Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
April 15, 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 4:15 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.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 15, 2025
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Closed Session Item No. 3, pertainingto the ExecutiveManagementTeam, waswithdrawn.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.— Membersofthe publicmayaddressthe CityCouncilon Closed Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS — CityCouncilwill recessto ClosedSessionforthe purposeof conducting regular City business.
MINUTES:MayorAmezcuarecessedtoconsidertheClosedSessionitemsat4:16P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS— The BrownAct permitslegislativebodiesto discusscertain matterswithoutmembersof the publicpresent. The CityCouncilfinds, basedon advice from theCityAttorney, thatdiscussionin opensessionof thefollowingmatterswill prejudicethe positionoftheCityinexistingandanticipatedlitigation:
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54957( b)( 1):
TITLE: City Clerk
2. CONFERENCEWITH LABOR NEGOTIATORpursuant to Government Code Section 54957. 6( a):
Agency Designated Representative: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 WITHDRAWN
3. CONFERENCEWITH LABOR NEGOTIATORpursuant to Government Code Section 54957. 6( a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Unrepresented Employee: Executive Management Team (EMT)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Share Our Selves Corporation v. City of Santa Ana, et al., United States District Court ( Central District of California), Case No. 8: 23- CV- 00504- DOC- DFM B. Telesfora Mendozade Ascension and Matilde Ascencio De Juarez v. City of Santa Ana, et al., OrangeCounty Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01371513 CITY COUNCIL 2 APRIL 15, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT— The CityAttorneywill reporton any action(s)from Closed Session.
RECONVENE — City Councilwill reconveneto continueregularCity business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City CouncilMeeting to order at 5:59 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 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, Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez NATIONAL ANTHEM Orange County School of the Arts Students WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Darrell Durley, Brown Temple
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Item No. 6, Orange County Transportation Authority presentation, was rescheduled to another date.
CITY COUNCIL 3 APRIL 15, 2025
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing the 2024City of SantaAna Historic Preservation Awards Recipients MINUTES: MayorAmezcuapresentedcertificatesof recognitionto the 2024Cityof Santa Ana Historic Preservation Awards Recipients.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to the OrangeCounty School of the Arts recognizing their 25t" Anniversary in Santa Ana
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented a certificate of recognition to the OrangeCountySchoolof theArts recognizingtheir25t" anniversaryin SantaAna.
3. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Hernandez to Dr.
Annebelle Nery for Outstanding Contributions to Education MINUTES: CouncilmemberHernandez presented a certificate of recognition to Dr.
Annebelle Nery for outstanding contributions to education.
4. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to the LoverSonicos Cumbia Group for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to the LoverSonicos Cumbia Group for outstanding contributions to the community.
5. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Kim Nguyen-Penaloza declaring April 2025as SexualAssault Awareness Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Kim Nguyen- Penaloza declaring April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. i
STAFF PRESENTATION
6. Orange County Transportation Authority ( OCTA)— OC Streetcar Presentation MINUTES: Item rescheduled to a later date; no action taken.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT— TheCityAttorneywillreportonanyaction(s)fromClosed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalhoannouncedthat City Councilapproveda settlement in the amount of$ 138,000 ( VOTE: 7-0) for Closed Session Agenda Item No. 4B.
CITY COUNCIL 4 APRIL 15, 2025
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reported that an ad hoc committee consisting of herself, Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez, and Councilmember Bacerra has been formed to address public safety and the Police Oversight Commission ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.— Publiccommentswill be heldduringthe beginningof the meeting for ALL comments on agenda and non- agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced a brief recess to allow for a quorum to reconvene. Councilmember Phan returned to the dais. The meeting reconvened at 7: 04 P. M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments received: one 1) Agenda Item No. 6, five ( 5) Agenda No. 23, one ( 1) Agenda Item No. 24, and three 3) non- agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Dan Escamilla spoke regarding pending litigation against the Cityand an incident he experienced in the City.
2. Sue Palak spoke regarding driver safety, the budget, and the need for positive role models.
3. Tony Carrillo, Service Employees International Union ( SEIU), called for a moment of silence in honor of Isidro "Sid" Pineda and spoke in favor of collaborativebargaining discussions.
4. Nancy Robles, SEIU Local 721 Chapter President, spoke regarding the union's bargaining committee and their hopes for the next bargaining discussions.
5. Laura Morfin thanked City staff for their hard work and the completion of the improvement project along the F02 garden channel.
6. Mike Tardif spoke in support of Item No. 10 and highlighted other areas within the City that are also affected by the same issues.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
7. Nina Jirik thanked City staff for their hard work and requested a passive walkable park in the Washington Square neighborhood.
