ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
October 25, 2022
Regular Meeting
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
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Miles.
INVOCATION/DEDICATION
Mayor Zimmerman led the invocation by referencing a quote from Distinguished Citizen Christy Covington to be a good and kind friend
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Villa Park Distinguished Citizen
Mayor Zimmerman recognized Christy Covington the Villa Park Distinguished Citizen for October. He noted she is positive and uplifting, and inspires people around her to be their est selves. He advised she teaches Kindergarten at Serrano Elementary and noted she is the teacher all parents hope their children get to experience. He provided a brief overview of her educational background and professional career. He thanked Ms.
Covington for bringing her joy to Villa Park
Pat Buttress, Community Liaison for Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, presented Ms. Covington with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Orange County.
Ms. Covington thanked the City Council for its recognition. • Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain Gary Knutson reported that OCSDs September education point is online gaming and game grooming which he October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
explained happens when predators will look to contact children and teens through gaming apps and may identify vulnerable youth and attempt to groom them. He further explained predators sometimes pose as other young players, partner with victims during gameplay to forge a bond and work to build trust through chat features. He noted eventually a predator may try to encourage their victim to meet in person. He encouraged parents to disable the online play feature on their apps to prevent other users from messaging them.
He also encouraged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of interacting with strangers online and to remind them to never offer any personal or private information and don't ever agree to meet with anyone in person.
Captain Knutson reported the total number of calls for service in September was 298, including one grand theft from an unlocked vehicle, two vehicle thefts, one commercial burglary where the suspects were eventually arrested, one vehicle vandalism, two misdemeanor assaults with one being at the high school. He noted there was one assault with a deadly weapon incident during a family dispute and two narcotic violation arrests.
Captain Knutson reported four traffic collisions, 13 parking citations, 22 traffic citations issued by the patrol deputy, and 18 traffic citations issued by enhanced traffic enforcement.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler introduced himself as the City's new Division Chief. He reported that OCFA has responded to 41 incidents since the last meeting. He noted most were medical-related and 10 miscellaneous fires.
He reminded residents that the fire season is from mid-summer to the fall and encouraged residents to have an evacuation plan and vegetation management plan for fire prevention. He encouraged residents to visit OCFA.org for additional information. • Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
• Councilmember Miles reported attending a meeting on October 20th • She encouraged residents to participate in the Tip, Toss, and Take Action program to prevent mosquito breeding. She reported the program is being supported by all 34 Orange County cities. • She reported the City of Villa Park was presented an award for its participation in the program
• She reported 93 human West Nile infections in the state with being in Orange County, 1 West Nile positive bird, an increased level of mosquitos from two years prior, and increased level of dog heartworm transmitted by mosquitoes. She reported 22 cases of flea-borne typhus and encouraged residents to treat their pets for these diseases.
Orange County Sanitation District
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Mayor Zimmerman reported attendance at recent meeting where the annual Capital Improvement Project (CIP) report was discussed. He advised it will enhance the regional sewer system for 2.6 billion Orange County Fire Authority
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported the next meeting will be held on October 27'.
• Orange County Library Advisory Board
• Councilmember Pitts reported the next meeting will be held on October 27th.
• Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee • Mayor Zimmerman reported no meeting was held.
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported attendance at a meeting on October 10th.
• He reported residents concerned regarding the increase in crime throughout California was discussed.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Councilmember Miles reported attendance at a meeting on September 28th.
• She reported the Villa Park Community Service Foundation (VCF) has changed its logo and presented it to attendees
• She reported Forrest Case was selected as Volunteer of the Year. • She announced the Santa Tour will be held on December 3r9, the Boat Parade on December 11th ', and Halloween Fest on October 29th • She encouraged residents to sign up to participate in Marine Thanksgiving.
• Housing Legislative Committee
• Councilmember Collacott reported no meeting was held.
Councilmember Collacott requested the City Attorney address rumors that the City is not required to implement a Housing Element.
City Attorney Liftin explained every city in the State of California must adopt a Housing Element. He advised if the City does adopt a Housing Element it can be subject to various state enforcement actions and civil actions.
