CITY COUNCIL 1 MAY 06, 2025
DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
May 6, 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 Pro Tem Vazquez called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:16 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 Bacerra, Hernandez, and Phan, and Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez were present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza, and Mayor Amezcua arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 2 MAY 06, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced additional information was received for Closed Session Item No. 1, pertaining to Anchor Stone Christian Church, and the item has been withdrawn from consideration tonight.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS – City Council will recess to Closed Se ssion for the purpose of conducting regular City business.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:17 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
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIA TOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Employee Organization: Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIA TOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Employee Organization: Santa Ana Middle Management / Administrative Management Association (SAMA)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIA TOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Employee Organization: Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA)
CITY COUNCIL 3 MAY 06, 2025
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFOR MANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
TITLE: City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager
6. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIA TOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Designated Represe ntative: Lori Schnaider , Executive Director of Human Resources
Unrepresented Employee: City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager 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 6:19 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tem
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Alvaro Nuñez
Sonia R. Carvalho
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 Victor Perez
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Community Development Director Michael Garcia
CITY COUNCIL 4 MAY 06, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez requested Public Hearing Agenda Item No. 21 be postponed to the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting.
Mayor Amezcua asked the City Attorney whether the council has the ability to postpone Item No. 21.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated council has the ability to postpone Item No. 21 by either opening the public hearing to continue it or choose not to open the public hearing which would require republishing the item.
Mayor Amezcua asked City Attorney Carvalho to confirm whether there was a response from the Fair Political Practices Co mmission (FPPC) regarding Councilmember Penaloza and Councilmember Lopez.
City Attorney Carvalho confirmed correspondence was received from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for both Councilmember Penaloza and Councilmember Lopez, stated Councilmember Lopez will conti nue efforts to resolve the conflict, and recommended council open the public hearing and continue it to the meeting of June 3, 2025.
Mayor Amezcua stated the importance of the item and would like all council members who are able to participate to have the opportunity to provide input.
Councilmember Phan recused herself as he r employer Rutan and Tucker represents some property owners in the area and left the dais at 6:24 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez recused herself per the Levine Act.
Councilmember Penaloza requested the name of the donors in conflict for transparency purposes.
Discussion ensued regarding campaign contribution transparency, the Levine Act, and the review process by FPPC.
Councilmember Lopez left the dais at 6:30 P.M.
City Attorney Carvalho clarified the requirement to publicly state the conflict at the dais once a decision is made based on the deter mination of the F PPC and provided additional clarification on the Levine Act.
Councilmember Penaloza stated his request for conflict review has been cleared by the FPPC.
CITY COUNCIL 5 MAY 06, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 21 MOVED OUT OF ORDER
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to continue Public Hearing Item No. 21 to the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEM BER PENALOZA, MAYOR
PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ (rec usal), COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 5 – 0 – 2 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmembers Lopez and Phan returned to the dais at 6:36 P.M.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition pr esented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing Reimagine for 75-years of Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented a certificate of recognition to Reimagine for 75-years of outstanding contributions to the community.
2. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Hernandez to Mark and James Vahradian in Honor of the Late Jack Vahradian
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez presented a proclamation to Mark and James Vahradian in honor of the late Jack Vahradian.
3. Certificate of Recognition presen ted by Councilmember Lopez recognizing The Center for Teacher Education on their 25-Year Anniversary
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a cert ificate of recognition to The Center for Teacher Education on their 25-Year Anniversary.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Aquatics Team declaring May 2025 as Water Safety Drowning Prevention Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Aquatics Team declaring May 2025 as Water Safety Drowning Prevention Month.
CITY COUNCIL 6 MAY 06, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT – The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no re portable 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 Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments received: one (1) Agenda Item No. 17, two (2) Agenda Item No. 20, two (2) Agenda No. 23, two (2) Agenda Item No. 24, four (4) Agenda Item No. 25, an d (15) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Cherie Kerr spoke regarding the parking situation at the Orange County School of the Arts and her organization, the Orange County Crazies. She expressed concern regarding public safety and possible code violations.
