ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
February 22, 2022
Regular Meeting
CLOSED SESSION
5:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
6.30.0 ORDER/ROLL - Mayor Zimmerman called the Closed Session to order at Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Government Code Section 54957
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Zimmerman called the General Session to order at 6:32 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman ABSENT: None
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Sessiotorney Todd Liftin advised there were no reportable actions from the Closed
INVOCATION/DEDICATION
Vlayor Zimmerman opened the meeting with quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of Black History Month.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Zimmerman.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Proclamation for retired City Engineer Akram Hindiyeh February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Zimmerman presented a proclamation to Akram Hindiyeh in celebration of his service to Villa Park and wished him all the best during his retirement.
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner presented Mr. Hindiyeh with a proclamation from the Orange County Board of Supervisors for his service to the County. • Presentation from Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner Supervisor Wagner presented the City of Villa Park with a resolution from the Orange County Board of Supervisors honoring its 60th anniversary as a city.
Mayor Zimmerman requested Item No. 10 be heard at this time so Supervisor Wagner could participate.
10. Resolution 2022-3540 in Support of Efforts to Address Fentanyl Crisis.
City Manager Franks reported the resolution is on behalf of the City Council to support efforts to address the Fentanyl crisis.
Orange County Supervisor Wagner advised this is a resolution that has been passed by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriffs Department and the Orange County District Attorney's Office. He explained there was an 1100% increase in deaths due to Fentany! poisoning and noted its use is increasing. He noted the resolution calls for increased penalties for those distributing Fentanyl. He is requesting all cities in Orange County support the resolution and encouraged the City Council to approve the resolution.
Councilmember Miles thanked Supervisor Wagner and the Orange County Sheriff's Department for bringing attention to the Fentanyl crisis.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Collacott, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve Resolution 2022-3540.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
• Villa Park Distinguished Citizen - Bob Bell
Mayor Zimmerman recognized Bob Bell and provided a brief overview of his history, accomplishments, and volunteer service to the City.
February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A friend of Mr. Bell spoke before the City Council and advised they have been friends for 77 years and recognized him for his accomplishments.
Mr. Bell thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Supervisor Wagner presented Mr. Bell with a Certificate of Recognition from the Orange County Board of Supervisors in recognition of his service to the County. • City Hall/Council Chambers Picture Contest
Mayor Zimmerman advised this item would be heard during Individual Councilmember Information items.
• Presentation from the Orange County Water District
City Manager Franks advised the Orange County Water District (OCWD) will be explaining the construction that is ongoing in Villa Park.
Roy Herndon, Chief Hydrogeologist, provided an update on the OCWD Monitoring Wells Installation at Villa Park Elementary School. He provided a brief overview of the history of the OCWD and noted their mission is to manage and protect the OC Groundwater Basin. He explained groundwater supplies 77% of the total water needs within the OCWD.
He advised Villa Park is unique receives part of its water from Irvine Lake and part of its water supply through groundwater through wells owned and operated through the Serrano Water District.
Mr. Herndon reported the project would take the highly-treated recycled water from the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) and use it to replenish the aquifer system.
He advised OCWD is also considering a project to send highly-purified recycled water to the Santiago Basins along Villa Park Road periodically. He explained to do the project OCWD would have to comply with the permitting which requires monitoring wells to be installed. He further explained that permitting requires monitoring wells upgradient of drinking water wells with the fast flow path which is why Villa Park Elementary School was selected as the site.
Mr. Herndon provided a brief overview of the proposed location of the wells on the property which is near the parking lot. He explained the wells are test wells to test water levels and clarified there will not be a big motor or pump on the well. He advised OCWD proposed installing 4 wells at different depths. He reported construction would take place in June 2022 on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and would last approximately 8 weeks. He provided an overview of test water collection from the wells.
Mr. Herndon provided a brief overview of community outreach and reported letters to neighbors would be sent approximately 1 month before construction. He advised the February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
community could contact the Construction Hotline at (714) 378-8244 for additional information during construction.
Mr. Herndon provided a brief overview of the Santiago Basin Intertie Repair Project. He explained the project was to repair erosion to an earthen saddle that separates the two basins. He noted this will help mitigate erosion in the future during large storm events.
