October 22, 2024
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. — City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Rossini called the General Session to order at 6:30 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 • Proclamation - National Nurse Practitioner Week (November 10-16th) Maryam Gulraiz, a certified nurse practitioner in Family and Psychiatry, expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunity to speak. She highlighted the vital role nurse practitioners play in promoting healthcare, bridging gaps, and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. She noted the diversity of their work settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, and shared her pride in specializing in her field. She reflected on the nonor of serving different communities as a nurse practitioner and accepted the recognition on behalf of her profession. She thanked everyone for their time and graciously accepted the proclamation.
• Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District Presentation Laura Young, District Manager for the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the City Council meeting. She explained that the district conducts an annual evaluation of cities to encourage community engagement in mosquito awareness. She noted that a little healthy competition among cities motivates everyone to work harder to educate residents. She proudly recognized the City of Villa Park for its exceptional efforts in mosquito awareness and education, commending both city staff and Councilmember Miles for going above and beyond to L inform residents about mosquito-related health risks. She presented Villa Park with the 2024 Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Award for Most Recognized Small City in Orange County.
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Councilmember Miles added that city staff were instrumental in securing the award and thanked them for their outstanding social media efforts. She humorously mentioned the competitive nature of the contest, noting that some cities, like Yorba Linda, were not pleased with losing.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement report. He emphasized the importance of securing belongings and educating residents about fraud and identity theft. He encouraged residents and also advised to park vulnerable vehicles, like Toyota Priuses, in driveways or garages to deter catalytic converter theft.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Division Chief Scott Wiedensohler provided the monthly summary of fire activity. As wildfire season peaks in Southern California, he encouraged residents to visit ocfa.org/rsg for resources on wildfire preparedness, including vegetation management and home hardening. He noted that removing dead plants, pruning trees, and replacing fire-prone vegetation with fire-resistant alternatives can help reduce wildfire risks within 100 feet of structures. He reported that OCFA offers free home inspections for residents in wildfire- prone areas. He explained that residents can schedule an inspection to receive tailored recommendations by calling the number on the website. He advised residents to prepare "go bags" for evacuation, with items organized into lists based on how much time is available to pack—15, 30, or 60 minutes. He noted that practicing these plans ensures readiness during an evacuation order.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Rossini reviewed the rules of decorum.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments.
Jeff Benedict, representing the American Federation of Musicians Local 7 of Orange County and Long Beach, spoke on behalf of over 900 union musicians in the entertainment industry who live and work in the community. He highlighted their presence at concerts, restaurants, coffee houses, and private events, emphasizing that they are workers who deserve fair wages, proper working conditions, and respect for their art. He reported that arts spending constitutes 8% of California's GDP, surpassing all trade unions combined, yet musicians are often treated as marginal workers. He noted that the pandemic underscored their precarious position, as many musicians-classified as independent contractors-were ineligible for unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or employer-paid social security. He urged the City Council to support union musicians by hiring them for city events or ensuring prevailing wages with union October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
contracts. He explained that such contracts allow musicians to contribute to the Musicians Pension Fund for retirement benefits and earn a living wage. He proposed collaborating with the City to establish a prevailing wage policy for musicians and provided materials for the City Council's review.
Edmund Velasco, president of the Orange County Musicians Union, which also represents Long Beach, addressed the council to advocate for local musicians. Drawing on his 28 years as a performer at Disneyland, he emphasized that musicians are workers, often overlooked despite their significant contributions to the arts and community events.
He noted that musicians, whether from Pacific Symphony, Disneyland, or freelance gigs, face challenges in earning a living and deserve community support. He provided materials and his contact information to encourage collaboration with the city, highlighting the value musicians bring to local events and the importance of recognizing their work. He expressed appreciation for the City Council's consideration and willingness to support local artists.
City Attorney Todd Litfin inquired if a prevailing wage provision exists for performance artists. Mr. Velasco explained that such a provision does not currently exist, and the musicians' union is actively working with the City of Long Beach to create one. He noted that if successful, this would be the first of its kind in the United States, with a similar model already implemented in Hamilton, Canada.
Kelly McBride reminded constituents of the ongoing campaign for the next two weeks and requested that those who have already voted place a note on their door to avoid unnecessary visits or additional literature. He added that everyone would be relieved when the election concludes, and campaign signs come down on November 5.
Martin Calle, a Villa Park resident since 1991, expressed his gratitude to city staff, including for their assistance in addressing an ongoing issue with a neighbor. He described the challenges caused by the neighbor's activities, including running a contractor's business from a residence, parking large trucks and trailers on the street, and creating an environment that detracts from Villa Park's residential character. He explained that despite efforts to enforce parking ordinances, the neighbor has tactically moved vehicles to avoid penalties, leaving him and his wife frustrated. He noted that the situation has negatively impacted their quality of life, likening the area to "Sanford and Sons Junkyard." He also shared concerns about intimidation, including the neighbor knocking on his door, and stressed his desire for a resolution that restores Villa Park's peaceful, residential nature. He thanked the city staff for their ongoing efforts and guidance, emphasizing his trust in their ability to address the issue. He concluded by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to share his concerns and his hope to see the matter resolved soon.
