ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
December 13, 2022
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Pro Tem Rossini called the General Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Rossini, Jones, Miles, Pitts, and Wu
INVOCATION/DEDICATION
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini commended and congratulated the new City Council.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Pitts.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain Gary Knutson Captain Knutson reported they responded to 238 calls for service in November including 3 grand theft incidents all on Santiago Boulevard and 3 vandalism incidents.
Captain Knutson reported 4 traffic collisions, 1 drunk driving arrest, 4 parking citations, 22 traffic citations issued by the patrol deputy, and 22 traffic citations issued by enhanced traffic enforcement.
Captain Knutson encouraged residents to conduct a property check before leaving their property and recommended preventative solutions. He encouraged residents to visit ocsheriff.gov for additional information.
Councilmember Miles thanked the Orange County Sheriff's Department for their service at the Boat Parade.
Councilmember Pitts also offered his thanks and noted it was a great time for all of the residents.
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Councilmember Wu expressed appreciation for OCSD.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler reported that OCFA has responded to 49 incidents since the last meeting. He noted there was an uptick in stroke and fall calls which is normal for this time of year. He reported the safety message for the month is to not let a preventable fire take the joy out of the holiday season. He encouraged residents to visit OFCA.org for safety tips during the holidays.
Councilmember Pitts offered thanks for OFCA's participation in the Boat Parade.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini expressed appreciation to OFCA
Councilmember Miles expressed appreciation to OFCA. She inquired about the reason behind the uptick in strokes.
Chief Wiedensohler advised he would provide additional information at the next meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini commended OFCA for their service for the Boat Parade. He advised OFCA responded to a call for his mother and commended their professionalism.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
• Councilmember Miles introduced Lora Young, Assistant District Manager/Director of Communications, who recognized the City of Villa Park for going above and beyond for increasing vector control awareness. She presented a certificate to the City Council and Councilmember Miles.
• She recognized Kim Chaudhry for her social media efforts for vector control.
She reported the Budget and Finance Committee met to approve 10 replacement laptop computers and to approve an investment policy. • She reported a joint committee meeting was held on December 8th between the Finance Committee and the Building, Property, and Equipment Committee to reassess a new building.
Orange County Sanitation District
Vacant Seat
Councilmember Pitts volunteered to fill the vacancy until the position is filled.
Orange County Fire Authority
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported he had to miss the meeting due to family health issues. He shared stories about early detection of cancer and encouraged residents to screen for cancer.
Orange County Library Advisory Board
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Councilmember Pitts reported no meeting was held.
• Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee The seat was vacated by former Mayor Zimmerman.
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported no meeting was held.
• Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Councilmember Miles reported a meeting was held but was heavily focused on current events. She advised there are vacancies and encouraged residents to apply for open positions.
• Councilmember Wu reported Rabbi Shuey will be leading the Hanukah community event and encouraged attendance.
• Housing Legislative Committee
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported no meeting was held.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
Councilmember Miles reported no meeting was held.
• Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported that she recommended that the goal of the committee be revamped. She noted the entire program will be reviewed and revamped with hopes to improve how information gets out to the community.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by the City Council City Attorney Todd Litfin declared the office of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem vacant. He opened public comments.
John Whitman, a resident at 10351 Prado Woods Drive, congratulated the incoming City Council for their successes. He endorsed Vincent Rossini for Mayor and noted he served with him on the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee for 2 years. He acknowledged Mr.
Rossini as a selfless servant leader which has made the City safer. He noted he has been a board member of the Orange County Fire Authority (OFCA) and referenced his accomplishments on the board. He noted he has supported common sense partnerships with the Orange Unified School District (OUSD) who are now being responsive to the City Council and the wishes of the residents.
Chad Zimmerman, the former Mayor, noted the role of Mayor requires the individual selected to speak up for residents, look out for their best interests, and be present at community events. He advised he nominated Councilmember Pitt for the Mayor Pro Tem role last year because he has been a true steward of the community. He advised Councilmember Pitts was the Mayor during the worst part of the pandemic and brought a dignified and responsible tone to all of the many complicated discussions. He noted that once in-person activities resumed, Councilmember Pitts was again present in the community. He believes he has earned the distinction of becoming the City's next Mayor.
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Donna Buxton, a resident, endorsed Councilmember Rossini for Mayor. She advised he has never been part of any divisiveness on the City Council and has always conducted himself professionally and fairly. She noted he has served as the City's OCFA representative and rose to leadership there as Vice Chair. She encouraged the City Council to vote for Councilmember Rossini for Mayor. She encouraged the City Council to City Council to vote for Councilmember Pitts for Mayor Pro Tem.
