Council Meeting - February 03, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency convened at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4845 Casa Loma Avenue.
ROLL CALL
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE YORBA LINDA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION, SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) (1 Case)
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) (1 case)
Name of Case: Steven Hickerson v. City of Yorba Linda
Case Number: 30-2024-01372071-CU-PO-NJC, Superior Court, County of Orange
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) (1 case)
Name of Case: Yorba Canyon, LLC v. City of Yorba Linda
Case Number: 30-2025-01497724-CU-WM-CXC, Superior Court, County of Orange
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
None.
CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened into Closed Session at 5:31 p.m.
RECESS
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency, Yorba Linda Housing Authority and Yorba Linda Municipal Financing Authority reconvened at 6:36 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4845 Casa Loma Avenue, Yorba Linda.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Brett Barbre, Yorba Linda Water District Director
INVOCATION
Marcia Brown, City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Todd Litfin said there was no reportable action on the items discussed in Closed Session.
INTRODUCTIONS & PRESENTATIONS
RECOGNITION OF REACH FLL ROBOTICS STATE FINALISTS TEAMS Mayor Carlos Rodriguez recognized two REACH Foundation FIRST LEGO League teams, Kraemer Middle School’s Control+Alt+Elite and Travis Ranch’s F.I.R.E. S.H.A.R.K.S., for their outstanding achievements. Control+Alt+Elite earned the Champions Award, the highest honor in FIRST LEGO League, securing an invitation to compete at the World Championships in Houston, Texas, alongside top FLL, FTC, and FRC teams from 66 countries. The F.I.R.E. S.H.A.R.K.S. received the Core Values Award, the program’s highest recognition for teamwork and inclusion, placed fifth overall, and qualified for the World Invitational in Ontario, Canada.
Both teams also received certificates of recognition from the offices of Congresswoman Young Kim, Senators Steven Choi and Kelly Seyarto, Assemblyman Phillip Chen, and Supervisor Don Wagner.
INTRODUCTION OF FALCK AMBULANCE
Mayor Rodriguez invited Vishal Raj, Falck's Managing Director for Orange County, to the lectern to speak about the City's new ambulance services. He said Falck began to serve the City of Yorba Linda on September 1st of 2025, and spoke of their service areas and operations.
Mayor Rodriguez announced that the City earlier held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for new improvements at Bryant Ranch Park, which is now open to the public. Originally constructed in 2006, the park has completed Phase Two of its development, featuring a new basketball court with pickleball overlays, energy-efficient LED lighting, and shade structures over existing picnic tables. He thanked Assemblyman Phillip Chen’s office for securing a $700,000 state grant in October 2022 that made the improvements possible.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR OR ITEMS NOT ON THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA Chiarina Hammell, resident, reported that community mailboxes were broken into earlier in the morning and that the incident was reported to Yorba Linda Police Services. She expressed concerns regarding mail theft, and she thanked Council and staff for contacting her, following her concerns over a landscape issue.
David Ramocinski, resident, spoke on Item No. 6 and raised concerns regarding the project’s cost. He noted that the agenda did not include photos or design details and stated there had been no community input. He questioned whether funding would come from the LMAD zone and requested that Council continue the item to allow for public input.
Pam, resident, reiterated her concerns on Landscape Maintenance Assessment District L1-B and emphasized the need for a revote. She questioned the City's involvement in Yorba Linda Water District rates.
Linda Cone, resident, responded to Councilwoman Janice Lim's response to her Public Comments made at the December 2, 2025 meeting.
Dee Dee Friedrich, Orange County Animal Rescue Team (OCART), spoke about large animal rescue efforts, announced OCART’s first certification training for prospective members, and encouraged anyone interested to contact her for additional information.
Resident, commented on the cost associated with Consent Calendar Item No. 6, stating it prompted him to review the City Manager’s salary. He noted the current City Manager’s compensation exceeds that of the previous City Manager and urged greater fiscal responsibility.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilwoman Tara Campbell requested that Consent Calendar Item No. 6 be continued to the next Council meeting, and made a motion to approve the remaining Consent Calendar items. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Peggy Huang.
City Manager Peter Grant responded to comments made by Ms. Friedrich, stating that the City is coordinating with the County on a Memorandum of Understanding and will bring the item before Council once the County process is complete. With respect to the comments from Pam, City Manager Grant stated that staff has dedicated significant time meeting with her and reviewing Public Records Act requests. He noted that, despite these efforts, staff and the resident have been unable to reach agreement, though the City believes the facts are clear. He explained that LMAD assessments are a resident-driven process and referenced a close election in the affected zone in prior years. City Manager Grant affirmed that all LMAD assessments citywide are valid and that staff remains committed to ensuring assessment funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Regarding water rates, City Attorney Litfin stated that the City has no authority over Yorba Linda Water District rates. Mayor Rodriguez reiterated this point, clarifying that the City has no involvement.