Mayor Rossini expressed gratitude for Mr. Calle's comments and appreciation of City staff. He assured Mr. Calle that all five councilmembers would look into the issue, noting that the sheriff had taken notes and any violations would be addressed. He emphasized October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
the City Council's commitment to taking the concerns seriously and thanked him for bringing them forward.
Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a brief staff report.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, seconded by Councilmember Pitts, and approved by the following roll call vote, to waive the reading in full of all ordinances, resolutions, and meeting minutes on the agenda, and direct the City Clerk to read by title only.
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 2024-127 Continuation - A request to subdivide a single parcel of land that is 94,225 square feet (2.163 acres) into four (4) parcels of land (Parcel 1: 20,000 square feet (0.459 acres), Parcel 2: 20,857 square feet (.479 acres), Parcel 3: 20,000 square feet (.459 acres), and Parcel 4: 20,927 square feet (.480 acres), and to construct a new 12, 441 square foot (.286 acres) private cul-de-sac street, for the purpose of constructing future single-family dwellings on each parcel.
City Manager Franks reported that the item has been on the agenda for several months, with ongoing discussions involving the applicant. He noted it has been continued multiple times and is now scheduled for further consideration at the November 19 meeting.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Jones and seconded by Councilmember Wu, to approve continuing Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 2024-127 to the November 19, 2024 City Council meeting.
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AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 2024-01 - 18132 Pamela Place Justin Urbanski presented an application for 18132 Pamela Place, a property in the E-4 zoning district with a two-story residence and attached garage on a 19,929-square-foot lot. He noted that the applicants, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez, seek approval for a 1,540- square-foot attached garage addition featuring a 15-foot, 1-inch tall garage door. He explained that the proposed garage will provide six additional parking spaces, including space for a recreational vehicle, bringing the total garage spaces on the property to nine.
Mr. Urbanski explained that under Villa Park Municipal Code Section 23-6.07, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for garage doors exceeding 8 feet, 1 inch in height, or for properties with more than five garage spaces. He noted that the applicants justified the request based on the need for additional height and depth to accommodate a large recreational vehicle. He reported that public hearing notices were mailed, posted, and published as required, with no opposition received and four letters of support submitted by neighbors. He advised that City staff recommend approval of the application as the CUP aligns with the land use patterns of large lots and homes in the E-4 zone, there are no negative privacy or visual impacts on neighbors, and there are no environmental concerns related to the request.
Mayor Rossini opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Rossini expressed support for the proposed garage addition at 18132 Pamela Place, commending the applicants for their transparency and thorough approach. The applicants consulted neighbors, gained their support, and adhered to City processes, which was appreciated by the council. He highlighted the tasteful design of the plans and noted that the addition would be a welcome improvement to the neighborhood, drawing parallels to a similar project on Rosenau Drive.
Councilmember Miles acknowledged visiting the property and emphasized the applicants' clear intent to build an RV garage and praised their efforts to comply with setbacks and city regulations.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jones, to find that the project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Quality Control Act (CEQA), per Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Class 3; and 2, and approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 2024-01, subject to the Conditions of Approval provided in Exhibit "A" of Resolution No. 2024-3612 and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4-5)
Mayor Rossini opened the public comment. There being no speakers, the public comments were closed.
September's Cash and Investment Transparency.
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of September 24, 2024.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Pitts to approve the Consent Calendar and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NEW BUSINESS
City Hall Plumbing Repair
City Manager Steve Franks provided an update on recent plumbing issues at City Hall, which caused repeated sewer backups and restroom closures. He explained that despite multiple attempts to clear the blockages, a damaged pipe was discovered beneath the computer server room. He noted that to address the problem, the City opted for a less invasive yet costly repair method, coating the interior of the pipe rather than digging through six feet of concrete. He reported that the initial repair costs totaled approximately $4,300 for cleaning and scoping, and the pipe repair bid was $19,000. However, he explained that after the initial fix, additional blockages were found, requiring further work to clear the sewer line extending behind Ralph's with the total cost now projected to be close to $30,000. He explained that the repairs were necessary for health and safety reasons, as the plumbing issues affected not only City Hall but also forced periodic library closures. He requested ratification of the emergency actions taken to resolve the issue and approval of the associated expenses. He emphasized that all repairs were handled with caution and urgency to restore functionality and ensure public health.
Councilmember Miles inquired about whether adjacent properties, such as Ralph's, bear any responsibility for the main line issues. City Manager Franks clarified that the City is responsible for its mainline and lateral connections, while nearby properties handle their own plumbing. He noted that although Ralph's resolved their issue, the problem ultimately impacted the City's main line.
Councilmember Pitts inquired about the durability of the recent sewer repairs. City Manager Franks confirmed that the re-lined cast iron pipe has a 50-year life expectancy, though cast iron is no longer used in modern construction. He explained that the repair addressed the immediate problem, but similar aging pipes in other directions may require future attention.
Councilmember Wu about the project's total cost. City Manager Franks reiterated that the total cost of the project is expected to reach $30,000, including recent weekend work. He recommended amending the approval to cover this amount. He noted that repairs were carefully managed to avoid emergency charges, but the work was extensive, involving multiple teams and significant effort.
Councilmember Miles inquired if the restrooms were in working order. City Manager Franks confirmed they are in working order referencing the extensive nature of the repairs.