CITY COUNCIL 5 APRIL 15, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 7 through 25 and waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7:23 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item No. 19 for separate discussion and consideration and announced a recusal from Item No. 24 due to a potential financial issue.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 19 as the listed entity, Charitable Ventures, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
CouncilmemberLopezpulledAgendaItemNos. 10and24 forseparatediscussionand consideration.
CouncilmemberPenalozapulled Agenda Item No. 23 for separate discussionand consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 7 through 25 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 10, 19, 23, and 24 pulled for separate discussion and consideration, 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
7. Excused Absences
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
8. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 1, 2025
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 6 APRIL 15, 2025
9. Appoint Ruth Cossio- Muniz Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the Ward 6 Representative to the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee for a Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Ruth Cossio- Muniz to the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Ruth Cossio- Muniz.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
10.Authorization for City Attorney to File Drug Den Abatement Actions Department( s): City Attorney' s Office
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Attorney's Office to file nuisance abatement actions in the Orange County Superior Court against the property and business owners of El Tapatio Restaurant, Royal Roman Motel, and Royal Grand Inn.
1502 E. 1 st St., Santa Ana (" El Tapatio Restaurant")
1504 E. 1st St., Santa Ana (" Royal Roman Motel")
1519 E. 1st St., Santa Ana (" Royal Grand Inn")
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item, the need to ensure the safety of the City's residents, holding businesses that allow illegal activities accountable for their actions, and hopes property owners can work with the city to resolve issues. She requested City Attorney Sonia Carvalho clarify the steps taken to ensure due process.
CityAttorney Carvalhoreported the steps the City has taken to ensure due process pertaining to the properties.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item and thanked City staff for their efforts and hard work. He stated that the situation should serve as an example to other businesses in the city, that permitting comparable neglect will lead to a similar action.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item and cited the large number of calls for service and crimes connected to the properties and requested more enforcement in the affected area.
CITY COUNCIL 7 APRIL 15, 2025
CouncilmemberHernandez spoke in support of the item, thanked staff for their hard work, and highlighted the numerous code violations the properties have received.
Hespokeregardingbusinessesimprovingtheirpracticesandaddressingpotential code violations.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item, thanked staff for their hard work, and emphasizedtheinequitybetweenSantaAna andotherOrangeCountycities.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 10, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
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
11. Automated License Plate Recognition System
Department( s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
12. Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024.
13.Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( HPE) for Support Services for Servers and Storage Systems ( Specification No. 25- 052) ( Non- General Fund) Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE) for Support Services for Servers and Storage Systems, for a three-year period beginning May 15, 2025 through May 14, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $ 90, 492.
CITY COUNCIL 8 APRIL 15, 2025
14. Purchase Order to Advanced Personal Computing, Inc., DBA Liquid Networx for Network Access Control ( NAC) System ( Specification No. 25- 051) ( Non- General Fund).
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a one-time purchase and payment of a Purchase Order to Advanced Personal Computing, Inc., DBA Liquid Networx, for Network Access Control ( NAC) System in an amount not to exceed $ 110, 674.
15. Agreement with eSentire, Inc. for Managed Detection and Response ( MDR) Services ( Specification No. 25- 028) ( Non- General Fund) Department( s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with eSentire, Inc. to provide Managed Detection and Response ( MDR) Services in an amount not to exceed $ 592, 433, plus a 10% contingency of $ 59,243 totaling 651,676, fora term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2028 (Agreement No. A- 2025- 040).
16. Agreements with ARAS Enterprises, Inc., and GTE Agency, LLC dba Global Talent Entertainment for Entertainment Promoter Services ( Specification No. 24- 102) ( General Fund)
Department( s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute aggregate agreements with ARAS Enterprises, Inc. and GTE Agency, LLC dba Global Talent Entertainment to provide entertainment promoter services for an aggregate amount not- to- exceed $ 300, 000 annually for a three- year term beginning April 15, 2025 through April 14, 2028, and an additional $ 600, 000 for two, 1-year extensions, for a total aggregate agreement amount not to exceed $ 1, 500, 000 ( Agreement Nos. A- 2025- 041 and A- 2025- 042).
Vendor Location
ARAS Enterprises, Inc. Whittier, CA
Global Talent Entertainment Long Beach, CA
17. Agreements with CWF Inc., DBA Al Event and Party Rental, and Cook Event Services, Inc., DBA Baker Party Rentals, for Rental Equipment Services Specification No. 25- 004) ( General Fund)
Department( s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services CITY COUNCIL 9 APRIL 15, 2025
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with CWF Inc., DBA Al Event and Party Rental, and Cook Event Services, Inc., DBA BakerPartyRentals, to providerentalequipmentservicesin an amountnotto exceed $ 1,250,000, for a term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2028, withprovisionsfortwo, one-yearextensions (AgreementNos. A-2025-043andA- 2025- 044).
