CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
April 25, 2023
City Council Chamber
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
The regular meeting of the Irvine City Council was called to order at 4:02 p.m. on April 25, 2023, in the City Council Chamber, Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, California; Mayor Khan presiding.
ROLL CALL
Present: 5 Councilmember:
Councilmember :
Councilmember :
Vice Mayor:
Mayor:
*via teleconference
Larry Agran
Mike Carroll
Kathleen Treseder
Tammy Kim*
Farrah N. Khan
Following roll call, Vice Mayor Kim noted that she had been invited to attend events associated with a State Visit by President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea in Washington, D.C., and as such would be participating virtually in the meeting. She also noted that she was required to disclose whether any individuals 18 years of age or older were present with her and her relationship to those individuals, as required by Assembly Bill 2449, and confirmed that no individuals age 18 years of age or older were present with her during the meeting.
City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2023
1. CLOSED SESSION
Jeff Melching, City Attorney, announced the following Closed Session items:
1.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION: Significant Exposure to Litigation (Gov. Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) or (3)): One Case
1.2 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code§ 54956.8) - Property: 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618 and APN 580-49-114; Agency Negotiators:
Oliver Chi, City Manager; Pete Carmichael, Assistant City Manager; Jeffrey Melching, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties:
City of Irvine, Heritage Fields El Toro, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Dan Hedigan, representative: Under
Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
1.3 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Government Code § 54956.8) - Property: APN 590-17-404
Agency Negotiators: Oliver Chi, City Manager; Pete Carmichael, Assistant City Manager; Jeffrey Melching, City Attorney; Negotiating Parties: City of Irvine, Irvine Auto Dealers Association, Emily Benedict, representative: Under Negotiation:
Price and Terms of Payment
There were no requests to speak.
RECESS
Mayor Khan recessed the City Council meeting to Closed Session at 4:07 p.m.
RECONVENE TO THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Khan reconvened the City Council meeting at 5:27 p.m. City Attorney Melching , on behalf of the City Council, announced that no reportable action was taken in Closed Session.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Michael Kent, Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, introduced the Irvine Police Honor Guard and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Senior Pastor Jason Aguilar from Arise Church provided the invocation .
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2. PRESENTATIONS
2.1 Proclaim May 14 - 20, 2023, as "National Police Week" April 25, 2023
Mayor Khan introduced Michael Kent, Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, and members of the Irvine Police Honor Guard, and presented a proclamation recognizing May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week."
2.2 Proclaim April 28, 2023, as "Fallen Workers' Memorial Day" Mayor Khan introduced representatives from the following organizations and presented a proclamation recognizing April 28, 2023, as "Fallen Workers' Memorial Day":
• Domestic Works Nuestras Manos
• Union Local SMART 170
• CLUE Orange County
• SoCal COSH Orange County
Robert Torres, Organizer with Union Local SMART 170, spoke in support of the proclamation and providing safer workplaces.
Raymundo Castrejon expressed concern related to the lack of permanent safety measures provided to workers, and noted the importance of establishing a safety committee.
Maria Torres, Domestic Worker and Lead Organizer with Domestic Works Nuestras Manos, spoke about certain situations that she has experienced as a domestic worker, including low paying wages, and requested City Council support of Assembly Bill 686.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Susan Sayre, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to outreach efforts associated with the transition to districting and City Council expansion.
Alan Meyerson, Irvine resident, expressed concern about meeting decorum, and suggested that Councilmembers be held accountable for their actions during City Council meetings.
Debra Kamm, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to the lack of services provided to disabled students by the Irvine Unified School District.
Gabriel Montoya, SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, spoke in opposition to low wages earned by healthcare workers in Irvine, and expressed his desire to work with the City to address those issues.
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Jacquelyn Duley, X-Ray Technician with Kaiser Permanente, noted her inability to live on her own based on her current salary.
Dee Fox, Irvine resident, presented a video in opposition to a resolution introduced by Vice Mayor Kim at the April 13, 2021, City Council meeting based on its lack of inclusivity for other cultures. Eric Neshanian, Irvine resident, also spoke in opposition to the resolution, noting that Armenians should have been included in the resolution; and questioned why the proclamation proclaiming September 4, 2023, as Tae Kwon Do Day was considered and approved in March.