Councilmember Pitts advised he received many inquiries from residents who live along the basin and appreciates the information.
• Orange County Sheriffs Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain Gary Knutson reported the total number of calls for service in January 2022 was 280, including three incidents of grand theft, four burglary incidents, one residential burglary, three petty theft incidents, one domestic dispute, and one lewd conduct type call. He advised there has been an uptick in residential burglaries and reminded residents to install motion lights and to keep brush clear from doors and windows. He reported there were five traffic incidents. He reported 4 traffic citations were issued. He advised the motor officer patrolling Villa Park was promoted and they are working to identify a replacement.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini inquired if he can obtain more information on the motor patrol officer replacement at the next meeting. He expressed concern that there is an uptick in crime year-over-year and requested additional information at the next meeting.
Councilmember Miles inquired if the increase in smash and grabs are migrating to residential burglary. He explained the groups involved in the residential burglaries have a unique way of committing their crime and prefer entrance through second-story sliding windows as opposed to the smash and grab techniques. He encouraged residents to report of things look out of place.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Battalion Chief Baryic Hunter reported since January 25, 2022, there have been 36 calls for service in Villa Park with 2 ornamental brush fires. He advised Engine 23 assisted in extinguishing a structure fire in the City of Orange. He reported every 24 seconds a fire department responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. He encouraged residents to practice a fire escape plan with their families and provided best practices for dealing with a house fire.
• Housing Element Update
February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks reported staff is working with Planning Consultant John Douglas of J.H. Douglas & Associates to finalize and respond to the comments received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). He advised the City is one of eight cities in the county that have submitted their Draft Housing Element to HCD and are listed as adopted but not in compliance. He reported six entities in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region have their Housing Element submitted and certified.
Mr. Douglas reported there approximately 28 jurisdictions have adopted their Housing Elements that were rejected by HCD. He advised it is a very difficult process and noted they are working through HCDs comments. City Manager Franks advised staff continues to work to get the Housing Element approved by HCD and it is difficult to determine when it will happen.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
• Councilmember Miles reported meeting with the Budget and Finance Committee on February 15th to receive information on the Operating Fund Surplus.
• She reported a joint Budget and Finance Committee and Operations Committee meeting occurred on the same day to review sterile insect techniques. She advised a sterile insect pilot program will conducted with the Greater Los Angeles Vector Control District using the irradiated method on male mosquitos. She noted the first release of the male mosquitos will be in one year.
• Orange County Sanitation District
• Mayor Zimmerman reported attendance at the January 26th and February 2nd meetings.
• He reported the Orange County Sanitation University (OCSANU) will have a training and development available to all agencies. • He reported OCSD will be continuing their biosolids compost program in an effort to help cities with Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requirements and have created a compost outreach program. • He reported the General Managers Workplan mid-year update was provided and all of the remaining projects are on schedule to be completed through the end of the fiscal year.
• He reported a location has been identified for the Bay Bridge Pump Station and provided an update on Plant #1 construction for the Security Improvement Program.
Orange County Fire Authority
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported the meeting was held on January February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• He reported the election of a Michelle Steggell from the City of La Palma was elected Chair and Anthony Kuo from the City of Irvine was elected to Vice Chair.
• He reported the Critical Infrastructure Review of OFCA grounds, buildings, and process were reviewed for areas of improvement. • Orange County Library Advisory Board
• Councilmember Pitts reported the meeting was postponed until February 24th
• City Schools Advisory
• Mayor Zimmerman reported no meeting was held.
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported no meeting was held.
• Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Councilmember Miles reported meeting on January 26th and advised National Cleanup Day will be held on March 230. • She reported CSF will be exploring new events and a presentation will held at the next meeting.
• She suggested that CSF could eventually take over Winter Wonderland and noted there were open discussions on the item. • Housing Legislative Committee
Councilmember Collacott reported no meeting was held.
• He reported the attendance at the Association of California Cities (ACC-OC) Housing Committee conference call.
• He reported the initiative to adopt a constitutional amendment to overrule the SB 9 and 10 law was cancelled to allow time to reorganize. Mayor Zimmerman reported the petition received a tremendous amount of support but noted the overall initiative will need more funding to get off the ground so it is postponed.
