Placentia City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Minutes March 18, 2025 Page 1 of 6
Placentia City Council Regular Meeting
Placentia City Council Acting as Successor Agency to the Placentia Redevelopment Agency, Placentia Industrial Commercial Development Authority, Placentia Public Financing Authority
MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2025
City Council Chambers - 401 E. Chapman Avenue, Placentia, CA MINUTES OF THE PLACENTIA CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION MEETING – 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kirwin called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmember/Board Member Hummer, Smith, Yamaguchi, Wanke, Kirwin None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Interim Deputy City Clerk Albitre-Seely stated the City Clerk’s Office received no public comment for Closed Session.
CLOSED SESSION PROCEEDINGS:
Interim Deputy City Clerk Albitre-Seely announced the Closed Session matters and cases.
The City Council and Boards of Directors recessed to the City Council Caucus Room for the purpose of conducting their Closed Session proceedings on the following:
1. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Agency Designated Representatives: Thomas Hatch, Interim City Administrator Alice Burnett, Director of Human Resources
Employee Organizations: Placentia City Employees Association (PCEA) Placentia Firefighters Association (PFA)
Placentia Fire Management Association (PFMA)
Placentia Police Management Association (PPMA)
Placentia Police Officers Association (PPOA)
Unrepresented Employees
2. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(1 case)
3. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: Interim City Administrator
RECESS: The City Council and Boards of Directors recessed to their 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting.
MINUTES OF THE PLACENTIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 P.M
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Kirwin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmember/Board Member Hummer, Smith, Yamaguchi, Wanke, Kirwin None
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STAFF PRESENT:
City Attorney/Authority Counsel Christian Bettenhausen; Interim City Administrator Thomas Hatch; Deputy City Administrator Rosanna Ramirez; Director of Community Services Lydie Gutfeld; Director of Development Services Joe Lambert; Director of Finance Jennifer Lampman; Director of Human Resources Alice Burnett; Director of Public Works Chris Tanio; Fire Chief Jason Dobine; Police Chief Brad Butts; Deputy Director of Administrative Services Jeannette Ortega; Interim Deputy City Clerk Nancy Albitre-Seely
INVOCATION: Chaplain Charles Frost
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Troop 1740 Scout, Virgil Johnson
CLOSED SESSION REPORT:
City Attorney/Authority Counsel Bettenhausen reported a discussion was held on the Closed Session items.
There was no reportable action.
PRESENTATIONS: None
CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: Interim City Administrator Hatch introduced new City employee Alejandro Bravo, Building Inspector, and invited Director of Public Works Chris Tanio to provide an update on the Golden Avenue Bridge project.
Director Tanio provided a verbal update on the Golden Avenue Bridge project.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
John Beltran expressed appreciation for City Council’s service and recent infrastructure updates and requested reallocation of approximately $7.5 million in Capital Improvement Projects toward repaving the Ponderosa South neighborhood by year-end.
Kenny Binnings supported completing the Old Town Placentia streetscape project, highlighting its importance in generating tax revenue, attracting Opportunity Zone investment, and promoting long-term economic growth.
Dennis Blake supported completing the streetscape project, citing decades of involvement, recent revitalization progress, and the long-term tax benefits of continued investment.
Dr. Tommy Iwashita requested zoning flexibility to allow a sports-focused chiropractic practice in a manufacturing zone, citing space needs, economic benefits, and a desire to serve the Placentia community.
Anjali Tapadia supported for the Chapman Corridor Revitalization Plan, emphasizing its community-building benefits, economic potential, and the importance of fully executing the vision.
Sam Hanna supported the Chapman Corridor Revitalization Plan, requested zoning flexibility through an overlay zone rather than mixed use, citing challenges with parcel size, commercial viability, and development limitations over the past four years.