18. Agreements with Stage Plus Inc. and Advantage Event Solutions, LLC for Stage Services ( Specification No. 25- 008) ( General Fund) Department( s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Stage Plus Inc. and Advantage Event Solutions, LLC to provide stage services in an amount not to exceed $ 750,000 for a term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2028, with provisionsfor two, one-year extensions (Agreement Nos. A- 2025- 045 and A- 2025- 046).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 19 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
19.Memorandum of Understanding with the Southern California Association of Governments, Charitable Ventures, and The Kennedy Commission for a Sustainable Communities Program — Civic Engagement, Equity, and Environmental Justice Grant to Fund Supplemental Community Engagement for the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
Department( s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to make all conforming edits and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southern California Association of Governments ( SCAG), Charitable Ventures, and The Kennedy Commission for a Sustainable Communities Program — Civic Engagement, Equity, and Environmental Justice Grant to fund supplemental community engagement for the comprehensive Zoning Code Update for a term ending June 30, 2026 Agreement No. A- 2025- XXX).
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 19 as one of the listed entities, Charitable Ventures, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker and left the dais at 7:43 P.M.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in opposition to the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to not approve the recommended action for Item No. 19.
MINUTES: Motion died due to lack of a second.
CITY COUNCIL 10 APRIL 15, 2025
Mayor Amezcua expressed concern regarding the organizations involved and the political nature and requested additional information within 30 days.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 19, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra stated the organizations are not well- versed with the zoning code.
Mayor Amezcua asked how staff selected the organizations for this project, stated the Council will be closely monitoring how the funding will be used, and asked how much HUD funding the City receives. She requested clarification regarding the impacts of losing HUD funding.
CityManager Alvaro Nunez reported the Cityreceives approximately$ 54 million in HUD funding and discussed the consequences of its potential loss.
Acting Executive Director of Planning and Building Ali Pezeshkpour spoke regarding the background and selection process of the organizations and stated there is negligible impact on City staff.
Councilmember Lopez spoke of the positive impacts to the community and thanked staff for their hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 19, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion failed, 3-3-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN ( recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 3— 3— 1 - Fail
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 8:07 P. M.
CITY COUNCIL 11 APRIL 15, 2025
20. Agreements with Abajian Enterprise DBA SoCal Removal, Integrated Demolition and Remediation, Inc., Interior Demolition, Inc., and J& sG Industries Inc. for Citywide On- Call Demolition Services for Abatement Specification No. 25- 027) ( Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Abajian Enterprise DBA SoCal Removal, Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc., Interior Demolition, Inc., and J&G Industries Inc. to provide citywide on-call demolition services for abatement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $ 600, 000, for a term beginningApril 16, 2025andexpiringApril 15, 2028, with provisionsfor two, one-yearextensions (Core Agreement No. A-2025-047).
21.Approve Memorandum of Understanding Accepting the FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Non-General Fund) Department( s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager and the Chief of Police to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Orange, Sheriff's Departmentacceptingthe 2024 EdwardByrneMemorialJusticeAssistanceGrant in the amount of $ 89, 556 ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 048).
22. License Agreement Amendment with ProCore Technologies, Inc. for Construction Project Management Software ( Non- General Fund) Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a first amendment to license agreement with ProCore Technologies, Inc., increasing the compensation by $ 55, 000, including a $ 12,928 contingency, for a total amount not to exceed length of the agreement, and extend the agreement termhe entire g305 000 fort g g until September 16, 2025 ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 049).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 23 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
23.Resolution of Intention to Renew the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District Department( s): Community DevelopmentAgency
Recommended Action: 1. Adopt a Resolution of Intention to renew the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District ( SATMD) and the levy of assessments on lodging businesses.
CITY COUNCIL 12 APRIL 15, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 011 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO RENEW THE SANTA ANA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT (" SATMD") AND FIXING THE
TIME AND PLACE OF A PUBLIC MEETING AND A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON
AND GIVING NOTICE THEREOF
2. Establish a time and place for a public meeting to be held by the City Council on June 3, 2025 to hear and consider all protests.
3. Establish a time and place for a Public Hearing to be held by the City Council on July 1, 2025 regarding the proposed renewal of the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District.
4. Receive and File 2024 Travel Santa Ana Annual Report.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item and inquired about future amendments to the renewal.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez answered the councilmember's questions and provide clarification.
