ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
November 14, 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
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION/DEDICATION -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Wu.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Villa Park Community Services Foundation The President of the Villa Park Community Services Foundation provided an update on their organization's upcoming holiday events including the Santa Tour, Boat Parade, and announced the selection of Eileen DeSantis as this year's Grand Marshal. • Presentation - Distinguished Citizens - Veterans Celebration Mayor Pitts presided over the recognition of all Villa Park veterans as Distinguished Citizens citing their service to our County. He also acknowledged the work and sacrifices nade by military families in support of their loved ones. Each veteran present at the neeting announced their name and service branch. Councilmembers also acknowledgec their family members and loved ones who are military veterans and those currently in service.
• Proclamation - World Pancreatic Cancer Day
Mayor Pitts presented a proclamation acknowledging World Pancreatic Cancer Day on behalf of the City Council. Gary Sakamoto an OC Affiliate from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network accepted the proclamation and commented on the need for early detection.
• Proclamation - National Nurse Practitioner Week
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts presented a proclamation acknowledging National Nurse Practitioner Week on behalf of the City Council. Representatives from California Association for Nurse Practitioners accepted the proclamation and commented on the important work of Nurse Practitioners.
• Grand Jury Presentation - Patti Whitman
A presentation was made by Patti Whitman, a current member of the Orange County Grand Jury. She provided information regarding the current recruitment process underway to seek members for the 2024-25 Grand Jury and provided details regarding the type of investigations, work, and studies conducted. Ms. Whitman encouraged members of the community to consider applying for Grand Jury service. • Orange County Fire Authority
No report given at this meeting.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement summary. He noted calls for service and the proactive response by the Department is about the same from last month and that it indicates that residents are comfortable reporting incidents and making contact with law enforcement.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dan Isla inquired if the City could address the current City code limitations on patio covers and sheds in order to allow such structures on the larger lots in Villa Park. He expressed concern regarding unequal enforcement of code violations and stated the new State regulations regarding accessory dwelling units should provide opportunities to relax the regulations regarding patio covers and sheds.
Sergio Stone requested the City review and amend the current ordinance that regulates the use of gas-powered lawnmowers and leaf blowers, citing their negative impacts on air quality and noise pollution.
It was noted for the record that a new State law will be in effect January 1, 2024 prohibiting the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Manager Franks 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.
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Pitts opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Pitts closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Wu, 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. New Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations for AB 1033 and AB 976 City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. The proposed ordinance for consideration will bring the City's code into alignment with existing State law while concurrently electing to not opt-in to the AB 1033 program to allow separate sale of accessory dwelling units (ADU) from the primary dwelling on the same property.
Councilmember and staff discussion ensued confirmed the State has not prescribed requirements , related to sale of ADU's separate from a primary dwelling and acknowledged the City's proactive approach to maintaining Villa Park's residential character.
Mayor Pitts opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Pitts closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to:
1. Find that the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17
Introduce Ordinance No. 2023-630 for the first reading.
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 - 5)
Councilmember Miles requested to remove Item No. 3 from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Mayor Pitts, to approve Item Nos. 4 and 5 as listed 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
4. Declaration of Surplus Property and Authority to Dispose-One City Vehicle The City Council declared the one Ram 3500 vehicle as surplus and authorized the City Manager to arrange for its disposal.
Contract with Jimni Systems, Inc.
The City Council approved the proposed agreement with Jimni Services, Inc.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
3. Request approval of City Council Minutes of October 24, 2023.
Councilmember Miles requested a minor correction to the subject minutes.
The City Council approved the minutes of October 24, 2023, as amended.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to approve the minutes of October 24, 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
CITY MANAGER REPORT
6. 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 commencement of work on the next phase of the Housing Element, routine maintenance work currently being conducted in the community by the Southern California Gas Company (Gas Company) on their own lines, and requesting residents to contact the City for any clarification of Gas Company work in the City.
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks confirmed he had requested Republic Services to attend the December City Council meeting to address service-related concerns. It was noted the City contacted Republic Services regarding a letter of potential default on their contract for failure to perform. Council and staff discussion ensued on the topic.
City Attorney Litfin acknowledged the efforts by residents in various communities, and efforts by the City of Huntington Beach, to fight against State Housing mandates. He noted the City of Huntington Beach recently had their subject case rejected at the Federal Court level and will have to pay millions of dollars in attorney fees. City Manager Franks stated Villa Park is taking a responsible approach to address impacts of the State's housing mandates while working concurrently to preserve the integrity of the Villa Park community.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
7. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) General meeting will be held on Thursday.
- Reported on the recent spraying and trapping in the community which will result in decreased risk of West Nile Virus; residents should continue to be vigilant and report any issues or concerns.
Orange County Sanitation District (Mayor Pitts)
- Attended Committee, Board and State of the OC Sanitation District meetings - Reported that the Board will vote on the five-year Strategic Plan at an upcoming meeting.
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini)
- Attended the Board of Directors, Executive, and Budget and Finance meetings - Reported on the vote which defeated a new proposed reporting rule for the Legislative and Public Affairs Committee which would have circumvented the Executive Committee process, the sound financial condition of the OCFA, and continued aggressive work on the capital improvement program.
Orange County Library Advisory Board (Mayor Pitts)
- Attended the Board meeting
- Reported on a presentation given on the involved and thoughtful methods undertaken by the Library staff related to selection and management of library content.
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Councilmember Jones) - Attended the meeting held on Monday.
Reported on presentations concerning crossing guard vacancies, annual requirements for Medical renewal, a status update on the voter-adopted School Bond Measure, Orange Unified Public Schools Foundation, and noted local school closure dates for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Winter Break holidays.
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Pro Tem Rossini and Councilmember Jones
- No meeting held.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Councilmember Wu) Reported on the successful Halloween Fest, Diwali decorations in front of City Hall, and upcoming Santa Tour, Boat Parade and hosting of Marines for Thanksgiving.
- Councilmember Miles reported on the upcoming Menorah Lighting event.
Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
No meeting held.
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) - Next meeting to be held in December.
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) - Attended the Housing and Transportation Committee meeting. - Reported on a presentation concerning the Aging and Disability Resource Connections services and programs, noting many individuals with disabilities are older adults, and update of the master plan, including requests for community input on the related survey (link in City Feeder) Additional Councilmember reports:
• Councilmember Wu: Reported on attendance at the City of Orange Veterans Day ceremony.
• Councilmember Miles: Reported on attendance at the City of Orange Veterans Day ceremony, Orange Foundation Field of Valor opening ceremony, State of the OC Sanitation District luncheon, and Halloween Fest.
• Mayor Pro Tem Rossini: Reported on attendance at the Halloween Fest. • Councilmember Jones: Reported on attendance at the Villa Park High School "Topping Off" ceremony, Halloween Fest, State of the OC Sanitation District luncheon, and City of Orange Veterans Day ceremony.
Women's League.
Mayor Pitts encouraged all residents to refer any information related to homeless veterans to him in order to connect them or their loved ones with appropriate services.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
November 14, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Polities
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.