ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
December 17, 2024
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Pro Tem Jones called the General Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember McBride.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Villa Park Marine Thanksgiving - Congressional Recognition A representative from Congressman Young Kim's office, recognized several individuals for their exceptional contributions and presented Certificates of Congressional Recognition as a token of appreciation. Shawna Russell, the store manager at Ralph's, was acknowledged for her generous provision of water, pumpkin pies, and snacks, which enhanced the event. Parag Patel, the owner of Dunkin' Donuts, was honored for supplying coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts, which were especially appreciated by early morning attendees. Chuck Niemann was recognized for opening his home to Marines and their families, creating a welcoming environment that included a car collection experience and meaningful conversations. Paul Bulley was celebrated for hosting offered a memorable and comforting atmosphere.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain AJ Patella provided the monthly law enforcement report. He encouraged to secure valuables, monitor credit, and report suspicious activity, especially during the holidays. Mayor Pro Tem Jones acknowledged Neighborhood Watch leaders Wayne and Mary Silzel for educating residents about scams.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Miles requested that resolutions to any crimes resolved within the same month be brought forward to the City Council for awareness. • Orange County Fire Authority
Division Chief Kevin Fetterman provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He highlighted the dangers of candle-related fires, which cause nearly 10,000 residential fires annually. He emphasized the importance of using battery-operated candles, keeping lit candies at least 12 inches from flammable objects, and ensuring they are out of reach of children and pets. Residents were also reminded to keep open flames away from flammable liquids.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Jones reviewed the rules of decorum.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones opened public comments.
Alexander Tran, Villa Park High School student board member, highlighted his attendance at Orange Unified School District board and city council meetings as part of his responsibilities. He bid farewell to Assistant Principal Rich Simons, who is leaving for a communications director role in Oregon, and thanked Councilmember Miles for supporting the "Every 15 Minutes" program, which educates students on the dangers of drunk driving. He recapped recent school events, including the vocal music holiday concert, the dryland boat parade, and the ongoing canned food drive competition. He acknowledged the recent swearing-in of school district trustees and invited the City Council to a study session on school facilities and aquatic centers scheduled for the following day.
Chad Zimmerman expressed excitement about the new council members and gratitude to outgoing Councilmembers Vince Rossini and Robbie Pitts for their eight years of service. He praised the City Council's contributions to the community and shared a cybersecurity tip about QR code phishing scams involving unexpected holiday packages.
Lawrence Talebi congratulated the newly elected council members and emphasized the importance of honoring Villa Park's traditions and history in selecting the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. He reflected on the City's values and the significance of maintaining its strong heritage.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
MUNICIPAL ELECTION MATTERS
1. Election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by the City Council.
City Manager Franks declared the Offices of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem vacant. He opened public comments.
Former Mayor Vince Rossini congratulated the newly elected council members and reflected on his eight years of service. He emphasized the importance of Villa Park's status as one of the safest and most financially stable cities in Orange County. He expressed his support for Nicol Jones as Mayor, citing her leadership as Mayor Pro Tem, and endorsed Councilmember Miles for Mayor Pro Tem, praising her dedication, impartiality, and ethical leadership.
Mel Vernon, a Villa Park resident, expressed gratitude for the community's traditions and well-run governance. He acknowledged past and current mayors and voiced his support for the appointment of Nicol Jones as Mayor and Jordan Wu as Mayor Pro Tem. He suggested a moment of silence in memory of former Orange Mayor Mark Murphy. A moment of silence was held for former Orange Mayor Mark Murphy Logan Doering shared concerns about Councilmember Wu's decisions related to a construction project at 19171 Mesa Drive, highlighting perceived deviations from standard procedures and resident interests. He praised Councilmember Miles for her responsiveness and leadership and endorsed her as Mayor Pro Tem.
Karen Goldberg commended all council members for their dedication to Villa Park and its residents. She expressed strong support for Nicol Jones as Mayor, noting her history of volunteerism and commitment to the community. She emphasized the City Council's collective excellence and contributions.