Mayor Amezcua requested City Manager staff provide clarification regarding the Santa Ana TourismMarketing District renewal of 10years instead of five years.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item and stated the industry standard for similarprograms renewals is 10years.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez clarified that although the 10 year renewal is the industry standard, the first five years are proof of concept and the other years allow for growth.
Wendy Haase, Travel Santa Ana, provided a brief description as to why tourism renewals are 10 years and various examples.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 23, 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
CITY COUNCIL 13 APRIL 15, 2025
i
AGENDA ITEM NO. 24 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
24.Density Bonus AgreementNo. 2025-01 to Facilitatethe Constructionof a Multi-FamilyResidentialDevelopment, Which Includes80 TownhomeUnits and Six Duplexes ( 86 Total Units), With Five Units Designated as Affordable to Very Low- Income Households
Department( s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopta resolutionapprovingDensityBonusNo. 2025-01 as conditioned; RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 012 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT NO. 2025- 01 FOR AN EIGHTY- SIX UNIT MULTI- FAMILY DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 2020 EAST FIRST STREET (APN: 402-191- 03)
2. Determinethat, pursuantto the CaliforniaEnvironmentalQualityAct (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review under Section 15168 ( Program EIR); and
3. Authorizethe CityManagerto executea DensityBonusAgreementwithMLC Holdings Inc./Meritage Homes, for a 55-year term, for a for-sale residential developmentconsistingof an 86 unit multi-family development, with five units designated as affordable to very low-income households at 2020 E. First Street Agreement No. A- 2025- 050).
MINUTES: CouncilmemberBacerra announced a recusal from Item No. 24 due to a potentialfinancialissueandleft thedaisat 8:14P.M.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item and thanked the applicant and staff for their hard work. She highlighted the importance of onsite affordable housing.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and the importance of onsite affordable housing.
CITY COUNCIL 14 APRIL 15, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 24, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA ( recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 0 — 1 — Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra returned to the dais at 8: 16 P. M.
25. Second Reading of the 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 First Reading at the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting and approved by a vote of 6- 0- 0- 1 ( Councilmember Phan absent). Published in the OC Reporter on April 2, 2025.
Department( s): City Attorney' s Office
Recommended Action: Approve the Second reading and adopt 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 VII of Chapter 2, Amending Section 2-748 Regarding City Manager Contracting Authority, AddingSection2-748RegardingCityAttorneyandCityClerkContracting Authority, and Repealing Section 2- 107 Regarding Prohibited Campaign Contributions.
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
CITY COUNCIL 15 APRIL 15, 2025
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC COMMENTS — Membersof thepublicmayaddressthe CityCounciloneachof the Public Hearing items.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 26 WAS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 6, 2025 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
26. Final Extension of Moratorium on the Approval, Commencement, Establishment, Relocation, or Expansion of Industrial Uses in Specific Development No. 84 ( SD- 84), Also Known as the Transit Zoning Code (" TZC") for Up To One Year ( 12 Months) Pursuant to Government Code Section 65858( a)
Legalnoticepublishedin the OC Reporteron March19, 2025.
Department( s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: 1. Adopt an urgency ordinance approving a final extension of a moratoriumfor a periodof up to one year on the approval, commencement, establishment, relocation, or expansion of industrial uses within SD-84, byfour-fifths 4/ 5) vote, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858( a), for up to one year ( 12 months), unless automatically repealed upon the adoption and effectivenessof a City-Counciladoptedordinanceto addressthe landuseconflicts presented by industrial uses in the TZC.
UNCODIFIED URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN UNCODIFIED
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,
EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE APPROVAL, COMMENCEMENT,
ESTABLISHMENT, RELOCATION OR EXPANSION OF INDUSTRIAL USES WITHIN SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 84 ZONING DISTRICT FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE ( 1) YEAR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858
2. Find that, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed action is not subject to the requirements of the California EnvironmentalQualityAct, pursuantto (Guidelines) Section15060(c)(2) because the activitywill not resultin a director reasonablyforeseeableindirectphysical change in the environment and 15060(c)(3) because the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly and so is not a project.
CITY COUNCIL 16 APRIL 15, 2025
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself on the advice of counsel and left the dais at 8: 17 P. M.
Councilmember Lopez recused herself from the item, pending the receipt of a clearance letter from the Fair Political Practices Commission ( FPPC) and left the dais at 8: 18 P. M.
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from the item due to a potential conflict of interest related to a residential lease, pending a clearance letter from the FPPC at8: 18P. M.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated that the FPPC letters are expected to be received by April 30, 2025 and announced that the item requires a four- fifths vote.