Wayne Silzel, a resident at 18202 Montana Circle, noted how pleased he is to see so many citizens who have chosen to serve the City. He advised there were 3 open positions on the City Council and 5 citizens ran for office which is a sign that the City is in good hands. He recognized the hard work of City Manager Steve Franks and City Attorney Todd Litfin and encouraged the new City Council to lean on them both. He advised he was appointed to serve on the Finance Committee in 1978 and was elected twice to the City Council. He encouraged the new City Councilmembers to lean on their seasoned colleagues for their guidance and ask the citizens for their input. He encouraged the City Council to vote for Councilmember Rossini for Mayor.
Sean Ward endorsed Councilmember Rossini for Mayor. He noted Councilmember Rossini was one of the first people he met when he moved to Villa Park 4 years ago. He thanked City Council for their service.
Nina Sacaria endorsed Councilmember Rossini for Mayor. She noted he always holds Villa Park in the highest regard and advised that he is always selflessly helping to solve any issues that arise. She expressed support for continuing the tradition of the Mayor Pro Tem being elected to Mayor.
City Attorney Litfin read an email from Robert Brockmeier who endorsed Councilmember Pitts for Mayor and referenced a list of Councilmember Pitt's accomplishments.
City Attorney Litfin read an email from Barry Dennis who endorsed Councilmember Pitts for Mayor and referenced a list of Councilmember Pitt's accomplishments including hard work during the pandemic.
City Attorney Litfin read an email from Ed Carter who endorsed Councilmember Pitts for Mayor.
City Attorney Litfin read an email from Jeannie DeSantis who endorsed Councilmember Pitts for Mayor and noted he is an outstanding individual who cares about the values of Villa Park.
City Attorney Litfin outlined the procedures for opening the floor for nominations.
City Attorney Litfin opened the floor for nominations.
Councilmember Miles nominated Councilmember Rossini for Mayor.
Councilmember Wu nominated Councilmember Pitts for Mayor.
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Attorney Litfin closed the floor for nominations.
City Attorney Litfin opened public comments.
Councilmember Miles inquired why Councilmember Pitts does not want to wait another year to become Mayor and continue with the tradition of the Mayor Pro Tem being appointed Mayor.
Councilmember Pitts explained he will let the citizens of Villa Park speak for their selection for Mayor.
Councilmember Miles recalled that during Councilmembers Jones and Wu's campaigns that they did not want to make changes to the traditions of Villa Park and its small-town feel. She noted that not following the tradition of the Mayor Pro Tem being appointed Mayor goes against what they stated during their campaign and requested their input.
Councilmember Pitts noted that tradition has not been broken yet since the vote has not taken place.
Councilmember Miles requested Councilmember Wu's input since he nominated Councilmember Pitts.
Councilmember Wu recognized the tradition but advised he cannot trace back the trend of the tradition. He explained that when he stated during his campaign that he wants to keep Villa Park the way it does not mean to keep everything. He noted there needs to be adaptability to make changes for the greater good. He acknowledged knocking on doors and talking to residents and noted many spoke in support of Councilmember Pitts for Mayor. He advised his nomination for Councilmember Pitts for Mayor is speaking for the people. He noted a tradition is not a law but only a preference.
Councilmember Miles noted she received the most votes during the election and she supports the tradition. She expressed strong support for continuing with the tradition. She expressed concern that not following tradition sets a bad precedence and sets the tone for the rest of the City Council for the remainder of the year. She would like Villa Park to continue to have a small-town feel and encouraged the City Council to do the right thing.
She noted there is no extra power in becoming Mayor and is mainly ceremonial. She encouraged the City Council to do the right thing and continue with the tradition.
Councilmember Jones reported she addressed the City Council one year ago endorsing former Mayor Zimmerman when Councilmember Rossini voted to not make then-Mayor Pro Tem the Mayor. She encouraged the City Council to take responsibility for its voting history. She believes it is hypocritical to now lean towards keeping the tradition when that was not the sentiment one year ago.
Councilmember Jones explained there are 5 Councilmembers on the dais but only 4 years for each to become Mayor so someone will not have that opportunity. She advised December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
noted that Councilmember Rossini is the only member of the dais who has served a full unencumbered term whereas Councilmember Pitts and Miles both had their terms severely impacted by the pandemic. She inquired if Councilmember Rossini would consider removing himself from consideration given that he has served as Mayor for a full term.
Councilmember Rossini expressed disappointment about being spoken about behind his back and referenced a document that he deemed patently untrue and full of distortion and untruths. He advised he was already going to remove himself from consideration had he been the opportunity. He believes the narrative of a Covid Mayor year versus a non- Covid Mayor year is true with Councilmember Pitts but believes it is being stretched. He advised Councilmember Pitts travels frequently and regularly attends meetings via Zoom.