Trudi Des Roches, Director at Yorba Linda Water District, provided updates on three projects affecting Placentia residents, including coordination on the Golden Avenue project, ongoing water line replacements to improve fire flow on several residential streets, and an upcoming project to enhance fire flow at Mabel Paine and Charles Wagner schools.
William Stanton expressed concern about delays to the Bradford project and permitting inefficiencies affecting his business, Tony’s Deli.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
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Councilmember Smith reported his attendance at the Placentia Library District joint-use meeting and a Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) meeting as part of the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG) Transportation Committee. He provided updates on Metrolink coordination for the Old Town station project. He also highlighted his role on the Centennial Steering Committee and encouraged public participation. He reminded residents that commission and committee applications are open, with interviews scheduled for March 25, 2025.
Councilmember Hummer reported his attendance on the Historical Committee, which is preparing for the City’s 2026 Centennial and encouraged residents to engage with the City’s history. He announced the Police Department’s “You Are Not Alone”(Y.A.N.A.) program, which provides regular check-ins for seniors through the Police Department’s Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS).
Councilmember Yamaguchi announced the City’s summer volunteer program for students ages 13–16, which offers opportunities to earn service hours through Community Services programs, stated applications are due by May 8, 2025, and are available online or at City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Wanke reported attending the following, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San), the Orange County Power Authority, a Placentia Executive Team meeting and the State of the County Address event.
He met with Fullerton Councilmember Shana Charles to discuss regional issues and thanked the Yorba Linda Water District and its contractor for their work on a local water line project.
Mayor Kirwin shared his experience hosting third-grade students from local schools for City Hall tours. He mentioned the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students, highlighting a humorous request for a “banana statue.” He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with youth and looked forward to future visits.
1. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1.a through 1.d):
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and carried a 5-0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar, as recommended.
1.a CONSIDERATION TO WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve
(Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.b CITY FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 REGISTERS FOR MARCH 18, 2025 Check Register
Fiscal Impact: $1,842,321.07
Electronic Disbursement Register
Fiscal Impact: $3,082,189.63
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Receive and file
(Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.c APPROVAL OF FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 2022-125 PERTAINING TO THE SUBDIVISION OF AN +/-
0.48 ACRE LOT INTO THREE PARCELS, AT 406 NORTH NEVIN LANE WITHIN SP-7 (SPECIFIC PLAN 7)
Fiscal Impact:
Approximately $23,646 of Total Development Impact Fee Revenue prior to Construction of three (3) New Single-Family Residences.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Final Parcel Map No. 2022-125, subject to final review and approval by the County Surveyor; and
2. Authorize the City Clerk to sign Final Parcel Map No. 2022-125.
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(Approved 5-0, as recommended)
1.d 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Fiscal Impact: None.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
Receive and file the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. (Approved 5-0, as recommended)
2. PUBLIC HEARINGS (2.a through 2.b):
2.a PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO BE
SUBMITTED TO THE COUNTY OF ORANGE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
Fiscal Impact:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in the amount of $533,305 are to be received for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to support proposed programs. No impact to the City's General Fund.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Open the Public Hearing to consider proposed programs and activities for the Community Development Block Grant Funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
2. Receive the Staff report, consider all public testimony, ask any questions of Staff; and
3. Close the Public Hearing; and
4. Authorize the Interim City Administrator to submit an application to the County of Orange to receive CDBG Funds to support public service programs, public facilities improvements, housing rehabilitation needs, and administrative expenses for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
5. Authorize the Interim City Administrator to execute all necessary documents, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
(Approved 5-0, as recommended)
Mayor Kirwin opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Senior Economic Development Analyst Kiana Louie gave a verbal presentation on the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Wanke asked if CDBG funds could be used for road repairs; Staff clarified the funds are restricted to pedestrian-related improvements and not eligible for general street work.
Mayor Kirwin opened public comments.
Interim Deputy City Clerk Albitre-Seely stated the City Clerk’s Office received no public comment for the item.
Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 7:54 p.m.