Mayor Amezcua announced that the item would be continued.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced Item No. 26 would not be considered or heard due to a lack of qualified voters.
City Attorney Carvalho stated that without Council action the moratorium will expire until the overall ordinance is brought back.
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
MINUTES: Councilmembers Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan returned to the dais at 8:21 P. M.
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
27.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Prepare an Ordinance to Address Challenges Associated with Sober Living Homes in Santa Ana— Mayor Amezcua, Councilmember Penaloza, Councilmember Bacerra
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the impacts of sober living homes to the community and in support of the item.
CouncilmemberBacerraspokein supportof soberlivinghomes, spokeregardingthe sober living task force, and thanked those who have been fighting the battle over the years.
CouncilmemberPenaloza thanked those who have been fighting the battle over the years, spoke regarding the impacts to cities and the sober living task force, and spoke in support of the item.
CouncilmemberPhanspokein supportof the item and requesteda costrecovery and associated fines with the item.
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Councilmember Lopez expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Hernandez expressed support for the item.
MayorPro TemVazquezexpressedsupportfor theitem and spokeregardingthe impacts to the community.
28.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Prepare a Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 569 ( Blakespear) — Councilmember Lopez MINUTES: CouncilmemberLopezprovideda briefsummaryof theitemandspokein support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding the role and duties of CalTrans regarding debrisandencampmentsand statelegislators, andspokein oppositionto theitem.
CityManagerAlvaroNunezspokeregardingSB569.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
MayorPro TemVazquezspokeregardinghavingajoint actionplan andin supportof the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item.
CouncilmemberPhanspokein supportoftheitemandrequesteda letterbe submitted for amendments in section 14193 subdivision A.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed support for the item with recommended amendments.
CouncilmemberPenalozaexpressedsupportfor thesubmittalof theletterand spoke regardingaddressingpotentialhomelessnessbills.
29.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Managerto Prepare a Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 28-The Proposition 36 Treatment Court Implementation Act and Senate Bill 38- Funding for Diversion Treatment — Councilmember Bacerra, Mayor Amezcua, Councilmember Penaloza
MINUTES: CouncilmemberBacerraprovideda brief summaryof the itemand spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item. She requested the City Manager's Officeprovidea packageof the upcomingSenateBills.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
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Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez left the meeting at 8:56 P.M.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced the Arbor Day tree planting event on April 19, 2025at variousCityparks, ajob fairhostedby theSantaAna WorkCenterinpartnership with Santa Ana College on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 11: 00 A. M. to 2: 00 P. M.; a second job fair hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at City Hall, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.; the Dia de Los Ninos event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Plaza of the Sunnear City Hall, a free compostgiveawayevent hosted by the Public WorksAgency on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 7:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at CentennialPark; and the Brewat the Zoo fundraiserhostedby the Parksand Recreation Department on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. He reminded everyone to register for the Fun Run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. and to participate in the budget survey.
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: CouncilmemberLopez announcedthe tree planting event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10: 00 A. M. at Cabrillo Park and the Dia de Los Ninos event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Plaza of the Sun near City Hall. She wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Councilmember Phan congratulated Parks and Recreation Employee of the Year, CorilynLantz; invitedeveryoneto attendBrewat the Zoo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 5: 00 P. M. to 8: 00 P. M.; spoke regarding Black April, the 50f"Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon; encouraged everyone to participate in Denim Day on April 30, 2025, and wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked the Santa Ana Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority dispatchers in honor of National Safety and Telecommunicators Week. He announced his community office hours on May 3, 2025 at 10:00A.M. at Lillie King Park; and a tree planting event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Thornton Park. He expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the recent car accident. He spokeof thelossandlegacyof EdArnoldandrequestedthatthemeeting be adjourned in honor of the five car accident victims and Ed Arnold.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Councilmember Bacerra for his kind words and expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragic car accident.
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Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed condolences to the families affected by the recent car accident and thanked the first responders who assisted at the accident scene. He thankedthe ValleyHighSchooladministrationandstafffor theirsupport.
MayorAmezcuaspokeregardingSenateBill 634. Sheexpressedher condolencesto thefamiliesof theaccidentvictimsandprovidedfundraisinginformationforthefamilies.
She thanked the first responders in the City.
ADJOURNMENT— Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in honor of Arely Robles, Natalia VidalZarate, Jacqueline TorresZarate, Cynthia TorresZarate, Emanuel Gonzalez Martinez, and Ed Arnold, at 9:24 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
ennifer L. all, C
City Cl
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