City Council
Meeting Time: 01-28-25 18:00
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting
Time
Agenda
Items
Comments Support Oppose Neutral
City Council 01-28-25
18:00
43 25 2 20 1
City Council
01-28-25 18:00
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS 1 0 0 0
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 unless a different time limit is announced. 4 1 2 0
3.9. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Annual Sewer Line Replacement/Maintenance Fiscal Y ear 2023-2024, Bid No. 23-24.35 (S- 250).
1 0 1 0
3.10. Second Reading and adoption of an Ordinance of the City of Orange amending Chapter 8.13 of the Orange Municipal Code adopting rules and regulations regarding the sale, possession, and discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks and amending sections of Ordinance No. 07-22 of the Orange City Fire Code relating to Safe and Sane Fireworks.
Ordinance No. 01-25.
15 1 14 0
10.1. Introduction and First Reading of an ordinance establishing paid parking in the Orange Plaza area, approval of an amendment to the agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited for RFP support services, and modifications to the Neighborhood Permit Parking Program necessary to support paid parking. Ordinance No. 02-25. Resolution No. 11595. 4 0 3 1
Agenda Item: eComments for 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 2:35pm 01-24-25
*Will our Police Chief have a plan in place to address traffic flow in the event of evacuations going forward? *Would additional personnel from neighboring communities be able to provide assistance? *Will SCE provide underground utilities throughout the City of Orange? * Are fines for failure to remove brush enforced? That would increase revenue for our city. Few slopes in our area were cleared.
There are many issues to resolve and much to consider and investigate. Lets be sure there is a comprehensive plan moving forward.
Agenda Item: eComments for 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 unless a different time limit is announced.
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 2:04pm 01-28-25
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing again to express concern for the proposed Orange Heights development in East Orange. Earlier this month, the wildfires in LA burned thousands of homes and killed at least 29 people. People were forced to flee their cars and run to escape the flames. This thought terrifies me. As a resident of Santiago Hills, my family also had to evacuate for the Canyon 2 fire in 2017. It was not easy to evacuate with bumper-to-bumper traffic as flames drew nearer. As you know, the Canyon 2 Fire burned the area of the proposed Orange Heights neighborhood.
When the next fire comes, how will we get out of the neighborhood safely with all those additional people? It is simply irresponsible to build on this land. The homes built here will be threatened by fire; it is just a matter of time.
I urge you to consider the safety of residents and the risk that this development poses in light of past wildfires and potential future emergencies.
In summary, this development risks both the lives of the people who will move into this area and those already living here. I strongly encourage you to reconsider this plan and look for safer alternatives that prioritize public safety, particularly in wildfire-prone areas.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kimberly DeLehman
Santiago Hills
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 9:20am 01-28-25
Dear Mayor and councilmembers,
I am writing to express my strong support for the city's composting program. As part of the Orange Sustainability Group, I am passionate about making the best use of resources. In an era of increasing environmental concerns, composting organic waste is crucial for several reasons:
REDUCED LANDFILL WASTE: Composting significantly reduces the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, which decompose anaerobically and release harmful methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
IMPROVED SOIL HEALTH: Compost enriches soil quality, increasing its water-holding capacity and promoting the growth of healthy plants. This benefits local gardens and helps prevent soil erosion and runoff.
REDUCED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Composting reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are often produced using energy-intensive processes that contribute to climate change, and come in plastic bags.
I have gotten free compost and mulch from the county landfill multiple times, and it's honestly as good or better than the stuff you buy at the store. And it's free to residents! We collect food scraps in a small bin on the counter and take them out to the yard waste bin a few times a week.
If people are worried about the smell, although we don't have any, there are tricks. Y ou can keep scraps in the freezer, and dump them in the bin right before you take the bins out to the street. Include yard waste (leaves, grass clippings) in the outdoor bin to balance moisture and prevent odors. There are also compostable bags now that many companies allow.
Beginning in 2022, SB 1383 requires every jurisdiction to provide organic waste collection services to all residents and businesses. While working with the Orange Sustainability Group and talking to residents, it is clear that the law is not being followed. Many people we spoke with in multifamily units are not provided with Organic bins. And a lot of them didn't even know that it was required. We should work to improve the adoption of this law by educating citizens and employees (which is required by SB1383) and doing bin audits to make sure people comply with the law.