Councilmember Collacott noted another rumor is the City can meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) numbers solely with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
City Manager Franks reported the City submitted its first draft of the Housing Element, which was 100% based on ADUs, in December 2022 to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and was rejected. City Attorney Liftin explained HCD has advised they will not sign off on ADUs solely. City Manager Franks reported the most recent Housing Element submitted to HCD proposes 80 ADUs.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
Councilmember Miles reported a meeting was held on September 28t
• She reported they discussed the meeting structure as each City participates in providing financial support to Bridges at Kraemer Place which is run by Mercy House and are only receiving snapshots at 2 of the quarterly meetings.
She reported the Advisory Committee is recommending meeting more frequently.
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported attendance at the General Meeting on October 14th.
• She reported a home share program was discussed which pairs students with seniors.
• She highlighted the Saddleback College Emeritus Institute which offers free courses for adult learners.
Investment Advisory Committee
• Mayor Zimmerman noted inflation is an important topic for the City and residents.
• He reported the City will host an Inflation Town Hall on November 17° where Bill Underwood and Dr. Lynne Doti discuss the impacts of inflation on the City and residents.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Zimmerman reviewed the rules of decorum.
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments.
Matt Kern, District Representative for Senator David Min, read a statement on his behalf.
He advised Senator Min recently participated in an informational Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom tour. He expressed concern that his informational tour had come under the criticism of several parents because one of the officials who participated is openly gay and in their personal time is also politically active for LGTBQ causes. He clarified that no political matters were discussed during the tour. He expressed concern regarding the homophobia expressed by the parents and the implication that members of the LBTBQ community should be barred from employment from positions that have access to schools is disgraceful and has no place in the community. He expressed pride to live in a community that celebrates diversity. He noted the rhetoric is a distraction from the real focus for parents which should have been the incredible successes that the Orange Unified School District (OUSD) has achieved in providing caring and quality instruction in its elementary schools.
Donna Buxton, a resident, provided an update regarding school traffic on Serrano Avenue. She reported the City Council recently voted to approve parking restrictions on October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Serrano Avenue and Nichols Avenue which was overwhelmingly supported by area residents. She advised loading and unloading zones have been implemented and that better traffic flow due to improved visibility is being observed. She reported the Student Resource Officer (SRO) reported less contraband has been observed on campus as a result of the students begin required to park in the high school parking lot.
Ms. Buxton reported another chokepoint was addressed last month which was the left turn lane in front of Cerro Villa Middle School. She advised through school email and a notice in the Feeder, residents were educated on the new loading and unloading zones at the school. She reported the traffic backups have dropped from 15 per day to 5. She thanked the City Council for their service to the City.
Councilmember Miles and Mayor Pro Tem Rossini thanked Ms. Buxton for her service.
Ms. Buxton advised it is an ongoing education process.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini commented that Ms. Buxton has the OUSD, OCSD, the City, and community support.
Ms. Buxton thanked City Manager Franks for his key role in helping develop the relationship with the school district.
City Manager Franks thanked Cerro Villa Middle School Principal Madeline Morrison, OUSD Senior Executive Director Scott Harvey, and Villa Park High School Principal Dennis McCuistion for their efforts in this matter. He noted without them these efforts would not have been successful.
Jordan Wu wished everyone a happy Diwali and thanked Jay Kitani for decorating City Hall for the Diwali celebration. He noted many positive notes have been received about the celebration from residents who may have not known about Diwali. He reported he and his wife Shamim Wu are co-chairing Halloween Fest and announced the event needs more vendors. He encouraged residents who have a small business to participate as vendors and invited the community to attend as well as participate in the costume contest.
Mayor Zimmerman thanked Mr. Wu and noted the number of new events that celebrate diversity in the community has been fantastic and hopes to see more multicultural events in the City.
Councilmember Miles inquired about the timeline for signing up for the costume contest.
He noted he believes it is 4:30 p.m. or 4:45 p.m. but was unsure.
Mayor Zimmerman closed public comments.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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 Miles, 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
2. Adoption of the 2022 Building Standards Code.
City Manager Franks reported that effective January 1, 2023, the 2022 California Building Standards Codes go into effect. He advised the codes apply to all cities in California however, cities are allowed to amend to their City needs. He advised Ordinance No. 2022- 628 adopts the California Building Standards Codes and make certain amendments based on local climactic, geological, and topographic conditions as referenced in the ordinance. He explained the amendments proposed in the ordinance are to various administrative provisions of all the Codes and substantive provisions of the Fire Code.
He advised the substantive amendments to the Fire Code are based upon the recommendations of the Orange County Fire Authority. He noted the City goes through this process every 2 years and recommends approval of the first reading and setting a public hearing for November 15, 2022, for the second reading.
