Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
reµ
d_
March 4, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING - 5: 00 P. M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING - 5: 30 P. M.
Immediately following the Closed Session Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua called the ClosedSession meeting to order at 5:03 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmemhers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan, and Mayor Amezcua werepresent. Mayor Pro Tem VazquezarrivedduringClosedSession.
CITY COUNCIL 1 MARCH 4, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Membersofthe publicmayaddressthe CityCouncilon Closed Session items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall stated there were no comments.
RECESS — CityCouncilwill recessto ClosedSessionforthe purposeof conducting regular City business.
MINUTES:MayorAmezcuarecessedtoconsidertheClosedSessionitemsat 5.04P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS— The BrownAct permitslegislativebodiesto discusscertain matterswithoutmembersof the publicpresent. The CityCouncilfinds, basedon advice from the CityAttorney, thatdiscussionin opensessionof the followingmatterswill prejudicethe positionoftheCityinexistingandanticipatedlitigation:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana, et al., United States District Court Case No 8: 25- cv- 215
B. CityofSantaAnaPersonnelBoardAppeal2022-01 (Marban)
CLOSED SESSION REPORT-- The CityAttomeywill reporton any action(s)from Closed Session.
RECONVENE— CityCouncilwill reconveneto continueregularCitybusiness.
CITY COUNCIL 2 MARCH 4, 2025
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City CouncilMeeting to order at 6:14 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Penaloza
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor David Correa, Eden Church OC
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City ClerkJenniferL. Hall announcedItem No. 18, Habitatfor Humanity has been withdrawn from consideration by City Manager Alvaro Nunez.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra honoring Assistant Chief/ Fire Marshal Lori Smith In Recognition of her Retirement and 44 Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Santa Ana and the Orange County Fire Authority
MINUTES: CouncilmemberBacerrapresenteda certificateof recognitionhonoring Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Lori Smith in recognition of her retirement and 44 years of dedicatedserviceto theCityof SantaAnaandthe OrangeCountyFireAuthority.
CITY COUNCIL 3 MARCH 4, 2025
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club for their Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club for their outstanding contributions to the community.
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
3. Development Streamlining Presentation
MINUTES: Acting Planning and Building Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour gave a presentationregardingthe developmentstreamliningupdateand sharedthe award won by the City.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT— TheCityAttorneywillreportonanyaction(s)fromClosed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS— Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda and non- agenda items.
MINUTES: City ClerkJenniferL. Hall reportedout the summaryof email comments received: one (1)Agenda Item No. 13, one (1) Agenda Item No. 18, and three (3) non- agenda comments.
Thefollowing speakers addressed City Council inperson:
1. KimberlyDuranexpressedconcernregardingrankingandscoringfromtheArtsand Culture Commission.
2. Dale Helvig praised the Public Works and Parks, Recreation, and Community ServicesAgenciesregardingtheMainStreetCorridor, spokeregardingtheThornton Parkribboncuttingceremony, andin supportofAgendaItemNo. 23.
3. Aida Espinoza expressed concern regarding students' safety and spoke regarding communitypolicing, publicsafety, andgivingadditionalresourcesto the Police Department.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 4 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7: 03 P. M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
CITY COUNCIL 4 MARCH 4, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez pulled Agenda Item Nos. 8 and 9 for separate discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item No. 9 for separate discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Penaloza pulled Agenda Item No. 17 for separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4 through 19 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 8, 9, and 17 pulled for separate discussion and consideration and Agenda Item No. 18 withdrawn, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0- 1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
Status: 6- 0 - 0 — 1 — Pass
4. Excused Absences
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
5. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of February 18, 2025 Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission on December 5, 2024, Environmental and Transportation Advisory Commission on January 14, 2025, and Planning Commission on January 27, 2025
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
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7. Receive and File Boards and Commissions Biannual Attendance Report for July Through December 2024
Department( s): City Cleric's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file Boards and Commissions Annual Attendance Report.