A motion was made by Councilmember Pitts, seconded by Councilmember Wu for City Council to ratify emergency actions taken by the City Manager to address the problem, along with requesting authority to pay Select Trenchless Pipelines for completed plumbing repairs and was approved by the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Automated License Plate Recognition Technology Bid Results City Manager Franks introduced the item. He reported that several months ago, the City Council authorized the initiation of a bid process for fixed automated license plate readers, which are stationary cameras used by law enforcement to monitor license plates and assist in resolving crimes. He advised that there were several public speakers along with submitted letters and emails on the item.
Management Analyst Ashlea Houston provided a brief overview of the history and progress of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras. She explained that ALPR technology, authorized by California Senate Bill 1330 in May 2012, is used by law enforcement to identify stolen vehicles, license plates, investigative leads, and dangerous or missing persons. She noted that these fixed cameras are installed in cities or intersections to scan passing license plates. She advised that ALPRs are utilized by multiple cities in Orange County and are supported by the Orange County Sheriffs Department.
Ms. Houston reported that in October 2023, Villa Park held its first ALPR town hall, presented by the Sheriff's Department, to inform residents and gauge community feedback. She noted that a follow-up meeting occurred in January 2024, and the matter was reviewed by the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) that same month, where it was unanimously approved to proceed. She advised that in February 2024, the City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a request for proposals (RFP).
Ms. Houston reported that following collaboration with the Sheriff's Department, the RFP was issued in July 2024, resulting in six vendor submissions. She noted the RFP's were reviewed by LEAC at its September and October meetings, culminating in a recommendation for City Council consideration. She reported that LEAC unanimously supported implementing ALPRs, identifying Flock Safety and EyeP as the top two vendors based on cost, experience, and technical specifications. She reported that Flock Safety's proposal totals approximately $175,000 for three years, while EyeP's proposal is approximately $114,000. She advised that staff recommends the City Council (1) select a vendor and (2) direct staff to negotiate a contract for future City Council approval.
Councilmember Pitts stated that he has previously conducted business with some of the companies under consideration. To ensure transparency, he consulted the City Attorney October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
to determine whether he needed to recuse himself from the vote. He noted that the City Attorney advised that recusal was not necessary based on the nature of his relationships with two or three of the companies.
City Manager Franks acknowledged receiving several public comments and emails regarding the acquisition of license plate readers. He noted that over the past few days, three emails in support were received from John Whitman, Eric Reynolds, and Mike Felix, while one email in opposition was submitted by Diana Fascenelli. He advised that two individuals have submitted speaker cards and wish to address the City Council this evening.
Mayor Rossini opened public comments.
Sergio Stone addressed the council in opposition to the license plate reader proposal. He argued that there is no evidence demonstrating that such technology prevents or deters crime, particularly in small, low-crime cities like Villa Park. He noted that the city is already considered very safe and questioned the need for unproven technology. He expressed skepticism about the value of the data collected, questioning whether it leads to meaningful outcomes such as prosecutions. He also raised concerns about the technology's 90% accuracy rate, which could result in errors affecting individuals.
Additionally, he pointed out that most homes in Villa Park already have extensive security measures, including alarms and surveillance cameras, making the additional monitoring redundant. He requested that, if the proposal is approved, the City conduct a study after one or two years to evaluate the system's effectiveness in reducing crime. He recommended discontinuing the program if it does not deliver measurable results.
Jon Cohn questioned the necessity of license plate readers in low-crime Villa Park, citing concerns about cost, privacy, and effectiveness. He emphasized the need for clear success metrics and proposed a quarterly reporting system to track data usage, arrests, and outcomes. He also recommended an annual audit to ensure transparency and compliance with privacy laws. While acknowledging potential benefits in other cities, he questioned if the system was appropriate for Villa Park at this time.
Fred Fascenelli, a defense attorney, argued against license plate readers, stating they provide minimal value in solving crimes. He explained that recent high-profile cases, such as home invasion robberies, were solved using geo-fencing technology, which tracks cell phone activity, not license plate readers. He emphasized that license plate readers only track vehicles, not drivers or passengers, and are most useful when specific vehicles are already identified. He concluded that spending $175,000 on this system is unnecessary, as more effective technologies are already in use by law enforcement at no additional cost.
Donna Buxton expressed support for implementing license plate readers, citing Villa Park's high safety level and the growing prevalence of such systems. She noted that criminals are aware of which areas lack these protections, and having the system in place October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
reduces the risk of being targeted. She emphasized the importance of maintaining this added layer of security.
City Manager Franks read emailed comments for the record.
Eric Reynolds expressed support for automated license plate readers (ALPRs), describing them as a valuable tool for modern law enforcement. He emphasized their potential to provide crucial real-time information, such as aiding in the apprehension of kidnappers or burglars and identifying patterns in crimes like car thefts. He noted that privacy concerns are minimal in a society already accustomed to smartphones, cameras, and other surveillance technologies. He highlighted that neighboring cities, such as Orange, already use ALPRs without significant impact on residents and advocated for Villa Park to adopt the system on a trial basis.
John Whitman supported the ALPR system, citing its ability to assist law enforcement by connecting data points to identify crime suspects. He stated that while Villa Park's crime rate is low, the system would modernize the city's crime prevention efforts and potentially deter incidents. He downplayed privacy concerns, pointing out that existing technologies like Teslas and Ring cameras collect more data than ALPRs, which only capture license plates, time, and location. He concluded that the system would be a significant asset in larger incidents and crime investigations.