There are many ways we can help educate citizens. And a lot of jurisdictions already have information and flyers available. From experience, I'm sure they would be willing to let us copy their work to promote a healthier community.
Here are a few ideas:
Website: Dedicated page with FAQs, videos, downloadable guides, and a form for questions.
Mailers/Flyers: Informational materials delivered to every household, including clear instructions and visuals.
Social Media Campaigns: Engaging posts, contests, and Q&A sessions to reach a wider audience.
Community Events: Workshops, demonstrations, and festivals to educate residents in person.
Partner with Local Schools: Involve students in composting initiatives and spread awareness.
Thank you for your time,
William Melcher, Orange Resident
Leslie Manderscheid
Location:
Submitted At: 12:43am 01-28-25
The City of Villa Park released an IS/MND on 1/24/2025 adopting their new Housing Element to rezone the Smith Basin, including Santiago Creek, off Villa Park Road at Hewes St, from Open Space to Commercia-Mixed Use, allowing development on the County Water District land, which is apparently within the City of Villa Park Limits.
This would substantially impact the City of Orange and the Santiago Creek. Is the City of Orange aware of this project and will you be making comments? Attached is the NOI that was sent to Villa Park residents along with a copy of the MND.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 9:38pm 01-27-25
To Mayor Slater and the City Council:
From talking with my neighbors, it is clear that Orange residents are not putting their food waste into the green bins. I urge everyone to do what they can to increase adoption.
First, a refresher on the super powers of composting.
1. Composting Reduces Greenhouse Gases! Food waste in landfills emits 20% of our state’s methane, a climate super pollutant 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting prevents methane and air pollutants like PM 2.5, which contributes to health conditions like asthma. Reducing Short-Lived Climate Super Pollutants like organic waste will have the fastest impact on the climate crisis.
2. Composting Saves Money! Transporting and storing waste for landfills increases refuse costs. And plants using compost need less water, pesticides, and fertilizers.
3. Composting Improves Soil Quality! Plants grow vigorously and produce more food. Soil retains more nutrients and water which prevents/reduces erosion and runoff. Soil improves downstream water quality by retaining pollutants (e.g., nitrogen which kills corals and creates fishery dead zones).
All of us who understand how important composting is need to help others make this important behavior change.
I don’t think what we are doing is enough. CR&R, City leaders, and all of us residents who understand the super powers of composting need to join forces to find solutions that will impact adoption. I think we need to explore ideas like doing bin audits and giving warnings for non-compliant residents. This will increase awareness of the law. And to help residents make the change, what about finding the funding to purchase the kitchen scrap bins like City of Tustin did. And maybe we enlist our city’s youth who need community service hours to distribute the bins with flyers containing tips for how to get started. I am sure if we come together on this important issue we can come up with even more ideas and find a way to successfully execute them. Our residents, planet, and pocketbooks will all be healthier.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Tani, Orange Resident
Agenda Item: eComments for 3.9. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Annual Sewer Line Replacement/Maintenance Fiscal Year 2023-2024, Bid No. 23-24.35 (S-250).
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 11:41am 01-26-25
As you know, Old Towne is a historic district filled with wood structures, trees, and other highly flammable materials. The dense nature of the area, combined with a high concentration of homes and businesses, makes it an inherently risky place to allow fireworks—even those that are considered “safe and sane.” In addition, the noise and unpredictability of fireworks can be a real disturbance to our residents, especially with young children, elderly individuals, and pets who are already impacted by the commotion.
While I personally appreciate fireworks, I believe the reality in Old Towne is that the "Safe and Sane" variety are not necessarily the ones causing the most harm. The conditions here—close proximity of structures and trees, combined with a history of fire danger—create an environment where even small, seemingly harmless fireworks can escalate into a disaster.
What I find especially concerning is that, while the ordinance does carve out an area east of Hewes Street (as referenced in Item 8.13.130, Item A), there remains a significant risk in allowing fireworks in the rest of the district.
I believe this is a risk we should not take, especially when alternatives are available to celebrate safely.