City Manager Franks read the following emails for the public record.
Akshay Anand expressed support for Nicol Jones as Mayor and Crystal Miles as Mayor Pro Tem, highlighting Miles' proactive and dedicated service to Villa Park residents.
Alisa Guetzkow opposed Councilmember Jordan Wu as Mayor Pro Tem, citing concerns over his handling of zoning and property issues, particularly related to 19171 Mesa Drive.
She questioned his affiliations and expressed her family's strong support for preserving Villa Park's character and values.
City Manager Franks closed public comments.
City Manager Franks opened nominations for the Office of Mayor.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A nomination was made by Councilmember Miles to elect Councilmember Jones as Mayor of the City of Villa Park was confirmed by the following vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Mayor Jones called for nominations for Office of Mayor Pro Tem.
A nomination was made by Mayor Jones to elect Councilmember Wu as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Villa Park.
Councilmember Miles questioned the nomination, asking for clarification on why Councilmember Wu was selected over other candidates. Mayor Jones cited Wu's extensive volunteer contributions, including leading events such as Halloween Fest and Marine Thanksgiving, as well as his overall dedication to the community.
Councilmember Miles expressed concerned regarding Councilmember Wu's voting record, specifically decisions perceived as prioritizing nonresident applicants over local residents. She also highlighted the City Council's past adherence to seniority and suggested that this precedent should guide the current decision. She nominated Councilmember Robert Frackelton for Mayor Pro Tem, emphasizing his strong voter mandate in the recent election.
Councilmember Wu accepted the nomination. Councilmember Frackelton declined the nomination, stating he was new to the City Council and felt someone with more experience should take on the role.
With no additional nominations, Councilmember Wu's nomination remained the only one on the floor.
A nomination was made by Mayor Jones to elect Councilmember Wu as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Villa Park and was confirmed by the following vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: Miles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a brief staff report.
Mayor Jones opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, 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: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
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.
Mayor Jones opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember McBride recused himself from the item as he lives next to the property in question.
City Manager Franks reported staff recommends the item be continued to January 28, A motion was made by Councilmember Miles and seconded by Councilmember Frackelton, to approve continuing Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 2024-127 to the January L 28, 2025 City Council meeting.
AYES: Frackelton, Miles, Wu, and Jones
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4-8)
Mayor Jones opened the public comment. There being no speakers, the public comments were closed.
October's Cash and Investment Transparency.
Request approval of City Council Minutes of October 22, 2024.
Request approval of City Council Minutes of November 19, 2024.
Measure M2 Annual Report.
8. Appointment to Group Home Task Force.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember McBride to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
9. Contract Award - FY 2024-25 Slurry Seal Project to American Asphalt South, Inc., and Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with MAH Engineering.
City Manager Franks reported that the item pertains to the slurry seal project included in the budget, which is conducted annually or biennially. He explained that bids were solicited for both the slurry sealing work and construction management services, whick include quality control. He advised that two bids were received, and the lowest bids fo both aspects are recommended for approval. American Asphalt submitted the lowest bid December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
for the slurry seal work, and MAH Engineering submitted the lowest bid for construction management, amounting to approximately $11,000. He recommended approving these bids as they were the lowest responsive submissions.
Councilmember Frackelton adressed residents' concerns about streets impacted by Southern California Gas Company projects, including his own street. He confirmed, after consulting with staff, that the utility coordinates with the City to identify affected streets and completes work at no cost to the City.
City Manager Franks explained that a five-year moratorium applies to additional utility vork on newly slurry-sealed streets, except in emergencies, where the utility must restore a 50-foot area around the repair. He noted that utilities are notified in advance, given timeframe for their work, and must request an asement before starting.