2. Dan Robinson expressed co ncern regarding public safety in the City related to Alejandro Acosta Oliveros.
3. Sandra DeAnda expressed concern regarding information being withheld by the City and the Police Department re lated to ICE activity in the community and spoke regarding ICE activity within the City.
4. Casey Conway spoke regarding data released from a public records request related to ICE activity within the community.
5. Oscar Torres expressed concern regardi ng short-term rent als and Airbnbs and addressed gaps in the ordinance related to short-term rentals.
6. Victor Mendez spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 23, expressing concern regarding communication efforts related to the East First Rehab Project.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
7. Patricia DeSantos spoke regarding community oversight for monies related to the Bristol Related Project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 5 through 19 and waive readi ng of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7:28 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 7 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez announced a “No” vote on Agenda Item No. 14.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item Nos. 7 and 8 for separate discussion and consideration.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item Nos. 10 and 19 as the listed entities, Falck Mobile Heal th Corporation and City Ventur es Homebuilding, LLC, are clients of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from Agenda Item No. 8 as the listed entity, Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc., has made contributions to his campaign within the past 12 months.
Councilmember Lopez pull ed Agenda Item No. 15 for separate discussion and consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez pulled Agenda Ite m No. 15 for separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5 through 19 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 7, 8, and 15 pulled for separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACER RA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
5. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 15, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 8 MAY 06, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
7. City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the City of Sant a Ana 2024 General Pl an Annual Progress Report; and
2. Authorize staff to subm it the City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report to the State of Ca lifornia Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra thanked st aff and highlighted the launch of same-day express permit services (PBX) for certain residential and commercial projects, completion of the first round of stakeholder engagement for the comprehensive zoning code update, formation of the Environmental Justice Action Committee, the opening of Gerardo Mouet Park, and housing production allocations included in the General Plan update, and spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 7, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
8. Purchase Order Contracts to Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc. for Nine (9) Chevrolet Vehicles and Selman Chevrolet Company for Seven (7) Chevrolet Vehicles (Spec No. 25-017) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
CITY COUNCIL 9 MAY 06, 2025
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize a purchase or der to Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc. for nine new 2025 Chevrolet Colorado Trucks, in an amount of $360,093, plus a contingency amount of $45,000, for a total amount not to exceed $405,093.
2. Authorize a purchase order to Selm an Chevrolet Company for six new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EVs, and one new or unused 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, in an amount of $299,229, plus a conti ngency amount of $35, 000, for a total amount not to exceed $334,229.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza recused hi mself from Agenda Item No. 8 as the listed entity, Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc., has made a campaign contribution within the past 12 months, and left the dais at 7:35 P.M.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed c oncern regarding the proposed 12% contingency listed and expressed support fo r the item without the contingency amount.
Public Works Director Nabil Saba explained the 12% contingency.
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez addressed Council’s concerns regarding the 12% contingency and explained the reasoning behind the contingency process.
Mayor Amezcua expressed concern regarding the proposed 12% contingency and spoke in opposition to the item with the 12% contingency.
Councilmember Phan inquired regarding th e frequency a contingency amount has been expended and spoke in support of the item.
Director Saba confirmed the contingencies are rarely used.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua asked how many times contingency amounts have been used.
Director Saba explained he needs to check with his staff to confirm exact number.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested a r eport of the number of the times a contingency amount has been spent and how much was spent.
MOTION: Councilmember Phan moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 8, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-1-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 10 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER HERNA NDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA (recusal)
NONE
Status: 5 – 1 – 1 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza returned to the dais at 7:53 P.M.
9. Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llam as and Associates (“HdL”) for Business License Tax and Fee Software Services (Specification No. 23-165) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates (“HdL”) to provide business license tax and fee software services in an amount not to exceed $1,557,525, for a five-year term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2030, with provisions for one 2-year extension, followed by two 1-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-053).