2. Provide other direction to staff, if/as needed.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
8. Fiestas Del Mariachi Post- Event Summary and Analysis Department( s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Recommended Action: Receive and file.
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez expressed concern regarding the Santa Ana Stadiumandaskedthat the CityManager's Officeand Parksand Recreation Agencycollaborateandexplorestrategiestogeneraterevenueandmitigatefuture losses. He recommendedpartnering with well-experienced organizations and high- profilefigures, suggestedpartneringwithprofit-drivenentities, andreaffirmedhis support of stadium use.
Mayor Amezcua asked for clarification regarding the rental fees of the stadium.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez stated the stadium is rented out at$ 130,000 for permit and flooring.
MayorAmezcua expressed her support of CouncilmemberHernandez's comments and the importanceof collaboratingwith agencieswho have the ability to cover fees for the use of the Santa Ana Stadium.
CouncilmemberPenaloza expressed support of stadium usage and the importance of prioritizing investing in the stadium.
CouncilmemberLopez expressed support of revenue generation and partnerships with capable organizations, and voiced concern regarding revenue loss and its impact on taxpayers' dollars.
Councilmember Bacerra requested that the City Manager evaluate revenue- generatingoptions, investmentcosts, andtheoveralldirectionofthestadiumwhile considering taxpayers' dollars.
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Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed appreciation to the City Manager for building a strong team and suggested they continue working together to execute the vision for the stadium.
Councilmember Phan asked whether staff had determined that partnering with the non-profit was a valuable investment for assessing stadium updates and expressed support of future events.
City Manager Nunez confirmed that partnering with a non-profit organization for the stadium's first event was a worthwhile investment to identify necessary updates.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 8, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7-- 0 -- Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
9. Contract Parking Enforcement Services with LAZ Parking California LLC Department( s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
MINUTES: CouncilmemberBacerra expressed concern regarding citations issued by LAZ for the absence of front license plates, officers standing at parking meters waiting to issue citations, and whether LAZ is receiving compensation for citations.
He emphasized the upcoming contract should define parking enforcement responsibilities and ensure citations are issued only for specified parking violations.
Police Commander Joseph Marty spoke regarding the LAZ-issued citations for missing front license plates and expired tags, noting that the Police Department trained LAZ ambassadors and parking control officers, and confirmed LAZ receives no additional compensation.
MayorAmezcua acknowledged the impact of citations on community care, thanked staff and LAZ, and emphasized the need for a balanced approach that upholds customer service while supporting enforcement.
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Councilmember Lopez echoed Councilmember Bacerra' s comments and emphasized the importance of considering businesses, residents, and new city patrons. Shehighlightedthattheupcomingcontractshouldclearlydefineparking enforcement responsibilities.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of LAZ enforcing parking laws.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding LAZ's lack of customer service, in support of opening up an additional Request For Proposal ( RFP) for parking enforcement, and asked whether the Police Department has received complaints regarding LAZ.
Police CommanderMarty confirmedthat the Police Departmenthas received complaintsregardingLAZandstatedthatthe PoliceDepartmentprovideda three- hour training to LAZ staff in an effort to mitigate complaints.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke regarding LAZ's lack of customer service and in support of opening an RFP.
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquezspoke regardingLAZ's lack of customerserviceand spoke in favor of in-house parking enforcement as well as opening an RFP.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 9, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7— 0 — Pass
10. Receive and File Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $ 50, 000 for Non- Public Works and up to $ 500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by Charter Section 421
Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered into between October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024.
