ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
July 23, 2024
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Rossini called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS:
PRESENT: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Miles.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement summary. He commented on the successful resolution of property burglary and DUl incidents. There were no significant incidents related to fireworks in July. He provided an update on the success of the e-tip line related to illegal firework activity.
• Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Division Chief Wiedensohler provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He reminded the community to remain vigilant concerning water safety and wildfire prevention.
The City Council acknowledged Division Chief Wiedensohler on the citation received at the Orange County Fire Authority's "Best and Bravest Awards Ceremony."
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
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 (5 - 0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Wall and Fence Code Amendment
Councilmember Miles reported that her property is impacted by recommendation 2D and she would not participate in discussion or voting on that item.
It was recommended that the City Council take individual votes on each of the recommended items prior to addressing the full package of recommendations.
As Item D, Front Yard height limits for walls and fences, was addressed first, Councilmember Miles recused herself from participation on this item.
Staff provided a brief report on Item D, which would allow people to have walls and fences up to six feet in height in their front yard, setback within the first 20 feet.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments on Item 2D only. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
Item 2D
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, seconded by Councilmember Wu, to approve Item 2D, as proposed.
The motion carried (4 - 0 - 1) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: Miles (recused)
ABSTAIN: None
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Council and staff discussion ensued on various aspects of Item 2B, Lighting Features, including comments on light fixture locations and associated issues, including variances that may be required in certain situations and safety impacts.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
Item 2B
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, seconded by Mayor Rossini, to approve Item 2D, as amended to read, "Lighting fixtures up to 2 ft. tall permitted in the front of the home only (not the back/side)."
The motion carried (4 - 1) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: Miles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
City Council and staff discussion ensued on various aspects of Item 2A, Shrubs and Hedges functioning like walls and fences, including comments related to privacy, public safety access in the event of emergencies,
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
Item 2A
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to approve Item 2A, as proposed.
The motion carried (4 - 1) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Pitts, Miles, Wu, Jones
NOES: Rossini
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Rossini opened public comments. Seeing none, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
Items 2C, 2E, 2F, and 2G
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Wu, to L approve Items 2C, 2E, 2F, and 2G, as proposed.
The motion carried (5 - 0) by the following roll call vote:
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
AYES: Pitts, Miles, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
A motion was made by Councilmember, seconded by Councilmember, to:
Find that the Ordinance is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land.
Introduce Ordinance No. 2024-632 for first reading and move items 2A - 2G, as amended and approved, to second reading.
The motion carried (5 - 0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 3 - 7)
Councilmember Miles requested to pull Item No. 6 for separate consideration.
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 the balance of the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 3 through 5, and 7).
The motion carried (5 - 0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. June's Cash and Investment Transparency
The City Council received and filed this report.
4. Request approval of City Council Minutes of June 25, 2024 The City Council approved the City Council Minutes of June 25, 2024.
Approval of First Amendment to Contract with NV5 for the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Model Development Project, Phase II.
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
The City Council approved and authorized the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with NV5 for the Sanitary Sewer Evaluation and Model Development Project, Phase II.
7. Review of and Response to the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Report Titled "Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste".
The City Council:
Reviewed the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report titled "Talking Trash: Recyclables and Organic Waste."
2. Authorized the Mayor to execute the City Council's response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by the September 9, 2024 deadline.
ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
CONSIDERATION
6. Review of and Response to the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Report Titled "E-Bike - Friend or Foe".
Apart from approval of the item, as stated, Councilmember Miles requested consideration of the formation of an ad hoc e-bike safety committee be placed on the August 2024 agenda. She offered herself and suggested Mayor Pro Tem Jones serve as the Council's appointees and also include a resident, Ms. Patti Whitman, who co-authored the subject Grand Jury report.
City Council and staff discussion ensued concerning the potential impacts of forming an ad hoc committee.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments.
Patti Whitman spoke in support of further consideration of the impacts of e-bikes in the community.