10. First Amendment to Agreement with Falck Mobile Health Corporation dba CARE Ambulance Service to Provid e Expanded Ground Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services for th e Santa Ana Police Department and Provision of Ambulance Compliance Data to Orange County Emergency Medical Services
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Agreement with Falck M obile Health Corporation dba CARE to add on the contract’s Scope of Work for Santa Ana Police Department ground non-emergency medical transportation services and m onthly provision of Ambulance Compliance Data to Orange County Emergency Medical Services ( Agreement No. A-2025- 054).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez mo ved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 10 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 11 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZ A, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
11. First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Management Association
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Memor andum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police M anagement Association (PMA) for the period of January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, modifying and delineating specific articles of the MOU (Agreement No. A-2025-055).
12. Third Amendment to City Clerk Employment Agreement
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Approve a third amendment to the City Clerk Employment Agreement reflecting the pos itive City Clerk performance evaluation conducted on April 15, 2025 and approving an increase to the City Clerk in the amount of deferred compensation provided by the City ( Agreement No. A-2025- 056).
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Item No. 12 included an increase to the City provided deferred co mpensation for the City Clerk, effective April 15, 2025.
13. Agreement with Contemporary Servi ces Corporation for Security Services for City Special Events (Specification No. 24-138) (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Contemporary Services Corporation to prov ide security services for City special events in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for a three-year term beginning May 6, 2025 and expiring May 5, 2028, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-057).
CITY COUNCIL 12 MAY 06, 2025
14. Agreement with SenseMakers, LLC to Provide Training Exercise Services for the Urban Area Security Initiati ve Grant Program FY2023 - FY2027 (Specification No. 25-024A) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year agreement, with two, one-year renewal options, with SenseMakers, LLC to provide on-going training deliverables to the A naheim/Santa Ana Urban Area on an as- needed basis, for the period of May 6, 2025 through May 5, 2028 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $433,619 (Agreement No. A-2025-058).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez mo ved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 14 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
NONE
NONE
Status: 6 – 1 – Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
15. Agreements with Flock Group, In c. and Motorola Solutions, Inc. for Automated License Plate Recognition Camera Installation and Maintenance Services (Specification No. 25-034) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City M anager to execute a three- year agreement with Flock Group, Inc. to provide aut omated license plate recognition camera installation and maintenance services, for the estimated period of May 6, 2025 through May 5, 2028, with provision for one, tw o-year extension, for an amount of $196,560 plus a contingency amount of $15, 000, for a total amount not to exceed $211,560. (Agreement No. A-2025-059).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with Motorola Solutions, Inc. to provide automa ted license plate recognition camera installation and maintenance services, for the estimated period of May 6, 2025 through May 5, 2030, for an amount of $454,099 plus a contingency amount of $40,000, for a total amount not to exceed $494,099. (Agreement No. A-2025- 060).
CITY COUNCIL 13 MAY 06, 2025
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez expressed c oncern with the th ird-party vendor data sharing, records retention, and personal identifying information collected by the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed concern regarding third-party data sharing and spoke regarding the importance of having safeguards in place related to data sharing.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the positive impacts of the automated license plate recognition system to the community and spoke in support of the item.
Deputy Police Chief Julian Rodriguez spoke regarding the ALPR system.
Councilmember Hernandez s poke regarding privacy versus policing, ALPR systems’ history, and misuse of t he system, echoed Councilmember Lopez’s concerns, inquired about pot ential public records reques t and data retention, and spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Phan asked who within the Police Department would have access to ALPR system data, spoke regarding auditing data retrieval logs, asked for clarification regarding the records retention, and recommended adopting a policy for a one-year retention.
Deputy Chief Rodriguez addressed concerns regarding the system’s data accessibility, records retention, and facial recognition.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item and suggested a policy in the event of willful misuse of the ALPR system.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez mo ved to reject the recommended action for Item No. 15, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spok e regarding the importance of collaborating with surrounding Orange County agencies and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Penaloza s poke regarding the system’s beneficial impacts to the community and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua supported the item.
Councilmember Lopez stated her opposition to the item and reiterated her concern regarding the data sharing stipulated in the proposed contract.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez clarified specifications of the contract related to data sharing.