Councilmember Miles read an email from one of the founders of the initiative explaining why it was paused.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported no meeting was held.
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
Councilmember Miles reported on the Parkinson's Exercise Program (PEP4u) which helps improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson's disease through exercise. She presented a video describing the program.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Zimmerman reviewed the rules of decorum.
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments.
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Kathy reported this is her seventh meeting regarding the total street surface repair of Churchill Lane and Squires Circle. She provided an overview of the street problems and encouraged the City Council to not forget the issue.
Donna Buxton provided a resident update regarding the school traffic near Serrano Elementary School. She advised residents are in discussions with OUSD regarding a solution. She reported the evaluation of the three crosswalks near Cerro Villa Middle School will be finalized in the next few weeks. She advised the automated crosswalk at the intersection of Nichols Avenue and Serrano Avenue is in the design phase and emphasized it is not a traffic light but an automated crosswalk. She reported the Neighborhood Tasktorce has begun a community outreach program to ensure neighbors are aware of coming changes and provide an opportunity to weigh in on upcoming projects. She thanked City Manager Franks and staff for their support.
City Manager Franks reported a crosswalk on Dodson Way and Serrano Avenue has been temporarily closed and encouraged students to use alternate means to cross the streets.
Mayor Zimmerman closed public comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Manager Franks presented a brief staff report
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Collacott, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, and approved by the following roll call vote, to waive the reading in full of all ordinances, resolutions, and meeting minutes on the agenda, and direct the City Clerk to read by title only.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Adoption of Ordinance No. 2022-624 - An Amendment to Chapter XXIII of the City of Villa Park Municipal Code, Adding Article 23-24, Establishing Regulations for Urban Lot Splits and Two-Unit Developments Pursuant to California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9).
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City Manager Franks this is the second reading of Ordinance No. 2022-624 which was developed to address Senate Bill (SB) 9. He presented a flyer developed by staff that will be posted on the City's website regarding the direct impacts of SB 9. He advised if the Ordinance is approved by the City Council it would become effective in 30 days. He noted any changes would result in an additional second reading.
City Attorney Liftin advised SB 9 has the goal of increasing housing opportunities and stock within the State to deal with the housing crisis. He noted the methods used are directed at residential neighborhoods. He advised SB 9 allows residential lots meeting the requirements to be split into two and allows for a residential unit to be built on each lot. He advised that SB 9 also allows for multiple units to be built on the same lot. He noted each scenario has different requirements. He advised it is a State mandate and the City must comply. He noted the Ordinance covers the areas under SB 9 where the City can have some discretion to the greatest degree possible to retain local control.
City Attorney Liftin reported if the City does not comply it could be sued by several entities.
He advised non-compliance could impact the City's Housing Element. He noted affordable housing groups are always looking for avenues and ways to push more high- density housing onto cities.
Councilmember Collacott noted that one of the issues with high-density housing is the State Legislature believes everyone can use public transportation. He advised Orange County does not have a transportation system to support high-density housing. He noted the resulting parking situation will impact the City unless the City takes control of the situation.
City Attorney Liftin reported SB 10 gives benefits to properties close to transit but noted studies show the use of public transportation is decreasing.
City Manager Franks encouraged City Council to use caution because the City's Housing Element relies on 90 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) over the next eight years. He believes Councilmember Collacott wants to manage the impact of the ADUs.
Councilmember Collacott expressed his support for ADUs but simply wants to mitigate any impending parking situations in the City.
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing.
Dave Hanson noted the 800 square feet versus the unit size of less than or equal to 800 square feet and more than 500 square feet is confusing to him. He referenced the flyer that shows some parcels can have up to 4 units on the property.
City Attorney Liftin advised some properties can have up to 4 units if ADUs are allowed.
He clarified properties can be anywhere from 500 to 800 square feet if there are two units February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
on one lot and not a lot split. He clarified this is the second reading of the Ordinance and it will go into effect in 30 days if it is passed by the City Council.
