HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-28-2025 Council MinutesAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 12, 2025
MINUTES
City of Orange
Orange City Council
October 28, 2025
The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, October 28, 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 the Business Center, Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at
Champion Circle, 3300 Championship Pkwy, Fort Worth TX 76177. 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. Councilmember
Gutierrez joined Closed Session at 5:07 p.m.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Public Speaker:
In regards to Item 3a, Adrienne Gladson spoke about the importance of retaining
employees.
Councilmember Gyllenhammer confirmed there was no one present to speak at his
location.
3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:06 p.m. with all Members present,
except Councilmember Gutierrez who joined Closed Session at 5:07 p.m., to discuss
the following:
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Orange City Council Minutes October 28,2025
a.CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Negotiators: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager; Cody Kleen, Assistant Human
Resources Director
Employee Organizations: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local
47 (Maintenance and Crafts and Water Division)and Top Management
b.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2)
One potential case)
In addition to the Closed Session item titles, City Attorney Adourian made the following
announcement: The City Council will meet in Closed Session to discuss potential
litigation against the City as set forth in correspondence dated October 22, 2025, from
Carstens, Black & Minteer, LLP, on behalf of their clients, regarding the proposed
amendments to the City's Design Review Ordinance. A copy of the October 22, 2025,
correspondence is available for inspection at the Office of the City Clerk located at 300
E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866.
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
None
5. ADJOURNMENT
Closed Session was adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION
Given by Reverend Dr. Robb Ring from Immanuel Lutheran Church of Orange.
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Ana Gutierrez.
1.3 ROLL CALL
Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and SlaterI/Absent: None
Councilmember Gyllenhammer participated via teleconference.
1.4 PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial Adjournment in honor of John Thomas Moore.
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1.5 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Councilmember Gyllenhammer confirmed there was no one present to speak at his
location.
Public Speakers:
Greg Arrowsmith spoke about items missing from an American Legion Museum
display.
Laurie Cesena spoke about an alleged illegal structure in her neighborhood.
Cynthia Gonzalez spoke about ongoing federal immigration raids.
Mary Oberschlake spoke in opposition of the Resolution adopted by Council at the
October 14 meeting opposing Proposition 50.
Mel Vernon spoke about protecting democracy and a recent protest in Yorba Park.
Michael Ristig urged the Council to follow the example of neighboring cities taking
action to provide assistance to immigrants.
Adrienne Gladson spoke about the ongoing efforts of the community group United
Neighborhoods of Orange.
Written Public Comments
Janice Brownfield submitted an email recognizing John Thomas Moore's contribution to
protecting the City's natural spaces and the importance of implementing a Citywide
Active Transportation Plan.
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. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange City Council Regular Meeting held on
October 14, 2025.
ACTION: Approved minutes as presented.
3.3. Agreement with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. for transportation planning
services to develop a Citywide Active Transportation Plan.
A speaker card was submitted for Item 3.3; therefore, the item was removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
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Public Speaker:
Jake Corner spoke in support.
Staff confirmed the project would be funded through grants and Transportation System
Improvement Project (TSIP)funds.
ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by
Councilmember Gutierrez, to approve the agreement with Mark Thomas and
Company, Inc. in the total amount of $384,781 representing the cost of transportation
planning services of $349,781, plus a $35,000 contingency; and authorize the Mayor
and the 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
3.4. Agreement with the State of California, Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control for the Alcoholic Beverage Control/Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program
from October 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Resolution No. 11641.
ACTION: 1) Approved the agreement with the State of California, Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control in the amount of $30,000 for the Alcoholic Beverage
Control/Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program; and authorized the City Manager to
execute on behalf of the City.
2) Adopted Resolution No. 11641. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Orange accepting funds in the amount of $30,000 from the State of California,
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the ABC-OTS Grant Program, and
authorizing the City Manager to execute all grant documents on behalf of the City.
3) Accepted into the City's General Fund (100) revenue budget $30,000 in grant funds
from the State of California, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to:
100-4133-43299-264001 State-Other
4) Authorized the appropriation of$30,000 into the following expenditure accounts:
100-4133-51003-264001 Overtime - Safety 29,000
100-4133-57101-264001 Training/Conference/Meeting $ 1,000
3.5. Appropriation of $41,702 in designated grant funding received from California
Library Literacy Services.
ACTION: 1) Accepted into the City's General Fund (100) revenue budget $41,702 in
grant funds from California Library Literacy Services to:
100-2001-48101-262101-48 California Literacy Grant FY26
2)Authorized the appropriation of$41,702 to General Fund (100) as follows:
100-2101-53101-262101-20 Materials and Supplies 15,918
100-2101-59998-262101-10 Part-time Miscellaneous Salaries $25,784
Approval of the Consent Calendar
Item 3.3 was removed from the Consent Calendar and heard separately. All other
items were approved as recommended.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez, seconded by Councilmember
Barrios, 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 CALENDAR
4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR SLATER
Mayor Slater announced there are currently vacancies on the CDBG Program
Committee and the Investment Advisory Committee. Applications are available on the
City's website.