Please consider adding Old Towne in the carve out. Thank you, Diana Zdenek
Agenda Item: eComments for 3.10. Second Reading and adoption of an Ordinance of the City of Orange amending Chapter
8.13 of the Orange Municipal Code adopting rules and regulations regarding the sale, possession, and discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks and amending sections of Ordinance No. 07-22 of the Orange City Fire Code relating to Safe and Sane Fireworks. Ordinance No. 01-25.
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 1:35pm 01-28-25
I am opposed to fireworks anywhere in Orange, but if it's too late to change that, at least there should NOT be fireworks in Old Town. I would think that the city would have a huge liability by knowingly allowing fireworks in a historic area built of old wood. I don't see how a "money raiser" is worth it for Old Town or any part of Orange. I believe that allowing fireworks is extremely disrespectful to our veterans. Do we as a city really want to bring their war experiences back to mind? That seems like a liability to the city as well - please consider that and don't allow fireworks anywhere in Orange. More could be said about the trauma to children, older people, dogs, and more.
It's shameful to bring this on. The rush to get it on the ballot left many of us flat footed with no awareness that an "against" statement could have been added to the voting guide.
Orange resident since 1967
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 6:52pm 01-27-25
I am opposed to fireworks primarily due to concerns of fire safety in the neighborhoods. The number of trees and old dense housing in Old Town makes me nervous with fireworks. Additionally, although they are deemed safe and low risk, I have a cousin who lost an eye at the age of 40 due to a firework malfunction. Finally, even though fireworks are currently illegal in Orange, neighbors still use them. The amount of smoke produced by the fireworks contributes to poor air quality. My house smells like smoke on the inside every year. I live in an old house without ac so closing the windows is a difficult choice on hot summer nights. I do love fireworks at the Fourth of July and there are ample opportunities to enjoy professional productions that night and nights leading up to the holiday.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 6:11pm 01-27-25
As a long-time resident of Orange, I wish to express my opposition to the sale, possession, and discharge of fireworks ordinance currently being considered by the council. Every year the dangerous nuisance created in my neighborhood and throughout the city by the discharge of illegal black market as well as supposedly safe and sane fireworks has escalated. We are subjected to three to six hours of extraordinary noise, smoke, and mayhem because a minority of residents feel as "patriots" they have a right to express themselves at the expense of the majority. Aside from the very real fire danger ( safe and sane fireworks can't cause fires?) the extremely loud and excessive noise and smoke are very distressing to many residents including the elderly, and the many dogs and cats who are emotionally traumatized by this disruption. I have COPD and the poor air quality caused by last year's fireworks made it necessary to use my inhaler inside my residence. There are many other opportunities for charities to earn revenue and there are other acceptable ways for citizens to express their patriotism. But we all know this display has little to do with patriotism and everything to do with who can make the biggest bang and annoy the most people. Please reconsider the ill-conceived ordinance and demonstrate your concern for the safety and comfort of the majority of Orange residents as you make your decision.
Thank you.
Gary D. Elsey
Family of Orange residents since 1956
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 4:56pm 01-27-25
Despite their name, there is no such thing as a safe or sane firework. Fireworks of any kind are a hazard to structures and an unacceptable burden on pet owners who have to spend countless hours reassuring and calming their pets. Please do the safe and sane thing here and oppose any sale or use of fireworks.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 4:35pm 01-27-25
Safety. Pollution. Noise that upsets pets and veterans. This is not a method to support fundraising groups.
As you know, Old Towne is a historic district filled with wood structures, trees, and other highly flammable materials. The dense nature of the area, combined with a high concentration of homes and businesses, makes it an inherently risky place to allow fireworks—even those that are considered “safe and sane.” In addition, the noise and unpredictability of fireworks can be a real disturbance to our residents, especially with young children, elderly individuals, and pets who are already impacted by the commotion.
While I personally appreciate fireworks, I believe the reality in Old Towne is that the "Safe and Sane" variety are not necessarily the ones causing the most harm. The conditions here—close proximity of structures and trees, combined with a history of fire danger—create an environment where even small, seemingly harmless fireworks can escalate into a disaster.