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and carried a 5-0 vote, to approve Item 2.a., as recommended.
2.b REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 2025-02 AMENDING SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 5 (SP-5) TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY FROM 65 TO 15 DWELLING UNITS PER ACRE ON PARCEL NO. 9 Fiscal Impact: None.
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Open Public Hearing, concerning Zoning Code Amendment No. ZCA 2024-01; and
2. Receive the Staff Report and consider all Public Testimony; and
3. Close the Public Hearing; and
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4. Adopt Ordinance O-2025-02, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Placentia, California, finding that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) set forth in Title 14 CCR Section 15061(b)(3) and the City of Placentia Environmental Guidelines, and waive full reading, by title only, and introduce for first reading Ordinance No. O-2025-02, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Placentia, approving Zoning Code Amendment No. 2024-01, making findings of approval for amending Placentia Municipal Code Chapter 23.105, Specific Plan 5, revising Section 23.105.050, "Permitted Uses for Parcels 9 and 11", by reducing the minimum residential density requirement from 65 dwelling units per acre to 15 dwelling units per acre.
Alternative to Recommendation 4:
A. Modify Draft Ordinance No. O-2025-02, to reflect a lower or higher minimum residential density requirement; or
B. Do not adopt Draft Ordinance No. O-2025-02, which would keep the minimum residential density requirement at 65 dwelling units per acre.
(Approved 3-2, as recommended, Hummer and Smith voted no) Director of Development Services Joe Lambert gave a verbal presentation on the item.
A discussion ensued on the item.
Mayor Kirwin opened the Public Hearing at 8 p.m.
Mayor Kirwin opened public comments.
Craig Green expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns about lost revenue potential from a hotel use, inadequate parking, and public safety impacts, and supported reducing the number of residential units.
Anjali Tapadia supported the higher-density development, citing benefits such as reduced vehicle dependency, environmental efficiency, and alignment with student housing needs near California State University, Fullerton.
Gilad Ganish, applicant on the item, provided the City Council with a handout on the item.
Sam Hanna inquired what “zero minimum density” meant for Parcel 9 and how it might affect state housing requirements.
Mayor Kirwin closed the Public Hearing at 8:21 p.m.
Motion by Wanke, seconded by Yamaguchi, and carried a 3-2 vote, to approve Item 2.b, adopting Ordinance No. O-2025-02, as recommended, Hummer and Smith voted no.
3. REGULAR AGENDA:
3.a THIRD STUDY SESSION TO REVIEW CHAPMAN CORRIDOR REVITALIZATION PLAN PROGRESS Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impacts are associated with this Study Session. Potential significant economic benefit to the local Placentia economy, including jobs, public & private investment, and annual/one-time revenue.
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the Staff Report and presentation; and
2. Solicit public comments (if any) regarding the draft Chapman Corridor Revitalization Plan and supporting documentation; and
3. Provide direction to Staff as appropriate regarding the proposed Chapman Corridor Revitalization Plan, Draft Development Standards and associated Streetscape Master Plan.
(Received and filed, direction provided)
Director of Development Services Joe Lambert introduced Suzanne Schwab, consultant from PlaceWorks, who presented the item.
A discussion ensued on land use flexibility, mixed -use feasibility, streetscape enhancements, removal of on -street parking for bike lanes, and preserving sightlines to City landmarks.
Direction was given to Staff to proceed with the draft Plan as recommended, incorporating City Council feedback, finalizing studies, and preparing the Plan for the Planning Commission and City Council adoption without major changes.
CITY COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBERS REQUESTS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
The City Council/Successor Agency/ICDA/PPFA Board of Directors adjourned at 9:09 p.m., in memory of Mary Castner, longtime resident of Placentia, Service Club member and wife of Lee Castner, to a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
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Robert S. McKinnell, City Clerk/Agency Secretary
Kevin Kirwin, Mayor/Agency Chair
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