Hoiyin Ip, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to dissolving the Green Ribbon Environmental Committee until the Sustainability Commission was formed.
Raj Bhatia, Great Park Task Force Member, spoke in support of a smaller amphitheater at Great Park, and suggested that restrictions be put in place to mitigate noise concerns.
Don Geller, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to potential noise issues related to the proposed amphitheater and associated quality of life impacts to nearby residents.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
There was no report.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Khan
• Mayor Khan expressed her appreciation to City staff, Sunstone Management, Planet Innovation, IRA Capitol, UCI Beall Applied Innovation Center, and UCI Paul Merage School of Business for their support during a recent visit by Special Representative Dilawar Syed from the United States Department of State Bureau of Commercial and Business Affairs. The visit included opportunities to speak with Representative Syed and hear about the opportunities that were available through the United States Department of State.
• Mayor Khan announced the passing of Derek Venlet, also known as "Mr. V", an instrumental music teacher at Irvine High School since 2004. Members of the public are encouraged to honor his last wishes by donating to the Venado Music Program.
Mayor Khan also noted that the meeting would be adjourned in his memory.
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Councilmember Agran:
• On Friday, April 21st, Councilmember Ag ran attended the annual 2022 Senior Services Volunteers Recognition event at the Lakeview Senior Center, which highlights the selfless volunteers supporting Irvine's Senior Community. Senior Services benefitted from the assistance of more than 355 volunteers who collectively contributed over 21,000 hours of service to our community during last year.
Councilmember Treseder:
• At its April 19 meeting, the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) Board voted to replace Chief Executive Officer Brian Probolsky during Closed Session, which had been a work in progress for several months. The OCPA Board expects to appoint an interim from within its staff, and release a request for proposals for a headhunting firm to recruit a permanent replacement.
Councilmember Carroll:
• Councilmember Carroll provided a brief update related to his recent visit to the Irvine Animal Care Center (IACC), and expressed his appreciation to staff for their efforts in caring for animals. IACC is the largest City-run animal shelter in Orange County and has dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals available for adoption.
Volunteer opportunities are also available. IACC is located on Oak Canyon off Sand Canyon. Viewing hours are from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Vice Mayor Kim:
• Vice Mayor Kim announced that she was attending the State Visit by President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea in Washington, D.C. at the invitation of the White House, and would also be attending a joint session of Congress on April 27. She also noted that because of her trip to Washington, D.C., her coffee event that was scheduled for Saturday, April 29, had been postponed to Saturday, June 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Orange County Fire Authority firefighters will also be in attendance. • Last week, Vice Mayor Kim joined Councilmembers Agran and Treseder to commemorate Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day with members of the Armenian community. An official proclamation from the City was presented, recognizing April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
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• As the City's representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, residents are strongly encouraged to stay vigilant and dump-out any standing water around their property, especially in light of all the recent rain.
According to an Orange County Register article, mosquito season might be worse than seen in the past. It is critical to maintain yards and property to protect from any harmful diseases. For more information, visit ocvector.org. • Vice Mayor Kim expressed her commitment to ensuring the success of Orange County Power Authority, noting that much of the organization's early efforts had been critiqued heavily, but that she continued to believe in its mission. In the months since she and Councilmember Treseder joined the board, they have responded to an avalanche of negativity by changing out a number of policies and procedures.
Mayor Khan:
• The City is once again collaborating with UC Irvine on City of Irvine Day at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark on Saturday, May 6 at 1 p.m. Join friends and neighbors in supporting the UCI men's baseball team as they take on Hawai'i on a day celebrating the relationship between the City and the university. Discounted tickets for both general admission grass seating and home plate reserved seating are available by visiting ucirvinesports.comlirvine. Please note that UCI has a clear-bag policy. For information, visit ucirvinesports.com.