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11. Receive and File Quarterly Report of Investments as of December 31, 2024 Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
12. Approve the Transfer of $ 1, 153, 976 in Non- Refunded Expired Street Work Permit Deposits from Deposit Fund to Street Improvement Fund Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve an appropriation adjustment authorizing an interfund budgetary transfer from the City Services Fund to the Residential Street Improvement Fund and appropriate the same amount for non- building improvements. ( Requires five affirmative votes)
13. Approve Additional Funds in the Amount of $ 380, 000 for the Legacy Square Transportation Improvements Project( No. 22- 9001) with an Estimated Project Delivery Cost of$ 2,178,079 ( General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $ 380, 000 of accumulated fund balance in Residential Street Improvements, Prior Year Carry Forward revenue account( 05817002-50001) that will be appropriated for spending in the Residential Street Improvements, Improvements Other Than Buildings expenditure account ( 05817660- 66220). ( Requires five affirmative votes)
2. Approve an amendment to the Project Cost Analysis in the amount of$ 380, 000 for a new estimated total construction delivery cost of$ 2,178,079.
3. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024- 25 Capital Improvement Program to include $ 380, 000 of Acquisition & Constructionfunds for the Legacy Square Transportation Improvements Project ( 22- 9001).
14. Purchase Order Contract to PB Loader Corporation for One 2025 Ford F- 750 Supercab Utility Service Body Truck ( Spec No. 25- 015) ( Non- General Fund) Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a purchase order to PB Loader Corporation for one, new/ unused 2025 Ford F- 750 Supercab Utility Service Body truck, in an amount of$ 332, 070 plus a contingency amount of $ 20,000, for a total amount not to exceed $ 352, 070.
CITY COUNCIL 9 MARCH 4, 2025
15.Purchase Order Contracts to National Auto Fleet Group for One 2025 Ford F- 150LightningTruck andOneFordTransitPassengerVan (SpecificationNo. 25- 014 & 25- 017) ( Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approvea purchaseorderto NationalAutoFleetGroupfor one, new/unused 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning Truck in an amount of $68,294 plus a contingency amount of$ 5, 000, for a total amount not to exceed $ 73, 294.
2. Approvea purchaseorderto NationalAuto FleetGroupfor one, new/unused 2025 Ford Transit Passenger Van in an amount of$ 119, 150 plus a contingency amount of$ 15, 000, for a total amount not to exceed $ 134, 150.
16.Agreement for Public Works Cityworks On-Call Maintenance ( General Fund) Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
RecommendedAction: ApproveagreementwithWoolpert, Inc. to provideon-call Cityworksmaintenanceand projectimplementationfor a term beginningMarch4, 2025andendingonMarch3, 2028, withtheoptionoftwoone-yearextensions, for a total amount not to exceed $ 300, 000 ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 021).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 97 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
17. Appropriation Adjustments, Construction Contract to Sully- Miller ContractingCompany, andConstructionManagementAgreementto Cannon Corporation for Bristol Street Improvements ( Phase 4) from Warner Avenue to St. Andrew Place Project ( Nos. 11-6741, 19-6499)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve four appropriation adjustments recognizing:
770,440 in the New Transportation System ImprovementArea E, PriorYear CarryForwardrevenueaccounttoNewTransportationSystemImprovement Area E, Improvements other than Building expenditure account. 33,747 in the New Transportation System ImprovementArea E, Prior Year CarryForwardrevenueaccounttoNewTransportationSystemImprovement Area E, Improvements other than Building expenditure.
1,196,886 in the ResidentialStreet Improvement, Prior Year Carry forward Revenue account to Residential Street Improvement, Improvements other than building expenditure account.
CITY COUNCIL 10 MARCH 4, 2025
25, 198 in Local Drainage Area IV, Prior Year Carry Forward revenue account to Public Works Storm Drain Construction, Improvements other than building expenditure account.
Requires five affirmative votes)
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 Capital Improvement Program to allocate an additional $ 10, 283, 196 in construction funds to complete the Bristol Street Improvements & Widening: Phase 4 -- Warner Avenue to St.
Andrew Project ( Nos. 11- 6741 & 19- 6499).
3. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated completion cost of 26, 994, 144, which includes $ 22, 354, 493 for the construction contract, 2, 803, 930 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a 10% 2,235, 449) project contingency for unanticipated or unforeseen work due to the complexity and extensive scope of this project.
