ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
December 19, 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
Mayor Pitts acknowledged the passing of several members of the Villa Park community including Neal Wells, Barbara Kirschner, Dennis Kuli, and Marni Curtis Regan.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Jones.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Distinguished Citizens
Mayor Pitts presided over the recognition of the City of Villa Park staff and their significant work on behalf of the City Council and residents of the community. He recognized the accomplishments of each member of City staff, along with the representatives from the Orange County Fire Authority and Sheriffs Department assigned to the City, and thanked them for their professional and customer-oriented service. All Councilmembers offered their sincere appreciation to the City staff for their work. A special recognition of City staff was presented by Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairman Don Wagner.
Chairman Wagner also offered his acknowledgment and recognition of Mayor Pitts' year of distinguished service to the residents of Villa Park. • Waste Hauler Update - Republic Services
A presentation was given by Mitch Kopczyk, Republic Services, who was accompanied by various members of their organization. He acknowledged recent issues concerning their waste hauler services and noted their commitment to providing consistent service.
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
The floor was opened to questions from members of the City Council. Discussion ensued among the City Council and Republic Services related to issues concerning delayed pick- ups, the addition of routes and drivers to address same, the impacts of a previous labor issue, the hiring and training of new staff to augment services, focusing on stops for disabled and senior residents, especially since they were heavily impacted, and the company's assurance that the recent issues will be addressed and will not arise again in the future.
Members of the public were invited to provide comments.
Susan Verzani expressed concerns with lack of service related to her requests for bin delivery, the lack of consistency with regard to information related to credits on her account, and the appearance of a lack of maintenance on service trucks.
Scott Tedro stated that there were problems with pick-ups in the past, however, service seems to have improved lately.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement summary. He noted that the Sheriff's do stop individuals with warrants and those driving stolen vehicles. He reported on significant arrests of members of a large organized burglary crew and expressed support for residents who call in reports of unusual activity. He reminded residents to not signal their vacation plans via social media or any other method as a preventive action against burglaries.
Councilmember Miles thanked Captain Patella and his team for their efforts in breaking up the burglary rings and inquired as to the time frames in which those types of crime crews operate and whether dogs prove to be a deterrent. Captain Patella responded the crews will adjust their methods depending on their victim's patterns. Captain Patella also recommended anything that serves as a deterrent, including a dog, will increase residential security.
Jon Cohn stated the City is becoming more of a cut through for traffic for those trying to avoid the 91 and 55 freeways and speeding and running red lights has increased on Villa Park Road
Donna Buxton expressed concerns regarding reports that traffic impacts are continuing at the intersection of Nichols and Serrano near Cerro Villa Middle School, however, her research indicates that drivers are still in the adjustment period after the removal of the stop signs, and that traffic impacts are actually decreasing. She suggested the placement of a warning sign that indicates cross traffic does not stop and extension of the red curbing on the south side of the intersection to improve visibility for the cars entering onto Nichols.
City Manager Franks nofed the City is continuing to work with its Traffic Engineer and school administrators to improve traffic in the subject area and that it is a work in progress.
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Orange County Fire Authority
Division Chief Wiedensohler provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He provided etail noting the satety topic of the month was related to fire satety during the holida eason. He provided home safety tip suggestions to reduce fire risk including use o battery operated candles, reducing use of open flames and candles, inspection of holiday lights, decorations and extension cords, and reduction of overload on electrical outlets.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
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.
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 Miles, 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
Second Reading of New Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations for AB 1033 AB 976
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. This is the second reading of a proposed ordinance for consideration will bring the City's code into alignment with existing State law and will go into effect in 30 days. A copy has also been forwarded to the appropriate external agencies to confirm compliance with the law.
December 19, 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 Jones, to:
Find that the ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17
Adopt Ordinance No. 2023-630
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)
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 3 through 7).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Wu, Rossini, and Pitts
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. October's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed this report.
4. November's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed this report.
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of November 14, 2023 The City Council approved the minutes of November 13, 2023.
6. Measure M2 Annual Report
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-3584 approving the annual Measure M2 Expenditure Report. Authorized staff to make changes to the report should they be requested by OCTA during the review process.
Approval of Final Parcel Map No. 2021-182 - A subdivision of one existing contiguous parcel totaling 38,077 square feet into two parcels of 20,001 December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
square feet and 18,076 square feet respectively, for construction of one single family residential unit on each parcel, at 18921 Valley Drive.
The City Council:
1. Approved Final Parcel Map No. 2021-182 in conformity with the requirements set forth in the subdivision Map Act and previously approved Tentative Parcel Map, while finding the project categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15332, Class 32, In-Fill Development Projects of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
2. Authorized the City Clerk to sign and submit the Final Parcel Map No. 2021-182 for recordation with the County of Orange Recorder's Office; and
3. Authorized the City Clerk to sign and submit the Certificate of Acceptance for recordation with the County of Orange Recorder's Office.
NEW BUSINESS
8. Contract Amendment for Sewer Line Cleaning and Emergency Services City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. The regular cleaning and inspection of sewer lines is funded via an assessment on property tax each year. There were additional unanticipated costs due to materials, such as roots, impacting the lines and it is recommended the current contract with the vendor be increased.
Mayor Pitts opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Pitts closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rossini, to:
1. Approve the proposed contract amendment with Empire Pipe Cleaning & Equipment, Inc. to increase the contract amount by $67,000.
