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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-2025 Council MinutesAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON AUGUST 26, 2025 MINUTES City of Orange Orange City Council August 12, 2025 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953(b), Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated in this meeting via teleconference from Out N About Treehouses, The Lodge, 300 Page Creek Road, Cave Junction OR 97523. A copy of the agenda was posted at this location. 5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Slater called Closed Session to order at 5:00 p.m. 1.1 ROLL CALL Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Absent: None Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS None 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:01 p.m. with all Members present to discuss the following: a. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)1 Title: City Attorney b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 City Negotiators: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager; Tom Kisela, Interim City Manager; Monica Espinoza, Human Resources Employee Organizations: Orange Management Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 47 (Maintenance and Crafts and Water Division), and Top Management Page 1 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9. (One potential case) RECESS TO REGULAR MEETING: At 6:02 p.m., the City Council recessed from Closed Session to a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber. The Council reconvened in Closed Session at 10:10 p.m. with all Members present. Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference. 4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT None 5. ADJOURNMENT Closed Session was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. 6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION 1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. 1.1 INVOCATION Given by Rev. Father Neil Edlin from St. Mary Magdalene Church. 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Dan Slater. 1.3 ROLL CALL Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Absent: None Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference. 1.4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Council presented Interim City Manager Tom Kisela with a City street sign and thanked him for his three years of service as City Manager. 1.5 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS Interim City Attorney Winthers reported that Council will reconvene in Closed Session after the Regular Session. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Speakers: Greg Arrowsmith spoke about the impacts of bankruptcy on a city. Cynthia Gonzalez spoke about recent federal immigration raids. Page 2 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 Reggie Mundekis described reimagined grocery stores and markets in other communities and looks forward to those types of stores coming to Orange. Miguel Telles expressed concerns with increased traffic and safety on Meats and Santiago. Heather Flessing expressed concerns with increased traffic and safety on Meats and Santiago. Alice Lee spoke about recent federal immigration raids by masked agents. Doug Hamilton spoke about the blighted condition of the Village at Orange. Craig Attanasio spoke about recent federal immigration raids by masked agents. Written Public Comment Janice Brownfield submitted an email encouraging the City to generate income from solar energy initiatives and power purchase agreements. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and are enacted by one motion approving the recommended action listed on the Agenda. Any member of the City Council, staff, or the public may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion or separate action. Unless otherwise specified in the request to remove an item from the Consent Calendar, all items removed shall be considered immediately following action on the remaining items on the Consent Calendar. 3.1. Waive reading in full of all ordinances on the Agenda. ACTION: Approved. 3.2. Confirmation of accounts payable warrant registers dated July 15, 17, 24, 29, and 31, 2025 and payroll check warrants date July 3 and 18, 2025. ACTION: Ratified the accompanying registers. 3.3. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange City Council Special Meeting held on July 19, 2025; and Regular Meeting held on July 22, 2025. ACTION: Approved minutes as presented. 3.4. Agreement with Siemens Industry, Inc., as a single source vendor, for video surveillance cameras, hardware, and licensing for the new Police Department Property storage facility. ACTION: Approved the agreement with Siemens Industry, Inc. in the amount of 46,458 for a video surveillance system; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.5. Agreement with The Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation to produce the annual Orange May Parade. ACTION: Approved the agreement with The Orange Chamber of Commerce Foundation to produce the annual Orange May Parade; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. Page 3of11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 3.6. Agreement with Robertson Industries, Inc. for maintenance and repair of rubberized play surface material for tot lots in five City parks. Item 3.6 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration by Councilmember Gutierrez. Staff answered Council's questions about using alternative funds to cover the cost of this agreement. ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez, seconded by Mayor pro tern Bilodeau, to approve the agreement with Robertson Industries, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $56,522.40 for maintenance and repair of rubberized play surface material to maintain safe fall zones in five City park tot lots; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None 3.7. Agreement with CentralSquare Technologies, LLC for maintenance of the Police Department's Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System. ACTION: Approved the agreement with CentralSquare Technologies, LLC in the amount of $56,332.37 for maintenance of the Police Department's computer aided dispatch and records management system; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.8. First Amendment to Attorney Services Agreement with Bordin Semmer, LLP to provide legal services relating to litigation defense in the matter of Brandon Jacob Hull v. City of Orange, et al. ACTION: Approved a First Amendment to Attorney Services Agreement with Bordin Semmer, LLP in the amount of $30,000; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.9. Cooperative agreement with the City of Santa Ana for the Main Street Slurry Seal and Resurfacing Project. ACTION: Approved the cooperative agreement with the City of Santa Ana in the amount of $104,670, representing the City of Orange's share of the estimated construction costs plus a 15% contingency, for the Main Street Slurry Seal and Resurfacing Project; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.10. Award of Sourcewell Contract to Horizons Construction Company International, Inc. for improvements at Main, Taft, and El Modena Library branches; and finding of California Environmental Quality Act exemption. ACTION: 1) Approved the contract with Horizons Construction Company International, Inc. in the amount of $707,433 and a 10% contingency of $70,744, for a total not to exceed $778,177 for construction and facility improvements at the Main, Taft, and El Modena Library branches; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. Page 4 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 2) Found that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities). 3) Authorized the appropriation of $489,884.27 from the Developer Impact Fees - Library Fund (580) unreserved fund balance to: 580-2101-84101-262113-20 92,581.84 580-2101-84101-262108-20 168,274.42 580-2101-84101-262107-20 229,028.01 4)Authorized the following budget transfer in the Capital Projects Fund (500): From: 500-2101-84101-252107-20- Main Library Facility Improvements $24,213.55 To: 500-2101-84101-252109-20- HVAC Replacement- Library 24,213.55 5)Authorized the following budget transfer in the General Fund (100): From: 100-2101-53101-252103-20-PatronDonations 7,500 To: 100-2101-53101-252107-20- Main Library Facility Improvements $7,500 3.11. Award of Contract to Tess Electric Inc. for electrical on-call services. ACTION: Approved the contract with Tess Electric Inc. in the amount of $210,000 for electrical on-call services; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.12. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Community Development Block Grant Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Pixley Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project; Bid No. 24-25.14(SP-4293). ACTION: 1) Accepted the Community Development Block Grant Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Pixley Street Neighborhood Street Rehabilitation Project as complete. 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.13. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Annual Sewer Line Replacement / Maintenance Fiscal Year 2024-2025; Bid No. 24-25.04 (S-252). ACTION: 1) Accepted the Annual Sewer Line Replacement / Maintenance Fiscal Year 2024-2025 project as complete. 2) Authorized City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.14. Annual review and approval of the Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-26. ACTION: Adopted the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City of Orange Investment Policy. 3.15. Side Letter Agreement between the City of Orange and the Orange City Firefighters, Inc. Local 2384 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO. Resolution No. 11627. ACTION: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 11627. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange establishing a side letter agreement between the City of Orange and the Orange City Firefighters, Inc. Local 2384 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO, effective July 1, 2020, through and including June 30, 2026. 2) Authorized staff to implement terms and incorporate the Side Letter Agreement into a future Memorandum of Understanding. Page 5 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 3.16. Adoption of Financial Management Policies. Resolution No. 11628. ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 11628. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange approving and adopting Financial Management Policies. 3.17. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Orange and the Orange Municipal Employees' Association. Resolution No. 11629. ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 11629. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange rescinding Resolution No. 11511 and approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Orange and the Orange Municipal Employees' Association, concerning wages, hours, and other conditions of employment effective July 1, 2025, through and including June 30, 2026. Approval of the Consent Calendar Item 3.6 was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard separately. All other items were approved as recommended. A motion was made by Councilmember Tavoularis, seconded by Mayor pro tern Bilodeau, to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None END OF CONSENT CALENDAR 4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR SLATER 4.1. Discussion on how best to implement Grant Thornton recommendations Council discussed several ideas surrounding the report presented by Grant Thornton including forming a liaison committee to work with Chapman University, holding an economic development study session, compiling a list of vacant properties, and addressing rezoning issues. Council would like to give the new City Manager time to assess the City's current status before proceeding. Public Speaker: Reggie Mundekis supports implementing Grant Thornton recommendations to avoid bankruptcy. 4.2. Discussion on revising the Design Review Committee ordinance Mayor Slater discussed the need to revise the Design Review Committee (DRC) ordinance to make the City more business-friendly. A preservation ordinance that would include a Heritage Commission is forthcoming; however, in the meantime, the Mayor is proposing revisions to the current ordinance that would reduce the scope of the Design Review Committee. Page 6 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 Staff indicated they could make revisions to the current ordinance that would allow for administrative design review of all new developments, signs, and demolition except for properties located in a historic district, properties on the City's historic inventory, and properties that are over 50 years old that staff determines to be historic. Once approved by the Planning Commission, the proposed ordinance will be presented to Council. Public Speakers: Maryanne Skorpanich, Orange Legacy Alliance (OLA), remarked on the group's progress in crafting a Historic and Cultural Resource Preservation Ordinance. Robert Boice, Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) spoke in support of a preservation ordinance and encouraged the City to become a Certified Local Government. Adrienne Gladson stated current DRC members should be asked to provide input. A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to direct staff to draft a moratorium ordinance that removes non-historic and non-contributing structures from Design Review Committee's purview. In addition, the draft ordinance should be provided to OLA and OTPA for review. A substitute motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to direct staff to draft a new ordinance as outlined by Community Development staff revising the scope of the Design Review Committee. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: Barrios, and Gutierrez Absent: None 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS 5.1. Highlight Local Business (Gutierrez) Councilmember Gutierrez highlighted the following local business: Fratellino's Italian Kitchen. 5.2. Other Councilmember Reports Councilmember Tavoularis requested a Proclamation for Polly's Pies recognizing the Banberry Pie as the official pie of Orange. The Banberry Ple was created in 1975 at the Orange Polly's Pies location. Councilmember Dumitru requested staff to work with OCTA to look at the correlation between transit hubs and homelessness. Councilmember Barrios reported she was invited by Supervisor Sarmiente to attend the OC Board of Supervisors meeting honoring Chicano Heritage Month. She also reported that Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua is encouraging city leaders to sign a joint commitment to protect communities from unlawful federal immigration enforcement. Page 7 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 6. AB 1234 REPORTS None 7. REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Appointment to the Orange Public Library Board of Trustees. A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to confirm Mayor Slater's recommendation to appoint Sharon Zimmerman to the Orange Public Library Board of Trustees for a three-year term ending on June 30, 2028. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER None RECESS: The City Council recessed at 8:09 p.m. and reconvened at 8:24 p.m. with all Members present. Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 9.1. Amended and Restated Agreement with Orange International Street Fair, Inc. to produce both Treats in the Streets and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Councilmember Barrios recused herself from Item 9.1 due to a potential conflict with her spouse sitting on the OISF Board; she also serves as the co-captain for the Treats in the Streets event. She left the dais at 8:24 p.m. Sr. Assistant to the City Manager Jack Morgan provided the staff report. Public Speakers: Adam Feliz, OISF Board president, answered Council's questions about event logistics and fundraising efforts. James Kushon spoke in support of the Tree Lighting Ceremony program remaining under the control of Master Chorale. During discussion, Council discussed the term of the agreement, including an OISF point of contact for Old Towne businesses to call in case of any issues, OISF and Master Chorale maintaining the traditional