• The City is seeking feedback from residents to support efforts in developing a five year Children, Youth and Families Strategic Plan and a five-year Strategic Plan for Seniors. These plans play a crucial role in the development and implementation of programs, resources, and new opportunities for senior and family communities in Irvine. Residents ages 50 and older are invited to attend an upcoming outreach event on Friday, April 28, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeview Senior Center and will be presented in English and Hindi. Additionally, six outreach events will be held in May and will be presented in multiple languages. Details about these events, including dates and locations, are available online at cityofirvine.orglseniorplan.
Irvine residents are also encouraged to participate in an online survey for the Children, Youth, and Families Strategic Plan. The survey is available through April
30. For more information, visit cityofirvine .orglspcyf .
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• Mayor Khan expressed appreciation to those who have already taken part in the City's district formation process by attending community workshops, visiting the Drawlrvine.org website, and drawing district maps. There are still opportunities to get involved. On April 26, at 6 p.m. a virtual community workshop will be held via Zoom to learn about the districting process, and discover tools available to draw maps to ensure neighborhoods are fairly represented. There will also be two community workshops in May: Saturday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center; and Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at Lakeview Senior Center. To learn more about the Council Districting and Expansion process, visit drawirvine. org.
ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
City Manager Chi asked that Consent Calendar Item No. 3.8 (Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 23-07 Regarding Electrification of Newly Constructed Buildings) be removed from the agenda for consideration, noting that subsequent to the first reading, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the City of Berkeley's ordinance related to electrification of newly constructed buildings. He also noted that staff would return at the May 9 meeting pending review of the decision, and provide an update on the City's proposed plan of action.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
Prior to approval of the Consent Calendar, the following individuals spoke on Item Nos. 3.2 and 3.8:
Item 3.2
• Eric Neshanian, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to the Children's Day proclamation.
• Jim Kearny and Dee Fox, Irvine residents, spoke in support of celebrating diversity and not discriminating against cultures.
Item 3.8
• Ayn Craciun, Irvine resident, Policy Manager at Climate Action Campaign, spoke in support of integrating an all-electric utilities policy into the building code.
Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by Mayor Khan, and unanimously carried to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3.1, and 3.3 through 3.6. Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3.2 and 3.7 were removed for separate discussion, and Consent Calendar Item No. 3.8 was removed from the agenda at the request of City Manager Chi. See Additions and Deletions (p. 6).
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3.1 MINUTES
ACTION:
Approved the minutes of a regular meeting of the City Council held on March 28, 2023.
3.2 PROCLAMATIONSICOMMENDA TIONS
This item was removed for separate discussion at the request of Councilmember Treseder, who expressed her appreciation to Mayor Khan for amending language in the proclamation recognizing Children's Day in response to concerns raised by the Armenian American community.
There was no City Council discussion.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Treseder, seconded by Mayor Khan, and unanimously carried to:
1) Proclaim April 27, 2023, as "Iranian American Women's Day."
2) Proclaim May 1, 2023, as "Global Love Day."
3) Ratify and proclaim April 2023, as "OMV/Donate Life Month." 4) Recognize Children's Day.
5) Commend the Faith Community Nurses of Orange County.
3.3 WARRANT AND WIRE TRANSFER RESOLUTION
ACTION:
Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 23-35 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRVINE, CALIFORNIA,
ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND
SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE
TO BE PAID
3.4 2022 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE CITY OF /RV/NE
HOUSING ELEMENT
ACTION:
Received and filed.
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3.5 SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH AEROPHILE CALIFORNIA, LLC
TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE GREAT PARK BALLOON
ACTION:
Approved executing a sole source contract with Aerophile California, LLC in the amount of $600,000 in Fiscal Year 2023-24 and $600,000 in Fiscal Year 2024-25 to operate, maintain, and replace equipment for the Great Park Balloon. (Contract No. 11606)
3.6 APPROVAL OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND CONTRACT
DOCUMENTS FOR CITYWIDE CATCH BASIN CONNECTOR PIPE
SCREEN INSTALLATION PROJECT PHASE 3
1) Approved the construction plans, specifications, and contract documents for the Citywide Catch Basin Connector Pipe Screen Installation Project Phase 3.
