ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
April 25, 2023
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Pitts called the General Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Miles.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Distinguished Citizen
Mayor Pitts presided over the recognition of Distinguished Citizen Kathy Curtis. He recognized the significance of her 34 years of service to the Orange Unified School District and Villa Park Elementary. Mrs. Curtis addressed the City Council and expressed her appreciation toward her family and friends as well as her love for the position she held while employed with Villa Park Elementary. An additional certificate of recognition was presented to Mrs. Curtis on behalf of Don Wagner, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
• Presentation - Orange County Sanitation District
Mayor Pitts welcomed and introduced Rob Thompson, General Manager of the Orange County Sanitation District. General Manager Thompson thanked Mayor Pitts and Councilmember Wu for their service on the Board of Directors as Villa Park representatives. He provide a general overview and update regarding the Orange County Sanitation District's organization and services.
• Villa Park Library
Library staff provided an overview of upcoming events and programs commencing on May 3, 2023.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella reported Sheriff's Deputies responded to 256 calls for service. There were 72 calls to dispatch of which 18 were 911 calls. Captain Patella reminded the public to only reserve the 911 system for true emergencies. For all other non-emergency type matters, the public is encouraged to call the business line at 647-7000. Other calls for service included 3 traffic incidents.
There were no reported injury traffic accidents, non-injury traffic accidents, or residential burglaries. There were only minimal thefts during the reporting period.
Captain Patella reported on the success of the recent Drug Take Back Day where 11 boxes were filled at a total weight of 105 pounds.
• Orange County Fire Authority
• Drowning Prevention Awareness Proclamation
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler reported that OCFA dispatched to 26 incidents within the City of Villa Park. Wildland defensible space inspections will need to be done with fire season ahead but are being delayed due to the large volume of rainfall this year. Chief Wiedensohler ensured inspections will be finished by the end of May. OCFA crews are currently completing annual Wildland Firefighting refresher training (RT130).
The monthly safety message is water safety in acknowledgment of Drowning Prevention Awareness. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 and could happen as little as 2 inches of water. More information on the ABC's of water safety, beach safety, and how to put barriers around the pool can all be found on the OCFA website by visiting ocfa.org.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kathy Tracy expressed support for the City Council's decision to fund projects on Churchill Lane, Squire Circle and Dodson Circle in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget and inquired as to when the projects will commence.
City Manager Steve Franks responded the award of contracts for the applicable projects are forthcoming later on this meeting agenda. If awarded, projects are scheduled to begin staging in May with further work to be completed once school is out of session for the summer.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
The City Manager 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.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts 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 Jones, 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. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Variance No. 2023-04 at 9492 Sandra Circle
City Manager Steve Franks reported consideration of this variance was continued from the March 28th City Council meeting at the request of the applicant.
Planning Assistant Urbanski provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the agenda report. One letter of support and one letter of opposition were received and were read into the record. Staff is recommending approval of the variance as the property has a large slope which significantly reduces the buildable area. The existing house is legal non-conforming and makes it difficult for the property owner to construct additions in accordance with development standards.
Councilmember Jones confirmed with staff that the majority of concerns in the submitted letter of opposition to the project were related to the addition of the new structure which was outside of the scope of the variance. Additionally, she confirmed the neighbors who submitted the letter of opposition also encroach into the front setback.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini and Councilmember Miles expressed support for the applicant's work with the adjacent neighbors and expressed support for the project as proposed.
Mayor Pitts opened the public hearing.
The applicant thanked staff for the continuance which allowed them to work with the adjacent neighbors and implement revisions to the proposed project plan. The applicant also thanked City staff for their diligence and provided detail as to the project's revisions.
Mayor Pitts closed the public hearing
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini to approve Variance No. 2023-04. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 3 - 6)
Councilmember Jones and Councilmember Wu requested Item No. 5 be pulled for separate consideration.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to approve Item Nos. 3, 4, and 6 on the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. March's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed the report.
4. Request approval of City Council Minutes of March 28, 2023.
The City Council Minutes of March 28, 2023 were approved.
Agreement with District Attorney for Prosecution Services The City Council approved the agreement and authorized the City Manager to sign and execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Villa Park.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
Variance 2023-05 - 19171 Mesa Drive
City Manager Franks reported this item is a follow up to the Council action taken in March at which time they voted to deny the proposed subject variance. The item before the April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Council for consideration under this item is a resolution making the appropriate findings to deny the request for Variance 2023-05 - 19171 Mesa Drive. The applicant has requested permission to continue consideration of this item to allow time for him to potentially implement revisions to obtain variance approval rather than denial. City Manager Franks confirmed a "yes" vote on subject resolution as presented would be to deny the variance as currently proposed.
City Manager Franks provided the options available to the Council to consider the applicant's request, including continuing action on the current resolution to deny the variance to a future date or scheduling reconsideration of the variance which would entail scheduling of a new public hearing. City Attorney Litfin confirmed the options presented to the Council for action at this meeting.
