ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
March 25, 2025
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Jones called the General Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones.
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tem Wu.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • Presentation - Distinguished Citizen
Mayor Jones recognized Ken and Donna Barasch for their achievements, philanthropy, and contributions to the community. The City Council presented Mr. and Mrs. Barasch with a certificate of recognition. Al Tello, a representative from Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner's Office, presented a certificate of recognition to Mr. and Mrs. Barasch. • Recognition - City Staff Member
Mayor Jones recognized Assistant Planner Justin Urbanski for all his hard work in the City of Villa Park and congratulated him on his new position with the City of Manhattan Beach. The City Council presented Mr. Urbanski with a certificate of recognition. • Presentation - California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals Sherry Daley Vice President of Government Affairs for the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals introduced the organization to the City Council and provided a presentation on new legislation.
Councilmember Miles asked if the term resident facility accounted for facilities with six beds or less or if it only referred to those facilities overseen by the State. Ms. Daley responded that there were two different types of facilities. She explained that six beds apply to a clinical type of licensed facility and that a recovery residence had no six and under rule but followed regular building codes. Ms. Daley confirmed they work with certified homes and homes not licensed by the state.
March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember McBride inquired what the NARR certification means. Ms. Daley responded that different standards had to be complied with. • Orange County Sheriff's Department
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Captain Miguel Sotelo provided the monthly law enforcement report.
Captain Sotelo introduced Crime Analysis Unit Research Analyst Sarah Shirvany who provided a report on new technology in the department.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Battalion Chief Mark Backoff provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He reported that the OCFA had an open house and a record attendance of 8,000 people. He shared the department had Celebration of Life for a fallen firefighter. He announced the month's safety reminder was the importance of cooking safety.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Jones opened public comments. The following individual spoke.
Alex Tran, Student Board Representative of Villa Park High School, reported on recent Villa Park High School events including the French Wedding and the third annual Villa Park High School Library Author Festival. He congratulated the school's National Merit Scholarship finalist. Additionally, he promoted the Villa Park High School's pancake breakfast.
Mayor Jones 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 Jones opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton, 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 and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
Consideration of the Addition of Section 5-7 to the Villa Park Municipal Code Pertaining to Operation of Bicycles and E-Bicycles - 2nd Reading.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a staff report. He noted that no public input had been received since the February 25, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
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, to introduce Ordinance No. 2025-633 for the second reading and approve Ordinance No.2025-633 and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
3. Tentative Parcel Map No (TPM) 2024-127 - Location: 19401 Mesa Drive - A Request to subdivide a single parcel of land that is 94,225 square feet (2.163 acres) into three (3) parcels of land (Parcel 1: 20,000 square feet (0.459 acres), Parcel 2: 20,857 square feet (0.479 acres), Parcel 3: 40,928 square feet (.939 acres), and to construct a new 12,440 square foot (0.286 acres) private cul-de-sac street, for the purpose of constructing a future single-family dwelling unit on each parcel.
Councilmember McBride recused himself.
Assistant Planner Justin Urbanski presented a staff report on Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 2024-127 located at 19401 Mesa Drive. City Manager Steve Franks noted there was a current structure on the property that was red-tagged with fencing put up around it due to expressed safety concerns.
Councilmember Miles inquired why the Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) number was the same as the property's previous TPM number despite being a new TPM. Mr. Urbanski responded that it was a different TPM and that it was normal for the TPM to have the same number.
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Councilmember Miles asked if the property area that was 26 ft. across and now 13.04 ft. and 13 ft. was considered a panhandle or easement. Mr. Urbanski responded that it was not a panhandle or easement but part of the property's unusual shape.
Councilmember Miles expressed concern for the existing easement due to water lines on that part of the property. She expressed that she wanted staff to confirm it was not an easement because it could affect the buildable site area. Mr. Urbanski stated that utilities could be run through that area. He also explained that because the area did not classify as a flag lot or panhandle lot, the planning department would not be able to reduce that area from the lot coverage in floor area ratio for future development. A discussion ensued between Councilmember Miles and Mr. Urbanski about the property being an easement and deduction of lot coverage.
Councilmember Frackelton asked if the council could place conditions on the property that involved limiting the number of future lot splits and prepaying for road widening or road improvement due to potentially causing wear and tear. City Attorney Todd Litfin responded that if there were specific health and safety findings that could be made in which this property division causes an increase in the need for traffic improvements then it could be done. However, findings need to be made that specify the project caused the wear and tear. He continued stating staff did not make those findings and that it was not anticipated that the road would be impacted. He further stated that as part of the construction, the City could require bonds for any public infrastructure and if damage was caused, the company could be notified that they caused damage.
