City of Orange
Orange City Council
September 22, 2026
MINUTES - DRAFT
The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated in this meeting via teleconference from the Hotel Lobby, Springhill Suites Lakeland Marriott, 511 West Lime St., Lakeland, FL 33815. A copy of the agenda was posted at this location. 6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION
Given by Pastor Orlando Barela from Household of Faith Family Church.
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Arianna Barrios.
1.3 ROLL CALL
Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Absent: None
Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference.
City Clerk Coleman announced, pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, the teleconference location was identified in the meeting notice and agenda. Roll call votes would be conducted on all action items while Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference.
1.4 PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Proclamation recognizing RC Hobbs Communities’ 50th Anniversary in the City of Orange
This item was postponed to a future Council meeting.
Proclamation recognizing September 15-October 15, 2026 as National Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring Maribel Reyes Hernández
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
Proclamation recognizing Orange businesses for excellence and leadership in waste sorting and food waste diversion: Fratellino’s Italian Kitchen, Dave & Buster’s, Olive Garden, In-N-Out - Chapman, and Sauced BBQ & Spirits Proclamation recognizing September 28, 2026, as National Good Neighbor Day
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Councilmember Gyllenhammer confirmed there was no one present to speak at his location.
Public Speakers:
Ric Olsen read an article about one of the last battles in the American Revolution in New London in September 1781.
The following spoke in opposition to a proposed warehouse project on Glassell: Jose Serrano, Liz Niko, Don Lee, Gloria Ranallo, Liam Martinez, Christina Martinez, Dan Wayland, Deborah Wayland, Kevin Neu, Michele Ganczarski, Tina Arias Miller, Alyson del Hierro, Rachel Rolnicki, Charles del Hierro, Kai-ning Khor, Darcy de Castro, Melisse Y., Thomas del Hierro, Pilar Gutierrez-Lucero, and Stephanie Beamer.
Holiday Zimmerman, The HUB OC, presented the City Council with an appreciation award recognizing the partnership between the City and The HUB OC.
Tony Fox spoke regarding his life accomplishments and milestones.
Mary Oberschlake stated that Indivisible Orange is a nonpartisan group and read the organization's Mission Statement.
Susan Burgess thanked Council for issuing the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation.
James Kushon announced the 25th anniversary celebration of the dog park scheduled for October 17 and a Veterans Day event sponsored by the Orange Parks and Events Foundation.
Caroline Basdakis announced the Grandma's House of Hope event scheduled for October 9.
Kevin Reyes spoke in support of preserving the Holiday Skate Center.
Written Comments
William Melcher submitted an eComment in support of recognizing companies in the City that are complying with SB 1383 and green waste requirements.
Dave Simpson submitted an eComment expressing appreciation for the recognition of Maribel Hernández and her contributions to the community.
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and are enacted by one motion approving the recommended action listed on the Agenda. Any member of the City Council, staff, or the public may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion or separate action. Unless otherwise specified in the request to remove an item from the Consent Calendar, all items removed shall be considered immediately following action on the remaining items on the Consent Calendar.
3.1. Waive reading in full of all ordinances on the Agenda.
ACTION: Approved.
3.2. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange City Council Regular Meeting held on September 8, 2026
ACTION: Approved minutes as presented.
3.3. Lease Agreement with V & E Tree Service, Inc. for City-Owned Property Located at 2443 North Batavia Street (APN 374-621-03)
Item 3.3 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration by Councilmember Dumitru.
Staff responded to Council’s questions regarding the cost of removing the equipment, the total square footage of the property being leased, and the total rent being paid.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Mayor pro tem Bilodeau, to approve the lease agreement with V&E Tree Service, Inc. for the rental of 2443 North Batavia Street, APN 374-621-03; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: Dumitru
Absent: None
3.4. First Amendment to Agreement with Nextechnology Systems, LLC dba Nextech Systems, Inc. for as-needed procurement and technical support of rectangular rapid-flashing beacon signs and related electrical devices ACTION: Approved the First Amendment to Agreement with Nextechnology Systems, LLC dba Nextech Systems, Inc. in the amount of $200,000 for as-needed procurement and technical support of rectangular rapid-flashing beacon signs and related electrical devices; and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
3.5. Second Amendment to Agreement with Fortel Traffic, Inc. for as-needed procurement, installation, and maintenance of speed radar feedback signs and related electrical devices
ACTION: Approved the Second Amendment to Agreement with Fortel Traffic, Inc. in the amount of $200,000 for as-needed procurement, installation, and maintenance of speed radar feedback signs and related electrical devices; and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City.