What I find especially concerning is that, while the ordinance does carve out an area east of Hewes Street (as referenced in Item 8.13.130, Item A), there remains a significant risk in allowing fireworks in the rest of the district.
I believe this is a risk we should not take, especially when alternatives are available to celebrate safely.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 3:07pm 01-27-25
As you know, Old Towne is a historic district filled with wood structures, trees, and other highly flammable materials. The dense nature of the area, combined with a high concentration of homes and businesses, makes it an inherently risky place to allow fireworks—even those that are considered “safe and sane.” In addition, the noise and unpredictability of fireworks can be a real disturbance to our residents, especially with young children, elderly individuals, and pets who are already impacted by the commotion.
While I personally appreciate fireworks, I believe the reality in Old Towne is that the "Safe and Sane" variety are not necessarily the ones causing the most harm. The conditions here—close proximity of structures and trees, combined with a history of fire danger—create an environment where even small, seemingly harmless fireworks can escalate into a disaster.
What I find especially concerning is that, while the ordinance does carve out an area east of Hewes Street (as referenced in Item 8.13.130, Item A), there remains a significant risk in allowing fireworks in the rest of the district.
I believe this is a risk we should not take, especially when alternatives are available to celebrate safely.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 8:38pm 01-26-25
Living in an historic home, I have always been concerned with the potential fire hazard. Also, air pollution is greatly increased. There are safe and free locations for watching fireworks in the community as well as places without the fire hazard (e.g. beaches, etc.).
-- P Lee,
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 7:14pm 01-26-25
Here in the historic Old Towne district we are surrounded by structures and homes made of vintage materials, primarily wood. We also have unseasonal Santa Ana winds. We also have palm trees that act as giant tiki torches in firestorms. We also have an aging population in our district, adding to difficulties in times of evacuation. We also will be adding a burden to our police and fire personnel staff, which currently are not at full capacity, to monitor the sales, possession and use of these fireworks. All this seems like a perfect storm and not very safe or sane. Why would you vote for this in our historic district? Ask the residents of Altadena or Pacific Palisades or Lahaina… need I go on, how their local governments would vote now. Please consider all this. Thank you.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 12:59pm 01-26-25
As a resident her in Old Towne, I hope that you will consider this request to carve out Old Towne Orange historic district to be a safe and sane location for no fireworks sales or possession. This area is steeped in historical homes, and other structures of which many are made of wood which puts this area in a higher fire risk. With recent fire events, why would we want to subject our area to any unnecessary exposure and risk to our community members and/or property. Also, when giving out permits to certain areas of the City, I do hope that the fees gained by the city will offset the cost for extra firemen and equipment to be available during the time fireworks are allowed.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 11:42am 01-26-25
As you know, Old Towne is a historic district filled with wood structures, trees, and other highly flammable materials. The dense nature of the area, combined with a high concentration of homes and businesses, makes it an inherently risky place to allow fireworks—even those that are considered “safe and sane.” In addition, the noise and unpredictability of fireworks can be a real disturbance to our residents, especially with young children, elderly individuals, and pets who are already impacted by the commotion.
While I personally appreciate fireworks, I believe the reality in Old Towne is that the "Safe and Sane" variety are not necessarily the ones causing the most harm. The conditions here—close proximity of structures and trees, combined with a history of fire danger—create an environment where even small, seemingly harmless fireworks can escalate into a disaster.
What I find especially concerning is that, while the ordinance does carve out an area east of Hewes Street (as
referenced in Item 8.13.130, Item A), there remains a significant risk in allowing fireworks in the rest of the district.
I believe this is a risk we should not take, especially when alternatives are available to celebrate safely.
Ben Kendall
Location:
Submitted At: 9:59am 01-26-25
I respectfully request that you remove Old Towne from allowing any fireworks. With a majority of the homes being made of very old wood, lots of trees and close proximity to each other, the noise and potential for fire risks is extremely high. I am 90 years old and the noise of some of the fireworks almost gives me a heart attack. Y es, I know those are the illegal ones, but when you allow safe and sane fireworks, you're just opening the door wider for the illegal ones. If you can carve out OPA from this ordinance, you can carve out Old Towne. Why carve any area out if these are 'safe and sane'?