Moved by
Campbell
Seconded by
Huang
Approve the Consent Calendar, excluding Item No. 6, which will be continued to the next Council meeting.
AYES (5)
Rodriguez, Campbell, Huang, Singh, and Lim
CARRIED (5 to 0)
1. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS ON THE AGENDA Waive reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda and declare that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
2. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECK REGISTER – FEBRUARY 3, 2026
1. AP Check Register 2-3-26 - CC-FIN-26-004.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - AP Check Register 2-3-26.pdf
Receive and file the accounts payable check register and wire transfer report dated February 3, 2026, in the amount of $5,176,508.68.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 20, 2026 CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE YORBA LINDA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CC_Jan20_2026 - English.pdf
Approve the minutes of the January 20, 2026 City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency joint meeting.
4. APPROVE AN ENCROACHMENT AGREEMENT AT 6252 ACACIA HILL DRIVE
1. Encroachment onto City Property - 6252 Acacia Hill Dr - CC-PW-26-004.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Encroachment Agreement 6252 Acacia Hill Dr.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - E-5 Encroachment Policy.pdf
Approve the Encroachment Agreement at 6252 Acacia Hill Drive for access to a portion of City-owned property.
5. APPROVE A MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL UPGRADE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT FOR 18293 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY
1. Main St SCE Electrical Upgrade Reimbursement - CC-ADM-26-004.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Reimbursement Agreement.pdf
1.) Approve a reimbursement agreement for a $20,000 loan to the owners of 18293 Imperial Highway to fund electrical transformer upgrades; and 2.) Appropriate $20,000 to the General Fund Economic Development program to fund the reimbursement agreement.
6. APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH BRAVO SIGN & DESIGN, INC. FOR THE HIDDEN HILLS MONUMENT RESTORATION
1. Bravo Sign Contract Hidden Hills Monument Restoration - CC-PW-26-003.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - BravoSign and Design Service Agreement.pdf Approve an Agreement with Bravo Sign & Design, Inc. for the Hidden Hills Monument Restoration Project for $159,000 with a $23,850 contingency.
7. APPROVE A DEMOLITION PERMIT FOR 4831 COLLINS LANE
1. Demolition Permit for 4831 Collins Lane - CC-CD-26-001.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Demolition Permit Request Letter.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Demolition Site Plan.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Asbestos Survey Report.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - Parcel Photo.pdf
6. Attachment 5 - Front Elevation Photo.pdf
Approve a demolition permit for 4831 Collins Lane.
8. REPORTS OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTIONS FROM THEIR LAST MEETING
1. Planning Comm. Recap 1-28-26.pdf
Receive and file this report.
9. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND AGENCY REPORTS
1. Council Committee and Agency Reports - CC-ADM-26-005.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Reports from CC Organizations.pdf
Receive and file this report.
PUBLIC HEARING
10. UPHOLD PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 19389 – CITY VENTURES
1. Appeal of TTM 19389 - CITY VENTURES - CC-CD-26-002.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Plans 1-29-26.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Vicinity Map.pdf
4. Attachment 3 - Applicant Narrative.pdf
5. Attachment 4 - Community Meeting Response.pdf
6. Attachment 5 - Traffic Impact Analysis.pdf
7. Attachment 6 - TIA Appendices.pdf
8. Attachment 7 - Parking Compliance Memo.pdf
9. Attachment 8 - Updated Parking Demand Analysis Memo.pdf
10. Attachment 9 - LOS Memo.pdf
11. Attachment 10 - Environmental Analysis.pdf
12. Attachment 11 - Geotechnical Report.pdf
13. Attachment 12 - Phase I Report.pdf
14. Attachment 13 - Phase II Report.pdf
15. Attachment 14 - Prelim Hydrology Report.pdf
16. Attachment 15 - Prelim WQMP.pdf
17. Attachment 16 - GHG Report.pdf
18. Attachment 17 - Bio Assessment.pdf
19. Attachment 18 - Noise and Vibration Analysis.pdf
20. Attachment 19 - Tentative TM 19389 Appeal Resolution 2026-5970.pdf
21. Attachment 20 - Conditions for DR 2025-02.pdf
22. Attachment 21 - CUP 2025-10 Resolution.pdf
23. Attachment 22 - Joint Traffic and Planning Comm. Staff Report 11-12-25.pdf
24. Attachment 23 - Public Correspondence Planning Comm. Meetings.pdf
25. Attachment 24 - Joint Traffic and PC Minutes 11-12-25.pdf
26. Attachment 25 - Supplemental Traffic Analysis 12-2-25.pdf
27. Attachment 26 - Continuation Memo for Planning Comm. 12-10-25.pdf
28. Attachment 27 - Planning Comm. Mtg Minutes 12-10-25.pdf
29. Attachment 28 - Tentative TM 19389 Appeal Application 12-18-25.pdf
30. Attachment 29 - State Density Bonus Law.pdf
31. Attachment 30 - Housing Accountability Act.pdf
a. Open Public Hearing - Mayor Rodriguez opened the public hearing. b. Staff Report -
City Attorney Litfin affirmed that although Mayor Rodriguez works for the Building Industry Association (BIA), that does not constitute a conflict of interest under California law and can fully participate in the item.