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
3.6. Approval of plans and specifications for Annual Pavement Maintenance at Various Locations Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Phase 1 and authorization to advertise for bids; and finding of California Environmental Quality Act exemption ACTION: 1) Approved the plans and specifications and authorized advertising for Annual Pavement Maintenance at Various Locations Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Phase 1, Bid No. 26-27.06 (SP-4303); and 2) Found that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1(c) - Existing Facilities).
3.7. Rejection of all bids received for Traffic Signal Installation and Fiber Optic Communication for Walnut Avenue and Orange Street and authorization to re-advertise for bids
ACTION: Rejected all bids received for Traffic Signal Installation and Fiber Optic Communication for Walnut Avenue and Orange Street, Bid No. 26-27.01; and directed staff to re-advertise for bids.
3.8. Designation of Authorized Agents for State and Federal disaster and grant assistance
ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 11719. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange designating authorized agents of the City of Orange for the purpose of obtaining Federal and State disaster assistance (Cal OES Form 130).
Approval of the Consent Calendar
Item 3.3 was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard separately. All other items were approved as recommended.
A motion was made by Mayor pro tem Bilodeau, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None
Absent: None
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
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4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR SLATER
None
5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
None
6. AB 1234 REPORTS
None
7. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
None
DRAFT
Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1. Public Hearing to consider revision of the Master Schedule of Fees and Charges for various City services
Entered into the record: An update to the Non-Departmental Animal Control Fees.
Assistant Finance Director Michelle Kresan presented the staff report.
Staff confirmed that all City fees are brought to the City Council for approval including pass through fees for County services. Staff also confirmed that the revised Mills Act fees were included in the previous fee revisions adopted by the City Council in April 2026.
Mayor Slater opened the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m.
Public Speaker:
Brandy Romero expressed concerns regarding the proposed increase in fees.
Mayor Slater closed the Public Hearing at 8:06 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Mayor Slater, to adopt Resolution No. 11721. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange amending the Master Schedule of Fees and Charges for various City services. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None
Absent: None
RECESS: The City Council recessed at 8:09 p.m. and reconvened at 8:25 p.m. with all Members present.
8.2. Public Hearing to consider introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 15-26 modifying posted speed limits on various streets throughout the City City Engineer Larry Tay presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Slater opened the Public Hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Written Public Comment
AJ Ricci submitted an eComment in support.
Mayor Slater closed the Public Hearing at 8:31 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez, seconded by Councilmember Barrios, to introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 15-26. An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange amending Section 10.14.050 of Chapter 10.14 of the Orange Municipal Code pertaining to speed limits. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None
Absent: None
(Item 9.2 re-ordered to be heard before Item 8.3.)
9.2. Implementation of permit parking on portions of Almond Avenue and Washington Avenue within Permit Parking Opportunity Area No. 6
Entered into the record: A memo with Exhibits C through I to Resolution No. 11718, which were inadvertently omitted from the staff report.
Principal Civil Engineer Gabrielle Hayes and City Traffic Engineer Larry Tay presented the staff report.
Written Public Comment
Tyler Stubbs submitted an eComment in opposition of the permit parking on Washington.
A motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to adopt Resolution No. 11718. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange adopting a revised master resolution of designated permit parking areas and established Permit Parking Opportunity Areas within the City of Orange. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None
Absent: None
8.3. Public Hearing to consider introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 14-26 repealing and replacing Chapter 17.17 of the Orange Municipal Code with a new Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources Ordinance and related procedural amendments to Chapter 17.08, and finding of California Environmental Quality Act exemption
Assistant Community Development Director Anna Pehoushek and Debi Howell-Ardila, Historic Preservation Consultant with Chattel, Inc., presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation.
Councilmember Tavoularis left the dais at 8:42 p.m. and returned at 8:44 p.m.
Staff responded to Council's questions regarding removal of properties from the historic register, the authority of the Planning Commission and the Design Review Committee, and the historic preservation threshold.
Mayor Slater opened the Public Hearing at 9:58 p.m.
Public Speakers:
Reggie Mundekis spoke in opposition to the ordinance as presented, citing concerns regarding property rights.
Adrienne Gladson spoke in support of approval.
Laura Thomas spoke in support of approval.
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
Public Speakers (continued):
Robert Boice, on behalf of OTPA, spoke in general support of the ordinance and recommended reducing the Heritage Commission membership from seven to five members.
AJ Ricci spoke in general support of the ordinance but expressed concerns regarding the citywide impacts of the ordinance and property rights.