In response to Mr. Hanson's inquiry regarding California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), City Attorney Liftin explained CEQA looks at broader impacts such as traffic or geologic impacts. He advised the State Legislature is making these types of buildings exempt from CEQA to facilitate housing. He further clarified building a home on a lot is typically exempt from CEQA.
Mr. Hanson inquired if Yorba Linda was using the same type of standards the City is proposing. City Attorney Liftin advised it is identical to the Ordinance at Yorba Linda.
Mr. Hanson recommended the verbiage be cleaned up and recommends the item is not passed until that is completed.
Mayor Zimmerman closed the public hearing.
In response to Councilmember Collacott's inquiry, City Attorney Liftin advised the Ordinance can always be amended to clean up any of the verbiage. He explained if the Ordinance is not passed none of it will go into effect and the amendments will need to come back for a second reading which will result in a possible two-month delay.
City Manager Franks clarified Mr. Hanson identified an error in the staffing report and not in the Ordinance.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve Ordinance 2022-624.
Mayor Zimmerman thanked City Attorney Liftin and staff for their hard work.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. Variance No. 2021-06 at 19391 Mesa Drive.
City Manager Franks reported the Applicant requested the item be removed from the agenda and withdrew the variance application.
No action was taken by the City Council.
Variance No. 2022-01 - 18462 Adams Ranch Road.
February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks confirmed this item was continued from the last meeting.
Associate Planner Justin Urbanski reported the property is a 21,800 square foot lot in the E-4 zoning district and currently sits vacant. He reported the focus of the application is a retaining wall and a privacy wall along the north property line that need to be built to support a new single-family residence. He explained the variance request is to allow an additional 2'7" for the privacy wall in the front of the home and to allow an additional 6" for the retaining wall. He advised the wall height deviations exist due to the rear area of the property having a much lower elevation that makes it difficult to yield a building pad on an even level. He advised that without the variance additional retaining walls would be needed which would be visible to the public and alter the existing topography of the property. He reported public hearing notices were posted and mailed to the most current property owners within 300 feet of the property and to date no letters have been received for or against the variance. He advised the Planning Department recommends approval of the variance.
Councilmember Miles inquired if there has been any feedback from the neighbors. City Manager Franks reported speaking with the neighbor directly to the left of the property who indicated he had no problems with the variance as proposed.
Councilmember Pitts recused himself from the item.
Councilmember Collacott inquired if the driveway will be excavated below grade.
Associate Planner Urbanski confirmed it will be excavated below grade. He also clarified the wall would only be visible to the Applicant.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported he used to have a business relationship with the Architect and advised he no longer has any relationship with him.
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments and hearing no speakers, closed public comment.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve Variance No. 2022-01.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Pitts
6. Conditional Use Permit No. 2021-01 Extension - 10071 Old Ranch Circle.
City Manager Franks reported the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was approved by the City Council in January 2021. He explained a CUP becomes invalid one-year after being February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
approved but can be renewed for an additional period of one year with City Council approval. He advised the Applicant has experienced significant delays due to supply chain issues and labor disruptions caused by the pandemic and is requesting an extension. He noted staff is recommending approval of the extension.
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments and hearing no speakers, closed public comment.
A motion was made by Councilmember Collacott, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve Variance No. 2022-01.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. Declaration of Vacating Bridle Trail Easement between Crestview Circle and Cannon Street.
City Engineer Steve Strapac reported the item is concerning a trail bridle easement that was created when Tract Map 5325 was approved in 1973. He advised the owner of the parcel has an underlying interest in the land and expressed interest in the City vacating it since the trail does not appear to be used. He reported the California Streets & Highways Code Section 8300 sets forth the procedures for vacating the public easement. He advised the owner has expressed interest in moving forward and has already reimbursed the City for staff's costs in vacating the property for $3,096.90. He reported the Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Orange County Register and posted on the property under the Streets & Highway Code. Lastly, he advised staff recommends the City Council find that the bridle trail easement is unnecessary for present or prospective public use.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Zimmerman's inquiry regarding the set of conditions determining the bridle trail being unnecessary, City Engineer Strapac advised the City Council has discretion in determining the bridle trail being unnecessary.
