March 26, 2024
City Council Meeting
Written Public Comments
General Public
Comment
Jennifer Connally
From: Janice Brownfield
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 7:49 PM
To: City Council Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment Non-Agenda Item
You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Kudos to Mayor Slater for his new Our Council Cares column in the March/ April issue of Old Towne Orange Plaza Review providing highlights of recent city council meetings! In addition to referring readers to the Public Works Department to see a list of streets approved for street rehabilitation, it would be helpful if it is on the City's website. Another highlight, new CR&R waste collection rates, described as increasing "slightly," are to be in return for "a higher level of service and accountability." With the passage of SB 1383 that requires organic waste recycling, CR&R's contractual obligations have increased to ensure the City's compliance. All of us need to recycle organic waste to reduce our continued poor air quality from pollution and hot temperatures.
Within 26 years, by 2050, outdoor air pollution particulate matter and ground-level ozone is projected to become the top cause of environmentally related deaths worldwide. With no decrease in emissions, including methane from landfills with organic waste that has not instead been recycled, the number of deaths each year due to ozone are expected to be more than one million. Our air quality is also harmed by the high concentrations of smoke and particulates from fireworks, albeit a few days a year, which also pose a risk to people with asthma and other health conditions. Unlike fireworks, drone displays do not emit particles into the atmosphere, are quieter and less disruptive to people and wildlife, but they still impact both, and the batteries and plastics used to make them raise concerns about waste management.
Pollution increases as temperatures climb, which also causes higher food prices and overall inflation, according to a new study by an environmental scientist and the European Central Bank. Based on prices of food and other goods in 121 countries since 1996, researchers calculate that weather and climate shocks will cause the cost of food to rise 1.5 to 1.8 percentage points annually within a decade or so, even higher in already hot places.
With the arrival of spring last week comes hope that the council's recent approval of appointments to the new Santiago Creek Commission, one of the highlights cited in the Mayor's column, will result in their suggestions for protecting and preserving the creek. Unlike Banksy's new artwork, using green, dripped paint on a wall to suggest foliage behind a leafless tree, more real living trees in the creek area and elsewhere in our city will help improve our air and quality of life.
Orange Public Meeting e Comments
Agenda Item
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS At this time, members of the public may address the Council on matters not listed on the agenda within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law Public Comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. 1 Public Comment
Guest User at March 25, 2024 at 12:58pm PDT
Oppose
Dear City Council Members,
As a resident in the City of Orange for over 40 years, I believe I have the right to speak up on a matter that gravely concerns our neighborhood. We were made aware that a homeless emergency shelter was going to be coming to our neighborhood on the property located at 688 S. Hewes. We were *invited* to meet with Illumination at the property so they could tell us what their plans were and discuss any concerns we may have. When meeting with Illumination Foundation we were all shocked at not just the fact that no one had told us about this but also in the manner they spoke to us at the meeting. We were told that they didn't have to notify us, that they didn't need anyone's approval and they had spoke with the Mayor and he was ok with it. First off, myself and others in our neighbor will not be bullied by someone telling us that they can do whatever they want in our neighborhood and we have to like it. Those are mafia tactics and holding people hostage. Secondly, there are so many zoning violations to having a 30 person homeless shelter in an RI zoned neighborhood. Not including the property building code violations, the traffic, business violations, and occupancy violations, this will significantly cause a drop in property value in the area. According to NAR (National Association of Realtors), property values historically drop in value by 12.7% when located near a homeless shelter. Those are facts and studies to back it up. Plus, it would need to be disclosed to any potential buyer that there is a homeless shelter nearby and I can assure you, people do not Want to live next to a shelter. As property Dryers to have beause bad tore archas ta home in this ars, peare very much daise theraga tacies being alby alminior neighborhood. We are asking that you take the necessary steps and not allow this facility in our neighborhoo‹ Orange Public Meeting eComments
Meeting: City Council
Meeting Time: March 26, 2024 at 6:00pm PDT
• 6 Comments • Closed for Comment March 26, 2024 at 6:00pm PDT The online Comment window has expired
• Agenda Item
5.1. Letter of support for Santiago Canyon College's community project.
Staff Report Letter of Support
® 1 Public Comment
Guest User at March 26, 2024 at 4:11pm PDT| Sur
I support this letter being sent.
Agenda Item
7.5. Consider the City of Orange's current membership in the League of California Cities and provide direction to City staff.
