ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
September 26, 2023
Regular Meeting
CLOSED SESSION
5:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Pitts called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Jones, Miles, Rossini, and Pitts
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
PUBLIC COMMENTS (CLOSED SESSION)
There were no public comments.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session to discuss the following items as listed on the agenda:
1. Property: APN #372-654-01 - TR 5671-Lot A
City Negotiators: City Manager Franks
Property Negotiators: Mr. Gregory Hellman
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Property: APN #372-682-03
City Negotiators: City Manager Franks
Property Negotiators: Mr. Steve Wang & Tuyet Wang
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
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, Rossini, and Pitts
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini.
September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Distinguished Citizen
Mayor Pitts presided over the recognition of Distinguished Citizen William F. Underwood citing his accomplishments both in the public and private sectors, including service as the current City Treasurer and a founding member of the City's Investment Advisory Committee. Mayor Pitts noted Mr. Underwood's academic and professional achievements and his distinguished military service in the United States Navy. Mr.
Underwood and family have lived in Villa Park since 1980 and they have served the community since with distinction. Mr. Underwood was also recognized by several elected officials and members of the local Rotary.
• Presentation - Service Club Month
Mayor Pitts presented the proclamation recognizing the many community service clubs and acknowledging the wide variety of entities, initiatives, and groups which are supported by their volunteer work.
• Proclamation - World Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Mayor Pitts presented the proclamation recognizing the work of the local group dedicated to providing support for families impacted by Alzheimer's, noting they were unable to be in attendance at tonight's meeting.
• Proclamation - Fire Prevention Week
Mayor Pitts presented the proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week, stating the tremendous risk fire presents locally and nationally, particularly as related to residential fires. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler accepted the proclamation and referred the community to the OCFA website for fire prevention information.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement summary, noting that no property crimes, burglaries, thefts, or burglaries were reported, individuals are taking the opportunity, as encouraged by law enforcement, to report suspicious circumstances, there was an isolated family violence incident, and minor traffic incidents are increasing with the start of the school year. Captain Patella reminded the public to remain vigilant when out in the community to avoid predatory practices. A prescription drug take back event will be held toward the end of October.
Brief discussion ensued regarding traffic incidents near Villa Park High School. An opioid Town Hall meeting was held in the previous week.
September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Orange County Fire Authority
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Chief Scott Wiedensohler provided the monthly Fire Authority summary, noting this month's focus is on prevention of senior citizen falls, and cited that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and most common cause of non- fatal trauma-related hospital admissions among senior adults. He noted the OCFA's related campaign and requested residents follow the recommendations to make their home's safer. Open House events will be held at 28 stations throughout Orange County on October 14th , including Fire Station 23. The event will also kick off the "Spark of Love" Toy Drive campaign.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kathy Tracy thanked the current and past City Council's for their efforts in maintaining Villa Park streets and suggested signage be placed immediately after the work is completed in order to reduce unnecessary damage.
Donna Buxton thanked the City Council and staff for their efforts regarding street maintenance and the improvement of traffic near where the two stop signs were removed near Cerro Vista School.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. 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, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4 - 9)
Mayor Pitts requested to pull Item No. 8 for separate consideration.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
approve the balance of items listed on the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
4. August's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed the report.
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of August 22, 2023.
The City Council approved the minutes of August 22, 2023.
6. Consideration of 2024 City Council Meeting Schedule
The City Council approved the schedule of 2024 City Council meetings as stated in the associated agenda report.
7. City Hall Holiday Closures
The City Council approved the observance of the 2023 Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve municipal holidays and the resulting closure of City Hall on the respective Tuesdays (December 26th and January 2nd) after the Christmas Day and New Year Day Monday holidays. Further, directed City staff to immediately post the Holiday Schedule on the City web-site and at City Hall, and to notify City residents electronically via Feeder mailings.
9. Agreement with Orange County Transportation Authority for Countywide Signal Synchronization Baseline Project
The City Council approved the agreement with Orange County Transportation Authority for the Countywide Signal Synchronization Baseline Project; and authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute it on behalf of the City.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
8. Denial of Administrative Charge
This item was pulled for separate consideration by Mayor Pitts for informational purposes.
City Attorney Litfin provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
A motion was made by Mayor Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to:
September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
1. Deny the administrative charge filed by Ms. Cari McCormick with the California Civil Rights Department, naming as respondents the California Public Employee's Retirement System, Lake County, and the State of California.
2. Authorize the City Attorney to send the related Notice of Denial of the Claim on behalf of the City of Villa Park.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Approval of Consultant Contract and Personnel Actions Related to the Provision of Planning Services & 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 regarding the proposed staffing and consultant structure, potential impacts to the City's planning and plan check fee schedule due to the subject proposal and other state mandates, employee retention, and acknowledgment of the high standards of professionalism exhibited by the current City staff team.
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:
1. Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the proposed contract with Sagecrest Planning + Environmental to cover October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026, with two one-year options for Planning Services & Plan Check Services, with the same scope of work and conditions as the current agreement with the exception of the following:
a. 8-hours/week of a Planning Manager billed at $120/hour with a first year Maximum Obligation of $49,920, and any future annual increases requiring mutual approval from the contractor and City.
b. Plan Check Services billed at $110/hour with a first year Maximum Obligation of $30,000, and any future annual increases requiring mutual approval from the contractor and City.