Mayor Jones called for public comments. There being no speakers, public comments were closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton, to authorize the Mayor to execute the standard public works contract with American Asphalt South Inc., in the amount of $165,548 for Slurry Seal Project and to authorize the Mayor to execute the Professional Services Agreement with MAH Engineering, in the amount of $11,618 for the Slurry Seal Project Construction Management, and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
10. Parking Modifications on Locust Avenue and Adjacent Streets.
Management Analyst Ashlea Houston reported that the issue originated from residents' concerns about overflow parking caused by restrictions implemented by the City of Orange, which redirected vehicles to Villa Park streets. She explained that the Villa Park portion of Locust Avenue is 120 feet long and has no driveways facing the street. She noted that residents submitted a petition for red curbing due to nuisances such as trash, extended parking beyond the 72-hour limit, and obstructed street sweeping. She advised that staff determined that additional restrictions, including no overnight parking without a permit on surrounding streets (Laconia Drive, Catherine Circle, Carolyn Circle, Gloria Circle, and Roseanne Circle), were necessary to prevent overflow into those neighborhoods.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Ms. Houston explained that the resolution proposed red curbing on Locust Avenue and no overnight parking from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on adjacent streets.
City Manager Franks committed to notifying residents, issuing permits proactively, and accommodating temporary permit requests. He explained that the Sheriff's Department vould conduct frequent patrols during the first month, enforcing compliance with icketing as necessary. He noted that as adherence improves, patrols would be scaled back to promote lasting behavior changes, reducing disruptions, and enhancing neighborhood enjoyment.
Councilmember Miles expressed concern about the potential for aggressive enforcement by the Sheriff's Department, suggesting the City proactively mail parking permits to residents to prevent issues with tickets. City Manager Franks agreed to this approach, emphasizing that the primary parking issues are on Locust Avenue and involve non-residents.
Mayor Jones opened public comments.
Robbie Pitts, expressed support for the resolution, citing unsightly trash and other nuisances caused by overflow parking.
Wayne Silzel inquired if parking signs needed to be installed on existing poles. City Manager Franks confirmed that signs indicating parking restrictions would be installed on existing poles, minimizing property value impacts.
Mayor Pro Tem Wu inquired how many permits would be issued to each household.
City Manager Franks explained that one permit per household would be issued initially, with additional permits available upon request. He noted that this approach aligns with resident-driven restrictions and ensures that concerns are addressed while maintaining flexibility for special circumstances.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember McBride, that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2024-3604 to prohibit parking on Locust Avenue and restrict parking with permit only from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on Laconia Drive, Catherine Circle, Carolyn Circle, Gloria Circle, and Rosanne Circle, and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Miles, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Franks reported that a wind advisory and a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) warning from Southern California Edison (Edison) were highlighted for today and tomorrow. He reported that all five council members have contacted Edison to address concerns and advocate for minimizing outage durations. He advised that Edison is actively working on improvements but has requested confidentiality on specific measures. He noted that recent PSPS events, including a 36-hour shutdown, have raised concerns, and residents are urged to prepare for possible disruptions. He explained that he City and City Council do not control these decisions, which are based on circuit-specific evaluations by Edison.
City Manager Franks reported that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis has been completed on the Housing Element, He explained that the City is collaborating with the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to ensure compliance, aiming for a council vote on the matter by early 2025.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
9. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District
• Councilmember Miles reported a meeting would be held on November 19.
• Cooler weather has reduced mosquito activity but increased indoor rodent activity. Residents should seal potential entry points.
California has reported 117 West Nile virus cases, including 12 deaths, with 2,000 positive mosquito pools and 533
positive dead birds statewide. Orange County recorded 52 positive mosquito pools, one positive dead bird, one human case, 48 dengue cases, 14 flea-borne typhus cases, and 151 positive flea pools.
The district is evaluating four construction firms for remodeling the Haster property, with decisions expected in January. It has also hired Townsend Public Affairs for grant writing and federal advocacy to secure funding for initiatives like the sterile insect technique.