Staff Report CalCities Invoice Resolution No. 11525 December 6, 2023, CalCities Board Statement 4 Public Comments
•
Guest User at March 26, 2024 at 3:34pm PDT
Oppose
Not wise for Orange to leave. I first suggest council discuss our participation in the league since we re-joined in 2021 or 22. Our we present at league meetings, advocate for our policy positions with sound reasoning, and do we really want to build needed relationships with those electeds that have different views. Leaving to me sends a bad message about where Orange is and will be the future. As Councilmember Dumitru said several meetings ago, Orange is a purple • city. We have to do things differently. •
Guest User at March 26, 2024 at 3:11 pm PDT
Oppose
Dear Mayor Slater and Members of the City Council,
As a Board Member at the League of Cities, 1 am contacting you amidst discussions surrounding the City of Orange's considerations about renewing its membership to the League of California Cities due to our stance on Proposition 1. Cal Cities prides itself on embracing various viewpoints and fostering a platform for dialogue and growth among our member cities. In this spirit, I wish to underscore the integral role the League plays in championing the causes and concerns that resonate within our communities.
The advocacy and policy-shaping efforts of the League are grounded in a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Californians across the state. Initiatives such as AB 2121, AB 2574, and AB 2081 exemplify our dedication to tackling pressing challenges, specifically managing and regulating sober living and substance use treatment facilities, to protect and uplift our neighborhoods. For instance, AB 2121's emphasis on improving communication between health services and local governments, AB 2574's focus on regulating sober living homes, and AB 2081's push for transparency in treatment facilities all reflect our collective endeavor towards creating safer, healthier communities..
The support we extend to various legislative measures, including those mentioned above, is a testament to our broader mission: to advocate for policies that fortify municipal governance and empower cities to serve their constituents optimally. While we acknowledge the diverse opinions that Proposition 1 has stirred among our members, we must remember our shared objectives—improving public I appeal to the Orange City Council to weigh the comprehensive benefits that membership in the League of Cities affords. Together, we possess a formidable voice in advocating for legislative and policy reforms that cater to the multifaceted needs of our communities. Your continued involvement in the League ensures that the perspectives and interests of Orange are effectively represented, contributing to impactful changes that benefit not only your city but also others across the state.
The League of Cities is committed to addressing any concerns or propositions you may have regarding our policy positions or advocacy efforts. Our collective success hinges on our ability to collaborate and align our initiatives with the best interests of all our member cities, including Orange.
I thank you for considering continuing our partnership. By uniting our strengths and resources, we can pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future for our communities.
Respectfully,
Eric Nelson
Carla Martin at March 26, 2024 at 2:39pm PDT
Oppose
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the consideration of the City of Orange leaving the League of Cities following the passage of Proposition 1. The recent decision by voters to pass Prop 1 should be respected, and reactionary measures like leaving the League of Cities are not in the best interest of our community.
It is essential for the City of Orange to learn from past experiences, such as the OUSD recall, where the voices of the voters were heard loud and clear. Making decisions based on knee-jerk reactions or following the lead of other cities, especially those in disarray like Huntington Beach, is not prudent governance.
The League of Cities plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and advocating for the interests of municipalities across the state. By leaving the League, we would be forfeiting our seat at the table where important decisions are made, potentially putting our city at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, the membership fees required to be part of the League of Cities are minimal compared to the potential benefits we receive, including access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and collective advocacy efforts. Saving a small amount of money on membership fees would pale in comparison to the negative impact it would have on our constituents and our ability to effectively represent I urge the City Council to reconsider any plans to withdraw from the League of Cities and instead focus on constructive engagement within the organization to address any concerns or challenges arising from Prop 1. Our community deserves thoughtful and strategic leadership that prioritizes their long-term interests over short-sighted reactions.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter.
Carla Contreras, City of Orange Resident
Reggie Mundekis at March 25, 2024 at 4:38pm PDT
Leaving the League over a disagreement over Prop 1 changes nothing. Prop 1 implementation moves forward. There is a claim made that there will be a cost savings, but that cost savings arises out of pettiness, a loss of access to knowledge, and sends the wrong message.
Staying in the League allows our City to influence decisions made by the League. The amount of harm, both real and perceived, is greater than the few dollars spent on membership fees. Leaving the League does not change our obligations under Prop 1 but will cut our City off from discussions and future advocacy regarding implementation of Prop 1. A more productive course of action would be to engage more with the board and management of the League to steer policy decisions to better fit our needs as a City.
Rather than taking up limited City Council meeting time with discussion about leaving the League, time is better spent closely reading Prop 1 and tightening existing development and planning standards to create Prop 1 facilities which fit into the existing developments.
Issues of development standards was previously brought up regarding the massive apartment buildings off Towne and Country Dr. We need to get moving on these changes.