Mike Felix expressed support for implementing automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in Villa Park, emphasizing their value as a law enforcement tool to enhance public safety.
He acknowledged privacy concerns but argued that modern technology, such as smart devices and cars, has already diminished privacy. He highlighted scenarios like kidnappings, bank robberies, or home invasions where ALPRs could provide crucial leads. He noted that neighboring Orange has adopted ALPRs and suggested Villa Park try the system on a temporary basis, asserting the benefits outweigh any concerns.
Diana Fascenelli opposed the implementation of ALPRs, citing privacy concerns, potential misuse of data, financial costs, and the lack of evidence that they prevent crime.
She argued that Villa Park's low crime rate does not justify surveillance of residents' movements. She noted the City's rejection of ALPRs in 2014 for similar reasons and criticized the doubling of costs since then. She emphasized the Orange County Sheriff's effectiveness and urged the City Council to prioritize fiscal responsibility and privacy by rejecting the proposal.
Councilmember Pitts expressed concerns regarding Flock Safety's proposal, specifically the requirement for full prepayment. He questioned what leverage the City would have to ensure completion of the installation if payment is made up front. He also sought clarification on whether the prepayment covers all three years of the contract or only the first year and installation.
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City Manager Franks clarified that the City's recommendation of two firms allows flexibility in negotiations. He emphasized that no final decisions or agreements have been made regarding the proposals. He noted several concerns with the bids, including prepayment requirements, termination clauses, and installation terms, all of which would need to be addressed during negotiations. He stated his opposition to prepayment, as it would reduce the City's leverage, and assured the City Council that such terms would not be included in any proposal brought forward. He explained that the recommendation to select a firm allows negotiations to proceed and ensures alternatives if issues arise with one vendor.
Councilmember Pitts raised concerns about the lack of a termination clause in vendor proposals, specifically in cases where the City might not budget for the system in future years. He also inquired about how the City plans to fund the system, noting it is not currently budgeted.
City Manager Franks explained that the City has access to a $120,000 contingency fund, with approximately $50,000 to $60,000 available for the first year of the project. He acknowledged that using these funds would deplete the contingency reserve. He noted that future budgets would require reprioritization, likely reducing funding for capital expenditures rather than cutting essential contracts or services. He emphasized that the City remains in a strong financial position for the next five years but acknowledged that implementing the system would have a ripple effect on other expenditures. He assured the City Council that the funding strategy would be addressed during the budget process.
Councilmember Pitts raised questions about potential additional costs for wireless data plans required to operate the license plate readers and whether they were included in the proposals.
City Manager Franks clarified that the bids allow for optional upgrades, similar to car purchase add-ons, but such items are negotiable. He assured that the wireless internet connection needed for the system is included, as confirmed by Ms. Houston.
Councilmember Pitts also noted concerns about criminals potentially using wireless jamming devices to disrupt the cameras' signals. He suggested seeking input from law enforcement or the vendor, Flock Safety, regarding this issue.
Captain Patella stated that he was unaware of radar detectors interfering with license plate readers, noting that signal jamming is typically associated with residential alarm systems. He suggested consulting the chosen vendor for specifics on potential interference.
Councilmember Pitts expressed concern with the accuracy of license plate readers which is generally around 90 percent. He questioned the urgency of implementing automated license plate readers (ALPRs), asking LEAC's view on the current threat that necessitates action now versus in the future.
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Mayor Pro Tem Jones responded that LEAC has been evaluating this issue for over a year, considering the technology's adoption across the county and Villa Park's position.
She noted concerns about the city being left out and potentially becoming a target if it lacks this system while neighboring areas implement ALPRs. She emphasized that public safety is a priority for residents, as demonstrated in town halls and community feedback.
Councilmember Miles echoed these concerns, describing Villa Park as an "island" surrounded by cities with ALPRs. She highlighted risks such as criminals using the City's lack of surveillance to evade detection, especially given its minimal lighting and lack of tracking. She noted that the cost of ALPRs has significantly decreased since their initial consideration in 2012 or 2014, making them more affordable now.
Councilmember Pitts clarified that he is not opposed to the technology but is concerned about spending money unnecessarily. He acknowledged the Sheriff's excellent performance in maintaining safety and noted that alternative technologies might be more effective. He highlighted mixed community feedback on public safety efforts, with some residents believing no additional measures are needed. He questioned the urgency of implementing license plate readers and raised concerns about their impact on future budgets, particularly with expected increases in law enforcement costs. He also inquired if the City Council would select one vendor or authorize negotiations with both.
City Manager Franks explained that LEAC recommended Flock Safety as the primary vendor and EyeP as the secondary option. He sought direction from the council to negotiate with the primary vendor and, if necessary, with the secondary option. Franks noted a significant cost difference between the two but emphasized that Flock Safety is widely used by the Sheriff's Department and other contracted cities, providing a level of familiarity.
Councilmember Pitts inquired what each vendor meant by loaning the hardware to the City. Ms. Houston clarified that both vendors propose leasing their hardware and services, including cameras and cloud storage, rather than selling the equipment outright. He stated that the City Council could decide whether to move forward with a primary and secondary vendor or choose another course of action.
