ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
August 22, 2023
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Pitts called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
INVOCATION/DEDICATION
Mayor Pitts recognized the recent passing of long-time Villa Park resident Joseph S.
Barsa, citing his military service, academic and business achievements, and his service two-term Villa Park Councilmember. Mr. Barsa was involved with Rotary International, was a generous member of the community, and was dedicated to his family.
He offered his condolences to the family in recognition of Mr. Barsa's recent passing.
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 Eileen DeSantis citing her extensive knowledge of community history and City events. He acknowledged Mrs.
DeSantis' and her husband Frank's contributions to the community, her involvement with assisting with the business operations of her husband's law firm, her dedication to raising her family, and her volunteer efforts with local schools and community organizations.
Mayor Pitts also cited Mrs. DeSantis' ongoing efforts to preserve Villa Park's small town family-oriented character.
• Proclamation - Hunger Action Month
Mayor Pitts presented the proclamation citing the significant challenges related to hunger, poverty, and food and nutritional insecurity faced by many individuals. The proclamation was presented to the Second Harvest Food Bank in recognition of their service to the community.
• Presentation - Serrano Water District
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A representative from the Serrano Water District (District) provided a presentation to further inform the community regarding various matters related to their organization and the services provided. Items presented included synopsis documents of previous Town Hall meeting, upcoming capital improvement projects, explanation of related rate increases, and safety initiatives related to the dam.
Council, public, staff and representative discussion ensued including comments on infrastructure project design timelines, ability to retain water through improved storage and reliability, the increase to resident rates due to the debt service and ability for the public to provide input prior to final decision-making, the potential to have a larger agency absorb service to reduce impact to residents, previous history of rate structure assessments of other jurisdictions, assistance for senior citizens and those on fixed incomes, recent rate changes due to financial reserve modeling, increased costs due to usage, directing residents to the District for explanations of their bills, noting the City is not involved in rate setting, the concierge service provided by the District, the projected annual increases due to current capital projects, the ownership of water rights, and the parcel taxes for water in other jurisdictions.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriffs Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella reported Sheriffs Deputies responded to 211 calls for service, including 130 proactive calls. Of the remaining 81 call, 12 were 911 calls, of which 9 were emergencies. No burglaries were reported in August. Captain Patella reported on good investigative work that resulted in significant burglary crew arrests. 2 non-injury traffic accidents and approximately 50 citations issued were reported. There will be personnel changes in the motor division, with a new individual starting in the next month. Discussion ensued concerning the impact of illegal fireworks in the community and residents were requested to call in reports. It was requested that the Sheriff's Department proactively watch for the launch of illegal fireworks and issue citations as a deterrent. Captain Patella complimented Villa Park residents for respecting the 911 line for true emergencies. Discussion ensued regarding a vehicle break-in on the Fourth of July and residents were requested to report any suspicious activity. A report was provided on the recent 2023 National Night Out event held in the Civic Center on August 1, 2023 and the efforts of the Sheriff's Department and Neighborhood Watch volunteers.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler reported that OCFA has responded to 86 incidents within the City of Villa Park over the past two months. A structure fire due to fireworks on Fourth of July was reported. Chief Wiedensohler reported on the annual fire station inspections conducted each year. September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and OCFA encourages all residents to be prepared for storm activity. Chief Wiedensohler reported on the impacts of tropic storm Hilary, which were less than expected. He also reported OCFA has personnel in Hawaii assisting with the impacts of the recent devastating wildfires. Council discussion ensued with thanks to the OCFA for their response to the July 11' Santiago Oaks fire. OCFA August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Chief Brian Fennessy was named Chief of the Year by the International Association of Fire Chiefs and his achievements were acknowledged by the City Council. • Villa Park Library
Kristina Jones provided a summary report of various activities and events at the Villa Park Library including the end of the summer reading program, significant increases in summer program participation, the various media outlets where residents can find information, upcoming special programs, including a candy sushi challenge, Grandparent's Day, special author events, and kindergarten readiness, student access to computers and printers, free wi-fi access, read-along audio books, storytime reading programs, online databases, e-books, and e-audio books. Ms. Jones reported on available online homework and tutoring and discounted admission for various venues throughout Orange County. September is Library Card Sign Up Month and residents were encouraged to apply.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no individuals who elected to make public comments.
