz expressed concern regarding the item and shared that she would not be supporting the motion. She explained that allowing privileged documents discussed in Closed Session to be released could create concerns for future personnel matters, labor negotiations, and other confidential discussions, and stressed the expectation that materials shared in Closed Session remain protected.

In response to Council Member Balius, City Attorney Fabela clarified that the intent of the memo was to provide legal guidance to the Council on a matter receiving significant public attention and was not City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

the result of an investigation or fact-finding process. He explained that the memo was based on publicly available information and outlined applicable legal standards. He stated that the document was not considered a personnel record and could be released without disclosing confidential employee information.

Council Member Balius requested clarification on whether the memorandum was prepared in relation to an employee matter and whether it would be treated as a personnel document.

City Attorney Fabela reported that the information included in the memo would not meet the definition of a personnel record under the Public Records Act.

In response to Council Member Balius, City Attorney Fabela clarified that the proposed waiver is limited solely to the January 26, 2026 memo and does not extend to any other privileged records or documents. He emphasized that any future waiver of attorney-client privilege would require separate Council action.

Mayor Aitken expressed her support for the City’s Ethics Officer and emphasized the importance of transparency in sharing ethics guidance provided to the Council. She noted that the City Attorney and Ethics Officer serve as legal advisors to the Council, and that the Council holds the authority to waive privilege on a document-by-document basis. She supported releasing the January 26, 2026 memo to the public and relevant investigative agencies as a starting point for greater transparency. She suggested a broader policy discussion on making the Ethics Officer’s opinions publicly available.

In response to Council Member Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela confirmed that the waiver only applies to the specific memo.

Council Member Rubalcava requested clarification on how the City Attorney’s Office handles alleged Brown Act violations, noting that such complaints are typically reported to the governing agency where the alleged violation occurred, and inquired whether the City would proactively notify the District Attorney’s Office upon receiving such concerns.

City Attorney Fabela confirmed that the City Attorney’s Office intends to following the process and would cooperate with the District Attorney’s inquiries.

Council Member Rubalcava emphasized the importance of ensuring that any concerns raised by Council Members regarding Brown Act Violations are forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office.

City Attorney Fabela clarified that the City’s role is to advise and prevent Brown Act violations and, when inadvertent violations occur, to take corrective action to ensure transparency and compliance.

He noted that it is not the City’s practice to refer every potential issue to the District Attorney, but stated that clear and intentional violations would be handled differently and addressed through the appropriate channels.

Council Member Rubalcava expressed appreciation toward the City Attorney for providing guidance and educational materials related to Closed Session procedures and to the City Clerk for providing recent updates on the Brown Act.

MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to waive the attorney-client privilege as to the Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney’s Office – Ethics Division, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 1 (Council Member Kurtz). Motion carried.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

PUBLIC HEARING:

10. Applicant requests to continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO. 2023-00043
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR) NO. 358 AND
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM NO. 397

GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO FESTIVAL SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-1 WITH ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 18.108
(FESTIVAL SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-1 (SP 90-1)

ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) OF THE ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE

FINAL SITE PLAN
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 2025-00001
OWNER: OTR, an Ohio General Partnership, One California Street, Suite 2700, San Francisco, CA 94111
APPLICANT: Sean McEachern, Shea Properties Management Company, Inc., 130 Vantis Drive, Suite 200, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
PROJECT LOCATION: The project site consists of the entirety of the existing 85.7-acre Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan, generally located south of Santa Ana Canyon Road between Festival Drive and Roosevelt Road, in the City of Anaheim.

REQUEST: The applicant requests approval of a General Plan Amendment; Amendment No. 6 to Specific Plan No. 90-1, to amend the Specific Plan document and Chapter 18.108 (Festival Specific Plan No. 90-1 (SP 90-1) Zoning and Development Standards) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; Final Site Plan; and a Development Agreement to establish a new Development Area (DA 5) within the existing boundaries of the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan to accommodate residential uses in combination with the site’s existing commercial development. DA 5 would be created by reallocating land from the existing DA 2, reducing its size from approximately 48 acres to 31.8 acres. The resulting 16.2-acre area would form the new DA 5. All proposed development would be confined to DA 5, which encompasses Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 354-451-19 and 354-451-32. The proposed project includes the demolition of an approximately 62,676-square foot cinema within DA 5 to construct a 447-unit multiple-family residential community. The proposed multiple-family community would consist of a four-story residential building, wrapped around a five-level parking structure with one subterranean level. All residential units are single-story and include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options with private balconies or patios.