City Manager Franks explained that the decision to propose a three-year contract for the license plate reader system balances the need for technological flexibility and vendor interest. He noted that rapid advancements in technology make longer-term contracts less practical, while shorter-term contracts may deter vendors due to higher costs and uncertainty. He explained that a three-year term was chosen to provide stability for vendors while allowing the City to reassess and upgrade technology as needed in the future.
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Councilmember Miles inquired about the three-year contract term. City Manager Franks noted that most cities were going with a three-year contract because it takes about a year to get up and running.
Councilmember Miles emphasized concerns about privacy while balancing the potential benefits of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in aiding law enforcement. She highlighted examples, such as a high-profile case in Newport Beach, where ALPRs were instrumental in tracking a suspect's vehicle. While acknowledging the mixed opinions on privacy, she noted the ubiquity of surveillance technologies like Ring cameras and toll road systems, which diminish expectations of privacy. She supported a three-year trial for ALPRs, suggesting an audit at the end of the period to evaluate their effectiveness and ensure the expense is justified. She framed ALPRs as another tool to enhance public safety and reinforce Villa Park's status as a law enforcement-friendly city. She concluded by stressing the importance of fulfilling the City's fiduciary responsibility to residents.
Mayor Rossini called for a second round of public comments after hearing from the remainder of the dais.
Councilmember Wu expressed concerns about the financial implications of implementing automated license plate readers (ALPRs). While acknowledging Villa Park's strong safety record and the Sheriff's Department's excellent work, he questioned the need to spend $175,000 on ALPRs when the City is already extremely safe. He emphasized the limited budget, noting that funds allocated to ALPRs could impact capital improvement projects, including planned street rehabilitation. He highlighted the City's high spending on public safety, already at 42% of the General Fund, and suggested that investing in additional deputy hours might be more effective than installing cameras. He also raised concerns about the limited coverage of proposed ALPRs, potential criminal adaptations to evade detection, and the upfront payment required by vendors. He concluded by advocating for prioritizing tangible infrastructure improvements and cautioning against committing to unnecessary expenditures given the City's constrained financial resources.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones shared her concerns and perspectives on implementing automated license plate readers (ALPRs). She acknowledged budget constraints and noted that no grant funding opportunities are available for this initiative. She emphasized the need for measurable outcomes, such as arrests or recovered property, to demonstrate the system's value to residents. She highlighted privacy concerns, referencing a recent lawsuit in Virginia, but noted that Villa Park's scale and the Sheriff's Department's policies mitigate similar risks. She pointed out the extensive use of ALPRs by neighboring cities, emphasizing the potential disadvantage for Villa Park in being the only area without such coverage. She also acknowledged the effectiveness of existing ALPR-equipped Sheriff vehicles. She provided a list of other Orange County cities adjacent to Villa Park using ALPR technology and expressed concern about the potential gap in the City. While supporting the three-year contract with a subsequent evaluation, she raised concerns about coverage gaps, specifically at Santiago Boulevard and Meats Avenue. She proposed adding a camera at that location to ensure comprehensive City coverage, October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
despite budget concerns. She concluded by stressing the importance of prioritizing safety and aligning with neighboring cities to prevent Villa Park from becoming a target.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones discussed the pros and cons of the two vendors recommended by LEAC. She noted that Flock Safety is already used by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, making its system familiar to law enforcement. However, she raised concerns about the contract terms, specifically the requested 30-day cure period instead of the 10-day period she preferred, which would need to be negotiated. She acknowledged EyeP's competitive bid, the lowest among the proposals, and highlighted that it is used by Chapman University and employs Genetec cameras, which are also utilized by other bidders. However, she expressed concerns about EyeP's relative newness to the field, having been established in 2015, and the fact that it primarily serves universities, making Villa Park its first local city client. She emphasized the need to negotiate acceptable terms with either vendor and reiterated her suggestion to add a camera at Santiago Boulevard and Meats Avenue to address a potential coverage gap.
Wayne Silzel, representing Neighborhood Watch, shared his perspective on the importance of license plate readers. He recounted being a victim of burglary twice, emphasizing the emotional toll and irreplaceable losses experienced during such incidents. He noted that while Villa Park has a low crime rate, proactive measures like locking doors and reporting suspicious activity immediately have been key to maintaining safety. He argued that the cost of implementing ALPRs should not overshadow the potential benefits of preventing crime and providing reassurance to residents. He advocated for trusting law enforcement to determine the necessity of this tool and urged the council to support measures that enhance public safety, noting that neighboring cities have already adopted similar systems. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of equipping the Sheriff's Department with the resources they need.
Mr. Calle expressed support for implementing license plate readers (ALPRs), highlighting their potential to provide real-time information to first responders and improve safety. He reflected on their personal appreciation for service members and first responders, noting that if ALPRs could save even one life, the $175,000 cost would be justified. He suggested a smaller-scale implementation, such as focusing on key intersections like Santiago Boulevard and Meats Avenue, as a way to test the system's effectiveness while managing costs.
Mr. Stone raised concerns about ALPRs, questioning the technology's effectiveness and the lack of evidence that it reduces crime in other cities. He expressed worries about the financial risk to the City's budget and asked how the City Council plans to measure the system's success, particularly in a city with a very low crime rate.