Councilmember Frackelton asked if perimeter properties would be impacted by drainage. City Engineer Mahrooz Ilkhanipour confirmed there would be no worse impact and that there would be improvement.
Councilmember Frackelton inquired if the council could condition the number of ADUs and Junior ADUS on the property. City Attorney Todd Litfin informed the council that this is not a possibility due to conflict with state law.
Mayor Jones asked for confirmation that the runoff from drainage would be decreased by 62% on Estate Drive. City Engineer Mahrooz Ilkhanipour confirmed that the applicant had submitted the hydrology calculations and based on the latest design part of the lot is going towards the back rather than the southwest reducing drainage by 62% on Estate Drive.
Councilmember Miles noted that two letters were received mentioning there was supposed to be a Subdivision Committee. She asked if that applied to the City.
City Attorney Todd Litfin responded that a subdivision committee can apply to ministerial things under the Map Act if you need a certificate of compliance however it did not apply to parcel maps or tentative maps.
Councilmember Miles expressed that there were several properties on Estate Drive concerned about the water issue. She also noted there was a drain on the edge of lot March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
three of the property that goes under the property into Seven Estates. She expressed concerns about the drain being there illegally. She inquired if there was an alternate mitigation plan that could mitigate water going across the backyard area of five, seven, and nine and perhaps direct the water through the Mesa area. She expressed concern over the term prescriptive easement used in the staff report.
City Attorney Todd Litfin noted that the law allowed for the water to flow from the top of the mountain to the bottom and that he referred to it as a prescriptive easement as a legal term.
Councilmember Miles inquired if the City was setting itself up for legal issues later on if someone had documentation that there was an illegal drain. City Attorney Todd Litfin commented that it had been in place for so long that it passed any statute of limitations.
However, he did not have historical knowledge of the placement of the drain.
Mayor Jones noted that the drainage would be better with the development than without the development.
City Engineer Mahrooz Ilkhanipour confirmed drainage would be better and that historically the water has been draining that way. She stated that if they claim it has been placed illegally, it had to be mitigated, and the water had to be drained. She expressed it could not be drained into the street and that there would be complications.
Discussion ensued between Councilmember Miles and City Engineer Mahrooz Ilkhanipour regarding concerns about the drain.
Mayor Jones opened the public hearing and public comments. The following individuals spoke.
Public Speakers
The following residents commented in opposition of the item.
Katherine Bergh, an Estates Drive resident, commented in opposition.
Jay Kollar, resident, shared concerns but was not opposed to development.
Former Councilmember Vince Rossini commented in opposition.
Joanna Gilchrist, a Mesa Drive resident, commented in opposition.
Larry Hack, a Mesa Drive resident, commented in opposition.
Applicant Tri Doan commented and described the proposed project.
Councilmember Miles inquired how the new proposed lot split was different than the previous proposed lot split in January. Applicant Tri Doan explained that it now has March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
three lots with three single-family homes. Councilmember Miles expressed she did not believe the proposed lot split was much different. She asked why the lot was not spit into thirds. Applicant Tri Doan stated they chose the proposed lot split for profit reasons.
Councilmember Miles pointed out that the letter to the residents stated the property would only have three homes. She asked the applicant to promise the larger third lot would not be split. City Attorney Todd Litfin stated the applicant could state whatever, but it could not be made into a condition. The applicant Tri Doan commented that he would develop the property, but could not state what the potential buyer would do in the future. Councilmember Miles expressed concern over the third lot split being larger and potentially being split into two. She expressed this was not following the general land use plan.
Mayor Jones closed the public hearing.
Discussion ensued amongst the council about the project. Councilmember Frackelton expressed favor of the project and that staff would do its due diligence and work with the applicant. Mayor Pro Tem Wu expressed favor of the project. He reported on past projects on properties done in the City as an example. Councilmember Miles shared concerns and asked that staff be meticulous when determining the building site area.
Mayor Pro Tem Wu asked what the City's minimum square footage for an E4 lot. Mr.
Urbanski responded that the minimum is 20,000 ft. Mayor Pro Tem Wu expressed that he believed the project was in the code. Councilmember Miles stated she was referencing section 23-6.1 building site requirements. Discussion continued about the building site size and easement. Mayor Jones expressed favor for the project and that the project would be taking the water flow off Estates Drive. She expressed that in January when she voted no, it was due to the concerns over the Density Bonus Agreement and the disconnect between the municipal code and the general plan.