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 on the dais. He explained this vote waives the legal requirement to read items in full and facilitates meeting efficiency.
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, the Mayor closed public comments and the public hearing.
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 each by title only.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2023-02 - 18941 El Moro Way.
City Manager Franks introduced the item and City Planning Assistant Justin Urbanski provided a summary of the information detailed in the publicly noticed agenda report. Six August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
letters of support and a supplemental letter of justification were received by the City. No letters of opposition were received. City staff recommended approval.
Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the receipt date of the response by the homeowner, the status of the related permit, the final build date of the recreational court, acknowledgement the contractor mistook the permit for the one required, the cost of the conditional use permit, education of residents as related to pre-approval requirements, and advising contractors regarding City requirements,
The Mayor opened the public hearing and public comments.
Yoatzin Hardman, adjacent neighbor, spoke in support of the property owners and the subject project.
Mir. Cosmas, applicant, spoke in support of approval of the project, noting their acknowledgement the contractor did not provide them with accurate information related to the permit.
Seeing no others who elected to speak, Mayor closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to
1. Find that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Control Act (CEQA), per Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Class 3; and
2. Approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 2023-02, subject to the Conditions of Approval provided in Exhibit "A" of Resolution No. 2023-3582.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 3 - 7)
Councilmembers Miles and Jones requested to pull Item No. 5 for separate consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini requested to pull Item No. 6 for separate consideration.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to approve the balance of items listed on the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. June's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed the report.
4. July's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed the report.
7. Measure M2 Annual Funding Eligibility Fiscal Year 23/24.
The City Council:
1. Approved and adopted the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program,
2. Adopted Resolution No. 2023-3580 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Villa Park concerning the status and update of the Circulation Element and Mitigation Fee Program for the Measure M (M2) Program, and Adopted Resolution No. 2023-3581- Local Signal Synchronization Plan (LSSP)
4. Authorized Staff to submit Measure M2 funding eligibility requirements on behalf of the City of Villa Park in order to continue to receive Measure M2 funds.
5. Authorized Staff to submit Congestion Management Program eligibility requirements on behalf of the City of Villa Park in order to continue to receive Proposition 111 funds.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of June 27, 2023.
Councilmembers Miles and Jones noted small corrections to the subject minutes.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the City Council minutes of June 27, 2023, as amended.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Report of 2023 Safe and Sane Fireworks Sales.
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini requested City staff provide additional details regarding the Safe & Sane Fireworks sales, noting their significant benefits to fundraising for community August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
service organizations and schools. City Manager Franks provided data regarding the $138,000 in profits made via sales which is split among the various non-profit groups.
Council discussion ensued regarding the negative impacts of fireworks Countywide, whether illegal or Safe and Sane, the voter's choice to allow the sale of legal fireworks which the City of Villa Park cannot change, the increase in sales application fees for community service organizations contributions toward the extra Deputy assigned, and statement that there is no impact to the General Fund for the cost of the extra Deputy.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to receive and file the 2023 Safe and Sane Fireworks Sales report.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
8. Plan Check Services
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Council and staff discussion ensued including comments related to whether adequate amounts were included in the City budget and the incentives to encourage the appropriate and responsive level of building in the community.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to:
1. Retroactively approve plan check costs for $13,980 for SageCrest and $15,215 for Melad for FY 2022-23.
2. Approve First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Melad to $30,000 for FY 2023-24.
3. Approve First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with VCA to $30,000 for FY 2023-24.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Award of contract for Annual Traffic Signal Maintenance Services for FY 2023-24 and 2024-25
City Manager Franks provided a report summarizing the information detailed in the public agenda report.
Council and staff discussion ensued including comments related to the increased costs of the proposed contract, noting the off-hours nature of the service.
