Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
AN
April 1, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING - 4:00 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: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:12 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Hernandez, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Bacerra, Lopez, and Penaloza arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 1, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
Councilmember Phan announced she will be participating via teleconference per the Just Cause provision of the Brown Act after ceremonial presentations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS - City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting regular City business.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:13 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
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-00215-JWH-DFM
B. Lawrence M. Kuda, Jr. as Trustee of the Kuda Family Surviving Grantors Trust, and Bruce Metal And Salvage, Inc. v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2024-01414415
C. SRP/Stater Bros, LLC v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2024-01426663
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9:
One (1) case- Union Pacific
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
TITLE: City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney
CITY COUNCIL 2 APRIL 1, 2025
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Designated Representative: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Unrepresented Employees: City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney CLOSED SESSION REPORT - The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed Session.
RECONVENE - City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6:28 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez
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 Bacerra
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Police Chaplain Bob Barnett
CITY COUNCIL 3 APRIL 1, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that staff has requested to continue Public Hearing Item No. 22 to the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 22 based on the advice of counsel.
Councilmember Lopez recused herself from Agenda Item No. 22. She reported that a Levine Act disclosure letter has been requested from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from Agenda Item No. 22 due to a residential lease that may be a potential conflict of interest. He reported that an advice letter has been requested from the FPPC.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to continue Public Hearing Agenda Item No. 22 to the May 6, 2025 City Council meeting, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 4-0-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR
AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ (recusal), COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA (recusal), COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 4 - 0 - 3 - Pass
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that comments regarding Public Hearing Item No. 22 will not be heard.
Councilmember Phan announced she will be participating via teleconference per the Just Cause provision of the Brown Act after the ceremonial presentations.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Little Saigon TV declaring April 30, 2025 as Black April
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Little Saigon TV declaring April 30, 2025 as Black April.
Councilmember Phan left the dais at 6:42 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 4 APRIL 1, 2025
2. Proclamation presented by Mayor Amezcua to the Girl Scouts of Orange County declaring March 12, 2025 as Girl Scouts Day and for 113 Years of y, Bayor Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented a proclamation to the Girl Scouts of Orange County declaring March 12, 2025 as Girl Scouts Day and for 113 years of outstanding contributions to the community.
3. Proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez to Latino Health Access and the Downtown Family Resource Center to commemorate April as Blue Ribbon Month
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez presented a proclamation to Latino Health Access and the Downtown Family Resource Center to commemorate April as Blue Ribbon Month.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Lopez to The Cambodian Family declaring April 2025 as Cambodian Heritage Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a proclamation to the Cambodian Family declaring April 2025 as Cambodian Heritage Month.
5. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Penaloza to Paola Sanchez for Outstanding Academic Achievements including being accepted to Princeton University
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza presented a certificate of recognition to Paola Sanchez for outstanding academic achievements including being accepted to Princeton University.
Councilmember Phan joined the meeting via teleconference at 7:23 P.M. and announced she is participating via teleconference at the airport and stated there are multiple individuals over the age of 18.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT - The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced Closed Session Agenda Item No. 1C was pulled from consideration, and Closed Session Agenda Item Nos. 3 and 4 were continued to the next meeting.
CITY COUNCIL 5 APRIL 1, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments received: two (2) Agenda Item No. 16 and (34) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Emilio Ramirez expressed concern regarding Agenda Item No. 12.
2. Cherie Kerr requested assistance regarding the parking situation at the Orange County School of the Arts and her organization, the Orange County Crazies, and expressed concern regarding public safety.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
3. Victor Mendez spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 20 and requested a more complete proposal.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 6 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7:39 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Hernandez pulled Agenda Item No. 16 for separate discussion and consideration and announced a no vote on Agenda Item No. 12.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item No. 17 for separate discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 18 as the listed entity, City of Anaheim, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
CITY COUNCIL 6 APRIL 1, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 through 19 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 16 and 17 pulled for separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 - 0 - Pass
6. Excused Absences
Departments): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
7. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 18, 2025
Departments): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
8. Minutes from the Special Meeting of Measure X Oversight Commission on January 25, 2025 and the Regular Meeting of the Police Oversight Commission on February 13, 2025
Departments): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
9. Appoint Alejandra Rodriguez Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the Ward 6 Representative to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission for a Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026 Departments): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Alejandra Rodriguez to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Alejandra Rodriguez.
CITY COUNCIL 7 APRIL 1, 2025
10. Ten-Day Written Report Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858(d) Following the Adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. NS-3064 Extension of Ten (10) Months and Fifteen (15) Days, Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858(a), regarding a Moratorium on the Approval, Commencement, Establishment, Relocation, or Expansion of Industrial Uses within Specific Development No. 84 (Transit Zoning Code (SD-84) Moratorium) Departments): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Issue and file a Council report to the public, pursuant to Section 65858(d) of the California Government Code, describing the City's measures to alleviate conditions that led to the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No.