2) Authorized staff to award the contract in accordance with the City's procurement and competitive bidding procedures, within the approved project budget.
3) Approved a new capital improvement project in the amount of $206,400 for Citywide Catch Basin Connector Pipe
Screen Installation Project Phase 3.
4) Approved a budget adjustment for $206,400 for the new capital improvement project.
5) Approved the engineer's estimate, construction
contingency and funding summary.
3. 7 TRANSIT SHELTER SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT 3
This item was removed for separate discussion at the request of Councilmember Carroll, who requested clarification regarding the terms and digital aspects of the proposed agreement.
Mike Davis, Transit Administrator, and Layne Lawson, Vice President of Public Affairs for Clear Channel Outdoor, responded to questions.
City Council discussion included: questioning the City's ability to utilize the sign and shelters to advertise City events; inquired about the Request for Quotes process; questioned the ability to go all digital; inquired about whether the shelter locations would be City branded; questioned whether multiple languages would be displayed; inquired about the differences between static and dynamic interactive signs; and expressed concern about the length of the proposed contract.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by Mayor Khan, to:
Approve Amendment 3 to the City's agreement with Clear
Channel Outdoor, LLC for Transit Shelter Services. (Contract No. 7035C)
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 4 COUNCILMEMBERS: Agran, Carroll, Treseder,
and Khan
NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Kim
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
3.8 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 23-07
REGARDING ELECTRIFICATION OF NEWLY CONSTRUCTED
BUILDINGS
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of City Manager Chi. See Additions and Deletions (p.6)
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4.1 APPROVAL OF THE HUD 2023-24 ACTION PLAN, FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS
Mayor Khan opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m.
Lisa Varon, Housing Manager, and Stephanie Takigawa, Senior Housing Analyst, presented the staff report and responded to questions.
Madelynn Hirneise, Families Forward Chief Executive Officer, expressed appreciation to the City Council for its continued support.
Naz Hamid and Soha Vizirnia, Community Services Commissioners, spoke in support, noting that the recommendations were unanimously approved by the CS Commission.
City Council discussion included: expressing appreciation to staff and the Community Services Commission for their efforts; and suggested enhancing advertising regarding the Rehabilitation Loan Program.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by
Councilmember Treseder, and unanimously carried to close the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by
Councilmember Treseder, and unanimously carried to:
1) Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 23-36 -A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRVINE, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING THE 2023-24 ACTION PLAN FOR FEDERAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS, AND EMERGENCY
SOLUTIONS ENTITLEMENT GRANT PROGRAMS AND
DELEGATING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY MANAGER OR
DESIGNEE TO MODIFY PRIOR APPROVED ACTION
PLAN ALLOCATIONS TO MEET HUD SPENDING
DEADLINES
2) Approve Program Policy revisions for the HUD-funded
Residential Rehabilitation Program.
3) Authorized the Community Development Department to
prepare, for City Council approval prior to issuance, an Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Notice of Funding Availability for HOME funds, a portion of CDBG
capital projects funds, and for any other available City affordable housing funds
4.2 ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT FOR LOGISTICS FACILITIES
AND WAREHOUSE USES (CITYWIDE)
Mayor Khan opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
Bill Rodrigues, Principal Planner, presented the staff report and responded to questions.
Mihran Toumajan, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, suggested that the City Council be mindful of allowing buildings close to industrial zones.