Seeing no others, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
City Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the Brown Act and whether amendments could be made to the recommendation on Item No. 6.
City Attorney Todd Litfin noted that the City Council has the authority to request an item to be placed on a future agenda for consideration.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to:
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Confirm review the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report titled "E- Bike - Friend or Foe."
2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the City Council's response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by the September 18, 2024 deadline, and Place consideration of the formation of a City Council ad hoc e-bike safety committee on the August 2024 agenda
was held pending due to consideration of a substitute motion.
Substitute motion:
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Wu, to vote consideration or the praised a take uncil are one to are come on to August 2024 agenda.
The motion did not carry (2 - 3) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: Pitts, Wu
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Original motion:
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to:
Confirm review the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury report titled "E- Bike - Friend or Foe."
Authorize the Mayor to execute the City Council's response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by the September 18, 2024 deadline, and Place consideration of the formation of a City Council ad hoc e-bike safety committee on the August 2024 agenda
The motion carried (4 - 1) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: Pitts
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
8. Strategy Regarding Sober Living Homes
July 23, 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 reiterated the City has not approved, reviewed, authorized, nor issued licenses for anything in the County and the City does not have the authority to do that for sober living homes of six beds or less. It is a contentious issue and includes the loss of local control. City staff has proposed a strategy that could provide guidance within the framework of the law and protect the City's financial resources as it seeks to address this matter.
City Council and staff reviewed the proposed strategy as outlined in the public agenda report, including the potential financial impacts this matter could have on the City and other existing types of group homes in the community.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments.
Scott Brophy expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of sober living homes in the community and the community is in support of fighting this issue.
Sanjay Khetani commented on all the benefits of living in Villa Park and the negative impacts that will arise due to sober living homes in the community. He affirmed the community is in support of fighting this issue.
Khris Robinson expressed support for the comments made by the previous speakers and is in opposition to sober living homes in the community.
Charles Krieger expressed concern regarding the degradation of Villa Park and spoke in opposition to sober living homes in the community.
Lawrence Talebi thanked the City Manager for his efforts with regard to this matter, noted the community is in support of fighting this issue, and inquired as to who the residents can contact outside of City staff to voice their concerns.
Huang-Ai Tang (Bim) expressed compassion for those struggling with addiction, however, was in opposition to sober living homes in the community, citing public safety concerns.
Yan Killy thanked staff for their strategy proposals regarding sober living homes, inquired as to potential legislation, and expressed interest in serving on a committee if formed to address this matter, suggesting clarification of the committee's scope and authority.
Robert Frackelton expressed interest in addressing the matter of sober living homes and noted the amount of time it takes to address matters like this appropriately. He expressed interest in serving on the task force committee, if formed.
Patti Whitman suggested the community, staff, and City Council read the previous Grand Jury report issued on this matter.
Seeing no others, Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
City Council and staff discussion ensued on the subject matter, including comments related to thanking the community for their participation and concern, various pieces of related legislation, lack of local control or authority to govern this matter, potential for Council assignment of one of their membership to serve on external agency committees to address this matter, related Fair Housing Act and ADA compliance implications, existing State regulations, code enforcement implications, protected classes under the ADA, litigation costs incurred by cities in the region related to this issue, legislative contacts for residents, support for the formation of a task force on this issue, A motion was made by Mayor Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, to adopt the following six Strategy recommendations, as amended below:
The City Council should not adopt any ordinances related to Sober Living Homes Group Homes at this time, but instead continue to monitor current and pending litigation and adopt applicable ordinances with the resolution of the respective litigation, as amended.
2. The City Council support the policy that Councilmembers advocate both individually and collectively with Members of the State Legislature on legislation to help restore local control relating to operation of Sober Living Homes Group Homes, as follows:
a. The City Council should adopt a Resolution supporting restoration of local control over Sober Living Homes Group Homes and forward to Members of the State Legislature; and,
b. The City Council should take Support positions on proposed legislation and aggressively forward to Members of the State Legislature; and, C. City Council Members should take every opportunity to advocate legislation at the State level in their interactions with Members of the State Legislature, including potential advocacy trips to Sacramento.