Mayor Jones noted that 17 letters were received in support, 3 in opposition, and 1 general comment.
Councilmember Miles expressed why she voted yes on previous projects.
Mayor Jones inquired if the fees would need to be discussed.
City Manager Steve Franks stated the fees would be up to the council's discretion.
Discussion ensued about waiving the fees.
Councilmember Frackelton recommended voting on the fees separately from the approval of the TPM
Mayor Pro Tem Wu stated he motioned with the staff's recommendation excluding the fees.
March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton to approve TPM No. 2024-127, subject to the conditions of approval contained in Resolution No. 2025-3618, Exhibit "A," and finds the tentative parcel map Categorically Exempt in accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15332, Class 15, Minor Land Divisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Frackelton, Wu, and Jones
NOES: Miles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: McBride
Motion Passed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton to require that the applicant only pay the noticing fee of $478, waiving $3,500 in fees.
AYES: Frackelton, Wu, and Jones
NOES: Miles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: McBride
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 4-8)
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded Councilmember Miles, to approve the Consent Calendar (Items Nos. 4-8 except for 5 this item was pulled by Mayor Jones) and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
4. February's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed this report.
6. 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report.
The City Council received and filed the GP APR.
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7. 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
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The City Council received and filed the APR for calendar year 2025 and authorized City staff to submit the APR to HCD, and OPR.
8. USA 250th Celebration in Villa Park.
The City Council approved the proposed agreement with USA250-OC for the use of the logo and authorized the City Manager to sign on behalf of the City.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT (ITEM # 5)
5. Request approval of City Council Minutes of February 25, 2025.
City Manager Steve Franks provided information on the item. He noted there were several grammatical errors to be corrected. Mayor Jones stated there was a material change to the minutes regarding Agenda Item No. 12. City Manager Steve Franks noted that on Agenda Item No. 12 pg. 7 of 13 the language should state "DG Repair along Valley Drive between the driveway at 18920 Valley Drive and Loma Street, not Hazel." A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton to approve the amended City Council Minutes of February 25, 2025 and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NEW BUSINESS
Additional Investment Option and Investment Policy Update.
City Manager Steve Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He highlighted that the City of Villa Park had $1.9 million with the county in the voluntary investment pool. Since the voluntary investment pool termination, the City has received its $1.9 million along with the final interest allocation of $18,000.
Finance Director Lee Siow provided information on the item. She detailed information on the alternative investment option, the California Asset Management Program. She advised updating the City's investment policy as the new change would require the policy to be revised. City Manager Steve Franks commented that the County Treasurer wanted to relay information to the council regarding her concerns about pool participants not being included in the conversation.
Councilmember Miles inquired if money could be moved in and out without penalty.
Finance Director Lee Siow confirmed there would be no penalty. City Manager Steve March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Franks also informed the Council that numerous cities were participants in the investment pool.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton to approve the updated City's Statement of Investment Policy, and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
10. Amendment to Sagecrest Planning & Environmental Planning Services Contract.
City Manager Steve Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He emphasized the need to have a City Planner on staff at City hall and detailed the changes to the amended contract to meet the City's current needs.
Councilmember Frackelton asked if the City could terminate the contract if it became ineffective. City Manager Steve Franks ensured the council that the contract could be terminated at any time and was not a concern. Councilmember McBride commented in favor of the item. Councilmember Miles expressed concern over the planning staff having fewer available hours to the public. City Manager Steve Franks expressed that the City was still focusing on planning staff as they are busier than building and permit staff and that the City would consider the input from the contractors to determine if the new process was too siow.
Mayor Jones asked if any public comments were received. City Manager Steve Franks responded that no public comment was received.
A motion was made by Councilmember Frackelton, seconded by Councilmember Miles, and was approved by the following roll call vote to:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract amendment with Sagecrest Planning + Environmental, with the same terms, conditions, and scope of work as the current agreement except for the following:
a. The addition of two additional hours/week of a Planning Manager billed at $120/hour; and
b. The addition of 18 hours/week of a Planning Assistant billed at $90/hour.
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
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NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
11. Parking Modifications on Nichols Avenue for School Bus Loading Zone.
City Manager Steve Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report.