Doug Elliott, Irvine resident, expressed concern about housing availability and affordability, and that while the proposed ordinance falls within the prevue of the Planning Commission, issues of health and safety must be considered by the City Council when undertaking these types of decisions.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Treseder, seconded by
Councilmember Carroll, and unanimously carried by those members present, to close the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
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City Council discussion included: asking about existing requirements for these types of projects; expressed concern about potential increase in traffic and noise, along with other potential unintended consequences; questioned whether conditional use permits were required and if certain conditions could be implemented; discussed the consumer shift to online shopping and expedited deliveries; noted potential economic benefits from distribution warehouses; and reiterated that areas such as the Irvine Business Complex (IBC) were mixed-use areas as opposed to the village concept in other areas of the City.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Agran, seconded by
Councilmember Treseder, to:
Introduce for first reading and read by title only - AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IRVINE, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 00885409-PZC TO AMEND
SECTION 1-2-1, SECTION 2-9-4, SECTION 3-3-1, CHAPTER 3- 37, CHAPTER 4-3, CHAPTER 9-4, CHAPTER 9-34, CHAPTER 9-
36, AND CHAPTER 9-38 OF THE IRVINE ZONING ORDINANCE
BY ADDING, MODIFYING, OR DELETING CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS, REVIEW PROCEDURES, LAND USE
REGULATIONS AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING
TO LOGISTICS FACILITIES AND WAREHOUSES IN VARIOUS
LOCATIONS CITYWIDE; FILED BY THE CITY OF IRVINE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
The motion failed as follows:
AYES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Agran and Treseder
NOES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Carroll, Kim, and Khan
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
No further action was taken.
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5. COUNCIL BUSINESS
5.1 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER
CARROLL TO PREPARE A LETTER IN OPPOSITION TO SENA TE
BILL 423
This item was agendized at the request of Councilmember Carroll, who asked for City Council support to prepare a letter in opposition to Senate Bill 423.
Marika Poynter, Manager of Planning Services, presented the staff report and responded to questions. Tim Gehrich, Director of Community Development, was also available for questions.
Susan Sayre Irvine resident, spoke in support of the proposed letter.
Alan Meyerson, Irvine resident, inquired about the impacts, if any, to the County-owned land adjacent to Great Park.
Doug Elliott, Irvine resident, spoke in opposition to the proposed letter.
City Council discussion included: highlighting the importance of local control; discussed the impacts to affordable housing, residential villages, and the City's Master Plan if Senate Bill 423 (SB 423) was passed; reiterated that Irvine is a leader in the development of affordable housing; discussed the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements and whether passage of the bill would help meet those requirements; inquired about whether SB 423 would apply to student and professor housing at UC Irvine; expressed concern that SB 423 sidestepped CEQA requirements; noted the outcome of Senate Bill 9; suggested that the City Manager contact the City's state representatives noting the City's concern about SB 423; noted certain groups that support SB 423; and mentioned exceptions for state-owned land.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by
Councilmember Agran, to:
Transmit a letter in opposition to Senate Bill 423, to be signed by members of the City Council who voted in favor, as amended to remove the following language from the third paragraph as follows:
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" ... all while navigating the state's annual barrage of overreaching housing bills that have thus far demonstrated limited success. "
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The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS: Agran, Carroll, and Khan
NOES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Kim and Treseder
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
5.2 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY MAYOR KHAN TO IN/TIA TE
LEASE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IRVINE'S
INNOVATION LAB IN CITY OWNED OFFICE SPACE AT THE TRAIN
STATION
This item was agendized at the request of Mayor Khan, who asked for City Council support to direct staff to engage Innovation Council business executives in lease negotiations to establish an Innovation Lab.
John Shen, Sunstone Trust Company Chairman, and Irving Cao, spoke in support.
The following individuals spoke in opposition:
• Eric Neshanian, Irvine resident
• Doug Elliott, Irvine resident
• Jeremy Ficarola, Irvine resident
• Jim Kearny
Dee Fox, Irvine resident, inquired about whether there would be a charge for such services.
City Council discussion included: noting support by Innovation Council members; reiterated that the Innovation Lab would include other industries and professionals in addition to the technology sector; inquired about who the leasee would be, who the confirmed partners would be, and the duration of the lease; questioned the use of City property instead of privately owned space; noted similarities between the proposed Innovation Lab and the Small Business Administration; inquired about how the proposed Innovation Lab would be operationalized; questioned how much space was available at the Irvine Station; inquired about whether the City had an economic development strategy in place; questioned the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce's role in economic development; discussed removal of a cafe; inquired about whether FivePoint Communities was an official partner; questioned how long the proposed space at the Irvine Station had been vacant; suggested that the vacant space be used for nonprofit organizations; reiterated that the Prepared by the City Clerk's Office 14
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Innovation Council had met several times since its establishment to discuss and analyze data; and clarified whether the concept of an Innovation Lab was a City project.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll to call the question and end debate.