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 Wu, to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Yunex LLC in the amount of $20,000 for the annual traffic signal maintenance for two years.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
10. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks provided a report summarizing the information in the publicly noticed agenda report. Items presented included the City's statutory compliance of the Housing Element, with the next up for review being the Zoning Element. A request for proposals has been issued to retain a consultant, which will include opportunity to bid for planning services as well. Mr. Franks reported on the recent earthquake which resulted in very minimal damage. The striping project will be completed within the next week or two.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
19. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) - Attended the Thursday, August 17, 2023 Board meeting
Received presentation from Orange County Waste and Recycling regarding how organic waste regulations relates to vectors; there is no increase in vectors related to the new regulations, however it was requested residents contact Orange County to report any increases in animal activity near waste food recycling bins
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
- Received presentation regarding flea-borne typhus; increases have been reported each year; the District is forming a dedicated typhus response team to address high-risk areas; residents are reminded to remove standing water and be aware of available medications
Orange County Sanitation District (Mayor Pitts, reported by Councilmember Wu) - Report was made by Councilmember Wu who was in attendance - Received report on compensation for the Executive Director Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini)
- Budget and Finance Committee meeting were dark in July and August - Budget and Finance Committee will have ongoing discussions regarding prefunding significant capital improvement program expenditures - Received report on request for consultant proposals to review ambulance services in Orange County to assist with better service an recouping costs Orange County Library Advisory Board (Mayor Pitts)
Meeting dark in August
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Councilmember Jones) - Meeting dark in August
- Reminded the community all four Orange Unified Schools in Villa Park have commenced and to be cautious of related traffic during drop-off and pick-up times
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini and Councilmember Jones)
Mayor Pro Tem Rossini reported on the June 28, 2023 meeting - Received report regarding use of license plate reader cameras to assist law enforcement; Report may be forthcoming to the City Council; The City Manager provided an update on his work with the Sheriff's Department regarding scheduling public workshops in the future.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Councilmember Wu) Meeting dark in July
- Reported on the success of the Fourth of July parade and concert in the park.
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) Reported on Housing and Transportation Committee meeting; Received comprehensive presentation from Orange County Office on Aging Veterans Services focused on senior citizen and older adult veteran services; Requested interested veterans to call and also register in the system to access an abundance of services and information
Reported on the upcoming Veterans' virtual career fair on August 22, 2023; Will send information to the City Manager
Reported on a discussion at the general meeting regarding the various conditions that are under the umbrella of "dementia"; Requested all residents to inquire with their medical professionals regarding the "Dementia Care Aware" program as an earlier charting of related issues can assist with more successful long-term results
Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
No meeting was conducted
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) - No meeting was conducted
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Additional Councilmember reports:
• Councilmember Jones: Thanked all Orange County agencies and City and School District staff for providing resources and information in preparation for tropical storm Hilary. Congratulated the Foundation for the successful Fourth of July parade and event. Attended the Serrano Water District Town Hall meeting on July 6th and thanked the District for the information to residents. Thanked Board of Supervisors Chairman Wagner for Opioid Town Hall hosted on July 20", noting yesterday was National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Free Narcan is available at free drop-in events and it was requested the information be placed on the City's news feeder. Thanked the Foundation for the recent concert held on July 21st and acknowledged Congresswoman Kim's attendance at the event. • Mayor Pro Tem Rossini: Thanked City staff, all organizations and agencies, and the residents who assisted in preparations for tropical storm Hilary. Thanked those involved with the National Night Out program and its success. He reiterated his gratitude for all the efforts which go toward making Villa Park a safe and security community.
• Councilmember Miles: Thanked City staff, all organizations and agencies, and the residents who assisted in preparations for tropical storm Hilary. Congratulated the Foundation for a successful Fourth of July parade, the largest she recalls attending, as well as the successful concert in the park. National Night Out was a great event and acknowledged the partnerships which support its success each year. Councilmember Miles acknowledged the partners such as the Board of Supervisors Chair Wagner, Schools, and Sheriff's Department, involved in the upcoming Fentanyl prevention Town Hall which will feature a Naloxone training on September 21st and requested the information be placed in the City news feeder. • Councilmember Wu: Acknowledged gratitude for all the community organizations and partners which make all the community events successful. Encouraged residents to be cognizant of the new school year commencing and to be aware of traffic safety impacts near schools.
• Mayor Pitts: Attended the recent Fentanyl awareness seminar and encouraged parents to educate themselves on the subject, as the crisis is rising to epidemic levels. He encouraged all residents to have Narcan readily available, as youth may not be aware they are being exposed.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
City of Villa Park
August 22, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
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.