Councilmember McBride inquired if the red curb was only during school hours. City Manager Steve Franks confirmed the red curb only applied during school hours.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Wu, seconded by Councilmember McBride to adopt Resolution No. 2025-3621 to modify the parking conditions on Nichols Avenue to provide a permanent bus loading zone and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
12. Approval of Support Positions for Legislative Proposals Addressing Alcohol & Drug Recovery/Treatment Facilities.
City Manager Steve Franks provided a staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. He expressed the importance of going on record and supporting the legislation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Frackelton, and was approved by the following roll call vote to:
Approve:
1. The draft letter of support for SB35 to be sent to members of the State Legislature.
2. A support position from the City to be communicated at the appropriate time to the State Legislature on the following proposed legislative items:
a. AB2 - Alcohol and Drug Treatment Facilities: Local Regulation b. AB423 - Alcohol and Drug Recovery or Treatment Facilities: Discharge and Continuing Care Planning
c. AB424 - Alcohol and Other Drug Programs: Complaints
d. AB425 - Certification of Alcohol and Other Drug Programs e. AB448 - Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program: Requirements March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
f. AB492 - Alcohol and Drug Programs: Licensing
g. SB329 - Alcohol and Drug Recovery or Treatment Facilities:
Investigations
CITY MANAGER REPORT
13. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Steve Franks reminded council and the public that April 71 at 5:00 would be the first budget hearing.
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
14. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• No meeting held.
• Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Councilmember Frackelton stated they were being very active in setting the dates for concert in the park which is tentatively August 30th. Additionally, they are working on scholarships that were funded by Bob Hunter and Dennis Kuli's estate. He also noted that a mailer went out to encourage membership along with signs posted around the City.
• Orange Unified Schools District City Schools Committee • No meeting held.
• Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
• No meeting held
• Orange County Fire Authority
• Councilmember Frackelton reported that they met on February 27th and that he attended orientation on March 10th. He stated that he was placed on the operations committee. He reported that there was a lot of information concerning the memorandums of
understanding for the unions, and he could be reached for questions. He shared the passing of former Firefighter and Councilmember Bob Bell on March 12th.
• Orange County Library Advisory Board
• No meeting held.
• Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
• Councilmember Miles met with the budget and finance committee, and the general committee met on March 20th. She informed the council that the education campaign starts on Sunday, April 13th, and ends August 31st. She reported the status of the SIT Program.
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She shared that the program is in its third year and is showing Orange County Older Adults Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported that there was an upcoming general meeting on Friday, March 28th, and that there was an executive meeting two weeks prior where they received the needs
assessment survey results. She shared that the results found that the top aging concerns were Alzheimer's disease, dementia, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and stroke, and emotional well- being. She shared her efforts on the executive committee to bring ounty partners together to address the aging population concern Orange County Sanitation Distri
• Mayor Pro Tem Wu reported that the district was still in the process of orientation. He shared they have started doing the strategic planning process and that the district would be reaching out to councilmember for tours of the facility. Additionally, they have been offering the Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy. He also shared the status of the Taft Sewer Improvement Project.
Councilmember Frackelton attended OCSD Captain Patella's retirement on March 4th.
He also attended the investment advisory committee meeting.
Councilmember McBride attended the Orange County Sanitation District Meeting and their Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy. He also attended OCSD Captain Patella's retirement on March 4th. He will also be attending the OC Transportation Authority meeting on Wednesday, March 26th. He also attended OCFA's open house.
Mayor Pro Tem Wu attended OCSD Captain Patella's retirement on March 4th. He also attended the Southern California Edison Town Hall. Additionally, he attended OCFA's open house. He announced that Villa Park High School will be having its Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 12th.
Councilmember Miles attended various town halls. She attended eight different zooms including the Sober Living Home and Residential Treatment Facility, the Cal Optima Health Webinar, and the Southern California Edison Town Hall. Additionally, she visited Sacramento and met with the Chair of the California Air Resources Board and discussed concerns regarding PSPS and the single-motor and stationary motor generators community members are using. She shared new regulations that would be taking place in the future. Additionally, she spoke at the Standing Source Committee. Councilmember Miles met with Jackie Tompkins, Program Director for the master plan on aging, and met Ana Acton, Assistant Deputy Director for the California Department of Aging, and discussed concerns.
Mayor Jones was the Principal for the day at Cerro Villa Middle School. She attended OCSD Captain Patella's retirement on March 4th. She moderated the Southern California March 25, 2025 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Edison Town Hall that took place on March 13th and announced that it was available to watch online. She also attended the OCFA open house. She announced there would be a Flag Etiquette Presentation led by Villa Park residents and Boy Scout Troop 850 on April 16th at City Hall at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held in person on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in memory of former Mayor and Councilmember Bob Bell.
City of Villa Park
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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