• The district opposes adding a new assessment district and will L focus on alternative funding sources.
Orange County Sanitation District
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• Mayor Pro Tem Wu reported that the Taft Avenue Sewer
Improvement Project began on December 9th, upsizing pipes from 12-15 inches to 18-21 inches.
• While not in Villa Park, the project may impact residents traveling nearby.
• Work occurs Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and is expected to finish in 2026.
• Residents should plan for potential disruptions during these hours. • Orange County Fire Authority
• Mayor Jones reported no meeting was held.
• Orange County Library Advisory Board
• Councilmember Wu reported no meeting was held.
• Orange Unified School District City Schools Committee Mayor Jones reported no meeting was held.
• OUSD winter break: December 23, 2024 - January 10, 2025; classes resume January 13, 2025.
• No school on January 20, 2025, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Villa Park High School's eSports program earned international recognition, hosting a Japanese delegation.
• Congratulations to new OUSD trustees: Ana Page, Stephen Glass, Matthew Thomas, Sierra Vane, and Sarah Pelly.
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Mayor Jones reported no meeting was held.
• Villa Park Community Services Foundation
Mayor Jones reviewed end-of-year activities in November. • Marine Thanksgiving; thanks to Mayor Pro Tem Wu and
Councilmember Frackelton for organizing.
• The Santa Tour had over 1,100 participants; scheduling improvements are planned for next year.
• The dry land boat parade featured record floats; thanks to Forrest Case for organizing.
Appreciation to the CSF for Christmas trees and the Gulsvig family for the "Merry Christmas" banner.
• The Hanukkah celebration and Menorah lighting will be on December 26 at 6:30 p.m.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported the meeting will be held on January 20, 2025.
• Orange County Older Adults Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported the committee submitted its 2024 report and 2025 goals.
Key achievements include advocating for a countywide outreach campaign and a lifespan approach to services.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
• In 2025, the committee aims to restructure the Office on Aging into a standalone department and focus on information access, aging in place, and transportation resources.
• A new chair was unanimously selected for 2025.
• Progress will be revisited in next year's report.
Councilmember Miles provided an update on Southern California Edison's ongoing efforts to reduce ignition risks and improve circuit segmentation. She highlighted her involvement in Villa Park High School's upcoming "Every 15 Minutes" program, scheduled for May 29- 30, and mentioned her efforts to secure funding for the initiative. She praised the Santa Tour, parade, and tree lighting events, thanking all participants and organizers. She encouraged residents to attend the Hanukkah Menorah lighting on December 26 and Brents. wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Mayor Pro Tem Wu expressed gratitude to Congresswoman Kim's representative for recognizing the contributors to Marine Thanksgiving. He acknowledged the event's success, with 18 families hosting 150 Marines. He also shared his enjoyment of participating in the Santa and boat parades, despite a family obligation that limited his involvement. Mayor Pro Tem Wu hosted Cub Scouts from Troop 850 at City Hall and took the opportunity to clarify his impartiality and commitment to serving all residents.
Councilmember McBride expressed his appreciation for being selected to the City Council. He shared his experience representing Villa Park at the Orange tree lighting ceremony and emphasized the importance of networking for the City. He concluded by expressing enthusiasm for his future contributions to City Council business.
Councilmember Frackelton thanked Councilmember Miles and Mayor Jones for including him in the Santa Tour, a tradition he had enjoyed as a resident, firefighter, and now council member. He acknowledged stepping down from the Community Services Foundation and group home task force, thanking Councilmember Pitts for taking over his role. He also highlighted the milestone of having a Villa Park High School graduate serve as mayor and shared his pride in this historic moment.
Mayor Jones reflected on the joy of hosting six Marines during Marine Thanksgiving, expressing gratitude to her fellow council members for their efforts in making the event successful. She noted the success of the Santa tour, boat parade, and the inaugural tree lighting event, thanking all contributors.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held in person on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
December 17, 2024 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
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.