NS-3064 on May 21, 2024, regarding a moratorium extension of ten (10) months and fifteen (15) days on the approval, commencement, establishment, relocation, or expansion of industrial uses within Specific Development No. 84 (the Iransit Zoning Code (SD-84) Moratorium).
11. Approve Appropriation Adjustment Recognizing $8,080 in California State Library Funding (General Fund)
Departments): Library
Recommended Action: Approve an Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $8,080 in California State Library California Library Services Act funds in the Library Miscellaneous Income revenue account and appropriate the same into the Library Tech & Support Services, Computer Software Subscriptions expenditure account, to apply toward Library e-resources. (Requires five affirmative votes)
12. Approve Appropriation Adjustment Recognizing Measure M2 Grant Funding and Amend the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program for the Dyer Road Improvements (55 Freeway - 700' East of Pullman Street) Project (Project No. 25-6706)
Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing Measure M2 grant funding in the amount of $2,365,200 into the Measure M-Street Construction, Measure M2 Competitive revenue account (03217002-52332) and appropriate the same amount into the Measure M-Street Construction, Improvements Other Than Building expenditure account (03217663-66220) for future year expenditures. (Requires five affirmative votes)
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Capital Improvement Program to include Measure M2 grant funding in the amount of $2,365,200 for the Dyer Road Improvements (55 Freeway - 700' East of Pullman Street) Project (Project No. 25-6706)
CITY COUNCIL 8 APRIL 1, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 12 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 - 1 - Pass
13. Purchase Order Contract to Haaker Equipment Company for One 2024 Ford E-450 with CCTV Upfit (Specification No. 25-022) (Non-General Fund) Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a purchase order to Haaker Equipment for one, new/unused 2024 Ford E-450 with CCTV Upfit in an amount of $446,013 plus a contingency amount of $15,000, for a total amount not to exceed $461,013.
14. Purchase Order Contract to PB Loader Corporation for One 2025 Ford F-600 Regular Cab Utility Service Body Truck (Specification No. 25-031) (Non- General Fund)
Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a purchase order to PB Loader Corporation for one, new/unused 2025 Ford F-600 Regular Cab Utility Service Body Truck, in an amount of $245,023, plus a contingency amount of $15,000, for a total amount not to exceed $260,023.
15. Citywide Purchase Order Contract with Grainger, Inc. for Maintenance, Repair, and Operational Supplies (Specification No. 25-048) (General Fund and Non-General Fund)
Departments): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Award a Citywide Purchase Order Contract to Grainger, Inc. for online marketplace purchases of goods for a four year term beginning April 1, 2025 and expiring March, 31, 2029, for an annual amount not-to-exceed $400,000, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed $1,600,000.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan left the meeting via teleconference at 7:45 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 9 APRIL 1, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 16 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
16.Approve a First Amendment to Employment Agreement Between the City of Santa Ana and Alvaro Nuñez and Adopt a Resolution Approving the Council Appointee Salary Schedule
Departments): Human Resources
Recommended Action:
1. Approve a first amendment to the Employment Agreement Between the City of Santa Ana and Alvaro Nuñez reflecting the positive City Manager performance evaluation conducted on March 18, 2025 and approving an adjusted annual salary for the City Manager of $340,200 (Agreement No. A-2025-030).
2. Adopt a resolution updating the City's Classification and Compensation Plan with the amended annual salary for City Manager, and approving the Council Appointee Salary Schedule in compliance with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CaPERS) and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations section 570.5.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-009 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.
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item and spoke regarding the outstanding efforts and leadership of City Manager Alvaro Nuñez.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that pursuant to Government Code Section 54953 an oral summary of salary and benefits shall be made prior to final action of the Council on any local executive and stated Agenda Item No. 16 is the approval of a performance evaluation and salary adjustment for the City Manager increasing the annual salary from $315,000 to $340,200 effective March 18, 2025.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of item and spoke regarding the proposed salary and the outstanding efforts and leadership of City Manager Alvaro Nunez.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez echoed previous comments and spoke regarding City Manager Alvaro Nuñez's leadership.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked City Manager Alvaro Nuñez for his hard work, efforts, and leadership.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked City Manager Alvaro Nuñez for his hard work, efforts, and leadership.
Councilmember Lopez thanked City Manager Alvaro Nuñez for his hard work, efforts, and leadership, and expressed concern regarding the proposed salary.
CITY COUNCIL APRIL 1, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 16, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 5-1-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR
PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
Status: 5 - 1-0 - 1 - Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 17 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
17. Construction Contract to BNS Construction for the Fire Station 70, 2301 Old Grand Street, Remodel, ADA Restroom and Generator Upgrade (Project No. 24-6626) (General Fund)
Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
Restroom and Generator Project.