He agreed that Councilmember Pitts is very active in the community. He advised his heart is with the City and what is best for the City. He offered to remove himself from consideration for Mayor but respectfully requested to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. He expressed disappointment that the first decision the dais is making is divisive.
Councilmember Miles acknowledged that Councilmember Rossini believes strongly that the Mayor's seat is more important than any one member of the dais and is in the best interest of the City. She expressed disappointment that the first act of 2 newly elected Councilmembers is to stray from tradition. She referenced Councilmember Jones's comment about Councilmember Rossini's vote last year coming from a lack of experience and noted they will learn through experience when a vote will move forward. She advised it could have been a discussion that they will never know about due to the Brown Act.
She noted that Councilmember Jones's comment was unfair given she did not have the details. She expressed disappointment that both new Councilmembers strayed from keeping Villa Park's small-town feel and brought forward a political event. She formally withdrew her nomination of Councilmember Rossini for Mayor. Councilmember Rossini consented.
Councilmember Jones responded that she was not going to even bring up the subject but Councilmember Miles addressed her directly so she responded. She noted she gave her independent thoughts and noted it was not her intent to be divisive. She noted Councilmember Miles's expressed disappointment about her first vote being divisive. She explained there was no action as the vote has not been taken. She noted her thoughts on Mayor and requesting Councilmember Rossini remove himself from consideration are her independent thoughts.
Councilmember Miles noted that worrying about who will be Mayor has never been a consideration for the dais. She noted she never needs to be Mayor and does the job for the community.
Councilmember Wu explained that each member of the dais only has 1 vote regardless of how many votes an individual received in the election. He commended Councilmember Miles for receiving the most votes but noted at the end of the day, they are all on the dais.
He referenced Councilmember Miles's comments that his vote is divisive only because it is different from her vote and vice versa. He expressed concern that Councilmember December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Miles is being accusatorial of his character. He noted he is on the dais to represent the residents and noted each Councilmember is voting for what they believe is in the best interest of the City.
Councilmember Rossini inquired about calling the question.
City Attorney Litfin explained calling the question means moving to an immediate vote but was hesitant to stop any Councilmembers from providing their thoughts.
Councilmember Rossini explained he did not vote for former Mayor Zimmerman last year due to a State mandate. He explained there was a good reason for which Councilmember Jones was not privy and noted he does not make decisions for his benefit but for the best interest of the City.
Councilmember Rossini called the question. There was no objection from the dais.
A motion was made by Councilmember Wu and approved by the following roll call vote to appoint Councilmember Pitts as Mayor.
AYES: Jones, Miles, Pitts, Rossini, and Wu
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pitts expressed hope that the dais was able to get everything off their chest and can now move forward in the best interest of the City in a cordial professional manner.
He advised he looks forward to serving as Mayor and encouraged the new Councilmembers to learn about local and state government.
Mayor Pitts called for the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilmember Miles nominated Councilmember Rossini as Mayor Pro Tem.
Hearing no others, Mayor Pitts closed the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Pitts called for public comments. Hearing none, Mayor Pitts closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles and approved by the following roll call vote to appoint Councilmember Rossini as Mayor Pro Tem.
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, Wu, and Pitts
L
NOES: None
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini thanked the dais and the community's support.
Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Attorney explained the state law requiring the reading of all ordinances and agendas on the agenda for the benefit of the new members of the dais. He explained this vote waives the legal requirement to read them.
Mayor Pitts 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: Jones, Miles, Rossini, Wu, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Variance No. 2022-07 - 18491 Santiago Boulevard
City Attorney Litfin explained if any member of the dais lives within 500 feet of the property they are deemed to have a conflict. Councilmember Jones and Miles recused themselves from the discussion.
Councilmember Miles inquired if she can speak as a resident since she is the direct neighbor of the property.
City Attorney Litfin recommended she leave the meeting chambers but left that to her discretion.
City Attorney Litfin reported Councilmember Wu lives between 500 and 1000 feet from the property. He explained he could still participate as long as the application does not impact his real property. He opined that he can participate and leit it to Councilmember Wu to determine if he can participate.
City Attorney Litfin explained the remaining members of the dais would have to vote unanimously to approve or deny the variance. He explained he would have to invoke the need for the legal necessity to require an additional member of the dais to participate if Councilmember Wu determined he had a conflict.
Councilmember Wu determined he did not have a conflict.