4. Reject Bid Protest received by Nationwide Contracting Services and award a construction contract to Sully- Miller Contracting Company, the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of 22,354,493, subject to change orders as approved by the City, for construction of the Bristol Street Improvements from Warner Avenue to St. Andrew Place and Bristol Street( Phase 4) Water Main Improvements Project( Nos. 11- 16741 & 19- 6499) and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
5. Approve an agreement with Cannon Corporation for Construction Management and Inspection services for the Bristol Street Improvements Projects, in an amount not to exceed $ 1, 998, 642 for a term beginning March 4, 2025, and expiring March 3, 2027, with an option for one, one-year extension ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 022),
6. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. EIR 89- 01 was filed for the Bristol Street Improvements Projects.
MINUTES: Public Works Director Nabil Sabaprovided a presentationregarding the Bristol Street Improvements Project— Phase 4.
Councilmember Penaloza expressed excitement for the completion of Phase 4 and asked whether the City will be acquiring additional property. He stated that the community does not want additional parks and landscaping in grass areas along Bristol Street, and asked if the contractor has completed other projects in the City.
Director Saba staffed the City will not acquire additional property and clarified the contractor has not completed any other project in the City.
Mayor Amezcua emphasized the importance of outreach and project completion, and asked how Public Works planned on delivering„notices.
CITY COUNCIL 11 MARCH 4, 2025
CityEngineerRudyRosasspokeregardingcommunityoutreacheffortsandproject completion.
Mayor Amezcua asked what efforts are being made to mitigate the impact to the community, specifically the effects of dust on homes in the area.
City EngineerRosassharedthe measuresthat are in placeto minimizeand suppress dust at construction sites that are conducted both by City staff and the contracted company.
Mayor Amezcua asked whether the contract for the project stipulates whether or not the contractor can be removed from the project if deadlines are not met by the contractor.
CityEngineerRosasexplainedthatthecontractlistsa liquiddamageamountof 11,420 that can be assessed for each day the project exceeds the agreed upon deadline and that staff works closely with the City Attorney's Office in those instances.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of designating the new greenspaces as parks to allow for more structure, and suggested redesignating the existing greenspaces on Bristol Street as parks.
Councilmember Penaloza suggested that, given the size and scope of the project, noticesbe providedfurtherthan the 1000feetprojectradius, and askedwhether thecommunitycouldexpectto experienceblack-outperiodsduringtheremoval and installation of electrical components.
CityManagerAlvaroNunezexplainedthatEdisonwilllikelyinstalltemporarypower lines to mitigate power disruptions.
CouncilmemberPenaloza expressed the importance for staff and the contractor to mitigate the impact of dust on the homes in the area and asked whether the sound walls would mirror the existing walls on Bristol and whether the bike lanes would be landscaped.
CityEngineerRosasspokeregardingthesoundwallandprotectedbikelanes.
Councilmember Penaloza shared his hopes that Bristol would look appealing to both residents and non-residents, and that theproject would be conducted properly and quickly.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the project, suggested notification to residents through means other than mailers, expressed the importance of having a bikeable and walkable city, and requested periodic updates on the project at future meetings.
CITY COUNCIL 12 MARCH 4, 2025
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding a lack of cleanliness at construction sites and expressed a need to ensure the sites are given more attention in that respect.
Councilmember Penaloza suggested noticing on social media.
City Manager Nunez acknowledged the comments made by the Council.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 17, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7— 0 — Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 18 WAS WITHDRAWN
18. Approve a Pre- Commitment of $ 9, 807, 571 in HOME Program Funds for the Development of 40 New Affordable Ownership Units Located at 621 W. Alton Avenue, and Approve a Pre- Commitment of up to $ 920,000 in Inclusionary Housing Funds for Eligible Homebuyers to Purchase Nine (9) Existing Rental Units that will be Converted into Affordable Ownership Condominium Units Located at 425 E. Wellington Avenue for a total of$ 10, 727, 571 Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a pre-commitment letter with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for $ 9, 807, 571 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for the development of 40 new affordable ownership units located at 621 W. Alton Avenue, Santa Ana, CA ( APN 410- 351- 02) ( Agreement No. A- 2025- XXX).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a pre- commitment letter with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for up to $ 920, 000 in Inclusionary Housing Funds for eligible homebuyers to purchase nine (9) existing rental units that will be converted into affordable ownership condominium units located at 425 E.