Following discussion, Councilmember Carroll withdrew his motion.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Khan, seconded by Councilmember
Carroll, and unanimously carried to:
Direct the City Manager and City staff to work with the Innovation Council to develop a work plan that outlines how the existing space at the Irvine Station, including with or without the proposed cafe, will be used, and also clarify who would be responsible for fulfilling the lease agreement as part of lease negotiations; and return to the City Council for consideration at a future date.
5.3 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM COUNCILMEMBER
TRESEDER TO DISCUSS THE ADOPTION OF A RESPONSIBLE
GUN STORAGE ORDINANCE
This item was agendized at the request of Councilmember Treseder, who asked for City Council consideration of an ordinance related to responsible gun storage.
Michael Kent, Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, provided a brief summary on current gun safety measures in Irvine and how those measures are enforced.
The following individuals spoke in favor of a responsible gun storage ordinance:
• Susan Sayre, Irvine resident
■ Sun Chambers, Moms Demand Action Member
• Alan Meyerson, Irvine resident
• Bita Karabian
• Patricia Boe, Moms Demand Action Member
• Ann Haley, Moms Demand Action Member
• Carolyn McAuliffe, Moms Demand Action Member
• Nini Wu, Moms Demand Action Member
• Hasti Soutehkashan, Irvine resident and Students Demand Action Member
• Emily Sosa-Hernandez, Students Demand Action Member
• Ayn Craciun, Irvine resident
• Doug Elliott, Irvine resident
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■ Melissa Masri, Irvine resident
■ Annie Liu, Irvine resident
■ Jeremy Ficarola, Irvine resident
The following individuals spoke in opposition :
■ Durwin Coustaut
■ John Hughes
■ Christina Shea, Irvine resident
■ Michelle Stephens
■ Nancy, Irvine resident
■ Gil Nelsen, Irvine resident
■ Michelle Schell
■ Steven Alves. Irvine resident
■ Mike Munzing, Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Aliso Viejo
■ Adam Torres, OC Gun Owners Member
■ Heather Hawke, OC Gun Owners Executive Director
■ Evan Wang
■ Eric Neshanian, Irvine resident
■ Dee Fox, Irvine resident
■ Jim Kearny
■ James Mai. Irvine resident
Harvey Liss, Irvine resident. spoke in support of training household members on how to protect themselves.
City Council discussion included: reiterating the right to bear arms as part of the United States Constitution; inquired about the practicality of owning a firearm if an ordinance was adopted; expressed concern that an ordinance would potentially override state laws; inquired about current statistics; questioned whether potential costs were analyzed, and whether the City was prepared to mitigate those costs; suggested training opportunities for gun owners; noted that gun locks were available in the police department at no charge; noted that other jurisdictions permitted loaded and locked firearms; suggested that the City Attorney assemble a list of measures that the City could take above and beyond what state law requires; suggested additional outreach to residents; inquired about whether the police department maintained a list of gun owners in the City; and suggested that staff return with additional statistical data.
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ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Agran, seconded by Mayor Khan, and unanimously carried to*:
Direct staff to return with data related to guns, gun storage, and gun use in the City of INine, and direct the City Attorney to prepare a gap document that outlines what measures the City could implement, as well as what the state is requiring, related to these matters.
* Following discussion of Item 5.4, a motion to reconsider this item was introduced . See page 19.
At 11 :30 p.m., it was suggested that the City Council continue Council Business Item No. 5.4 to the following meeting.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Kim, seconded by Councilmember Treseder, to:
Continue Council Business Item 5.4 (Consideration of a request by Councilmember Carroll to Adopt a Resolution Regarding a Proposed Hydrogen Mixing/Blending Plant) to the May 23, 2023, City Council meeting.