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost of $716,250 which includes $573,000 for the construction contract, $85,950 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a $57,300 project contingency for unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to BNS Construction, the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $573,000, subject to change orders, for the remodel of Fire Station 70 ADA Restroom and Generator Replacement for a term beginning upon April 1, 2025, and authorize City Manager to execute the contract.
4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2025-11 was filed for project 24-6626.
CITY COUNCIL 11 APRIL 1, 2025
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item and emphasized the importance of a comprehensive study of fire facilities.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 17, seconded by Mayor Amezcua
The motion carried, 5-0-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN
Status: 5 - 0-0-2-Pass
18. Cooperative Agreement with the Cities of Brea, Placentia, Anaheim, and Orange for the Kraemer Boulevard, Glassell Street, Grand Avenue Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (Project No. 25-6705) (Non- General Fund)
Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $760,855 in matching funding from the Cities of Brea, Placentia, Anaheim, and Orange, into the Public Works Measure M-Street Construction, Expense Reimbursement revenue account (03217002-57000) and appropriate the same amount into the Measure M-Street Construction, • Improvements Other Than Building expenditure account 321/663-66220) for the Kraemer Boulevard, Glassell Street, Grand Avenue Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project. (Requires five affirmative votes)
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program to include city match reimbursement funding in the amount of $760,855 for the Kraemer Boulevard, Glassell Street, Grand Avenue Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (Project No. 25-6705).
CITY COUNCIL 12 APRIL 1, 2025
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement with the Cities of Brea, Placentia, Anaheim, and Orange, which identifies each city's roles and responsibilities to implement the Kraemer Boulevard, Glassell Street, Grand Avenue Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project for a term beginning upon full approval of the agreement by all parties and effective until December 31, 2030, with an option for extension (Agreement No. A-2025-031).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 18 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 - 0 - 1 - Pass
19. Agreement with Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. for the Measure M2 Required Pavement Management Program Update (Project No. 25-6898) (Non- General Fund)
Departments): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc., for Pavement Management Program Update services, for an amount not to exceed $135,000, which includes the base amount ot $119,395 and contingency of $15,605, for a term beginning April 1, 2025 and expiring March 31, 2028, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-032).
*END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 8:05 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Create a Construction Services Section and Add 13 Full- Time Positions (Non-General Fund)
Departments): Public Works Agency
CITY COUNCIL 13 APRIL 1, 2025
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution to amend the current fiscal year 2024- 25 annual budget to add 13 full-time positions and create a Construction Services Section in the Public Works Agency
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-010 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO AMEND THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR 2024- 25 ANNUAL BUDGET TO ADD FULL-TIME POSITIONS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 20, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
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
21. Omnibus Amendments to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Including Meeting Frequency for the Personnel Board, Contracting Authority for the City Clerk and City Attorney, and Relying on State Law Regarding Campaign Contributions Effect on Proceedings Involving a License, Permit or other Entitlement for Use
Departments): City Attorney's Office
Recommended Action: Approve the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana amending Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code as to Section 2-328 Regarding Meetings; Chairperson and Recording Secretary of Appointive Boards and Commissions, Adding Section 2-331.5 Regarding Meetings of the Personnel Board, Amending the Title of Article VIl of Chapter 2, Amending Section 2-748 Regarding City Manager Contracting Authority, Adding Section 2-748 Regarding City Attorney and City Clerk Contracting Authority, and
Campaign Contributions.
CITY COUNCIL 14 APRIL 1, 2025
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3078 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE AS TO SECTION 2-328 REGARDING MEETINGS;
CHAIRPERSON AND RECORDING SECRETARY OF APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ADDING SECTION 2-331.5 ENTITLED MEETINGS, AMENDING THE TITLE OF ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 2, AMENDING SECTION 2-748 REGARDING CITY MANAGER CONTRACTING AUTHORITY, ADDING SECTION 2-749 REGARDING CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY CLERK CONTRACTING AUTHORITY, AND REPEALING SECTION 2-107 REGARDING
PROHIBITED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra requested to add the following language to the end of the Personnel Board Section 2-331.5 "may hold up to two additional meetings per month".
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 20 as amended, 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
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
[SECTION INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
CITY COUNCIL 15 APRIL 1, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC COMMENTS - Members of the public may address the City Council on each of the Public Hearing items.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 22 WAS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 6, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
22. Public Hearing for Resolution to Make Findings and Adopt Addendum to the Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number No. 2006071100), Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2024-02 and Amendment Application (AA) No. 2024-03 Amending Certain Sections of Article XIX (The Transit Zoning Code, Specific Development No. 84) of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) Addressing Industrial Land Uses, Nonconformities, and Operating Standards, and Amending the City of Santa Ana Zoning Map to Remove the Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) Suffixes from Certain Properties Within the SD-84 District Boundary
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on March 21, 2025 and mailed on same day.