2. Authorize staff to appropriate additional $47,000 from Sewer Improvement Fund to the City's FY 2023-24 Budget.
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
9. 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 • various holiday events and acknowledgment of community organization which assisted with funding and volunteering to make the events possible.
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Discussion ensued including comments regarding the positive impact of the holiday lighting of the park and Villa Park Knowles and that the monument sign masonry was constructed by the City.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
10. Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by the City Council Mayor Pitts thanked the City Council for allowing him to serve as Mayor for the previous year and appreciation for all of the events he was able to be a part of.
Public comments were opened on this item.
Bob Collacott expressed support for Mayor Pro Tem Rossini to serve as Mayor for the upcoming year.
John Whitman thanked Mayor Pitts for his service and expressed appreciation for his work on behalf of the residents. He expressed support for Mayor Pro Tem Rossini to serve as Mayor for the upcoming year.
Donna Buxton expressed support for Mayor Pro Tem Rossini to serve as Mayor for the upcoming year and thanked Mayor Pitts for his service.
Public comments were closed on this item.
City Manager/City Clerk Franks provided detail on the procedures for election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
City Manager/City Clerk Franks declared the Offices of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem vacant.
City Manager/City Clerk Franks called for nominations for the Office of Mayor.
Councilmember Miles nominated Councilmember Rossini to serve as Mayor. This was seconded by Councilmember Jones.
Seeing no other nominations, City Manager/City Clerk Franks declared the nominations closed.
The nomination made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to elect Councilmember Rossini to serve as Mayor of the City of Villa Park was confirmed by the following vote:
AYES: Jones, Miles, Rossini, Wu
NOES: Pitts
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Rossini thanked all those who spoke on behalf of supporting his service as Mayor, including recognizing the support of his City Council colleagues, and expressed his honor at being able to serve the residents in this capacity.
Mayor Rossini called for nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilmember Wu nominated Councilmember Jones to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Rossini offered an alternative for the Mayor Pro Tem position, suggesting a quarterly rotation among the four City Councilmembers.
Discussion ensued among the Councilmembers concerning methods and alternatives for tilling the Mayor Pro Tem position, including the suggestion and further discussion concerning a quarterly rotation in the position among each of the Councilmembers.
The Assistant City Attorney affirmed there would be no legal conflict with Councilmembers rotating through the Mayor Pro Tem position on a quarterly basis.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments on this item. Seeing none, the Mayor closed public comments.
Further Councilmember discussion ensued concerning the position of Mayor Pro Tem and the pros and cons of year-long service in the position versus alternative methods including a quarterly rotation.
Mayor Rossini withdrew his suggestion for the quarterly rotation among the Councilmembers in the Mayor Pro Tem position.
The original nomination made by Councilmember Wu for Councilmember Jones to serve as Mayor Pro Tem was seconded by Mayor Rossini.
The nomination made by Councilmember Wu, seconded by Mayor Rossini, to elect Councilmember Jones to serve as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Villa Park was confirmed by the following vote:
AYES: Pitts, Wu, Jones, Rossini
NOES: Miles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) L - General meeting will be held on Thursday.
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
- Provided a summary of service activity performed by the District over the past year, including educational events, surveillance, and vector control. A PowerPoint presentation was displayed.
Orange County Sanitation District (Councilmember Pitts) Attended Committee and Board meetings.
- Provided a summary of the adopted asset management plan and award recognition by Cal OSHA and other agencies for the exceptional service provided.
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Rossini)
Represented the Board at the graduation of Class 58 and provided comments to the graduates.
Reported there will be a new firefighter at Station 23.
Orange County Library Advisory Board (Councilmember Pitts) - No report.
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Mayor Pro Tem Jones) No meeting.
- Announced the upcoming school holidays.
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Rossini and Mayor Pro Tem Jones)
A meeting will be held on January 7, 2024.
Mayor Rossini thanked Mayor Pro Tem Jones for her service on the LEAC Committee and noted the upcoming LPR Town Hall meeting on January 10, 2024.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Councilmember Wu) Reported on the successful December holiday, multicultural events and Santa tour. Thanked the Fire Department and volunteers for their assistance and residents for their participation.
Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
No meeting held.
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) - Next meeting to be held in January
Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) - Reported she was selected to serve as Chair of the Committee - Provided a summary noting the proposed Committee name change to the Orange County Older Adults Commission should be commencing soon, after final review of by-laws by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
Additional Councilmember reports:
• Mayor Rossini: Thanked his City Council colleagues for their service on external boards and committees. Thanked former Mayor Pitts for his year of leadership and thanked the community for their service and support.
• Mayor Pro Tem Jones: Reported on attendance the Villa Park Community Services Foundation's Marine Thanksgiving program, the various holiday events throughout the City, and wished everyone a peaceful holiday season and happy 2024.
December 19, 2023 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Councilmember Pitts: Reported on attendance at the Marine Thanksgiving program, various holiday events, and offered his wishes to residents for a happy holiday season.
• Councilmember Miles: Reported she hosted Marines for the Thanksgiving program in the past, the various holiday events throughout the City, and offered her wishes to residents for a wonderful holiday and happy new year. • Councilmember Wu: Reported on the success of the Villa Park Community Services Foundation's Marine Thanksgiving program, attendance at Councilmember Pitt's lunch, and thanked him for his service as Mayor over the past year.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 6:30 p.m. is Kossin
Vince Rossini, 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.
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