BREA CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
BREA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MEETING
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
GENERAL SESSION
7:00 p.m. - Council Chamber
Plaza Level
CALL TO ORDERI ROLL CALL - COUNCIL
Mayor Simonoff called the General Session to order at 7:00 p.m., all members were present.
Present: Simonoff, Marick, Hupp, Stewart, Vargas
Pledge of Allegiance
Boy Scout Troop 707 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Invocation
Judy Walker, The Cause Church, delivered the invocation.
3. Commendation: Outgoing Commissioners and Committee Members Mayor Simonoff, on behalf of the City Council, presented Blake Perez, Thomas Donini, Joseph Covey, and Dan Phu with Commendations recognizing their contributions and dedication to the citizens of Brea.
4. Oath of Office for Newly Appointed Commissioners and Committee Members City Clerk Harris -Neal administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Cultural Arts Commissioners Robyn Valerie Price, Beverly Falco, and Linda Shay; Planning Commissioners Joseph Covey, Thomas Donini and Blake Perez; Art in Public Places Committee Members Judy Randlett and Margee Hills; Traffic Committee Members Rachel Hickenbottom and Darlene Chandler; and Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commissioner Irene Rifilato.
S. Community Announcements
Councilmember Stewart announced that the City and Republic Services will give away free compost on Saturday, February 18, from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., at Tri-City Park. He reminded residents to bring containers or buckets, and Republic Services staff will fill them with compost, and noted that here is a limit of 60 gallons per household and proof of Brea residency is required.
Councilmember Stewart announced that Love Brea returns this year on Saturday, April 22.
He noted that Love Brea is a great opportunity to serve the community and join a movement that is spreading across California. He indicated that service projects range from mulching The Tracks at Brea and helping those in need with home renovations and he also announced that project submissions begin February 13. Lastlyy, he announced that monetary donations are now being accepted and directed the community to the City's website for a direct link to February 7, 2023
4 submit a project idea or to make a donation.
Mayor Pro Tem Marick announced that OC Public Libraries invited the community to celebrate the Grand Re -Opening of the Brea Library on Wednesday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Councilmember Hupp announced that as part of the 57/Lambert Interchange Improvement Project, Caltrans will be conducting a 55-hour closure over the weekend to begin reconstruction of the 57 Freeway main bridge. She indicated that starting Friday, February 10 at 10:00 p.m., all lanes of Lambert Road, beneath the freeway bridge, will be closed and lanes will re -open at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13.
Councilmember Vargas invited the residents to a Community Workshop on Wednesday, February 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Brea Civic and Cultural Center to learn about the Affordable Housing Ordinance update process and to provide ideas and input on the draft recommendations. He indicated that participation is important to help plan for Brea's future.
6. Matters from the Audience
Sean Thomas spoke about the Engage Brea program, community engagement for the Arovista Park Modernization project, and congratulated Andrew Herrera on being appointed to the Board of Directors of the Brea Museum. He also expressed concern for the price of the restroom as referenced in Item 11 (Authorize Purchase of Prefabricated Restrooms and Trash Enclosures for Arovista Park).
Craig Faris spoke about historic articles found at the La Floresta development site and suggested raising awareness for the indigenous roots of the area.
Sara Watkins, AUsome Sauce, spoke in support of the Arovista Park Modernization Project, noting the project shows the City's support for the neurodivergent community and will promote healthy inclusion for all who will visit the park.
Matthew Harden spoke about taxes to residents of West Village and requested Council rescind the taxes residents pay that go to fund Central Park.
Keith Fullington announced that the Brea Ladycats made the playoffs and encouraged the City to sponsor more events in the Downtown. He also spoke about the traffic problems at Lambert and Peppertree.
Eric Hartzheim expressed concern for the traffic backup out of Arovista Park on Imperial during peak times.
Ellie Hartzheim expressed support for the Arovista Park Modernization project and requested staff consider adding monkey bars.
City Clerk Harris -Neal summarized the following written comments for the record:
Ted Collins expressed concerns regarding the City's plan to make Jasmine Drive an "exit only", thereby only allowing entrance to Arovista Park from Imperial Highway. He stated that staff cited "safety issues" with no details. He also expressed four other concerns including: 1) residents inability to go through the parking lot to make a right turn to Imperial Hwy; 2) cyclist crossing Imperial Hwy will hinder cars from making a right turn onto East Bound Imperial Hwy; 3) there will be delays for parents picking up their children from Arovista Elementary school because parent will only being able to turn right on the green light onto Eastbound Imperial Hwy; and 4) A possible backup at Jasmine/Berry from westbound Imperial Hwy drivers who will need to make a U-turn to enter the park.
