ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
February 27, 2024
Regular Meeting
CLOSED SESSION
5:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Rossini called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS:
PRESENT: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
ABSENT: None
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
Public Employee Performance Evaluation
Title: City Manager
Government Code Section 54957 (b)
Conference with Labor Negotiators
City Representative: City Attorney
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
Government Code Section 54957.6
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Rossini called the meeting to order at 6:30 COUNCILMEMBERS:
PRESENT: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Wu.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Southern California Edison
Cynthia Quimby, Government Relations Manager/Southern California Edison, provided an update report to the City Council and community concerning correction of information related to rates. A PowerPoint Presentation was displayed. She noted there was a recent State mandate that amends the way customer's electricity bills are structured, referred to as the "fixed charge." She provided historical detail on the State legislation, also explaining the different components of the bill. The new legislation requires costs to be separated out showing the monthly fixed charge to cover the fixed costs and the energy charge that is based on customer usage. The CPUC is tasked with basing the fixed charge on a customer's income level. She noted that Southern California Edison will not be collecting any more revenue with this new billing structure. The fixed charge is not going to require customers to share their income with utilities, income verification is not required, because all of the standard customers are going to be paying the same fixed charge. Only customers that are participating in the discounted build programs are going to be voluntarily disclosing that information to be eligible.
In response to Councilmember inquiries, the representatives provided detail as to how to apply for the discounted programs, the qualification requirements, and the information related to income verification audits conducted by Southern California Edison.
Additionally, residents who invested in solar technology for their homes are still dependent on the grid, and are still required to pay the fixed charge. They also confirmed that the higher the individual fixed charges, the lower the rate will be on the usage. It was also confirmed that these changes are a result of State legislation and interested individuals should contact their applicable representatives.
Discussion ensued among the City Council and Southern California Edison representatives concerning proposed legislation by Jacqui Irwin, upcoming education and marketing efforts by Southern California Edison, the Governor's authority to appoint members of the CPUC, a request for additional notification concerning outages and return to power after outages, and additional notification to residents concerning the changes on their bills.
The representatives responded to questions from members of the audience including clarification of costs for all customers in the same region, differences in costs related to various regions, and efforts to modernize the grid
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement summary. He noted there has not been a residential burglary since November, however there have been crimes of opportunity. He reported on a recent incident at the High School and noted the success of increase in residents reports of suspicious activity. He also reported on the success of catching several DUI suspects.
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Captain AJ Patella would report back to the City Council on the report of a camera fixed on an adjacent door.
• Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Division Chief Wiedensohler provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He provided detail noting the safety topic of the month was related to reminding residents to have exit strategies in place to leave their homes quickly during a fire. The community was invited to the upcoming OCFA Open House on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information on the event will be placed on the City's feeder.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Yan Killy noted a recent burglary at her home and inquired if the City would be installing additional lighting in the community.
Chad Zimmerman inquired concerning the missing stop signs at the intersection of Serrano and Nichols, and expressed concern that the removal of the stop signs has a negative impact on traffic in the surrounding area. He stated that removal of the signs was not an item placed on an agenda and the replacement of the signs should not require a vote by the City Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. 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 Rossini opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, 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: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. Second Reading of the Addition of Section 18-6 to the Villa Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Maintenance and Repair of Lateral Sewer Lines.
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He noted that there was a need for clarity within the City's municipal code as to the responsibilities of each party, including residents and the City itself, for maintenance and monitoring of certain sewer lines. The item was introduced for first reading, with no amendments, at the January City Council meeting.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-631 upon second reading.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Variance No. 2024-02 - An after the fact variance request to permit an existing attached 656 square foot patio cover and entertainment wall. The side yard building setback for the structure is 8 feet, and the minimum required side yard building setback for this lot is 17 feet.
Assistant Planner Justin Urbanski provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He noted the subject of the application is a pertains to the side yard setbacks, attached patio cover, and partly built entertainment wall. Staff was made aware of an unpermitted patio cover and entertainment while being constructed on the property.
City staff issued the appropriate stop work orders and notified the owner of City requirements and options. The applicant did submit an after the fact variance application.