Mayor Rossini closed public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones addressed questions about whether other cities have seen improvements with automated license plate readers (ALPRs). She noted that Orange recently started using the system, so it is too early to evaluate its impact. She reported that Stanton has reported significant success with ALPRs, particularly in addressing October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
stolen cars and chop shops, though its challenges differ from those in Villa Park. She noted that Lake Forest has used the system for about three years and is satisfied, but lacks detailed statistics or metrics to evaluate its effectiveness. She emphasized the importance of establishing clear metrics to measure the return on investment for Villa Park.
Mayor Rossini inquired about the incident at Fashion Island. Captain Patella acknowledged awareness of the event but could not provide specifics. He explained that in cases like kidnappings, robberies, or other crimes, license plate readers allow officers to track a suspect vehicle's direction in real-time. In the Fashion Island case, officers located and pursued the suspects vehicle shortly after the crime, resulting in arrests. He noted that while this specific incident may not have directly saved a life, the technology helps prevent future crimes by apprehending repeat offenders. He emphasized that ALPRs are a valuable tool for enhancing safety across Villa Park and Orange County.
City Attorney Litfin noted that in Yorba Linda, the police chief frequently reports success stories attributed to Flock Safety, highlighting its ability to track suspect vehicles. While these accounts are anecdotal, they suggest the system's effectiveness. He emphasized that, as ALPR use is still in its early stages, measurable metrics may not yet be fully developed.
Captain Patella noted that individual success stories will likely provide valuable insights during the initial years of implementation.
Councilmember Miles shared that, according to City of Orange Councilmember Jon Dumitru, his stolen car was successfully tracked to Costa Mesa and recovered with the help of a license plate reader.
Mayor Rossini emphasized the effectiveness of license plate readers (ALPRs), citing recent successes in apprehending suspects wanted tor vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run cases. He disagreed with criticisms suggesting ALPRs are ineffective, highlighting their value as warrantless, plain-view tools that protect privacy while aiding law enforcement. He noted that neighboring cities like Yorba Linda, Anaheim, and Orange, as well as unincorporated areas, are adopting ALPRs, making Villa Park a potential "donut hole" without similar coverage.
Captain Patella noted that the County Board of Supervisors has already approved placing cameras in unincorporated areas of the County.
Mayor Rossini referenced recent high-value burglaries in the city and underscored the risks of not implementing ALPRs, likening it to leaving doors unlocked at night. He expressed strong support for Flock Safety, praising its reliability and the confidence shown by other cities, such as Orange, which adopted it through a sole-source contract despite financial constraints. He concluded by thanking everyone for their input on the issue. He commended Mayor Pro Tem Jones for her diligence, thoughtful questions, and October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
insightful comments during discussions. He supported a three-year trial for license plate readers, describing it as an essential insurance policy for public safety. Addressing concerns about budget impacts, he noted that the City consistently finds additional funds each year, often underestimating revenue, and expenditures. He urged the City Council to trust the Sheriff's Department and highlighted the strong support from Sheriff Barnes and the Board of Supervisors, emphasizing his own endorsement of the system based on personal experience.
Mayor Rossini moved to approve the contract with Flock Safety.
Councilmember Miles proposed a substitute motion to include an additional camera as suggested by Mayor Pro Tem Jones. Mayor Rossini suggested considering relocating an existing camera. Mayor Pro Tem Jones suggested directing City staff to include this option in their negotiations and to bring back a proposal with the additional camera's cost for City Council review. She expressed willingness to support this approach to enable a more informed decision.
Mayor Rossini accepted the substitute motion to include comments from Council Member Miles and Mayor Pro Tem Jones.
Councilmember Wu inquired about the number of cameras approved for unincorporated areas surrounding Villa Park. Captain Patella clarified that the approval was based on a dollar amount rather than a specific number of cameras, noting that it is still in the early stages and funded through discretionary funds.
Mayor Rossini added that Irvine, widely recognized as one of the safest cities in America, recently approved 150 cameras, suggesting this is a point of consideration.
Councilmember Miles recommended staff discuss subscription costs with Flock Safety and explore the inclusion of an audit to evaluate effectiveness.
City Manager Franks addressed the concept of an audit, noting that metrics should focus on measurable outcomes, such as reductions in crime or increases in resolutions, rather than technical details like the number of images captured. He acknowledged that other cities, like Lake Forest, have struggled to establish satisfactory metrics due to differing challenges but agreed that working with the Sheriff's Department to develop metrics specific to Villa Park is necessary.
Councilmember Miles emphasized the importance of measuring the success of ALPRs, focusing on outcomes such as assisting law enforcement in achieving positive results, even if it benefits cases in other cities. She advocated for an annual report to provide residents with clear evidence of the system's effectiveness in supporting law enforcement and deterring crime.
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Rossini amended his motion to direct city staff to collaborate with the Sheriff's Department to develop a method for auditing the use of ALPRs in major felony cases. He suggested sampling a percentage of cases, such as 10% or 1%, to determine whether ALPRs played a role in identifying or apprehending suspects. He acknowledged that this effort might require input from higher-level officials within the Sheriff's Department but believed it to be a feasible task. He cited a reported statistic indicating that ALPRs are involved in at least 33% of successfully prosecuted cases, underscoring their potential impact.
Captain Patella stated that requesting a return-on-investment analysis for ALPRs is reasonable. He noted that technological advancements have greatly improved standardization and effectiveness compared to 10 or 20 years ago. He expressed confidence that the technology division could provide data to establish a baseline and track future outcomes.