February 7, 2023
Audrey Schroth expressed support for the upgrades to Arovista Park noting that she has a severely disabled daughter that would really enjoy the amenities. She stated that the accommodations will allow her daughter to have fun alongside her peers and it will also teach inclusion. She mentioned the swings and zipline and thanked Council for voting yes for the project.
Luis Murillo expressed gratitude for the new plans for Arovista Park stating that it will bring many new activities not only for user groups but also for the community.
City Clerk Harris -Neal also indicated that eleven (11) written letters from children in the community were received in support of the Arovista Park modernization project.
7. Response to Public Inquiries - Mayor 1 City Manager
City Manager Gallardo responded to public inquiries.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM - This agenda category is for City Council consideration of a wide variety of topics related to the City`s operations. Public comments regarding items in this section should be presented during "Matters from the Audience."
8. Arovista Park Modernization Concept Plan Review
Assistant City Manager/Community Services Director Emeterio introduced the item and spoke about the history of Arovista Park, prior dedication and community engagement, Deputy Director of Community Services Matlock presented a Powerpoint and spoke about the project history, project timeline, community engagement, community input and funding.
Senior Management Analyst Colacion continued the presentation and spoke about the north parking lot, sports fields, jubilee grove, athletic courts, southwest area, playground area overview, play features, and park amenities.
Traffic Engineer Roseman discussed the intersection of Jasmine Avenue and Imperial Highway and spoke about the driveways, sound wall, driveway exit and signal timing.
Council discussed traffic synchronization, methodology of exiting the park, and possible opportunities to work with Caltrans to make adjustments to the signal timing during peak times. Council directed staff to arrange for Traffic Committee review of these issues.
Parks Superintendent Bowlus spoke about project next steps and delivery and installation time for the prefabricated restrooms and trash enclosures.
Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commissioners Realon and Livingston spoke about their review of the project, indicated the entire Commission is in full support of the project and recommended approval of the project.
Council thanked staff for their hard work on the project.
Motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Marick, seconded by Council Member Hupp to approve the Arovista Park Modernization Concept Plans, as presented and referred the item to the Traffic Committee to review issues such as traffic synchronization and methodology of exiting the park.
AYES: Mayor Simonoff, Mayor Pro Tem Marick, Council Member Hupp, Council Member Stewart, Council Member Vargas
February 7, 2023
1 Passed
CONSENT CALENDAR - The City Council/Successor Agency approves all Consent Calendar matters with one motion unless Council/Agency or Staff requests further discussion of a particular item. Items of concern regarding Consent Calendar matters should be presented during "Matters from the Audience. "
CITY COUNCIL - CONSENT
9. January 17, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes The City Council approved the January 17, 2023 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes as amended.
10. AB 361 Findings for Special Brown Act Requirements for Teleconference Meetings The City Council made the following findings: (1) the City Council has reconsidered the circumstances of the COVID-19 state of emergency; and (2) the COVID-19 state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members of the City's legislative bodies (including commissions and committees) to meet safely in person.
11. Authorize Purchase of Prefabricated Restrooms and Trash Enclosures for Arovista Park Modernization, CIP 7978
The City Council approved the purchase of prefabricated restrooms and trash enclosures from Public Restroom Company in the amount of $1,453,052.00.
12. December 2022 Outgoing Payment Log and January 13, 20, & 27, 2023 City Disbursement Registers
The City Council received and filed the December 2022 Outgoing Payment Log and January 13, 20, & 27, 2023 City Disbursement Registers.
Motion was made by Council Member Hupp, seconded by Council Member Vargas to approve City Council Consent Items 9 - 12, with item 9 as amended.
AYES: Mayor Simonoff, Mayor Pro Tem Marick, Council Member Hupp, Council Member Stewart, Council Member Vargas
Passed
CITY/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY - CONSENT
13. January 13, 2023 Successor Agency Disbursement Register The City Council, as the Successor Agency, received and filed the December 2022 Outgoing Payment Log and January 13, 20, & 27, 2023 City Disbursement Registers.
Motion was made by Council Member Vargas, seconded by Council Member Hupp to approve City/Successor Agency Consent Item 13.
AYES: Mayor Simonoff, Mayor Pro Tern Marick, Council Member Hupp, Council Member Stewart, Council Member Vargas
Passed --
ADMINISTRATIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS
February 7, 2023
A
14. City Manager
None.
15. City Attorney
None.
16. Council Requests
Councilmember Hupp requested that staff bring an item to a future meeting discussing Council's opposition to the Brea Canyon Widening project.
Councilmember Vargas spoke about the Council's stance on Community Facilities Districts {CFD} assessments on future developments.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Simonoff adjourned the General Session at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lillian Harris -Neal, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby
approved this 21 st day of February, 2023.
rty im o y r
February 7, 2023
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