As required by state law, the City did mail and publish public notices for at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing. The applicant did provide two letters of support from neighbors across the street and one neighbor next door to the property. There was no other correspondence submitted in support or opposition to the request. After careful consideration of the property and the variance request. City staff recommends denial of the variance and requested setback deviations for the following reasons. First, the property is larger than other properties in the vicinity. Even when netting out setback and topographic constraints, the buildable pad is larger than other properties in the immediate vicinity. Second, the property is more irregularly shaped than other properties in the vicinity. And third, the property has no difficult easements, which may preclude the property owner from building the patio cover and entertainment law within the required setbacks.
Discussion ensued among City Council and staff including confirmation that the majority of the subject site is sloped topography which is not building as it is within the setback limits.
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing and public comments.
Aaron Olsen, applicant, noted he did not have a record of the exact percentage of the subject property which is sloped, but he estimated it as less than 50% of the property is not sloped. There is no backyard on the property itself and all living and entertainment space sits up front of the property. He provided detail concerning the subject property, its southern sun exposure, and the miscommunications between himself and his contractor related to pulling of permits. He acknowledged he did not read the contract between himself and the contractor correctly and his efforts to ensure correction of any deficiency.
Discussion ensued among City Council and staff including the side setback is based on average lot width, and the average is taken regardless of slope.
John Valentine expressed support for the variance and the significant improvements made by the applicant.
Katherine Helferich expressed support for the variance and the significant improvements made by the applicant.
Seeing no further speakers, Mayor Rossini closed public comments and the public hearing.
In response to Councilmember inquiry, City staff confirmed that if there was denial of the variance, the project could not return back to the City Council for one-year. It was requested that the applicant coordinate with City staff to ensure all City conditions and requirements were met, as approval of the variance would set a precedent for others to not follow City standards. Council discussion ensued concerning the quality of the subject improvements and the precedent that not following City ordinances could set. It was acknowledged that the applicant took ownership of not following City standards.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to approve Variance No. 2024-02, and find the Variance Categorically Exempt in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15332, Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Wu, Jones
NOES: Pitts, Rossini
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 2023-183 - A request to subdivide a single parcel L of land that is 39,040.05 square feet (0.896 acres) into two (2) parcels of land (Parcel 1: 20,004.76 square deet (0.459 acres), and Parcel 2: 19,035.29 square feet (0.437 acres) for the purpose of maintaining of the existing single-family February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
residence on Parcel 1 and constructing a future single-family residence on Parcel 2).
Assistant Planner Justin Urbanski provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He noted the subject of the application is a variance which allowed the applicant to bring the project forward with a lot smaller than 20,000 square feet. There was no additional correspondence submitted in support or opposition to the request, although originally there were 14 signatures of approval submitted. Staff is supporting approval of the recommended action in the public agenda report.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing and public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments and the public hearing.
A motion was made by Councilmember Wu, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to approve TPM 2023-183, subject to the conditions of approval contained in Resolution No. 2024-3591, Exhibit "A" and find the tentative parcel map 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).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: Pitts
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 7 - 9)
Consent Calendar Item No. 9 was pulled for separate consideration by Councilmember A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 7 through 8).
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
7. January's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed this report.
Request approval of City Council Minutes of January 23, 2024 February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved the minutes of January 23, 2024.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
9. SB 1383 Grand Jury Survey
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration by Councilmember Pitts.
Councilmember Pitts thought it would be prudent to inform the public about some of the wonderful things the City has done, particularly as related to recycling of organic materials and other measurements taken in compliance with State law.
City Manager Franks acknowledged the assistance of the City's waste hauler in completing the Grand Jury survey and the significant efforts the City and waste hauler have taken toward reaching compliance with organic material standards and reporting requirements. Council and staff discussion ensued concerning the continuing review and supervision over the waste hauler contract to ensure all provisions are met.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to authorized the Mayor to send the responses to the Grand Jury.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
10. Automated License Plate Recognition Technology.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He affirmed the efforts the City has taken with community Town Hall meetings on the topic and gathering public input. Public input did focus on the cost of the ALPR echnology and ongoing operation and maintenance, including storage of the dal ollected. The first step is to adopt the recommendations made in the agenda report an return to the City Council with a recommendation of assessment results and a proposed vendor in May.
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City Council, law enforcement personnel, and City staff discussion ensued concerning the impacts on effectiveness of real-time public safety operations as a result of the February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
technology. City staff confirmed they are researching available grant funding sources to support the program. It was noted that cost, location, and data privacy information would be included in the assessment research and presented to the City Council in a public meeting.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to:
1. Work with the OC Sheriff to identify technical specifications and street intersections in Villa Park for a proposed Scope of Work for a bidding process.