City Manager Franks noted that due to Villa Park's small size and low crime rate, even a slight increase in solved cases could result in a seemingly significant percentage improvement. He noted that for example, solving one additional case could represent a 50% increase. He emphasized the importance of understanding these proportional impacts when evaluating the effectiveness of ALPRs.
Mayor Rossini emphasized the importance of evaluating ALPRs on a countywide level rather than focusing solely on Villa Park, as the city's small sample size could skew results. He argued that the broader perspective would better demonstrate the tool's overall value in aiding law enforcement. He shared examples from his own experience where ALPRs were instrumental in solving serious crimes, including tracking a vehicle involved in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run and quickly locating a vehicular homicide suspect. He stated that ALPR technology is highly effective and maintains privacy, urging trust in its implementation.
Councilmember Wu expressed confidence in the technology but emphasized his primary concern about the budget. He asked Mayor Rossini how the City consistently finds funds to maintain its streets while potentially adding the expense of ALPRs. Mayor Rossini attributed the city's ability to manage its budget to skilled financial management, noting that staff consistently underestimates revenues while property values consistently outperform expectations. He stated this approach has reliably ensured sufficient funding.
City Manager Franks agreed with Mayor Rossini's assessment.
Councilmember Wu expressed concerns about the budgetary impact of implementing ALPRs. He noted that the City Manager suggested capital improvement funds might need to be reduced to accommodate the expense and questioned how the city could afford it, given Villa Park's unique financial structure and limited options for increasing revenue compared to neighboring cities like Orange.
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Mayor Rossini acknowledged the concern but emphasized the City Manager's and finance staff's cautious approach to budgeting. He stated that a $50,000 difference in a single year, while significant on a personal level, would not pose a major financial burden to the City.
Councilmember Wu emphasized the importance of treating city funds with the same care as personal finances while serving on the City Council.
City Manager Franks explained that approving a contract creates a binding obligation, and it is his responsibility to ensure funding. While current estimates suggest the City can budget for the expense, he acknowledged the unpredictability of future economic conditions. He stated that if priorities shift due to unforeseen circumstances, the city will reassess during the annual budget process and adjust expenditures or identify additional revenues as needed. He stressed that the City Council approval sets the priority, and staff will report back with a funding plan as part of the budget review.
Councilmember Wu emphasized the importance of ensuring that street projects are not cut to fund ALPRs. While supporting public safety and crime prevention, he stressed his responsibility to maintain the city's financial stability and prioritize existing services, such as street maintenance. Wu reiterated the need to ensure the city can afford ALPRs before moving forward.
City Manager Franks acknowledged the concern and stated that the City Council's direction would guide staff in developing a plan to balance priorities and maintain fiscal responsibility.
Mayor Rossini called the question.
Mayor Rossini moved to adopt the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee's recommendation, designating Flock Safety as the primary vendor and EyeP as the secondary, subject to contractual terms, negotiation outcomes, and staff considerations under the City Manager's purview.
Councilmember Wu inquired if an additional camera was included in the motion.
City Manager Franks stated that staff would explore the feasibility of adding an additional camera, evaluate the cost difference, and return to the council with recommendations. He noted that preliminary discussions with the City of Orange suggested potential cost- sharing opportunities, though their financial commitments depend on upcoming decisions. He clarified that staff would negotiate first with Flock Safety, and if negotiations are unsuccessful, proceed with EyeP. He confirmed that all contract terms would be brought back to the council for final approval. While he aims to expedite the process, he noted that the timeline depends on the vendor's willingness to address the proposed terms and conditions.
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Miles seconded the motion.
Councilmember Wu proposed a friendly amendment to the motion, requesting that while the City Manager negotiates the contract, staff also provide a preliminary assessment of whether the current or next year's budget can accommodate the expense.
City Manager Franks explained that the city's five-year budget projection shows a positive undesignated fund balance each year, which could sustain the ALPR expense. However, he noted that using these funds would reduce carryover amounts for future years. requiring careful management to avoid financial strain in later years. He noted that while the current projection indicates the expense is feasible, it depends on economic conditions and property tax assessments, which are speculative. He emphasized the need for prioritization and potential trade-offs but assured that the City would not go into deficit or borrow funds for operational expenses.
Mayor Rossini called the question.
A motion was made by Mayor Rossini, seconded by Councilmember Miles to adopt the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee's recommendation, designating Flock Safety as the primary vendor and EyeP as the secondary, subject to contractual terms, negotiatior outcomes, and staff considerations under the City Manager's purview, and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Pitts, Wu, Jones, and Rossini
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY MANAGER REPORT
8. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks noted there was nothing to report. City Manager Franks and the City Council expressed their gratitude to Management Analyst Ashlea Houston for her exceptional contributions. Mayor Rossini highlighted her dedication and the high quality of her work, noting her ability to simplify complex, jargon-filled topics for broader understanding. He praised her as a reliable and outstanding member of the team and commended her efforts as a key factor in the project's success.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
9. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
Councilmember Miles reported positive progress in reducing West Nile virus activity, with 48 positive mosquito pools and one positive dead bird identified year-to-date, but no human cases. Cooler weather has not impacted travel-related dengue cases or Aedes aegypti mosquito counts, which remain higher than average. • The sterile insect technique (SIT) team is conducting a third study this season, releasing sterile male mosquitoes over a 200-block area to evaluate their longevity and dispersal, with the program requiring a 70-80% survival rate for effectiveness. October investigations addressed 38 travel-related dengue cases, leading to large-area truck treatments and inspections of 256 homes. While locally acquired dengue cases have been reported in Los Angeles and San Diego counties, Villa Park remains free of West Nile virus cases. • Councilmember Miles expressed gratitude for the district's efforts and ongoing initiatives to protect public health.