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 9:17am 01-26-25
The ordinance for the exclusion zones for the city should include the Old Towne Historic district. It's just common sense. This still allows for the use of fireworks in the majority of the city and the city still has its revenue source.
Christine Richters
Location:
Submitted At: 8:53am 01-26-25
As a longtime resident of Old Town Orange I am strongly opposed to fireworks being allowed in this area. Many of the historic homes in my area are constructed of wood so the potential for devastating fires is too great to allow fireworks.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 8:35am 01-26-25
I oppose fireworks being allowed. I reside in Old Town Orange and I am concerned about the devastating consequences of fire.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 8:34am 01-26-25
I’m against fireworks being allowed. As an Old Town Orange resident, I am very concerned about the potential for fires. The recent devastating fires has made us all aware of the devastating consequences.
Agenda Item: eComments for 10.1. Introduction and First Reading of an ordinance establishing paid parking in the Orange Plaza area, approval of an amendment to the agreement with Dixon Resources Unlimited for RFP support services, and modifications to the Neighborhood Permit Parking Program necessary to support paid parking. Ordinance No. 02-25.
Resolution No. 11595.
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 3:34pm 01-28-25
I am a member of the First United Methodist Church of Orange. I am apposed to the change from free parking to pay for parking in Lots 1 and 1A. This Church is a full time church which has Church service on Sundays and other days during holidays/ evening services,also. The are funerals, our United Women in Faith have meetings weekly and monthly. Men's groups, also. We have a thriving Preschool. Parents bring and picking their children up. There special programs for these students and theirs parents / grandparents. This is a very important part of these children's education that families of this community depend on. This school provides employment for residents of this community. There has been a Methodist Church on this property for over 150 years. We have always had a wonderful relationship with City of Orange. I am hoping you consider what paid parking would do to a thriving church and preschool. It would cause a real hardship on this church. I really can't imagine how horrible it would be for us.
Thank you listening . I know you will make the right decision.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 1:22pm 01-28-25
As a member of First United Methodist of Orange (located at 161 S. Orange St.) I'm opposed to this as it's written. I understand the revenue needs of the city and am not opposed to that. What I'd like to see done differently would be to allow for free parking in the lots and on the streets located adjacent to and around the Church on Sundays until at least noon and on religious Holidays. We have a large senior and low income membership for whom any parking costs might preclude them from worship. Additionally we have a preschool that serves the local community. I am concerned about those families ability to drop off and pick up children without incurring expense or viotlating parking regulations in the area. Thank you for your consideration.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 11:48am 01-28-25
The First United Methodist Church of Orange is surrounded by city parking - streets and lots that are proposed for all paid parking. This plan would be a major hindrance to members of the congregation, guests and staff -- not only on Sundays but for any type of event or services (weddings, funerals, memorials etc). Would our church and preschool staff would be forced to pay parking to go to work every day of the week? There are preschool drop offs and pick ups Monday thru Friday where are the parents going to be able to do that safely without having to pay for parking each time? It appears that while First UMC of Orange is again being landlocked by a downtown Orange plan. All of the streets and areas around St John's are planned as free parking. First UMC of Orange was on this site before the city of Orange was even a city yet every time the city plans an event this congregation is forced to close down or move events because we can't access the facility due to parking restrictions and now it appears that will be the situation daily should this plan proceed.
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 9:04am 01-28-25
We are the owners of the property located on the northwest corner of Olive and Chapman, better known as Paul's Cocktails and Black Dot coffee. We also own the parking lot on that corner which contains roughly 30 spots. The proposed paid street parking surrounds our corner. We currently must employ a person as a parking monitor to keep non-patrons from parking in our lot. What does this proposal or the City Council propose to do to assist businesses who do have parking available for their customers, like us and Citrus City Grille? Are we going to be able to partner with Dixon Resources to piggyback off the city contract to protect our parking spaces as well? Will the city green light any modifications we need to make to our lots to facilitate our own paid parking program? It may be necessary for businesses to install removable steel parking posts in their lots, will we be given leeway to do this? We have not in the past. While I agree that this is a great way for the city to make quick money, it is not going to be an easy transition for business owners who already experience the day-to-day customer complaints about the parking.