Wellington Avenue, Santa Ana, CA ( APN 398- 028- 12) ( Agreement No. A- 2025- XXX).
MINUTES: Item withdrawn; no action taken.
CITY COUNCIL, 13 MARCH 4, 2025
19.Second Readingof the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of SantaAna Amending Chapter2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code by Adding Section 2- 112Prohibiting the Award of Agreements, Contracts, or Grants to Immediate Family Membersof the Mayor, City Council Members, or City Officials First Readingat the February18, 2025, City Councilmeetingand approvedby a vote of 7-0. Published in the OC Reporter on February 28, 2025.
Department( s): City Manager' s Office
Recommended Action: Conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance amendingChapter2 of the SantaAnaMunicipalCodeby addingSection2-112, which prohibits awarding agreements, contracts, or grants to immediate family members of the Mayor, City Council Members, or City Officials.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3077 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 2-112 CONCERNING THE
PROHIBITION AGAINST AWARDING OF AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS OR
GRANTS TO ANY IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER OF THE MAYOR, CITY
COUNCIL MEMBERS, OR CITY OFFICIALS
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR"
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 8: 45 P. M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20. Fiscal 2024- 25 Mid- Year Budget Update, Appropriation Requests, and Workforce Changes
Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the FY2024- 25 Mid- Year Budget Update.
2. Approve the recommended Appropriation Adjustments. ( Requires five affirmative votes)
3. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-007 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO EFFECT CERTAIN CHANGES
TO THE CITY' S CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN
4. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-008 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO AMEND THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 ANNUAL BUDGET TO ADJUST FULL-TIME POSITIONS IN
THE CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE, HUMAN RESOURCES, THE FINANCE &
MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENCY, PARKS, RECREATION & CITY COUNCIL 14 MARCH 4, 2025
COMMUNITY SERVICES PLANNING & BUILDING AGENCY, AND PUBLIC
WORKS AGENCY, INCLUDING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND/ OR
REALLOCATIONS
MINUTES: Acting Finance and Management Services Director Alex Trinidad provided a presentation regarding the Mid- Year Budget Update.
Councilmember Lopez requested an analysis to show the impact of sales tax and the auto industry, as a result of the new tariffs. She opposed reductions to alley improvement programs and advocated for yearly improvements, requested that the Public Works Agency prioritize sidewalk repairs, and spoke in support of allocating 1 million to cover City debt.
Councilmember Hernandez echoed Councilmember Lopez's concerns regarding sidewalks and emphasizedliability and safety concerns. He opposedreducing alley improvements, spoke in support of Civic Center rehabilitation, increased Library and Zoo funding, fully staffing the City Manager' s Office, sidewalk repairs on Flower Street, Fairview corridor repairs, and requested staff prioritize park feasibility in Washington Square.
Mayor Amezcua asked for confirmation regarding the date for future budget discussions.
City Manager Nunez confirmed the next budget meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2025.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding the Gas Tax fund, and suggested future sidewalk improvements in revenue generating areas and leasing available spaces within the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. He expressed support for an in- house construction crew.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez supported economic development, and suggested marketing for cannabis, the Auto Mall, and used car dealerships located on Harbor Boulevard. He opposed reducing alley improvements funding, and expressed support of Santiago Gym floor improvements, increased Zoo funding, and expansion of the Quality of Life Team ( QOLT) contract.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the 13 full-time positions and requested clarification regarding QOL T.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez shared information related to QOLT and increased outreach efforts.