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 2022-628 and set a public hearing for the City Council meeting on November 15, 2022 for the second reading.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. Variance No. 2022-07 - 14891 Santiago Boulevard
Councilmember Miles recused herself from the item as she lives within 500 feet of the residence.
City Manager Franks reported the item was noticed so the City Council must hear from any public speakers. Additionally, he advised the Applicant has requested a continuance to December 13, 2022, due to scheduling conflicts.
City Attorney Liftin clarified the City Council needs to vote to officially continue the meeting to December 13, 2022
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, and approved by the following roll call vote, to continue the item to the December 13, 2022, City Council meeting.
AYES: Collacott, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Miles
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4 - 5)
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public comments. There being no speakers, public comments was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
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October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
AYES: Collacott, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. September's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed the September Cash and Investment Transparency reports.
Sewer Rehabilitation - Notice of Completion.
The City Council:
1. Accepted the Sewer Rehabilitation Project from the Contractor, Cheloletty Engineering; and
2. Authorized the City Clerk to file and record the notice of completion.
NEW BUSINESS
Staffing Adjustments
City Manager Franks reported the City operates on a small staffing model of City staff and relies upon contract employee services for the City Attorney, Planning Director, City Engineer, Police, Fire, Library, and Animal Care services. He advised there are 10 staff positions with 3 being 20-hour part-time intern positions. He reported there have been at least 10 different interns in his tenure with the City which has led to business continuity and cross-training concerns.
City Manager Franks reported that he believes this is a good idea for providing business continuity for the City and providing efficient and effective service delivery. He advised the City's interns are brought in at 20 hours per week at $20 per hour with no benefits.
He noted the City has had great interns but they are looking to gain experience and move on to a career. He advised one intern position is dedicated to Planning functions while attending graduate school and no changes to that position are recommended at this time.
He advised the interns are assigned to provide administrative office support, passport processing, and scheduling conferences but cannot do more of the complicated financial responsibilities. He recommended having a Management Assistant position that can complete the multi-faceted financial tasks along with tasks normally assigned to the interns. He noted the City would not receive more hours from this position but would result in a more permanent position with City's career potential. He recommended 2 of the intern positions be deleted in exchange for a full-time 40-hour entry-level Management Assistant position with benefits.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks reported the City has filled the Finance Director position with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who is technically a salaried 30-hour part-time position.
He noted that is a disincentive for a CPA to stay with the City because they can do that elsewhere with a full salary and benefits. He advised the salary is competitive and was recently authorized health benefits but would like the position to be designated as a full- time 40-hour regular position. He noted the impact will be limited to the City's CalPERS Unfunded Actuarial Liability by a 10-hour differential.
City Manager Franks reported the City's Actuarial Liability was erroneously reported to be 84% but is 90% which is considered well-funded. He believes this change will provide stability for the City. He advised this adjustment will provide the residents with the dedicated services of a knowledgeable Financial Director. He noted the $32,000 to cover both of the recommended changes could come from the City's untapped Contingency Funds.
Mayor Zimmerman opened the public hearing.
Mary Beth Felcyn reported she reviewed the staff report and expressed concern over the need and timing of adding permanent staff considering the state of the economy, a potential recession, and increased inflation. She inquired about which planned expenditures will have to be cut or delayed as a result of the $32,000 expense. She noted City Manager Franks explained the funds would come from Contingency Funds. She advised that she looks forward to seeing the 2022-23 Amended City Budget in December.
City Manager Franks commented that the City Council has mitigated inflation by having fixed-term contracts over several years with fixed rate increases although it is always a negotiation point with the OCSD contract. He explained that inflation does not impact the City as much as it impacts the average consumer. He noted the City sees the most impact from inflation in its gasoline costs. He explained the City Council has been wise to approve contracts that staff has negotiated that include stepped increases over years to help manage inflation.
City Manager Franks reported the City has a service model that mitigates the impacts of inflation to the best of its ability. He advised the City is also working with the Investment Advisory Committee to ensure the City is investing appropriately to mitigate the change in interest rates and inflation on revenues and expenditures.
Ms. Felcyn noted her concern is the cost of asphalt which is tied to the cost of fuel and expressed concern regarding street rehabilitation costs in the future.