Kevin Reyes spoke in support of approval.
Sherry Panttaja, OPA President, spoke in support of approval.
Brandy Romero spoke in support of approval.
Carol Fox suggested revising the definition of "Major Alterations" by inserting the word "or" in the following phrase, "additions measuring 120 square feet and over to a property or are visible from the public right-of-way..." Written Public Comment
Maryanne Skorpanich, Orange Legacy Alliance (OLA) President, submitted a letter in support of approval.
Mayor Slater closed the Public Hearing at 10:23 p.m.
During deliberation, Council discussed the Heritage Commission membership and criteria, increasing the age threshold for historic preservation to 75 years, and property owners’ rights to decline designation of their homes as historic. Robert Chattel, Historic Preservation Consultant with Chattel, Inc., recommended maintaining an age threshold of at least 50 years, consistent with industry standards.
A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember Barrios to continue the item to the November 10, 2026 Regular City Council meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None
Absent: None
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
9.1. Proposed Mills Act Program Guidelines
Mayor Slater recused himself from Item 9.1 due to a potential conflict related to a property interest and left the dais at 10:54 p.m. Councilmember Barrios stated that she no longer had a conflict of interest because her family had rescinded their Mills Act Contract as of the previous day and remained on the dais.
Mayor pro tem Bilodeau presided over the item.
Assistant Community Development Director Pehoushek presented the staff report.
DRAFT
Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
Public Speakers:
Reggie Mundekis expressed concerns regarding the current Mills Act program, noting that many Mills Act Contract properties are owned by nonresidents and suggested limiting the contracts to 100 and requiring the properties be owner-occupied.
Justin Ladd spoke in support of the program.
Sue Vaurs spoke in support of the program.
Tara Klasna spoke in support of the program but questioned the increase to the annual fee.
Robert Boice spoke in support of the program but questioned the increase to the annual fee.
Diana Zdenck spoke in support of the program and noted the costs associated with restoring historic homes.
Antonia Monzon spoke in support of the program.
Terri Sargeant spoke in support of the program but questioned the increase to the annual fee.
AJ Ricci spoke in support of the program but expressed opposition to restricting Mills Act Contracts to owner-occupied properties.
Joseph Barbeito questioned the increase to the annual fee.
Marshall Toplansky questioned the increase to the annual fee.
Amanda Cabbage asked Council to reconsider the increase to the annual fee.
Brandy Romero suggested finding ways to automate the program.
Melody Hsu spoke in support of the program.
Jesse Davis spoke in support of the program but expressed opposition to the proposed changes.
Joe (remote) spoke in support of the program.
Danielle Painter (remote) spoke in support of the program.
Andre Franco Luis spoke in support of the program.
Written Public Comments
Maryanne Skorpanich, OLA President, submitted a letter in support of the proposed changes to the Mills Act program.
Lisa Switzer submitted an eComment in support of maintaining the Mills Act program as is.
Nicole submitted an eComment in support of the program and requested the annual fee be restored to $100.
Vanessa Nesbit submitted an eComment in support of the program and requested Council reconsider the increase to the annual fee.
Jeff Frankel submitted an eComment questioning the increase to the annual fee.
Gina Cunningham submitted an eComment in support of the Mills Act program.
Mark Landson submitted an eComment questioning the increase to the annual fee.
John Paulsen submitted an eComment in support of the program and requested Council reconsider the increase to the annual fee.
Paul Larson submitted an eComment in support of the proposed changes to the Mills Act program.
Council discussed the Mills Act program as a tool for historic preservation.
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Orange City Council Minutes - Draft September 22, 2026
Due to the late hour, a motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru to adjourn the meeting and continue the item to the next meeting pursuant to OMC 2.04.160. The motion died for lack of a second.
During further deliberation, Council discussed Mills Act Program administration, compliance, the audit process, and potentially revoking contracts for non-compliant properties.
A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to adjourn the meeting pursuant to OMC 2.04.160 and continue Item 9.1 to the October 13, 2026, Regular City Council meeting. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, and Gyllenhammer Noes: Dumitru
Absent: None
Recuse: Slater
9.2. Implementation of permit parking on portions of Almond Avenue and Washington Avenue within Permit Parking Opportunity Area No. 6
Item 9.2 was previously re-ordered to be heard before Item 8.3.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor pro tem Bilodeau declared the meeting adjourned at 12:29 a.m.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, with Closed Session beginning at 5:00 p.m., if necessary.
______________________ _________________________
PAMELA COLEMAN DANIEL R. SLATER
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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