Councilmember Jones reported she was contacted by the applicant who requested continuation of this matter and spoke with two adjacent neighbors to confirm they would be in favor of the Council considering continuation of this item to allow the applicant to work with adjacent neighbors to address concerns.
Councilmember Miles expressed concern with continuing consideration of this item, noting that members of the public had appeared and presented significant opposition to the project. She stated the Council already took action to deny the variance and tonight's item is to approve the resolution making the appropriate findings to formalize the denial.
She is opposed to the applicant's request to continue this item to a future date.
Councilmember Wu urged reconsideration of the vote to deny the subject variance, as surrounding neighbors shared with him their misinterpretation of a no vote denying the variance versus continuing the variance request so they could have the opportunity to talk to the applicant and the property owner.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini stated that affected residents appeared or provided written correspondence in opposition to the project as proposed. The City Council already voted to deny the variance and tonight's item is a ministerial action to formalize the findings for denial. He expressed opposition to continue this item when it has already been denied previously.
Councilmember Miles offered to provide documentation from various residents who texted or emailed their support for the Council's previous denial of the variance.
Councilmember Jones stated her preference to continue this item to allow the applicant and adjacent neighbors the opportunity to find a solution to the stated concerns. It appears the applicant is now willing to work with neighbors and that the other residents she spoke with would be willing to attend a future meeting to consider the variance.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to approve Revised Resolution No. 2023-2572, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Villa Park denying Variance No. 2023-05.
A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Wu, seconded by Councilmember Jones continue consideration of this item to a date certain of June 27, 2023, inclusive of the applicant providing any revised project proposals and the highest level of transparency concerning the staging of construction equipment and soils processing prior to the public hearing.
The substitute motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Wu, and Pitts
NOES: Miles and Rossini
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City staff was directed to renotice the public hearing and include access to the proposed plans in the event of an alternate proposal well in advance of the public hearing date.
NEW BUSINESS
Inspection / Construction Management Services Contract - FY 2022/2023 Annual Street Rehabilitation Project.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to authorize the Mayor to to execute a standard professional services agreement with Infrastructure Engineers in the amount of $81,727.00 for Inspection / Construction Management services for the FY 2022/2023 Annual Street Rehabilitation Project. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Award of Construction Contract for FY 2022/2023 Annual Street Rehabilitation Project
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Mayor Pitts, to authorize the Mayor to execute a contract with ONYX PAVING COMPANY, INC., in the amount of $1,818,000.00 for FY 2022/2023 annual street rehabilitation project.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Manager Franks stated the initiation of a public education element that will provide information about current and upcoming construction projects. The information will be placed on the City of Villa Park website and will include a map of affected street and a construction calendar.
9. Contract with John L. Hunter & Associates.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to approve the proposed agreement with John L. Hunter & Associates.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. Contract with Tripepi Smith
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to approve the proposed amendment to the contract with Tripepi Smith.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Approval of 2023-24 OC Animal Care Notice of Intent.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He reported staff continues to work with the service provider to control costs as related to the current form of billing.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed
A motion was made by Mayor Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign the attached Animal Care Notice of Intent for the provision of animal care and shelter services for FY 2023-24 in the amount of $30,225 consistent with the Agreement for Provision of Animal Care Services as executed in April 2016; and
2. The City Manager be directed to include the amount specified in the Notice of Intent in the proposed FY 2023-24 City of Villa Park budget.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. Approval of Amendment to Agreement with Gruber & Associates for Financial Audit Services to Cover FY 2022-23 Through FY 2023-24.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to the proposed Amendment to the Agreement of May 25, 2021 with Gruber & Associates for audit services, to cover FY 2022-23 through FY 2023-24 and authorize the City Manager to execute the Amendment for the City.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
13. NV5, Inc. - Engineering Contract Amendment.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, approve the Fifth Amendment to the NV5, Inc. contract for Engineering Services. Under the terms of the amendment, the contract hourly rates will increase effective May 1, 2023 and remain flat at that rate until the contract expires on June 30, 2024. Billings to the City will no longer include a flat charge, but rather actual hours worked. The scope of work of the City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer will remain consistent with the existing contract agreement.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. Third Amendment to Employment Contract with City Manager City Attorney Litfin provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He noted the City Manager's compensation will remain the same and the contract is proposed to be extended through March 15, 2025.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Third Amendment to Employment Contract between the City of Villa Park and City Manager Steve Franks.
The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
15. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks reported the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been replaced in the City Hall facility, and that it is accessible to meeting room users, as well as Library and City Hall staff. He further reported the City's Housing Element update process is continuing to move forward and the public review period is scheduled to be completed by the end of the week. Any clarification requests will be sent to HCD in writing and staff will allow sixty (60) days for the response. Any response will be shared with Councilmembers.
City Manager Franks reported construction has resumed on the high school, impacting parking. The City has waived the parking restriction on Santiago Boulevard on a temporary basis and parking will be reevaluated during the summer.
There was no further action taken on this item.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
16. Individual Councilmember Information Items
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) Unable to attend the meeting, but provided a brief update of actions taken:
• Approval of a one-year contract for brokerage services • There will be truck mounted bacterial larvicide service on April 27th in Villa Park from 11:30 am to to 2 p.m at the Villa Park Dam which are very effective and completely safe.