CITY COUNCIL 14 MAY 06, 2025
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Phan moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 15, as amended with a one year update from staff, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The substitute motion carried, 4-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER HERNA NDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
NONE
NONE
Status: 4 – 3 – Pass
16. Service Agreement with Siemens I ndustry, Inc. for HVAC and Lighting Control Systems Maintenance (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Siemens Industry, Inc., for HVAC and Lighting Control System maintenance services in the amount of $705,649, plus a contingency amount of $70,565, for a total amount not to exceed $776,214 for a term beginning July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2026, with provisions fo r four, one-year extensions ( Agreement No. A- 2025-061).
17. Agreements with Transportation Studies, Inc. and National Data & Surveying Services for Traffic Counting Services (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Transportation Studies, Inc. and National Da ta & Surveying Services for traffic counting services, in an aggregate am ount not to exceed $500,000, for a term beginning May 6, 2025 and ending on May 5, 2028, with the option for two, one- year extensions (Agreement Nos. A-2025-062 and A-2025-063).
18. First Amendment with California Ba rricade Rentals, Inc. dba California Barricade and Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs dba AWP Safety for On-Call Traffic Control Services
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the standard agreements with California Barricade Rentals, Inc. and Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs to provide On-Call Traffic Control Services and update rates based on Consumer Price Inde x and/or Prevailing Wages as set by the California Department of Industrial Relations, for th e remaining term of the agreement, and increase the contract amount by $510,000, for a total amount not to exceed $1,010,000 (Agreement Nos. A-2025-064 and A-2025-065).
CITY COUNCIL 15 MAY 06, 2025
19. Resolution and Density Bonus Agreement No. 2024-02 Property Located at 510 and 520 N Harbor Boulevard in Specific Plan No. 2
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus No. 2024-02 as conditioned;
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-013 entitled A RESOLUT ION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS AGREEMENT NO. 2024-02 FOR A FO RTY-FIVE UNIT SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 510 AND 520
NORTH HARBOR BOULEVARD (APN: 100-631-05 & 100-631-04)
2. Determine that, pursuant to the Califo rnia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review under Section 15195 (Residential Infill Exemption), as this project meets all the threshold criteria set forth in Section 15192 (Threshold Requirements for Exemption); and
3. Authorize the City M anager to execute a Densit y Bonus Agreement with Alminlo Properties, LLC, for a 55-year term, for a for-sale residential development consisting of forty-five ( 45) attached for-sale townhomes, which includes five (5) units designated as affordable to moderate-income households at 510 and 520 N. Harbor Boulevard (Agreement No. A-2025-066).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez mo ved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 19, as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZ A, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
CITY COUNCIL 16 MAY 06, 2025
MINUTES: At 8:05 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20. Ordinance Adding Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions) of the Sant a Ana Municipal Code Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Conduct a first reading and adopt an ordinance adding Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code prohibiting the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3079 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING AR TICLE XIV TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE ( CRIMES AND MISCELLANEOUS LAW
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS) PROHIBIT ING THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
OF NITROUS OXIDE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua thanked Orange County Board of Supervisor Katrina Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors Vicente Sarmiento and Katrina Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested a public heath campaign to educate the youth, proposed a restorative justice program, require demographic reporting on citations, and requested a change to the age provision to 21.
Mayor Amezcua requested the age limit be 18.