2. Issue a REP for implementation of ALPR technology in Villa Park to include the proposed Scope of Work.
3. Return with a comprehensive assessment of ALPR technology implementation implications, including data collection, access, and retention policies, and an analysis of RFP results for City Council consideration.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
11. Parking Modifications at Various Locations
City Manager Franks stated this item was continued from the last meeting to address inconsistencies in the published agenda report. He provided detail as described in the publicly noticed agenda report.
City Council and staff discussion ensued concerning the various information received rom members of the public concerning requested parking modifications, traffic studie onducted, and the efforts to improve community safety and reduce accidents, particularl in front of the High School. Discussion ensued concerning various sites throughout the City in which speeding and other traffic infractions regularly occur. It was requested that a map of the approved modification sites be transmitted to the applicable school principal.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, seconded by Councilmember Wu, to adopt Resolution No. 2024-3586 to modify the parking conditions at various locations.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
12. Pavement Management Plan Update Contract Award.
City Manager Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He noted this item is to address the approval of the Pavement Management Plan Update which is required to receive external funding for related proiects throughout the City.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Wu, to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Marker Geospatial in the amount of $15,500 for the Pavement Management Plan Update.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
13. 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 recognizing the work of City staff in addressing items and objects which could impede vehicle safety as a result of the heavy rain incidents over the past month. He also announced the budget process which will commence in April/May of this year, with budget adoption scheduled for the June meeting.
There was no action taken on this item.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
14. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) Attended meeting on February 13, 2024. Statistical data was reported out, including the number of traps set, testings, treatments, and results for various vectors, noting the tax dollars to protect the community from various vector February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
impacts is put to good use. A reminder was given to assess and prevent standing water in order to avoid mosquitos.
Orange County Sanitation District (Councilmember Pitts) - Attended Administrative Committee meeting, no reportable actions, presentations were given. There will be a Closed Session conducted tomorrow.
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Rossini)
Attended Operations Committee meeting on February 13, 2024, and a new chair and vice chair were elected; Budget and Finance meeting report included the good standing of the Authority's financial position; Closed Session was conducted concerning labor negotiations.
Orange County Library Advisory Board (Councilmember Wu) An orientation was conducted at the meeting and a new Executive Committee was elected.
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Mayor Pro Tem Jones) No meeting was held
- Announced that schools will be closed from March 25 through 29, 2024 for spring break.
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Rossini and Mayor Pro Tem Jones)
- No meeting was held
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Mayor Pro Tem Jones) Due to miscommunication regarding date and time, was not able to attend meeting. Attended the Lunar New Year celebration on February 10, 2024 and all who participated to make it a successful event.
Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
- No meeting held.
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) Next meeting to be held on in April 2024; By-laws ad hoc committee will be held on March 8, 2024 via ZOOM to address various issues, including addition of a voting alternate for quorum purposes.
Orange County Older Adults Commission (Councilmember Miles) - Meeting will be held on March 8, 2024 to include a public hearing on the area plan update which will feature information on contracted and non-contracted services in the area and the many programs and services that are offered.
Additional Councilmember reports:
• Councilmember Wu: Announced his attendance at the Lunar New Year celebration, tour of the Orange County Family Care Center that provided services to the homeless, and at the Villa Park Little League Opening Day. • Councilmember Miles: Announced her attendance at the Villa Park Little League Opening Day and thanked City staff and the Fire Department for their work in addressing impacts of the recent storms.
February 27, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Mayor Pro Tem Jones: Announced her attendance at California Office of Emergency Services meeting on January 31, 2024, the "French Wedding" theater production at Villa Park High School, Lunar New Year celebration at City Hall and at Fletcher Elementary's Mandarin immersion program, tour of the Orange County Family Care Center that provided services to the homeless, and at the Villa Park Little League Opening Day.
• Councilmember Pitts: Announced his attendance at the Villa Park Rotary Annual Holiday Event on February 8, 2024 and the Lunar New Year celebration at City Hall.
• Mayor Rossini: Announced his attendance at the Villa Park Little League Opening Day and was able to receive the first pitch and thanked City staff and Fire Department personnel for their work to address impacts in the community due to the recent rainstorms.
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, March 26, 2024, 6:30 p.m.
Vince Rossini, Mayor
City of Villa Park
ATTEST:
Steve Fránks, 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.
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