City Attorney Liftin explained the easement was dedicated to the City but was never used or developed. He advised the City does not want to keep easements it does not use due to potential liability issues.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini inquired about the grade. City Engineer Strapac advised there is a 70-foot grade difference and the easement is almost unusable.
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing.
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Sahis Khan advised he plans to improve the easement and use it to extend his existing driveway.
In response to Councilmember Miles's inquiry, Mr. Khan advised he plans on expanding his driveway that is adjacent to the easement.
Mayor Zimmerman closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini's motion, seconded by Councilmember Collacott and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the vacation.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 8, 11, 13, 14)
Councilmember Pitts pulled Item Nos. 09. Councilmember Miles pulled Item No. 12.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Pitts
ABSTAIN: None
8. January's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed the January Cash and Investment Transparency reports.
11. 2022 Villa Park Policy Manual and COVID-19 Policy Update.
The City Council approved the updated policies to include in the City of Villa Park Policy Manual (VPPM) and COVID-19 Guidance and Exposure Control Plan.
13. Contract Award - FY 2021/22 Slurry Seal Project.
The City Council:
1. Approved the plans and specifications for the "FY 2021/22 Slurry Seal Project", February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
2. Awarded the construction contract for the "FY 2021/22 Slurry Seal Project to All American Asphalt, 400 East Sixth Street, Corona, CA 92879, the lowest responsible bidder; and
3. Authorized the Mayor to execute a contract with All American Asphalt, in the amount of $128,497.60 for the "FY 2021/22 Slurry Seal Project".
14. Authorization to Release Reguest for Proposal (RFP) for Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Sewer Master Plan Update.
The City Council authorized staff to release an RFP for Professional Engineering Services for the preparation of the update to the City's Sewer Master Plan.
9. Request approval of City Council Minutes of January 25, 2022.
Councilmember Pitts explained he pulled the item be pulled due to his absence at the meeting on January 25th and recused himself from the vote.
A motion was made by Mayor Zimmerman, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the City Council Minutes of January 25, 2022.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Pitts
12. Clarification of 2022 City Council Committee Assignments.
Councilmember Miles reported the from the City Council filled out for the Committee Assignments that was referenced in the minutes of January 25th notes the Councilmember 2022 Assignments to Joint Governmental Committees shows the Orange Unified School District City Schools Advisory Committee underneath the Joint Government Committee. She advised when the City Council filled out its requests, the City schools Advisory underneath the Joint Government Committee was not listed. She requested clarification since it was not listed on any of the City Council interest forms.
Mayor Zimmerman explained the City Schools Advisory Committee turns out to be two different meetings and explained the difference. He advised a City Councilmember should attend the meeting and expressed willingness to pass it on to a different City Councilmember.
City Manager Franks advised the item is a receive and file and no action is necessary.
NEW BUSINESS
February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
15. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with JHD Planning, LLC, for Housing Element Update.
City Manager Franks reported the City Council approved a contract with JHD Planning, LLC for $43,000 in August 2021 for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. He advised the process has become more cumbersome and noted JHD Planning would need an additional $39,990 as an amendment to the contract to complete the process. He reported the agreement is funded by a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant that will cover $65,000 and noted the additional funds will be covered by City General Funds. He noted the City has to meet every single requirement that other cities need to under the Housing Element. He recommends approval of the additional $39,990 which he believes will get the City through the Housing Element in addition to the zoning requirements.
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments and hearing no speakers, closed public comment.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Collacott, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the amendment to the 2019 professional services agreement with JHD Planning, LLC for consulting services associated with the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update for the City of Villa Park for $39,990 for the period covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, bringing the total contract amount to $83,572.
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
16. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks reported he has authority under the Villa Park Zoning Ordinance to authorize requests for an adjustment that will result in a decrease of not more than a 25% of a required rear yard setback which was the case for the property at 18542 Villa Bravo.
He explained the setback requirement was based on an easement that was not consistently applied to the street so it would be impossible for the City to use the easement for street widening.
Councilmember Collacott inquired if the easement should be abandoned by the City. City Manager Franks advised the City would retain the easement but the variance would allow the Applicant to build on the property.
City Manager Franks reported there was a recent fire at the Republic Services on North Blue Gum Street. He advised Republic Services contacted the City and confirmed their fleet was not impacted and trash collection will continue as normal.