Councilmember Lopez thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors Vicente Sarmiento and Katrina Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Orange County Board of Supervisor Katrina Foley and city staff and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of age provision being 18.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 20, as amended to include a public heath campaign, demographic reporting on citations, and limiting sales to those over the age of 18, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
BUSINESS CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 17 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public may address the City Council on each of the Public Hearing items.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 21 WAS CONTINUED TO THE JUNE 3, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING (see page 4-5)
21. Resolution to Make Findings and A dopt Addendum to the Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Repor t (State Clearinghouse Number No. 2006071100), Zoning Ordinance Ame ndment (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 An a Municipal Code (SAMC) Addressing Industrial Land Uses, Nonconformities, and Operating Standards, and Amending the City of Santa Ana Zoni ng Map to Remove the Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) Suffi xes from Certain Properties Within the SD-84 District Boundary
Public Hearing continued from April 1, 2025 City Council meeting and notice was posted on April 2, 2025.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution to make findings pur suant to Public Resources Code and to adopt the Addendum to the Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number No. 20060 71100). Pursuant to the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA), and based on independent review and analysis, and the administrati ve 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.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY COUNCIL 18 MAY 06, 2025
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 SEC TION 21166 AND TO ADOPT THE
ADDENDUM TO THE TRANSIT ZONI NG CODE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER NO. 2006071100)
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 Chapt er 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 DISTRICT S AND MAPS IN THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE/SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 84 ZONING DISTRICT; MODIFYING TH E 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 Amendm ent Application (AA) No. 2024-03 amending the zoning by removing the M1 (Light Industrial) and M2 (Heavy Industrial) suffixes from certain proper ties 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
22. Approve the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Resolution Hearing for North Harbor Housing Partners LP (the “Borrower”) a Partnership of which Jamboree Hous ing Corporation (the “Developer”), Consisting at Least the Developer or a Related Person to the Developer and One or More Limited Partners
Legal Notice published in the OC Reporter on April 25, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL 19 MAY 06, 2025
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct a Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing in consideration of the issuance of tax ex empt bond financing by the California Municipal Finance Authority (the “CMFA”) on behalf of North Harbor Housing Partners LP (or the “Borrower”), for the benefit of Estrella Springs Apartment, FKA North Harbor Village Apartments (the “Project”) to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of Estrella Springs, a multifamily rental housi ng project located at 1108 No rth Harbor Boulevard, Santa Ana (the “Project”).
2. Adopt a resolution approving the iss uance of revenue bonds by the CMFA in an amount not to exceed $30, 000,000 to finance or refinance the acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of a multifamily rental housing project located at 1108 North Harbor Boulevard, Santa Ana, California (the “Project”).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-014 entitled A RESOLUT ION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA AN A APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY
THE CALIFORNIA MUNI CIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY OF EXEMPT
FACILITY BONDS FOR ESTRELLA SPRINGS
3. Preauthorize the City Manager to execute a future Subordination Agreement with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the City’s Community Development Block Grant loan agreement with North Harbor Housing Partners LP.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan announced her recusal as the listed entity is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker, and left the dais at 9:04 P.M.
Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 9:05 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall stated there were no comments.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 9:05 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez mo ved to approve the recommended action for Public Hearing Item No. 22, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 20 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACE RRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZ A, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 9:06 P.M. **END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
23. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Ma nager to Direct City Staff to Draft and Bring Back an Ordinance for Counc il Consideration Th at Would Require Monthly City Inspections of Permanent Supportive Housing Communities Within the City of Santa Ana and the Posting of the Results of Those Inspections on the City of Santa Ana’s Website – Councilmember Bacerra
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra gave a brief report regarding an ordinance that would require monthly City inspections of permanent supportive housing communities and posting of the results on the city website. He requested the item come forward at the August 5, 2025 City Council meeting.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item and requested when then item comes back that it does not put the City in violation of the government code or HUD services.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated she will work with staff and carefully review any potential legal issues.
Councilmember Phan request ed additional information r egarding potential ligation risks and associated fees related to proc ess and data from t he Police Department before requesting staff draft an ordinance.
Councilmembers Penaloza and Lopez echoed previous comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of additional information and addressing the issue.
24. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager and City Attorney to Direct Staff to Prepare an Ordinance Amending th e Sign Code to Allow the Use of an A-Frame in Designated Commercial Areas– Councilmember Lopez
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez gave a brief report regarding drafting an ordinance amending the sign code to allow the use of A-Frames for small business owners in designated commercial areas.
CITY COUNCIL 21 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item and the beneficial impacts to the community.
Councilmember Bacerra s poke regarding ADA concer ns, designated commercial areas, and parkways.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding ADA concerns and compliance.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item, however expressed ADA concerns.
Councilmember Phan requested design guidelines.