• Orange County Sanitation District
• Councilmember Pitts reported the recent OC San board meeting highlighted updates to the capital improvement plan, which focuses on rehabilitating, replacing, and improving infrastructure and facilities. • OC San oversees 390 miles of regional sewer pipes, 15 pump stations, and two reclamation centers. In the past fiscal year, $262.3 million was spent on projects to protect public health and the environment. Over the next decade, $3.25 billion is projected for further improvements.
• OC San is hosting a luncheon on Friday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to present the state of OC San.
• Councilmember Wu noted that the administrative committee reviewed population data, with no significant updates specific to Villa Park.
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Orange County Fire Authority
Mayor Rossini reported attendance at the November 21, 2024 meeting. • Key updates included budget adjustments for fiscal year 2024-2025, with revenues increased by $21 million and expenditures by $22 million. Several items involved reallocating funds to the next fiscal year due to delayed contracts and capital improvements.
A significant item was the approval of a $2.751 million contract to replace the leaking roof at the Regional Fire Operations and Training Center (RFOTC), which protects sensitive data and dispatch equipment. The meeting also covered contractual matters, including the Fire Chief's review and items requested by Local 3631. Most discussions were held in closed session. Mayor Rossini noted the extended duration of such meetings for future representatives. • Orange County Library Advisory Board
• Councilmember Wu reported the meeting will be held on October 24, 2024. • Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee Mayor Pro Tem Jones reported no recent Orange Unified School District City Schools meeting but highlighted an e-bike safety presentation at Villa Park High School last month, with another scheduled for students this Thursday. She collaborated with Deputy McDermott to refine the presentation and expressed gratitude to the Orange County Sheriff's Department and OUSD for their partnership, noting the positive reception from students and parents.
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Mayor Rossini reported that the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee meeting primarily focused on ALPRs. Other topics, including e-bikes, were briefly discussed, but the majority of the meeting addressed the primary agenda item.
• Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Mayor Pro Tem Jones reported that the candidates' forum was a success, allowing candidates to share their city involvement and vision for Villa Park. • She also reminded residents about the city's Halloween Fest on Saturday, October 26, inviting families to enjoy costumes and trick-or-treating. • Housing Legislative Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported no meeting was held.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported the meeting will be held on October 23, 2024.
• Orange County Older Adults Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported attendance at the October 11 committee meeting, which featured early intervention services for older adults provided by the Orange County Health Care Agency.
• The program targets adults aged 60 and older at risk of mental health issues, with services offered at no cost. She encouraged residents to visit the agency's website for details.
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Councilmember Miles updated efforts to make Orange County an age- friendly county, highlighting Supervisor Wagner's recent approval to develop a marketing budget to raise awareness of services. She noted an upcoming meeting with Dr. Laura Trejo on strategies to achieve age-friendly accreditation and stressed the importance of addressing mental health challenges within the community.
Mayor Rossini emphasized the critical importance of addressing mental health challenges within the community. He highlighted struggles faced by residents, including older adults caring for adult children with chronic mental health issues and individuals vulnerable to financial exploitation. He urged the dissemination of information through city platforms to support residents and raise awareness of available resources.
Councilmember Wu reported attending the Women's League anniversary celebration, describing it as a wonderful event. He also promoted Villa Park's Halloween Fest this Saturday and encouraged residents to participate in the "Adopt a Marine" program for Thanksgiving. He noted this year marks the program's 20th anniversary, started by Robert Frackelton, who continues to coordinate with Camp Pendleton to host 60 marines. He urged residents to open their homes or donate to support hosting and noted details are available on the city website.
Councilmember Miles expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Halloween Fest and highlighted the Thanksgiving dinner organized by Elizabeth Frazier's family for the past few years. She noted the event provides meals for individuals without a place to celebrate and encouraged donations of items like mashed potatoes and stuffing. She suggested including a reminder in the City Feeder if the donation deadline has not passed and commended the effort as a meaningful community gesture.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones reported attending the Villa Park Women's League 55th anniversary celebration, held at the same location as its first meeting 55 years ago. She also attended the OCFA open house at Station 23, which had a great turnout of families.
She highlighted plans for a major remodel and expansion of Station 23, noting the exciting improvements ahead
Councilmember Pitts reported attending the Villa Park Women's League 55th anniversary celebration, where he co-presented a plaque honoring all past league presidents. The plaque will be displayed at City Hall. Councilmember Pitts expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present alongside Sherry Zakowicz, the league's first president, and described the evening as an honor and a memorable experience.
Mayor Rossini thanked attendees for their time, input, and opinions, emphasizing that all perspectives matter. He wished everyone safety, health, and a happy Halloween.
ADJOURNMENT
October 22, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held in person on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Nicolonis
Vlayok
City of Villa Park
ATTEST:
Steve Franks, Cly 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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