Community Development Director Nate Farnsworth presented a PowerPoint highlighting the proposed project consisting of 62 townhomes on a 2.65-acre lot. He noted that Yorba Linda voters approved rezoning the property for 20 units per acre (53 units in total) through Measure JJ in the November 2024 General Election. State Density Bonus law, however, permits the applicant to exceed the City’s zoning limits and requires the City to waive various development standards. He discussed the Housing Accountability Act and Density Bonus Law, noting that the Housing Accountability Act limits review of a development to five hearings, and that denial or density reduction would likely be challenged. He summarized project revisions, Measure JJ density provisions, and concluded with staff’s recommendation. c. Take Testimony
1.) Applicant -
Alex Rounaghi, Senior Development Manager for City Ventures, LLC, presented a PowerPoint which included project background, timeline, and responses to Commission concerns, with emphasis on traffic, circulation, safety, fire access, landscaping, and privacy. He stated the project includes 138 parking spaces - exceeding State Density Bonus requirements, Institute for Traffic Engineers (ITE) demand, and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) rates, and that garages must be used for on-site parking.
2.)
Appellant
-
Mr. Gary Devian, appellant, raised safety and parking concerns, stating that the project conflicts with the intent of Measure JJ, which passed with over 90% voter approval. Matthew Vader also spoke on behalf of the appellant, expressing concerns regarding CEQA adequacy, inconsistencies in studies, noise, and the site’s high fire hazard designation.
3.) Public Comment -
Mayor Rodriguez opened public comment, limiting speakers to three minutes.
The following residents expressed concerns with the project, including parking, traffic, antisemitism, safety and CEQA: Dennis Van Vliet, Margaret Thurston, Nancy Pfeifer, Lee Burrows, Jeff Goodman, Rabbi David Eliezrie, Naomi Blesofsky, Maverick Marquez, Jim Kurkhill, John DeLap, Brian & Cindy Scharr, David Ramocinski, and Ben Wishart.
Elizabeth Hansburg, People for Housing, expressed support for the project.
Recess
Mayor Rodriguez called a recess at 9:27 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:40 p.m.
Mayor Rodriguez continued public comment, and the following residents also expressed concerns: Jim Hillquist, Dee Dee Friedrich, Grace Stutz, Matt Starkey, Bonnie Kent, Sookhee Cha, Celeste & Jeffrey Stallings, Phil Bracey, Margie Young, Sam Scaffide, and Pam.
4.) Rebuttal by Applicant, If Required -
Mr. Rounaghi, responded to public testimony, stating that the project does not include balconies nor windows overlooking the temple. Konnie Dobreva, EPD consultant, addressed the scope and level of the project analysis. d. Close Public Hearing - Mayor Rodriguez closed the public hearing. e. Make Determination -
A lengthy conversation ensued among Council and staff regarding the State's authority versus the City's local control, Measures Z and JJ, the noise and traffic analyses, parking and safety concerns, and bond amount. Meghan Macias, consultant with EPD, clarified with respect to the traffic study, and said the study assumed traffic would travel east to Palm Avenue and make a U-turn.
Council discussed continuing the item and provided direction to the applicant, including: meeting with the appellant and Chabad to address their concerns, exploring additional safety measures and design considerations that are feasible, increasing or establishing a cap on the bond, adding landscaping for privacy, and conducting an additional traffic study. Chris Burt, Cox, Castle, & Nicholson spoke about the traffic analysis and trip assumptions made during peak hours and impacts on local streets. Stressing the difficulty in analyzing the potential impact of a small number of trips and what the safety impact would be with a minute number, he said increasing the bond could mitigate potential future impacts. The applicant indicated they could address Council's requests by the next meeting.
Councilwoman Huang
motioned
to continue the item to the next meeting so that the applicant can work on their direction. Councilman Singh expressed allowing for more time so that the residents and applicant have more time to review and prepare. Councilman Singh motioned
to continue the item to the March 3rd Council meeting. Councilwoman Campbell seconded
his motion.
Moved by
Singh
Seconded by
Campbell
To continue the item to the March 3, 2026 Council meeting with Council's direction to the applicant.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 12:33 a.m. to the next regularly scheduled City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency joint meeting on February 17, 2026.