Departments): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution to make findings pursuant to Public Resources Code and to adopt the Addendum to the Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number No. 2006071100). Pursuant to the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA), and based on independent review and analysis, and the administrative record as a whole, that, in exercising its independent judgement, amend TZC SD-84 Final EIR with an addendum that the City Council find that pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required for the adoption of the proposed Ordinances; and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, an addendum to the Transit Zoning Code EIR was accordingly prepared.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO MAKE FINDINGS PURSUANT TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21166 AND TO ADOPT THE
ADDENDUM TO THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER NO. 2006071100)
CITY COUNCIL 16 APRIL 1, 2025
2. Adopt an ordinance to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2024-02 amending certain sections of Article XIX (The Transit Zoning Code, Specific Development No. 84 (SD-84)) of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code including amendments to the regulations, overlay districts and maps in the zoning district; modifying the authorized land uses and permit types; establishing revised non-conforming use regulations, including the addition of an amortization/termination of use process and adding operational standards for certain permitted and non-conforming uses.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-xxxx entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING ZONING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02, AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 41 (ZONING) OF ARTICLE XIX OF THE SANTA
ANA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE REGULATIONS, OVERLAY
DISTRICTS AND MAPS IN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE/SPECIFIC
DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 84 ZONING DISTRICT; MODIFYING THE
AUTHORIZED LAND USES AND PERMIT TYPES; ESTABLISHING
REVISED NONCONFORMING USE REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE
ADDITION OF AN AMORTIZATION/TERMINATION OF USE PROCESS AND
ADDING OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN PERMITTED AND
NONCONFORMING USES
3. Adopt an ordinance to approve Amendment Application (AA) No. 2024-03 amending the zoning by removing the M1 (Light Industrial) and M2 (Heavy Industrial) suffixes from certain properties within the SD-84 zoning district boundary as designated on the City of Santa Ana Zoning Map.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 2024-03 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA BY REMOVING THE M1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) AND M2
(HEAVY INDUSTRIAL) SUFFIXES FROM CERTAIN PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SD-84 ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARY
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced his attendance at the GROW thanked Council for their comments regarding Item No. 16.
CITY COUNCIL 17 APRIL 1, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE - If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for members of the Council to provide a brief oral report on attendance of any regional board or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez announced her monthly office hours at 9:00 A.M. on April 12, 2025 at Edna Park, thanked staff for all of their hard work on the Sahuayo Business Expo, and announced Earth Day tree planting events at Santiago Park and Cabrillo Park.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked the City Manager and staff for prioritizing projects like the Memorial Park renovation and Bristol Street widening, announced the birth of his son Lucas Elias Penaloza on March 19, 2025, and invited everyone to the Memorial Park groundbreaking ceremony.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked everyone for their participation and City Manager Alvaro Nuñez for his hard work and willingness to work with the Council. He announced several community events: on Friday April 4, 2025: the unveiling of a new playground at Angels Park; community garden inauguration at El Salvador Park; on Saturday April 5, 2025: Memorial Park groundbreaking ceremony, Thrive Micro Farm opening; and the grand opening of Santos Pizza in downtown. He requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Isidro "Sid" Pineda, a City sanitation inspector.
Councilmember Bacerra congratulated Councilmember Penaloza and his wife on the birth of their son, thanked Assistant City Manager Minh Thai for ensuring the sidewalk at the Business Expo was safe and accessible, thanked staff for attending the South Coast Community meeting, and commented on the cleanliness of the flood control channel adjacent to Flower Street, Proposition 36, and proposed Senate Bill 28. He spoke in support of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and the Santa Ana Unified District working collaboratively to ensure OSA can continue to operate in the City and announced his community office hours on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Thornton Park.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez congratulated Councilmember Penaloza and his wife on the birth of their son, reported his attendance at the GROW Conference and the Sahuayo Business Expo, and thanked his aide, Karina Romero, for her hard work.
Mayor Amezcua expressed appreciation of her aide, Claudia Perez, thanked all of the staff that helped make the Sahuayo Business Expo a success, commented on the GROW Conference, and she disclosed her trip to Sacramento on March 26, 2025 to testify on Senate Bill 329, her attendance at the League of Cities Policy Committee meeting in Burbank, and the Morrison Neighborhood Community meeting. She thanked all of the staff who attended the Coffee with the Mayor event, invited everyone to attend her tree planting event on April 19, 2025 at Santiago Park, and reminded residents to participate in the Community Budget Priorities Survey. She reminded everyone that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 30, 2025 is Denim Day and requested the water tower be lit up in teal in support.
CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 1, 2025
ADJOURNMENT - Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Isidro "Sid" Pineda at 8:36 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Jennifer L. Hall, CMC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 19 APRIL 1, 2025