Mayor Amezcua asked if City staff are collaborating with County staff to ensure the County fulfills its QOL T responsibilities.
City Manager Nunez confirmed the collaboration of City and County staff.
CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 4, 2025
Mayor Amezcua stated Measure X will sunset soon and is confident that staff is diligently preparing for it.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in favor of workforce increases and emphasized the importanceof promptCivic CenterDrive improvementsin orderto effectively address the budget.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the alley improvement program and suggested focusing improvement efforts in revenue- generating areas. She expressedinterestin youth and communityprogrammingand cannabissales in future budget discussions.
Councilmember Lopez voiced concerns regarding the unfunded pension liability andrequested an analysis on whether the general fund could sustain grant-funded positionsand essentialserviceswithoutFederalfunding.
City ManagerNunezexplainedcurrentbudgetallocationsand measuresto proactively prepare for potential future budget cuts.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern regarding proposed workforce changes andthebudget's abilityto sustaingrant-dependentpositionswithoutgrantfunding.
CityManagerNunezclarifiedtheworkforceproposalreflectsstaffrestrictionsand readjustments.
Mayor Amezcua emphasized the importance of Measure X sunset preparation.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 20, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 1 — Pass
FEND OF BUSINESS CALENDAR*
MINUTES: CouncilmemberPhan recused herself from Agenda Item Nos. 29 and 22 and left the dais at 9:21 P. M.
CITY COUNCIL 16 MARCH 4, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC COMMENTS.— Membersof the publicmay addressthe City Councilon each of the Public Hearing items.
MINUTES: At 9: 21 P. M., the Public Hearing was considered.
21.Public Hearing for Five-Year Economic Development Subsidy Report for TACenergy
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on February 21, 2025.
Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct public hearing to consider any written or oral comments on the information contained in the Five-Year Economic Development Subsidy report for TACenergy.
2. Receive and file report.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 9:22 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall stated there were no comments.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 9:23 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action for Public Hearing Item No. 21, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN ( recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 — 0— 1 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 17 MARCH 4, 2025
22.Public Hearingfor Five-Year EconomicDevelopmentSubsidy Reportfor THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc.
Legalnoticepublishedin the OC Reporteron February21, 2025.
Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct public hearingto consider any written or oral commentson the information contained inthe Five-Year Economic Development Subsidy report for THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc.
2. Receive and file report.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 9:24 P.M.
CityClerkJenniferL. Hallreportedoutfour (4) emailcommentsreceived.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 9:24 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Public HearingItem No. 22, secondedby CouncilmemberLopez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN ( recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 0— 1 -- Pass
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 9:27 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 18 MARCH 4, 2025
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
23.Discuss and consider directing the City Manager to direct City staff to draft and bring back an ordinance for Council consideration that would require applicants for contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements for use to disclose pending or prior FPPC and FEC enforcement actions Councilmember Bacerra
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding bringing back an ordinance for Council consideration that would require applicants for contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements for use to disclose pending or prior FPPC and FEC enforcement actions.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item. She suggested the ordinance follow the language in the Levine Act to ensure consistency with existing law and expressed concern for applicants who may have a frivolous pending action against them.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item. He asked whether there would be measures in place that would ensure an impartial process, should an applicant disclose any pending FPPC and/ or FEC actions against them.
CityAttorneySoniaCarvalhoexplainedthat, in instanceswherethe applicantmaybe pending or appealing an action, the Council would be reminded to consider any resolved actions.
Mayor Amezcua expressed support of the item.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced that the Santa Ana Police Department has launched a new text messaging system to provide residents real-time call for service updates. He spoke regarding numerous complaints received related to red striping, reported the ribbon cutting ceremony at George Upton All Access Park, and announced there will be two Fair Housing meetings scheduled for March 5, 2025 at 10:00 A. M. and 6: 00 P. M., held in the Council Chamber.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE -- If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for membersof the Councilto providea brieforal reporton attendanceof any regionalboard or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: CouncilmemberHernandez spoke regarding the cul-de-sac construction at 90thand Flower Street, provided an update on the Angels Park renovations, which include new restrooms and a playground featuring early childhood education amenities provided by UCI, and stated details regarding the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be shared at a later date. He shared that El Salvador Park will also see renovations to the communitygarden and new restrooms, and thanked thepublic for theirpatience during the construction along the Civic Center corridor.