City Manager Franks explained the City budgeted more than the project cost. He noted L that if the cost of asphalt tripled the $32,000 in question would be insignificant.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Pitts expressed support for the item. He noted it will increase employee retention and provide growth opportunities. He applauded City Manager Franks for his recommendation.
Councilmember Miles expressed appreciation for City Manager Franks's recommendations for business continuity and cross-training and related that to her own small business. She noted that she believes this is part of the overall succession plan the City Council asked City Manager Franks to prepare. She expressed appreciation for current and previous interns but acknowledged they can leave on a moment's notice to explore other permanent opportunities. She noted that expressing support for this item conveys to the City Manager that the City Council trusts his judgment.
Councilmember Collacott reported the price of asphalt has gone up 30% to 50% and the price of gas has increased significantly. He advised when the City does go out to bid for repaving it will have to pay significantly more for street maintenance. He expressed concern that OCSD will be willing to accept a contract that does not have parity with inflation. He noted that could be a significant increase to the City's budget. He noted he expects the City Manager to come back to the City Council requesting pay increases to be in parity with inflation. He also expressed concern regarding a potential recession. He commented that this is the wrong proposal at the wrong time. He noted the City should be taking care of its residents instead of making things easier in City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported he has mixed emotions about this item and agrees and believes the nation is already in a recession based upon many indicators. He advised he believes there is a need to make the intern position permanent. He inquired what the formula for Unfunded Liability would be for the Finance Director position.
City Manager Franks explained retirement contributions are based on a percentage of salary. He noted it does not impact the City now but it will impact the City when the individual retires as it is based on the actuarial.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini expressed concern that there is the potential that there will be a significant decrease in property tax revenue. He inquired if City Manager Franks feels the City will be good moving forward in the worst-case scenario.
City Manager Franks explained that homeowner property's assessed valuation did not drop during the Great Recession. He explained the City sees a lot of property improvement which increases the assessed valuation and eliminates the Proposition 13 property tax 2% increase cap which leads to more revenue for the City. He reported the City has consistently outperformed the county-wide average.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini recommended, if the position is approved, allocating time towards Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, and not just some of the other administrative duties as Building Official Bill Tarin will eventually retire. He noted there have been times October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
when City staff has missed things or residents could have been more forthcoming regarding their projects and an extra set of eyes may be beneficial.
Councilmember Pitts noted that turnover comes with significant costs for retraining, retooling, and lost productivity. He advised $32,000 sound reasonable given the hidden offset cost for these intern positions which have probably been significant. He expressed support for employee retention and avoiding hidden turnover costs down the road.
Mayor Zimmerman echoed Councilmember Pitts's comments. He thanked City Manager Franks for his thorough explanation of the staffing needs. He expressed support for the staffing changes and noted it builds a stable foundation for the City. He noted the City Council has always been fiscally conservative and believes this is a good way to maintain a good level of service for the residents.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Zimmerman, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the following personnel actions:
1. a. Deletion of two budgeted 20-hour part-time Intern positions effective 12/31/22. b. Creation of one 40-hour regular Management Assistant position in the budget, complete with existing City authorized benefits, effective 1/1/23. c. Designate the budgeted Finance Director as a 40-hour full-time regular position, with no change to existing salary or health benefits, effective immediately.
2. That the City Manager be directed to amend the FY 2022-23 City Budget accordingly and to take the necessary actions to implement the respective personnel actions.
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Zimmerman
NOES: Collacott
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
7. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks reported staff is in discussion with HCD to provide a formal response to their last letter from August. He noted staff believes they have answered HCDs questions. He hopes to have something to bring to the City Council by the end of the calendar year. He reported HCD has only approved 30% of the Southern California • He Hops to have some Association of Governments (SCAG) region cities.
October 25, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Zimmerman opened public comments. There being no speakers, the public comment was closed.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
8. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember Miles noted she is looking forward to Halloween Fest and encouraged residents to participate in Marine Thanksgiving.
Mayor Zimmerman thanked Pat Buttress for hosting the forum for City Council candidates and noted it was well attended.
Ms. Buttress thanked the City and the residents who showed up and thanked them for how well they followed the rules outlined for the forum.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini encouraged all residents to vote regardless of their political views.
He encouraged residents to do their research on local and national candidates.
Mayor Zimmerman echoed Mayor Pro Tem Rossini's comments and encouraged residents to vote.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.
Chatta
Chad Zimmerman, Mayor
City of Villa Park
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ATTEST: i
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.