Planning Manager Ray Pascua explained the variance was continued by the City Council on September 27, 2022. He advised the variance is to exceed the 42" height requirement for the wall within the first 20' of the front yard setback. He noted the property owner is requesting approval for 4 additional pilasters, 2 new electric sliding driveway gates, and a privacy fence. He reported the applicant did receive 3 letters of support at the September 27th meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini inquired if there were any appreciable changes to the variance since September 27th.
Planning Manager Pascua reported the applicant took a few inches from the top of the existing and proposed pilasters.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini inquired if the rear pilasters are below the height of the current pilasters because it does not look that way when driving by.
Planning Manager Pascua reported the pilasters are proposed at 5'7" and believes the visual is a function of how the grade plays with the property. He noted it is higher on the east end of the property and goes down when moving west.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini noted there is already a non-conforming use of the existing pilaster. He expressed concern regarding the rear pilaster because it is a touch higher than the existing non-conforming use and more visible to the street and is non- compliant.
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Hament Patel, the applicant, explained he is waiting for approval before making all of the pilasters the same height.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini requested that the pilasters be made the same height with the grade being taken into consideration so that the pilasters in the back do not look higher than the front ones from the street level.
Mr. Patel agreed to Mayor Pro Tem Rossini's request.
Mayor Pitts inquired if all the letters received were in support of the variance.
Planning Manager Pascua confirmed they were all in support of the variance.
Mayor Pitts opened the public hearing.
Crystal Miles, a resident, reported the variance that Mr. Patel is proposing is aesthetically pleasing. She explained that privacy is an important aspect of Santiago Boulevard due to the high traffic. She encouraged the City Council to approve the variance.
Nicol Jones, a resident, reported she lives a short distance from the property and noted it was a huge improvement. She advised there is enough room for a vehicle entering the property to be completely off the street while awaiting the gate to open. She expressed support for the variance.
Mayor Pitts closed the public hearing
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini as amended so the rear pilaster on the left-hand side of the driveway is at or below the height of the existing non-conforming use so it is not visible from the street and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve Variance No. 2022-07.
AYES: Rossini, Wu, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Jones and Miles
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4 - 6)
Mayor Pitts opened the public comments. There being no speakers, public comments was closed
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Mayor Pitts, and approved by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar.
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, Wu, and Pitts
December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. October's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed the report.
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of November 15, 2022.
The City Council approved the City Council Minutes of November 15, 2022.
6. Measure M2 Annual Report
The City Council:
1. Adopted Resolution No. 2022-3564 approving the annual Measure M2 Expenditure Report; and
2. Authorized staff to make changes to the report should they be requested by OCTA during the review process.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Attorney Litfin reported City Manager Franks is ill and was unable to attend the meeting.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini thanked the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Orange County Fire Authority, community volunteers, and community organizations for their elp with the Villa Park Boat Parade. He thanked the residents and Congresswoman Young Kim for attending.
Councilmember Wu also thanked Orange County Sheriff's Department and Orange County Fire Authority for their assistance with the Villa Park Boat Parade. He also thanked Congresswoman Kim for attending. He wished residents a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Happy New Year.
Councilmember Miles reported that the Winter Wonderland was exceptional this year with over 500 people in attendance. She reported Villa Park High School did not show up to sell the hot chocolate and has not received a reason for not showing. She advised that the Winter Wonderland is transitioning to the Villa Park Community Services Foundation (VPCSF) and hopes they recognized that it is growing in size. She reported the Frazier Family handed out more than 300 meals to anyone local, lonely, or without December 13, 2022 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Thanksgiving plans. She advised Elizabeth Frazier reported she will need to look for alternatives next year because the annual event is growing. She thanked Congresswoman Kim for attending the Boat Parade. She noted she looks forward to the Chanukah Celebration on December 21st with Rabbi Shuey and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She congratulated Mayor Pitts on his appointment but expressed disappointment about breaking tradition.
Councilmember Jones thanked the VPCSF for putting on the Boat Parade, the Santa Tour, and the Winter Wonderland. She thanked Forest Case who she believes is the hardest-working man in Villa Park. She announced there were several board positions available on the VPCSF and encouraged residents to apply.
Mayor Pitts congratulated Councilmembers Jones, Miles, and Wu for their recent election wins. He noted he works forward to working with the dais this year. He thanked the first responder for all of their work this past year. He advised he has participated in a ride-along and encouraged new members of the dais to do so as well. He noted the accomplishments of the City in the last year including Villa Park Knowles. He thanked Mike Knowles for his hard work along with City Manager Franks. He expressed delight at the number of children who attended the Winter Wonderland. He thanked Congresswoman Kim for attending the Boat Parade. He wished residents Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, January 25, 2023. polesotal
Robbie Pitts, Mayor
City of Villa Park
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.