Orange County Sanitation District (Mayor Pitts)
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Toured Plant No. 2.
• The budget and strategic planning will be discussed at the next Board meeting.
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini)
• Will attend the Best in Brave Ceremony on Friday, Aril 28'h and will provide remarks. The Mayor Pro Tem extended an open invitation to all Councilmembers and encouraged them to attend.
• Attended the April 12th budget and finance committee meeting. The auditor's presented findings for Fiscal Year 2022-23 reporting the OCFA is in great financial standing due to their conservative approach; There is still concern pending the long-term state of the economy as related to inflation and various public policies. • The Fiscal Year 2021- 22 backfill overtime and calendar year 2022 total earnings compensation analysis meeting will take place on Thursday, April 27'h
• Overall, OCFA is running very smoothly.
Orange County Library Advisory Board (Mayor Pitts)
• Attended the library executive committee meeting and reviewed the budget considerations for Fiscal Year 2023-24. This year's full budget will be presented to the board for approval in May. Some of the challenges currently being faced have been documented and sent to Councilmembers via PowerPoint presentation for their review.
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Councilmember Jones)
Met on April 17h at Villa Park High School and discussed the following:
• The City of Villa Park currently has one crossing guard on Taft and currently there are no plans to add another crossing guard at that location. The City of Orange has 39 crossing guard positions available, but only 22 are filled.
Measure S/Phase Two was initiated and will come in at about 5 million dollars under budget. Phase One of Measure S came in at 10 million dollars under budget. Phase 3 of Measure S is likely to begin soon.
• Toured the Villa Park High School "well" space and the District's efforts toward supporting the mental health of students • Open house at Villa Park High School is Wednesday April 26th.
Villa Park residents are highly encouraged to come out and tour the new science building.
• Thanked City staff for the parking accommodations on
Santiago Boulevard.
Councilmember Miles commented on the crossing guard situation and asked if there was an age limit as she knows many senior citizens who may be interested in the April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
positions. Councilmember Jones stated that senior citizens are encouraged to apply because of the split-shift/part-time nature of the role. • Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini and Councilmember Jones)
• Reported no meeting was held.
• A presentation coordinated with the License Plate Recognition company, Flock Safety, was held to view the LPR technology, discuss the costs and locations. There was an overwhelming support • Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Councilmember Wu) • The foundation participated the Earth Day on Saturday, April 22nd which drew attendance by dozens of local citizens, High School students and the National Charity League of Yemen.
• First Team Real Estate and Kathy McCarthy provided free document shredding - they shredded approximately 130
boxes.
• The Junkluggers of Orange County and owner Jill Sandoval, a Villa Park resident, filled up a truckload of e-waste and scrap
Villa Park Public Services provided free compost.
Will attend the meeting on April 26'h and find out about any other events coming up in May.
• Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
No meeting was held.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) No meeting was held.
• Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) • Housing transportation portion met on April 13th , a presentation was provided regarding elder abuse and other scams, including cyber scams that occur through television and radio.
A presentation was given related to the upcoming Medi-Cal renewal. Those who qualify for Medi-Cal will be receiving a yellow envelope in the mail and residents were encourage to not throw it away.
Additional Councilmember reports:
Councilmember Jones:
• Attended the Association of California Cities - Orange County meeting.
Attended the ribbon cutting at the new Anaheim Hills Office for U.S Representative Young Kim.
Attended the groundwater replenishment system dedication hosted by OC San and OC Water District.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Participated in a meet and greet sponsored by Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Don Wagner.
Attended Santiago Canyon College to present them with a certificate from the City of Villa Park celebrating their military friendly gold School recognition and their 10 years of service to our veterans through their Veterans Resource Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini:
• Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to tour Fire Station 41 at Fullerton Airport. • Attended the groundwater replenishment event, in a different capacity, ensuring elected officials were safe.
Councilmember Wu:
• Attended the ribbon cutting at the new Anaheim Hills Office for U.S Representative Young Kim.
• Attended the groundwater replenishment system dedication hosted by OC San and OC Water District.
• Attended the Attended Santiago Canyon College military friendly event • Attended the Women's League tree dedication event
Thanked Chairman Wagner for providing the town hall for newly elected Council members.
Councilmember Miles:
• Congratulated Villa Park High School girls softball and Villa Park High School Varsity boys baseball who were both honored with CIF academic awards for top team GPA leaders.
• Regarding the Trip to Washington, D.C.:
Had one-on-one access to several of the Congressional Representatives from California and was able to express concerns, hear status reports, and have discussions on issues impacting all cities
Mayr Pitts:
• Attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Sunrise Senior Living Facility in Orange.
• Attended the Friends of Villa Park Library board meeting. • An event is being planned to showcase an author David Lopez Mayor Pitts reminded Council members, staff and residents of Villa Park of a public budget workshop being held on Monday, May 8th at 5 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. until the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
April 25, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Alert
Robbie Pitts, Mayor
City of Villa Park
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.