3. The City Council authorize the payment of $7,500 in annual membership dues for CASLAR utilizing existing unallocated appropriations. Further, the City Council appoint the City Manager as the Villa Park designee to CASLAR, with reports on CASLAR activities provided at monthly City Council meetings.
The City Council unanimously encourage resident reporting and reinforce direction to both the OC Sheriff and the City Code Enforcement Officer to aggressively pursue reported violations as a priority for all properties and residents in Villa Park.
The City Council unanimously reinforce the policy that City resources (e.g., financial, staffing and legal) should not be used in any manner to assist in the research and development of Home-Owner Association CC&Rs and/or Restrictive Property Covenants.
The City Council establish a Resident Task Force on Sober Living Homes Group Homes as an advisory committee to the City Council, consisting of 10 members to July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
be supported by City staff. Each Councilmember will appoint two Villa Park residents as Task Force members, with each serving a two-year term, to be approved in the August 2024 City Council meeting. The Task Force will be a Brown Act Committee subject to open-meeting legal requirements and shall meet a maximum of 5 times per year. Updates on Task Force activities will be provided either in writing or verbally at least twice a year at regular City Council meetings.
The motion carried (5 - 0) by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
8. 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 requesting Councilmembers to provide their nominations for the suggested group homes task force committee, upcoming items in August concerning the Housing Element and zoning actions, upcoming e-bike presentations, acknowledging the last day of work for Bill Tarin, and addressing a reduction in building permits issued.
There was no action taken on this item.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
9. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District (Councilmember Miles) No meeting in July
- Brief report on West Nile Virus detection in Orange County.
Orange County Sanitation District (Councilmember Pitts) Reported on approval of upcoming fiscal year budget, approval of a new vessel by the Administration Committee.
Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Rossini)
Monthly meeting will be held on July 25th
Orange County Library Advisory Board (Councilmember Wu) Reported that Irvine will withdraw from the Orange County Library System, which may have financial impacts on the Villa Park branch.
Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee (Mayor Pro Tem Jones) No meeting.
Reported that school will start in Orange County Unified School District on August 21st
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) (Mayor Rossini and Mayor Pro Tem Jones)
Crime statistics, the Neighborhood Watch Program, license plate reader programs, use of illegal fireworks, and e-bikes and bicycle helmet enforcement were discussed.
Villa Park Community Services Foundation (Mayor Pro Tem Jones) - Reported on the large turnout for the Fourth of July parade and Concert in the Park, August 16th Symphony on the Go program, and August 31 Villa Park Picnic.
Housing Legislative Committee (Councilmember Miles)
- No meeting.
Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee (Councilmember Miles) No meeting.
Orange County Older Adults Commission (Councilmember Miles) Reported on upcoming Easter Seals presentation on August gth and related veterans services, will be on the Commission's website, Additional Councilmember reports:
Councilmember Wu: Attended the Foundation Fourth of July Parade, OCFA awards, Concert in the Park, the shared Tech Center ribbon cutting, and Friends of Villa Park Library event.
Councilmember Miles: Thanked all those involved with the success of the Fourth of July Parade. Acknowledged Villa Park Little League's U10 State team for their recent wins.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones: Attended the Foundation Fourth of July Parade, OCFA awards, Concert in the Park, and especially acknowledged the bravery and hard work of the Orange County Firefighters.
Councilmember Pitts: Thanked the Orange City Council for the invitation to their July 3rd event and acknowledged his trip to Arkansas to visit his great-granddaughter and family.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held whether in person or via teleconference on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 6:30 p.m. ud ones
Vince Rossini, Mayor
City of Villa Park
July 23, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
ATTEST:
IllA
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.
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