The motion failed as follows:
AYES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS : Kim and Treseder
NOES: 3 COUNCILMEMBERS : Agran, Carroll, and Khan
ABSENT : 0 COUNCILMEMBERS : None
ABSTAIN : 0 COUNCILMEMBERS : None
Councilmember Treseder left the meeting at 11 :35 p.m., and Vice Mayor Kim left the meeting at 11 :47 p.m.
5.4 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER
CARROLL TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION REGARDING A PROPOSED
HYDROGEN MIXING/BLENDING PLANT
This item was agendized at the request of Councilmember Carroll, who asked for City Council consideration of a resolution opposing a proposed hydrogen mixing/blending plant on the University of California, INine campus.
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The following individuals spoke in favor of the proposed resolution as presented:
• Ayn Craciun, Irvine resident
• Luette Forrest, Irvine resident
• Dee Fox, Irvine resident
• Doug Elliott, Irvine resident
• Cecilia Frankenfeld
• Melissa Masri, Irvine resident
• Sam Lassers, UC Irvine student
• Hoiyin Ip, Irvine resident
• Linda Kramer, Irvine resident
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution :
RECESS
• Grace Tsai, Irvine resident
• Nick Connell, Green Hydrogen Coalition
• Clarissa Serpas, Southern California Gas Company
• Dr. Jack Brouwer, UCI Professor
• Bobby Lavaguer, UCI graduate student
• Christian Rose
• Adam Wood, Vice President Building Industry Association of Southern California, Orange County Chapter
• Jennifer Bullard, Orange County Business Journal
Alan Meyerson, Irvine resident, did not state his position but noted concerns about the project and its impacts.
Mayor Khan recessed the City Council meeting at 12:17 a.m.
RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Khan reconvened the City Council meeting at 12:33 a.m.
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5.4 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER
CARROLL TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION REGARDING A PROPOSED
HYDROGEN MIXING/BLENDING PLANT (CONTINUED)
City Council discussion included: noting that electrification alone would not achieve sustainability goals; suggested learning more about hydrogen fuel, including its safety; inquired about the opinion of the California Public Utilities Commission (CUPC); questioned who was notified of the project; and expressed concern about CUPC's oversight and accountability, and the loss of local control.
ACTION: Moved by Mayor Khan, seconded by Councilmember
Agran, and unanimously carried by those members present (Vice Mayor Kim and Councilmember Treseder absent), to:
Direct staff to invite Dr. Jack Brouwer to an upcoming City Council meeting for a presentation on hydrogen blending technology to educate the City Council and members of the public.
5.3 CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM COUNCILMEMBER
TRESEDER TO DISCUSS THE ADOPTION OF A RESPONSIBLE
GUN STORAGE ORDINANCE (CONTINUED)
Following consideration of Council Business Item No. 5.4, Councilmember Carroll made a motion to reconsider Council Business Item No. 5.3.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by Mayor Khan, and unanimously carried by those members present (Vice Mayor Kim and Councilmember Treseder absent), to:
Reconsider Council Business Item 5.3.
ACTION: Moved by Councilmember Agran, seconded by Mayor Khan, to:
Direct staff to return with data related to guns, gun storage, and gun use in the City of Irvine, and direct the City Attorney to prepare a gap document that outlines what measures the City could implement, as well as what the state is requiring, related to these matters.
Prepared by the City Clerk's Office 19
City Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2023
The motion carried as follows:
AYES: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Agran and Khan
NOES: 1 COUNCILMEMBERS: Carroll
ABSENT: 2 COUNCILMEMBERS: Kim and Treseder
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
Prior to adjournment, Mayor Khan expressed concern about the threats that were made against a City Councilmember earlier in the meeting, noting that mechanisms were in place to handle these types of situations; and assured members of the public that the situation was being handled accordingly.
Moved by Councilmember Carroll, seconded by Mayor Khan, and unanimously carried by those members present (Vice Mayor Kim and Councilmember Treseder absent), to adjourn the meeting in memory of Irvine High School music teacher Derek Venlet at 12:42 a.m.
OROFTHE CITY OF IRVINE
May 23, 2023
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF IRVINE
Prepared by the City Clerk's Office 20