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Mayor Zimmerman inquired if the fire would impact Mulch Day. Councilmember Collacott confirmed Mulch Day would be held on February 26th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Villa Park High School.
City Manager Franks reported Villa Park Knowles has been hydro-seeded but staff is dealing with supply chain issues with the benches and fencing. He noted the private fences will not be touched due to liability but a para-fence will be created in the same area.
Councilmember Collacott inquired if the benches will attract transients. City Manager Franks reported the benches have a bar in the middle so no one will be able to sleep on the benches.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
17. Reconfiguration of Chambers for City Council Meetings.
Mayor Zimmerman reported the issues was brought forward to him that when residents are addressing the City Council the audience can only see the back of the speaker's heads. He proposed moving the podium stage to a location where the audience can see the speaker and vice versa.
Councilmember Pitts reported the podium was previously in the location proposed and was moved to the center of the room so the speaker could address the City Council directly.
Councilmember Miles advised she could not find a City Council configuration that has the podium to the side. She believes the current configuration allows the speakers to speak directly to the City Council.
Mayor Zimmerman noted Placentia has its City Council chambers set up with the podium off to the side. He advised it would help with interaction with the speaker and the audience.
Councilmember Miles explained that dialogue between the public speaker and the attendees is not supposed to happen but the City Council has allowed it in the past. She noted she spoke with her husband who has in the past addressed the City Council and advised he would not be comfortable with the proposed reconfiguration as it is already hard enough to address the City Council let alone the entire room.
Mayor Zimmerman reported he has heard from several residents who are in favor of a new configuration.
February 22, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Pitts recommended speaking with City's public safety representatives so they could weigh in on the configuration.
Mayor Miles noted the City Council meetings are intended to be formal and moving the podium to the side may not be conducive to the formal setting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini advised his preference would be to leave the configuration as it is.
Mayor Zimmerman thanked the dais for their feedback and noted the City Council chambers configuration will not change.
Mayor Zimmerman proposed a contest where images of Villa Park could be submitted for use in the City Council Chambers and requested feedback from the dais.
Councilmember Miles advised she likes the idea of a contest but not to replace the pictures in City Council Chambers. She recommended recognizing the individual who submitted the photo at each of the City Council meetings.
Mayor Zimmerman thought it would be good to replace the pictures of Angels Stadium and Disneyland.
Councilmember Pitts recommended the City Council think about this topic and discuss it at the next City Council meeting.
Councilmember Collacott expressed support of displaying the history of Villa Park. He noted the Villa Park historian passed away recently and there may be some items in her collection worth displaying.
City Manager Franks cautioned the City Council that placing too many historical photos may make the City Council Chambers look outdated.
Mayor Zimmerman called for finding a way to rotate the photos.
Councilmember Miles noted the City Council Chambers were just refreshed and wants to be sure the dais is cautious about not spending more money on the chambers.
City Manager Franks reported many cities have Art Commissions or Historical Commissions that help memorialize the history of their city.
Councilmember Miles noted there could be a featured piece of artwork or photo listed in the Feeder.
Mayor Zimmerman encouraged residents to provide ideas on this topic.
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18. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember Pitts attended the Lunar New Year Celebration attended by the Villa Park Community Foundation on February 12th. He advised the event was amazing and was well attended.
Councilmember Miles wished the Villa Park High School Girls Soccer Team good luck in their match in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finals.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini congratulated several Villa Park young men who traveled to Tucson, Arizona to Game Day USA Junior All American Baseball as part of the Sabertooth Baseball Club.
Mayor Zimmerman reported attendance at the Lunar New Year Celebration and noted it was fantastic. He encouraged residents to attend next year's celebrations.
Mayor Zimmerman adjourned the meeting in honor of former Mayor Bill Nelson and his wife, Eula Nelson, who both passed away recently.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
Chad Ba
Chad Zimmerman, Mayor
City of Villa Park
ATTEST:
Steve Franks, City Clerk
City of Villa Park
Note: The above minutes are a summary of actions. A DVD recording of this meeting additionally serves as an official record and is available upon request from City Hall.