2. Approve the following personnel actions and related 2023-24 Budget actions:
September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
a. Deletion of the one budgeted 20-hour part-time Intern position effective October 31, 2023.
b. Creation of one 40-hour regular Planning Assistant position in the budget, with existing City authorized benefits, effective October 31, 2023.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
ABSTAIN: None
11. Third Amendment to Agreement with Rutan & Tucker for Provision of City Attorney Services
City Manager Franks provided a report summarizing the information detailed in the public agenda report.
Council and staff discussion ensued including comments acknowledging the high caliber of legal counsel and services provided by the current City Attorney and his professional 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:
to approve the Third Amendment to the Agreement with Rutan & Tucker for Provision of City Attorney Services and authorize the Mayor to execute the proposed amendment.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: Wu (excused)
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 mentioned included the continuing nature of certain Closed Session items, street
identification of streets for upcoming phases of street projects through use of the pavement condition index, the successful process of managing City funds, without incurrent debt, to accomplish street projects, receipt of statutory compliance of the September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Housing Element, the pending certification of the Housing Element, impacts on traffic safety due to the various upcoming holiday events in the community, and an upcoming October 5'h Town Hall meeting regarding license plate readers and related technology.
Council and staff discussion ensued on the process by which the City could recover legal fees incurred by the City due to non-responsiveness by Republic Services, addressing their non-compliance with current contract provisions, City staff s current efforts to resolve such matters with the service provider, the impacts on City resources for same, and the impacts of increased state regulations on waste service providers.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
19. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) No meeting last week due to annual CalCities Conference - District inspectors and staff continue to be very responsive to resident concerns and calls for service and requested residents to contact members of the City Council if they have any issues or concerns
Orange County Sanitation District (Mayor Pitts)
- Attended Board and Administrative Committee meetings
- Received report on new grant policy written to achieve greater success with obtaining grant funds
- Public is invited to attend the "State of the OC Sanitation District" event on October 27m, 11:00 am
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini)
- Monthly meeting will be held on September 28th
- Budget and Finance Committee meeting held on September 13th featured discussion item on contract award for ambulance consulting services; item will be considered by the full Board on September 28'; second discussion item was related to the pre-funding of capital improvement projects, including potential off-setting of future costs; item will be further reviewed by CIP committee, Executive Board, and full Board at a future meeting Orange County Library Advisory Board (Mayor Pitts)
- Meeting dark in September
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Councilmember Jones) - September meeting was cancelled
- Reminded the community of the removal of stop signs at Serrano and Nichols Avenues near Cerro Villa School; School Principal will also notify parents through Principal's newsletter and City will place on feeder; - Thanked City staff for taking initiative on adjusting the timing on traffic lights at the intersection of Center and Villa Park Road as adjustments will increase traffic safety
September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini and Councilmember Jones)
No meeting held this month
- Invited the community to attend upcoming October 5th Town Hall meeting regarding license plate readers and related technology; the technology ensures driver privacy while facilitating resolution of criminal activity.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Councilmember Wu) - No report due to Councilmember Wu's excused absence at this meeting Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
- No meeting held this month
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) Meeting will be held September 27, 2023
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) The organizational by-laws were revamped and robust discussion was held; item will return in two-weeks for consideration of a vote, including the addition of allowing alternates for purposes of achieving meeting quorums and improving attendance
- The master plan on aging document was provided and will be placed on the City feeder and available at City Hall; Office on Aging is requesting those 55 and older to participate in a survey, caregivers may also participate; Orange County has one of the highest growing populations of older adults and the survey will assist in addressing needs
Additional Councilmember reports:
Councilmember Jones: Reported on attendance and provided information related to the Villa Park Women's League fundraiser, Tour of OC Animal Care facility in Tustin, and Fentany! Town Hall. She noted the increase in fentanyl incidents in the older adult population due to use of on-line pharmacies and noted there are resources available for senior citizens who cannot afford medications. Announced the Symphony on the Go event sponsored by the Villa Park Women's League and provided information on the City's weekly newsletter (feeder) and how to subscribe on the City's website.
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini: Thanked Councilmember Miles and Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Wagner for organizing the recent Fentanyl Town Hall and Villa Park High School for hosting the event at their facility. He was unable to attend due to family commitments, and noted the importance of community education on the topic and the related negative impacts of drug cartels. • Councilmember Miles: Thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors Chair Wagner, the Orange County Department of Health, Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff's Department, and Orange County School Board District Four Trustee Madison Miner for their assistance with organizing the recent Fentany! Town Hall. She also noted the impact on the senior citizen community due to the increase use of online pharmacies. She noted the success of the event September 26, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
was measured by the number of individuals who stayed for the entire program and also stayed to ask additional questions afterward. She also thanked the City for their work in advertising the event.
• Mayor Pitts: Attended the recent Fentanyl Town Hall and expressed support for additional community education on the topic, particularly as it impacts senior citizens and children. He reported on his attendance at the recent Women's League and Rotary events and his upcoming hosting of a dinner at his home, which was one of the auction prizes. He again expressed his thanks to all the service clubs which provide support for the community. He spoked regarding his attendance at a recent event where he spoke to community youth regarding the work of the City Council and how governance works in the City.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, October Poles st
City of Villa Park
ATTEST:
Steve Franks, City Clerk
City of Villa Park
Note: The above minutes are a summary of actions. A DVD recording of this meeting additionally serves as an official record and is available upon request from City Hall.