portions of the event, vendor sales ending at 5 p.m., and a debrief with OISF after the events. A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Mayor Slater, to approve the amended and restated agreement with Orange International Street Fair, Inc. to produce the annual Treats in the Streets event and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for a two-year term and additional items as discussed; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. Page 8 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 Mayor Slater requested to amend the motion to allow the sale of alcohol at the discretion of OISF with restrictions. Councilmember Dumitru agreed. An amended motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Mayor Slater, to: 1) approve the amended and restated agreement with Orange International Street Fair, Inc. (OISF) to produce the annual Treats in the Streets event and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with the following added conditions: agreement is for a two-year term, OISF will include a point of contact for Old Towne businesses to call in case of any issues, OISF and Master Chorale maintain the traditional portions of the event, vendor sales end at 5 p.m., conduct a debrief with OISF, and, at the discretion of OISF, allow the sale of alcohol; and 2) authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None Recuse: Barrios Councilmember Barrios returned to the dais at 8:49 p.m. 9.2. Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Orange and the Mabury Ranch Homeowner's Association for tree maintenance. (Continued from May 13, 2025) Entered into the record: Most recent version of the agreement between the City of Orange and the Mabury Ranch Homeowner's Association for tree maintenance. An older version of the agreement was inadvertently included with the initial release of the agenda packet. Public Speaker: Nathan Swanek spoke in support of approval. Written Public Comments The following submitted eComments in opposition: Adrienne Gladson and Leslie Manderscheid. Tinnelly Law Group, attorney for Mabury Ranch HOA, submitted a letter in support of approval. During deliberation, Council discussed liability and the cost of removing and maintaining existing trees. A motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with Mabury Ranch Homeowner's Association for tree maintenance at an initial cost of $99,000, and an ongoing tree maintenance cost of$5,000 annually. The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Barrios, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Gutierrez, and Tavoularis Absent: None Page 9 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 9.3. Establishment of Permit Parking Area "AC" to be comprised of both sides of E. Via Lardo Avenue from S. Hewes Street to easterly terminus. Resolution No. 11626. Councilmember Gutierrez recused herself from Item 9.3 due to a potential conflict with nearby property and left the dais at 9:09 p.m. Public Speaker: Velinda Lynem spoke in support. Council discussed impacts to surrounding neighborhoods. A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember Tavoularis, to adopt Resolution 11626 approving permit parking on Via Lardo Avenue. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange adopting a revised master resolution of designated permit parking areas and established permit parking opportunity areas within the City of Orange. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None Recuse: Gutierrez Councilmember Gutierrez returned to the dais at 9:14 p.m. Mayor pro tern Bilodeau left the dais at 9:14 p.m. and returned at 9:18 p.m. 9.4. Presentation of Orange Yards vision for development in the West Katella gateway area. Economic Development Manager Aaron Schulze and Diego Velasco, City Thinkers, provided the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation and answered Council's questions regarding the project name, icon, and zoning. Public Speakers: Cindy Wimbish spoke in support of the vision and concept. Brandy Romero spoke in support of the concept; however, disliked the name "Orange Yards." With Council concurrence, staff was directed to evaluate an enterprise zone near the Taft corridor. Written Public Comments OC for People-Oriented Places submitted a letter urging the City to prioritize multimodal improvements to the area. Matt Parlow, Chapman University President-Elect, submitted an eComment in support. The presentation was received and filed. Page 10 of 11 Orange City Council Minutes August 12,2025 9.5. Investment Portfolio Update for April, May, and June of 2025. City Treasurer Smith provided the staff report and updated Council on fixed rate annuities. Currently, the State does not allow this type of investment. He informed Council he is drafting a bill to allow cities to invest in fixed rate annuities. Written Public Comment Jordan Prell, Investment Advisory Committee Member, submitted an eComment informing Council the Investment Advisory Committee reviewed the reports at their July 23, 2025, Regular meeting. The Investment Portfolio report was received and filed. Council recessed at 10:05 p.m. and reconvened in Closed Session at 10:10 p.m. with all Members present. Council reconvened in Open Session at 10:30 p.m. with nothing to report. 10. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, with Closed Session beginning at 5:00 p.m., if necessary. PAMELA COLEMAN DANIEL R. SLATER CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 11 of 11