Councilmember Penaloza requested looking into the entire sign ordinance
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez stated he would bring back the item in August.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 25 WAS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 15, 2025 SPECIAL CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
25. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested the budget survey be extended.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced Public Service Recognition Week, expressed gratitude to staff, spoke regarding National Business Week, and encouraged all to support local businesses. He annou nced Asian-American and Pacific Islander Month, Brew at the Zoo fundraiser at the Santa Ana Zoo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and Santa Ana Fun Run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and stated the budget survey deadline will be extended to Thursday, May 15, 2025. He recognized the Planning and Building Agency for assisting the City of Santa Ana in winning the Sustainability Award from the Southern California Association of Governments.
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.
WORK STUDY SESSION
CITY COUNCIL 22 MAY 06, 2025
1. April 23, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – California Assembly Installation, Sacramento, CA
2. April 26 – 29, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – 2025 Mayors and Police Chiefs Public Safety Meeting in Chicago, IL
3. May 4 – 5, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
4. April 23 – 25, 2025 Councilmember Bacerra – 2025 City Leader Summit Hosted by the League of California Cities in Sacramento, CA
5. April 30 – May 2, 2025 Councilmem ber Bacerra – 2025 SCAG Regional Conference & General Assembly in Palm Desert, CA
6. May 4 – 6, 2025 Councilmember Bacerra – California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
7. April 23 – 25, 2025 Councilmember Pe naloza – 2025 City Leaders Summit Hosted by the League of California Cities in Sacramento, CA
8. May 4 – 5, 2025 Councilmember Pena loza – California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez thanked staff for all their hard work and efforts, announced a park clean-up on Saturday, Ma y 10, 2025, with Orange County Habitat Restoration, dumpster day at Cabrillo Park, and Wednesday, May 14, 2025 for creek clean-up, and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff and the public for their participation. He recognized the City Manager for completing bat hroom modifications at El Salvador Park, spoke regarding data shared by Ben Camacho via pub lic records request– DHS/ICE communications mandating automat ic information release, expressed concern over community impact, and r equested a City Council agenda item for May 20, 2025, to propose a policy ensuring automatic disclosure of DHS/ICE presence.
Councilmember Phan thanked Public Works staff for their efforts on Arbor Day and Earth Day, and emphasized the importance of protecting all comm unity members in light of recent information related to immigration.
Councilmember Bacerra addre ssed community concerns regarding funding for the Related Bristol project in Ward 4 neigh borhoods and discussion to be had at the May 15, 2025, City Council Meeting. He reported travel to Sacramento April 23 - 25, 2025, for the Cal Cities Conference, SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly in Palm Desert, April 30 - May 2, 2025, and t he Peace Officers Memorial. He noted his attendance at Senior Day for Segerstrom Hi gh School baseball. He extended well wishes to nurses in celebration of Nurses Week.
CITY COUNCIL 23 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Penaloza report ed travel to Sacramento, Ap ril 23 - 25, 2025, for the City Leaders Summit by the League of California Cities and attended the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies on May 5, 2025, and expressed gratitude to the Santa Ana Police Department for their serv ice. He wished the co mmunity a Feliz Día de las Madres and Mother’s Day, invited all to attend Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and thanked city staff for all the coordinated events.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked staff for their efforts, recognized Valley High School softball team for their league win and counselor Mida Vazquez for helping 32 students earn AA degrees, spoke regarding attending neighborhood meetings in Pacific Park and Heninger Park to support watch programs, thanked Commissioner Joese Hernández for displaying student art at Gr and Central, urged residents to speak on park funding, and wished all a Happy Mother’s Day.
Mayor Amezcua acknowledged teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, reported travel to Sacramento on April, 23 2025 for t he California Assembly Installtion and to Chicago April 26-29, 2025 for the 2025 Mayors and Police Chiefs Public Safety Meeting, and California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, May 4- 5, 2025. She recognized SEVA Collective’s 5th anniversary. She spoke in support of extending the budget survey, thanked Aker Reyes, Girl Scout Troops 3132 and 4289, and the community for contributions to Arbor Day, welcomed Santa Ana Youth Soccer Team to City Hall, and invited residents to Coffee with the Mayor on May 10, 2025 at Salgado Recreation Center. She wished mot hers a Happy Mother’s Day, thanked meeting participants, and urged the community to seek out resources regarding those affected by immigration.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:23 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
___________________________
Jennifer L. Hall, CMC
City Clerk