Council Meeting - May 05, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency convened at 5:32 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: Yorba Canyon, LLC v. City of Yorba Linda
Case Number: 30-2025-01497724-CU-WM-CXC, Superior Court, County of Orange
C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) (1 case)
Name of Case: North County Chabad Center dba Chabad Beth Meir Hacohen v. City of Yorba Linda Case Number: 30-2026-01560044-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 5:33 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 6:32 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 4845 Casa Loma Avenue, Yorba Linda.
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
OCFA Cadet Post 2
INVOCATION
Dr. Ahmed Soboh, Islamic Center of Yorba Linda
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Todd Litfin said there was no reportable action.
INTRODUCTIONS & PRESENTATIONS
RECOGNITION OF TEACHER'S APPRECIATION WEEK
Mayor Carlos Rodriguez invited Rebecca Bonet and Jenner Rasic to the podium, Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District Teachers of the Year, science teacher at Valencia High School and fourth grade teacher at Golden Elementary School, respectively, and proclaimed the week of May 4 - 8, 2026, as Teacher's Appreciation Week. The Mayor read the proclamation recognizing the history and significance of Teacher Appreciation Week and acknowledged the contributions of educators to the community and the success of local youth.
Ms. Bonet and Ms. Rasic accepted the proclamation, and thanked Council for their support.
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION
Mayor Rodriguez stated that Emma and Rose Melin were unable to attend the meeting and shared remarks regarding Food Allergy Awareness Month. He recognized the advocacy efforts of 11-year-old Emma, known as “Allergic Emma,” who raises awareness and support for children and families living with severe food allergies. The Mayor shared his family’s personal experiences navigating his son’s allergies, and highlighted Emma’s experience, community outreach efforts, and the upcoming 5th Annual Allergic Emma’s Food Allergy Awareness Event scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Yorba Linda Community Center.
RECOGNITION OF SAMUELI HOLOCAUST ART & WRITING CONTEST FINALISTS/WINNERS Mayor Rodriguez recognized Jackelyn Voegtly, Kate Yamasaki, and Journey Diaz, student finalists from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District who participated in the 27th Annual Sala and Aron Samueli Holocaust Art & Writing Contest hosted by Chapman University.
Ms. Yamasaki shared remarks regarding the program and their experience participating in the contest. The Mayor commended the students for honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust through their creative and meaningful work and presented certificates of recognition on behalf of the City Council, as well as certificates from Congresswoman Young Kim, Senators Steven Choi and Kelly Seyarto, Assemblyman Phillip Chen, and Supervisor Don Wagner.
RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTER DAY
Mayor Rodriguez recognized International Firefighters’ Day and invited Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Mike Morganstern and the crew from Engine 10 to the lectern. The Mayor read the proclamation honoring firefighters for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the community.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Rodriguez proclaimed May 4, 2026, as International Firefighters’ Day in the City of Yorba Linda and encouraged residents to show appreciation for firefighters and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Division Chief Morganstern provided brief remarks, and introduced firefighter Josiah Davis, of Engine 10, who was nominated Firefighter of the Year, among 1,200 firefighters throughout Orange County. Chief Morganstern and thanked Council for their support.
DROWNING PREVENTION AWARENESS PROCLAMATION
Mayor Rodriguez introduced the Drowning Prevention Awareness Proclamation recognizing the importance of water safety and drowning prevention education. He read the proclamation highlighting statistics associated with drowning incidents and promoting the “Always Watch the Water” and “Never Swim Alone” 2026 safety campaigns.
On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Rodriguez proclaimed the City’s participation in the drowning prevention campaigns from May through August 2026 and encouraged residents, schools, businesses, and community organizations to promote water safety awareness and prevention strategies. Chief Morganstern spoke about the water safety campaigns and thanked Council for the proclamation.
RECOGNITION OF LOBSTERFEST
Mayor Rodriguez invited Yorba Linda Sunrise Rotary Club President Anthony Johnson to the lectern and presented him and his Rotary colleagues with a proclamation recognizing the contributions of Lobsterfest and the Rotary Club to the community. He said Lobsterfest is the Rotary Club’s primary annual fundraiser supporting numerous charitable and community programs throughout Yorba Linda.
Mr. Johnson provided remarks regarding the event and the Rotary Club’s ongoing community service efforts. The City Council presented the proclamation, and a brief promotional video highlighting Lobsterfest was shown.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NO. 9 WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME BUT PRESENTED IN ITS RESPECTIVE PLACE ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENTS – ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR OR ITEMS NOT ON THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA Diane Kanne, resident, expressed concerns regarding Ordinance No. 2025-1114 related to e-bikes and their use on sidewalks and horse trails, citing safety risks to pedestrians and young riders, as well as recent incidents. She also commented on Consent Calendar Item No. 5 regarding the declaration of surplus land, stating that if the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum seeks acquisition of the property, it should be purchased rather than transferred at no cost.
Richard de Bruijn, resident, also expressed concerns regarding e-bikes and riders speeding throughout the community. He cautioned that Orange County prosecutors have begun holding parents accountable for the actions of underage riders, particularly in incidents involving serious injuries or loss of life.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council responded to the surplus land concerns expressed by Ms. Kanne during Public Comments. Council and staff discussed the property’s value and clarified that the action before the Council is a procedural requirement under the Surplus Land Act and represents only the initial step in the process, not the sale of the property. City Attorney Litfin stated that, should the Council ultimately decide to sell or transfer the property to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, the terms and value of any transaction would be determined by the Council. He further noted that transferring the property could result in an estimated annual maintenance savings to the City of approximately $7,000.
Moved by
Campbell
Seconded by
Lim
Approve the Consent Calendar.
AYES (4)
Rodriguez, Campbell, Singh, and Lim
ABSENT (1)
Huang
CARRIED (4 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 – MAY 5, 2026
1. AP Check Register 5-5-26 - CC-FIN-26-016.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - AP Check Register 5-5-26.pdf
Receive and file the accounts payable check register and wire transfer report dated May 5, 2026, in the amount of $2,101,948.78.
3. APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 21, 2026 CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE YORBA LINDA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING
1. Post-Meeting Minutes - CC_Apr21_2026 - English.pdf
Approve the minutes of the April 21, 2026 City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency joint meeting.
4. TREASURER’S REPORT – JANUARY 2026
1. Treasurers Report Jan 2026 - CC-FIN-26-015.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Treasurers Report Jan 2026.pdf
1.) Receive and file the attached monthly Treasurer’s Report; and 2.) Delegate investment responsibility to the City’s Finance Director / City Treasurer for one year.
5. APPROVE A RESOLUTION DECLARING PROPERTY ALONG EL CAJON TRAIL SURPLUS
1. Res No. 2026-5981 Surplus Land Process El Cajon Trail Parcel - CC-PW-26-021.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - SLA Project Vicinity Map.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Res No. 2026-5981 Surplus City Property El Cajon Trail .pdf
4. Attachment 3 - SLA El Cajon Trail Plat Legal Description.pdf Approve Resolution No. 2026-5981 declaring a portion of City-owned property along El Cajon Trail, near 18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard (APN: 334-403-27) surplus land.
6. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE STORM DRAIN REPAIR AGREEMENT WITH J&E CONSTRUCTION
1. JE Amendment Lemon Dr and Imperial Hwy Storm Drain Repair - CC-PW-26-019.pdf
2. Attachment 1 – Amendment No. 1 – JE Construction Corp.pdf
1.)
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with J&E Construction Corporation in the amount of $177,251 and a contingency of $26,587; and 2.) Appropriate $75,146 from the Special Reserve Fund.
7. LEASE AGREEMENT FOR POSTAGE METER
1. City Hall Postage Meter Machine Lease Agreement - CC-FIN-26-013.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Quadient Lease Proposal.pdf
Approve a five-year lease for a postage meter with Quadient Leasing USA, Inc.
8. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND AGENCY REPORTS
1. Council Committee and Agency Reports - CC-ADM-26-017.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Reports from CC Organizations.pdf
Receive and file this report.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT/MAYOR’S REPORT/MATTERS PRESENTED BY COUNCILMEMBERS/OTHER AGENCY REPORTS WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME BUT PRESENTED IN ITS RESPECTIVE PLACE ON THE AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARING
9. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING TO TABULATE PROPOSITION 218 BALLOTS FOR LOCAL LANDSCAPING ZONE L-1A AND, IF NO MAJORITY PROTEST EXISTS, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-5980 CONFIRMING FY 2026-27 DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENTS
1. LMAD Public Hearing to Tabulate Prop 218 Ballots - CC-PW-26-022.pdf
2. Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2026-5980.pdf
3. Attachment 2 - Engineer Report for L-1A.pdf
a. Open Public Hearing - Mayor Rodriguez opened the public hearing. b. Staff Report
Public Works Director/City Engineer Jamie Lai provided a PowerPoint presentation overviewing the item, including diagrams of the Local Landscape Zones and the Zone L-1A timeline. Director Lai stated that Zone L-1A was identified as an at-risk for deficit zone on June 3, 2025, and noted that community meetings with property owners were subsequently held. She reported that the petition threshold was met on March 9, 2026, with 631 verified signatures, after which the City Council initiated the Proposition 218 process on March 17, 2026, and ballots were mailed on March 20, 2026.
Director Lai reviewed the differences between fully funded maintenance and the impacts of an unsuccessful petition or majority protest, including the potential vacation of easements and the return of maintenance responsibilities to affected property owners. She also stated for the record that staff received two written objections from the Castillo family and Peter Meng. c. Take Testimony -
Pam, resident, expressed concerns regarding the presentation, stating that staff should be more careful in their representations and should not influence residents on how to vote. She also stated her belief that the City did not follow the applicable Government Codes. d. Close Public Hearing - Mayor Rodriguez closed the public hearing.
A conversation ensued among Council regarding the Zone and Prop 218 process.
Mayor Rodriguez directed staff to begin opening of the ballots at 7:05 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall.
RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTER DAY AND DROWNING PREVENTION AWARENESS PROCLAMATION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME BUT PRESENTED IN ITS RESPECTIVE PLACE ON THE AGENDA e. Make Determination
Following the opening of the ballots, Director Lai presented the initial tabulation results with weighted dollar values as follows:
Yes Votes: $239,431.44
No Votes: $226,817.50
Director Lai stated that the results indicated passage of the ballot measure and recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2026-5980, confirming the assessment diagram and FY 2026–27 assessments and approving the proposed assessment level.
Subsequent to the close of the meeting, a ballot recount was conducted, which updated the weighted dollar values as follows:
Yes Votes: $239,518.16
No Votes: $226,817.50
Moved by
Campbell
Seconded by
Singh
1.) Conduct the Public Hearing and consider all objections and protests; and 2.) Provide the City Manager with the authority to direct staff to tabulate the Proposition 218 ballots for Local Landscaping Zone L-1A; After tabulation is complete: 3A.)
If a Majority Protest exists, direct staff to implement cost-saving measures; or 3B.) If a Majority Protest does not exist, adopt Resolution No. 2026-5980 confirming the diagram and assessments for FY 2026-27 for Local Landscaping Zone L-1A and approve the levy of the assessments.
AYES (4)
Rodriguez, Campbell, Singh, and Lim
ABSENT (1)
Huang
CARRIED (4 to 0)
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT/MAYOR’S REPORT/MATTERS PRESENTED BY COUNCILMEMBERS/ OTHER AGENCY REPORTS City Manager Peter Grant provided remarks regarding the public tours of the Yorba Linda California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating that the open houses had operated smoothly and commending the church for its organization, traffic management, and communication with neighboring businesses. He also thanked the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority for their assistance.
Councilwoman Janice Lim reported on recent community events, including Yorba Days, Lot318 in Placentia, and the Littlest Angel Guild “Pursenally Yours” fundraiser benefiting Rady Children’s Health/CHOC Foundation, which raised $160,000 this year. She also commented on the Yorba Linda California Temple open house, the recent Coffee with a Cop event, and announced upcoming community events, including the Ready Your Ride free e-bike training, and Lobsterfest, both on May 16, 2026, and the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25, 2026, at Veterans Park.
Councilwoman Tara Campbell thanked volunteers, City staff, and public safety personnel for their efforts supporting Love Yorba Linda and noted the event’s positive impact on the community.
Councilman Shivinder Singh addressed concerns regarding e-bikes raised during Public Comments. Captain Wigginton provided an update regarding enforcement efforts related to e-bike safety and illegal e-bike usage, as well as the City’s partnership with law enforcement to offer the Ready Your Ride e-bike safety training program for youth and parents from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at City Hall on May 16th. Councilman Singh also commented on his participation in the Yorba Linda California Temple open house, Love Yorba Linda, and Yorba Days events.
Mayor Rodriguez thanked the volunteers, City staff, and community partners who participated in Love Yorba Linda and shared remarks regarding his involvement in several recent community events, including Yorba Days and the Yorba Linda Police Services e-bike safety pop-up held during Little League games at Veterans Park. He also thanked the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum and Chief Operating Officer Joe Lopez for hosting the Civics Bee, noting how inspiring it was to see students demonstrate their knowledge of history and present their projects, which he said gave him encouragement for the future of the country. Mayor Rodriguez further announced that the City had submitted a letter to the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District reaffirming the City’s commitment to partner with the District and Yorba Linda Police Services to launch a new alcohol awareness and safety program at Yorba Linda High School for the 2026–27 academic year, aimed at providing students with mentorship and education to support responsible, life-affirming decisions. Mayor Rodriguez invited residents to the Ready Your Ride E-bike Training on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Yorba Linda City Hall for a hands-on e-bike safety training. He said riders will learn laws, safe riding practices, and rider expectations from OCSD deputies, then test their skills on guided obstacle courses. Parents can also visit the Parent Corner for safety resources and enforcement information and said registration is required at yorbalindaca.gov/RideReady. Mayor Rodriguez also invited the community to celebrate Star Wars Day at the Public Library on Saturday, May 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for themed crafts, interactive games, and photo opportunities with your favorite characters.
RECESS
Mayor Rodriguez called a recess at 8:01 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:17 p.m., and returned to the Public Hearing item for the ballot tabulation results.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rodriguez adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled City Council/Successor Agency to the Yorba Linda Redevelopment Agency joint meeting on May 19, 2026.