Project amenities include a clubhouse, two swimming pools, courtyards, a fitness center, and mail area. In addition to the project’s private amenities, the applicant is proposing an enclosed outdoor dog park along Festival Drive and bluff park along the north edge of the newly proposed DA 5, which would be open to the residents of the community and the general public.

The applicant requests the General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Amendment to allow for the proposed residential uses and the creation of DA 5. The General Plan Amendment would change the land use designation within DA 5 from Regional Commercial to Mixed-Use Medium. The Mixed-Use Medium land use designation allows for residential development in either a stand-alone or mixed-use configuration at a density of up to 36 dwelling units per acre, and the non-residential development at a maximum floor area ratio of 0.35. The Specific Plan Amendment would amend the Specific Plan No. 90-1 document to allow for the mixed- use land uses on a total of 16.2 acres (DA 5) and includes other text and exhibit amendments City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

related to signage, permitted uses, design guidelines, and development standards. The Specific Plan Amendment would also amend Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 18.108 (Festival Specific Plan No. 90-1 (SP 90-1) Zoning and Development Standards), to incorporate the proposed residential standards into DA 5 and other clarifying changes related to signage, permitted uses, and development standards.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City Council will consider certification of Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) No. 358, including the adoption of Findings of Fact, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) No. 397, and determine that FEIR No. 358 was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and FEIR No. 358 and MMP No. 397 are adequate to serve as the appropriate environmental documentation for the project, and no further environmental documentation needs to be prepared for the project.

ACTION TAKEN BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION:

Approved Resolution No. PC2025-033 recommending the City Council certify a Final Environmental Impact Report No. 358, adopt findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adopt Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 397 for the Anaheim Hills Festival Project and related actions; Resolution No. PC2025-034 recommending the City Council approve and adopt a proposed General Plan Land Use Element Amendment; Resolution No. PC2025-035 recommending that the City Council approve a Final Site Plan for the construction of 447 multiple-family units and make certain findings in connection therewith, as amended to add Condition of Approval No. 43 and renumber the Conditions of Approval to reflect the change; and Resolution No. PC2025-036 recommending City Council approve and adopt Development Agreement No. 2025-00001 by and between the City of Anaheim, and OTR, an Ohio Partnership. VOTE: 6-1 (Chairperson Walker and Commissioners Abdulrahman, Castro, Lieberman, Perez, and Tran-Martin voted yes; Commissioner Kelly voted no) (Planning Commission meeting of November 17, 2025) [continued from the Council meetings of December 16, 2025, Public Hearing Item No. 20 and January 13, 2026, Public Hearing Item No. 16].

Continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026.

MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:

Mayor Pro Tem Leon requested an appointment of an Interim City Manager at the February 24, 2026 City Council meeting and an item to discuss options on the recruitment process for a new City Manager with direction to the Human Resources Director. He requested a recognition for Radiant Brewery on their 5th Anniversary.

City Attorney Fabela clarified that the Interim City Manager appointment would be on the Closed Session agenda for the following meeting. He requested clarification on the timeline for the Human Resources item.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon stated there was flexibility on the item.

City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026

Council Member Maahs requested an update on the Lincoln Project located on State College Boulevard between Lincoln and East Street.

Council Member Kurtz requested a discussion on Anaheim Contigo’s funding, programming longevity at the current funding rate, and whether the program meets the needs of the residents.

Assistant City Manager Garcia confirmed that the item could be scheduled for the following City Council meeting.

Council Member Meeks added on to Mayor Pro Tem Leon’s request on options for a nationwide recruitment for a new City Manager. She highlighted the previous City Manager’s leadership and long-lasting initiatives for the City. She requested a nationwide recruitment similar to the Police Chief’s.

Council Member Rubalcava requested a memo from the Human Resources Director regarding the recruitment process, and that the memo be included in the presentation to the City Council for the City Manager recruitment item. She highlighted Mayor Pro Tem Leon’s request and reiterated that it be a public discussion and stated the importance of finding the right candidate. She requested the meeting adjourn in memory of Alberto Arzola, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, and Maria Ponce.

Council Member Balius acknowledged a resident’s question regarding the public comment period for the Festival project public hearing. He mentioned that speakers can address the City Council during the General public comment portion of the meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon requested an item on the potential expansion of the Anaheim Contigo program at a future meeting.

Assistant City Manager Garcia responded that staff would work with him on including the request with the item requested by Council Member Kurtz or if the item would be presented separately at a later date.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council at 9:19 p.m., in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, Maria Ponce, and Alberto Arzola.

Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk