ACTION MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF VILLA PARK, CALIFORNIA
May 19, 2026
Regular Meeting
GENERAL SESSION
6:30 p.m. - City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL - Mayor Wu called the General Session to order at 6:30 p.m.
COUNCILMEMBERS
PRESENT: Miles, Jones, McBride, Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton, and Mayor Wu ABSENT: None
*Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton participated remotely.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG - The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Miles.
PRESENTATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL MEETING REPORTS • 2026 Firework Stand Application Lottery
City Manager Steve Franks provided brief comment on the Firework Stand Application Lottery process. Captain Timmins randomly selected through a lottery process the Villa Park High School Marching Spartans.
• Orange County Sheriff's Department
Captain Timmins provided the monthly law enforcement report. He reported that they hosted a prescription drug take-back day at Villa Park City Hall, which resulted in six boxes of returned prescription drugs.
• I Orange County Fire Authority
Battalion Chief Moon provided the monthly summary of fire activity. He announced that the month's safety message was drowning prevention and water safety. He provided tips to prevent drowning.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Wu opened public comments. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Wu closed the public comments.
May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a brief staff report.
Mayor Wu opened the public hearing. There being no speakers, the public hearing was closed.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember McBride, 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
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
2. Variance No. 2026-02 - Request for a New Detached 209 Square Foot (11 Feet Wide and 19 Feet Long) Carport Set Back 1 Foot 6 Inches from the East (Side) Property Line Located at 18482 Serrano Avenue.
Assistant Planner Kaden Likins presented a staff report on Variance No. 2026-02 located at 18482 Serrano Avenue. He noted that the City received one letter in support of the proposal. He continued to report that the staff recommended denying Variance No. 2026-
02. Councilmember McBride inquired about the reasons for the code and setback of 10ft. City Manager Steve Franks responded that the code was set by a prior council, so it would be difficult to answer the reasoning behind the predated ordinance. Councilmember McBride responded that he believed the code usually addresses safety concerns, but he did not see any safety concerns for the project and property. Discussion ensued regarding the reasons for setbacks between staff and council.
Councilmember Jones read the section of the report that stated: "the subject property does not possess exceptional and extraordinary circumstances that do not apply generally to other properties within the immediate area and that strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the regulation would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of every other property in the same zone." She expressed that she believed this deprives the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other properties because a section is now unusable due to the neighbor's tree. She asked if the City considered environmental considerations when making its determination that it deprives May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
the applicant of enjoyment. Planner Likins responded that for general planning practices, he has never used landscaping characteristics as an unusual circumstance and that the tree did not create an unusual circumstance.
Mayor Wu opened the public hearing.
Applicant Michael Henderson provided public comment. He discussed the reason behind the carport was to make the parking area safe due to a neighbor's tree dropping pinecones.
Applicant Judy Henderson provided public comment. She said that the best solution for the best parking situation was to build the carport.
Seeing no further speakers, Mayor Wu closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Miles expressed that she believed the variance should not be denied because the residents are trying to build a protective structure that benefits elderly adults.
Councilmember Miles expressed support for approving the variance.
Mayor Wu expressed concern because his understanding of a variance was that the property needed to be very unique, and his concern is that they are asking for zero setback. He inquired of the staff what the difference in setback was between a patio and a carport. Assistant Planner Likins responded that there was no difference.
Councilmember Jones expressed that the danger posed by the neighbor's tree was a unique experience. Councilmember Miles expressed that the goal was to prevent future financial loss. Assistant Planner Likins shared that self-imposed physical characteristics, like the landscaping, are not typical, unique characteristics used in findings for variances in planning practice.
A motion was made by Councilmember McBride, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-3641, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Villa Park approving Variance No. 2026-3671, and finding the item Categorically Exempt, pursuant to Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Class 3, from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, McBride, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Frackelton and Wu
Motion Passed.
L
Variance No. 2026-03 to Request Approval to Exceed the Maximum Allowable Height of Six (6) Feet Within the Required Rear Yard Setback Area for a New May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
75-Foot Long, 2-Foot Tall Composite Fence Addition for a Total of 8 Feet Tall Along a Portion of the West and South (Rear) Property Line Immediately Adjacent to Center Drive and Santiago Boulevard Located at 10182 Squires Circle.
City Manager Steve Franks reported that due to Councilmember Miles living within 1,000 square feet of the property, she cannot vote on the item. Councilmember Miles recused herself from the meeting. Assistant Planner Likins presented a staff report on Variance No. 2026-03 located at 10182 Squires Circle. He noted that the City received three letters of support for the variance.
Mayor Wu opened the public hearing.
Chad Zimmerman provided public comment in favor of the variance.
Risa Scott, the applicant, asked if they had any questions for her but had no further comments.
Seeing no further speakers, Mayor Wu closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Frackelton thanked the staff for their work and expressed support.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember McBride, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-3642, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Villa Park approving Variance No. 2026-03, and finding the item Categorically Exempt, pursuant to Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Class 3, from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Frackelton, McBride, Wu and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Miles
Variance No. 2026-04 Request to Reduce the Minimum Required Accessory Building Side Yard Setback Requirement of Ten (10) Feet to Five (5) Feet Along the West (Side) Property Line and the Front Yard Setback Requirement for Thirty (30) Feet to Thirteen (13) Feet Eight (8) Inches Along the South (Front) Property Line for a New 352 Square Foot (16 Feet by 22 Feet) Detached Patio Cover at 9761 Daron Drive.
Assistant Planner Likins presented a staff report on Variance No. 2026-04 located at 9761 Daron Drive. He noted that the City received no letters of support or opposition.
May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Miles asked if the pool on the property was there prior. Assistant Planner Likins confirmed that the pool was there prior.
Mayor Wu opened the public hearing. Seeing no speakers, Mayor Wu closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Jones and Miles expressed favor for the variance due to it being a textbook variant situation. Councilmember Miles also shared that the neighbor personally expressed support for the variance.
A motion was made by Councilmember Miles, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-3643, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Villa Park approving Variance No. 2026-04, and finding the item Categorically Exempt, pursuant to Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, Class 3, from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS # 5-6)
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember Miles, to approve the Consent Calendar (Items Nos. 5-6) and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu, and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
5. April's Cash and Investment Transparency.
The City Council received and filed this report.
Conflict of Interest Code.
The City Council the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-3644 amending the City of Villa Park's Conflict of Interest Code, including an amended Appendix of Designated Positions and Appendix of Disclosure Categories.
May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
NEW BUSINESS
Cerro Villa Optima 3, LL Encroachment Agreement Approval at 19224 Valley Drive.
Staff pulled Item Number 7 from the agenda.
VCA Staffing Services Contract First Amendment.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a brief staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. Mayor Wu opened public comments. Seeing no speakers, public comment was closed.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton, seconded by Councilmember Jones, to authorize Mayor to sign the First Amendment to the building staffing services with VCA Code Group and was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
Plan Check Services Renewals FY 2026-27.
City Manager Steve Franks presented a brief staff report on the item as detailed in the public agenda report. Mayor Wu opened public comments. Seeing no speakers, public comment was closed. Councilmember Miles inquired if the item was budgeted. City Manager Steve Franks confirmed it was incorporated into the budget.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones, seconded by Councilmember McBride, to authorize Mayor to sign Contract Services Agreement for Plan Checking Services with AYES: Miles, Frackelton, McBride, Wu and Jones
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
CITY MANAGER REPORT
10. Information from City Manager and/or City Staff.
City Manager Steve Franks reported that they were working on finalizing the budget document based on the recent public workshop and that the goal was to adopt the new budget June 23rd. He also reported that the City met with Southern California Edison on
MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBER MATTERS
11. Individual Councilmember Information Items.
• Councilmember meeting attendance reports:
• Law Enforcement Advisory
• Councilmember Jones reported that there was no meeting held. • Villa Park Community Services Foundation
• Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton reported that he looked forward to hearing about the 5K and thanked Eric Handorf for his outstanding job on the event. He reported that Boy Scout Troop 850, the Rotary Club, and Foundation members did a great job putting the patriotic bunting throughout the City.
• Orange Unified Schools District City Schools Committee • Councilmember Jones reported that there was no meeting held. • Bridges at Kraemer Place Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported that the point-in-time count report has been released. She shared that in 2026, homelessness declined in Orange County. However, it remains higher than the 2022 numbers in certain categories.
• Orange County Fire Authority
Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton reported that they met on May 12'h. He shared that the primary Engine 23 is going to be upgraded potentially in August. . He also shared that the back up emergency
communication center proposal at Fire Station 23 may no longer be possible or feasible because the communication tower's line of site does not work.
Orange County Library Advisory Board
• Councilmember Jones reported that there was no meeting held. • Friends of the Library
• Councilmember McBride reported the City should be having their permanent librarian named soon.
• Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Councilmember McBride reported that the budget and finance committee met and that they are starting the phase of the building May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
update. He also shared that Villa Park had one service request for mosquitoes and 15 pools inspected.
Orange County Older Adults Advisory Committee
• Councilmember Miles reported that they met on May 8th. She reported that the Orange County master plan for aging team presented its second quarterly progress update since the plan launched on August 26, 2025. She shared that the update showed and ince e contain he die and at me round,
security and enhanced care coordination initiatives are making progress by developing a countywide housing resource inventory.
Additionally, they are hoping to have a presentation by a cyber security officer to present on online safety.
• Orange County Sanitation District
• Mayor Wu reported that the construction on Taft is still in progress and making its way towards Sacramento Street.
Councilmember Miles met with Southern California Edison on May 18th, who provided a briefing. She discussed the lack of communication and information on the PSPS in the past. She attended the 5K and shared that it was a successful event with 450 runners.
She thanked all the volunteers who helped with the event. She attended the May 4th budget meeting and thanked staff for their preparation. She announced she would be attending the Serrano Water District public hearing for the water rates. She congratulated all the Villa Park graduates and wished them success.
Councilmember McBride attended the 5K and reported that it was a great event. He thanked all those at the Community Service Foundation who helped with the 5K. He attended the Southern California Association of Governments at their regional conference at the beginning of May and shared that he was able to network with the chairman of the community economic and human development committee. He also met with Southern California Edison for a briefing on the PSPS. He also attended the Serrano Water District rate review study meeting. He shared that the Rotary Youth and Vocational Committee met at his house on May 12th and shared that he would provide details on where young adults can attend this program to foster their career and educational goals.
Councilmember Jones attended the May 4th budget meeting. She also met with Southern California Edison for a briefing on the PSPS. She reported that they are preparing better for events going forward by line hardening, undergrounding plans, and better communication. She shared that they did caution that their 2026 updates mean that communities may still experience PSPS events due to the different guidelines. She encouraged residents to be prepared for these events and to contact Southern California Edison, which can sign them up for their medical baseline program to ensure they receive a generator when the power goes out. Mayor Jones attended the Serrano Water District rate study session and the Villa Park 5K. She thanked Eric Handorf and Michelle May 19, 2026 Villa Park City Council Meeting Minutes
Gonzalez for all their work on the event. She attended an authentic Taiwanese dinner at Mayor Wu's house, who had the Economic Cultural Office of Los Angeles in attendance.
She shared she was part of the citywide bunting deployments and thanked Boy Scout troop 850, Eric Handorf, and Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton for putting up bunting throughout the City. She thanked the Villa Park Women's League for their patriotic paintings on the fire hydrants. She also shared that all the miniature flags are up around the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Frackelton attended the virtual meeting of the ACCOC on wildland fire prevention on April 30th, and the Southern California Edison briefing. He attended the budget workshop on May 4th. He had the opportunity to represent Mayor Wu when second graders from Villa Park Elementary second graders visited City Hall. He attended the Serrano Water District rate study on May 14th. He thanked Chris Jones for editing a video by all former Villa Park Councilmembers reading the declaration of independence for the 250th celebration.
Mayor Wu attended the OCTA Mayor's open forum on April 29th and advocated for funding for more senior rides. He also attended the OUSD Special Olympics, the CSC meeting on May 14th, and was voted to be a delegate on the older adults advisory committee. Mayor Wu also ran the 5k and enjoyed the event. He also attended the Southern California Edison briefing. He announced that on June 2nd, he invited graduating seniors to the council chamber to celebrate their accomplishments. He also shared that they are collecting items for the Villa Park Time Capsule.
The council closed the meeting with a video of former councilmembers reading the Declaration of Independence.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m. to the next regular Council meeting to be held in person on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.
ordan Wu, Mayor
City of Villa Park
ATTEST:
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.