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Councilmember Lopez reminded residents that pets must be leashed while in public spaces, announcedhercommunityofficehourson March 15, 2025from 10:00A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Fisher Park, and urged the City Manager's Office and the Arts and Culture Commission to work with local artists to ensure that funds from the commission stayin the City. Shewishedall the womenin the Cityandin her familya Happy International Women' s Day.
Councilmember Penaloza echoed Councilmember Lopez's comments regarding the Arts and Culture Commission, stated that he believes the planters along Santa Ana Boulevardarea liability, andrequestedreflectivestickersbeplacedon theplantersto helpmitigateaccidents. HeremindedeveryonethatSunday, March9, 2025is Spring Forwardandforthosewhopractice, March5, 2025is Ash Wednesday, thefirstdayof Lent.
Mayor Amezcua requested City Manager Nunez ensure the Orange County TransportationAgencyaddressthe SantaAna Boulevardplanter issue during their presentationat theMarch18, 2025CityCouncilmeeting.
Councilmember Phan reminded everyone that March 17, 2025 is St. Patrick's Day and thankedstaff for theirhard workpreparingthe mid-year budget, announcedthe City received various awards at the Orange County Business Council's Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards, and thanked staff for making the awards possible.
CouncilmemberBacerraspoke regarding George UptonAll Access Park, thanked SenatorUmbergforhishelpin obtaininggrantfundingfor thepark, as wellas all those who attended, and announced the Orange County Fire Authority would be hosting an Open House on March 15, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at One Fire Road, in Irvine. He thanked staff for the completion of the fence along the Flower Street bike trailnext to the Countyfloodcontrolchannelandinquiredregardinginterviewsfor the Police Oversight Commission' s Independent Oversight Director position.
CityManagerAlvaroNunezstatedthatheisworkingwithCityAttorneySoniaCarvalho on schedulinginterviewsfor the independentOversightDirectorwithin the next 30 days, as well as updating the municipal code.
CouncilmemberBacerra expressed the importance of moving forward with the hiring of thepositionof the IndependentOversightDirectoras the originalitempassedby unanimous vote. He requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Frank Lopez, a parishionerof the Churchof the Messiahwhopassedawayrecently.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked students at Valley High School for their awesome behavior, shared he attended the event at George UptonAll Access Park, and wished everyone Happy International Women' s Month and a Happy Birthday to Councilmember Lopez. He thanked Supervisor Sarmiento for the Cal Optima Health and Street Medicine Program.
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Mayor Amezcua clarified the Cal Optima Health Board of Directors has not yet voted on the awarding of the Health and Street Medicine Program. In honor of Women' s History Month, she thanked the women on staff, and spoke regarding the unveiling of the new mosaic mural at the Jerome Community Center took place on February 19, 2025 and encouraged everyone to visit and see the artwork. She spoke regarding her Faith- Based meeting, where they discussed the topic of immigration, stated she met with the Sober Living Recovery Task Force and discussed the sober living homes currently in Santa Ana, and expressed her excitement for NOVA Academy's 20th anniversary and Santa Ana Pony Opening Ceremony. She announced her next Coffee with the Mayor will be held on March 22, 2025 at the Boys and Girls Club, and asked whether there have been any immigrations raids reported in the city.
City Manager Nunez confirmed there have been no known immigration raids in the city.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the budget survey and encouraged the community to respond and answer according to what is important to them.
ADJOURNMENT— Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Frank Lopez at 10: 07 P. M.
Respectfully submitted:
ennifer at, MC
City Cler
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