5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS
5.1. Highlight Local Business (Gutierrez)
Councilmember Gutierrez highlighted the following local business: Loaded Cafe and
My Panecito.
5.2. Additions/Reforms to OMC Chapter 2.10 (Campaign Reform) to increase
transparency and accountability to the public (Dumitru)
Councilmember Dumitru requested to work with the City Attorney's Office to revise
contribution limits and transfers in the Campaign Reform Ordinance. Following a brief
discussion, Council concurred and established a subcommittee consisting of
Councilmembers Dumitru and Barrios to work with the City Attorney's Office on the
proposed revisions.
5.3. Historic Preservation Ordinance (Barrios & Gutierrez)
Councilmembers Barrios and Gutierrez requested that a Historic Preservation
Ordinance be added to a future agenda, expressing concern that proceeding with the
revised DRC Ordinance on the current agenda could delay or prevent consideration of
the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Public Speakers:
Reggie Mundekis spoke in opposition.
The following spoke in support of Council considering a Historic Preservation
Ordinance: Patti Ricci, Diana Zdenck, Susanna Branch, Sue Vaurs, Maryanne
Skorpanich, and Kathleen Voss.
Written Public Comments
The following submitted eComments in support of Council considering a Historic
Preservation Ordinance: Tony Trabucco, Adrienne Gladson, Ron Brown, Leslie
Manderscheid, Jeff Frankel, Vickie Laughlin, Jeannette McClain, Ashley Brodkin, and
Bruce Finn.
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During discussion staff noted the intent to agendize an agreement with a consultant to
develop a Historic Preservation Ordinance specific to the City of Orange. Council
asserted support for a Historic Preservation ordinance and directed staff to return with
a proposed agreement for consideration.
6. AB 1234 REPORTS
None
7. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER
None
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1. Public Hearing to consider introduction and First Reading of an ordinance
amending Title 12, Title 16, and Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code modifying
the duties and responsibilities of the Design Review Committee. Ordinance No.
18-25.
Planning Manager Hayden Beckman provided a brief staff report utilizing a PowerPoint
presentation.
Mayor Slater opened the Public Hearing at 8:03 p.m.
Public Speakers:
The following spoke in opposition of approval: Carol Craig, Carol Fox, Diana Zdenck,
Amy Minteer, Sue Vaurs, Maryanne Skorpanich, Laurie Sandoval, Laura Thomas, Tom
Loughrey, Jerico Farfan, and Adrienne Gladson.
Reggie Mundekis spoke in support of approval.
Written Public Comments
The following submitted eComments opposing approval: Doug Hamilton; Alan Hess,
Preserve Orange County; Tony Trabucco; Ron Brown; Andrea McCullough; Leslie
Manderscheid; Jeff Frankel; Vickie Laughlin; Jeannette McClain; and Bruce Finn.
Mayor Slater closed the Public Hearing at 8:32 p.m.
During discussion, staff clarified any projects located in a historic district would still be
required to be reviewed by DRC. In addition, all historic inventories are covered in the
Ordinance; and, if adopted, the proposed Ordinance would not alter the General Plan.
A motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru to
introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 18-25.
After further discussion, Councilmember Barrios requested an amendment to the
motion adding a sunset clause to the proposed ordinance. Mayor Slater dissented.
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A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by
Councilmember Gutierrez, to introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No.
18-25 with an added sunset clause of June 30, 2026. The motion failed by the
following vote:
Ayes: Barrios, Gutierrez, and Tavoularis
Noes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Absent: None
Following the failed substitute motion, Mayor Slater called for the vote on the main
motion.
A motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru to
introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 18-25.
During discussion, staff responded to Council's questions regarding the appeal process
and clarified the notification process. Staff verified residents have the capability to sign
up for notices of projects.
Councilmember Dumitru requested to amend the motion to update existing code
definitions to include all historic inventories. Mayor Slater agreed to the amendment.
An amended motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember
Dumitru, to introduce and conduct First Reading of Ordinance No. 18-25 with an
updated definition of historic building inventory to include all historical inventories. An
Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Orange amending Title 12, Title 16, and
Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code to update duties and responsibilities 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
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Councilmember Barrios recused herself from Item 9.1 due to a potential conflict with
nearby property and left the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
9.1. Establishment of permit parking for the Downtown Commercial Core paid
parking areas. Resolution No. 11642.
In response to Council's questions, staff reviewed criteria for the permit program.
Council discussed bifurcating the residential portion and continuing the commercial
portion to a future meeting.
Staff was directed to return with a subsequent resolution which adds clarifying criteria
to the commercial portion of the program including limiting the number of permits
issued.
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A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember
Gutierrez, to bifurcate the residential and commercial program and adopt Resolution
No. 11642 approving the residential portion of the permit program and continuing the
commercial portion of the permit program to the December 9, 2025, Council meeting. A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange establishing permit program; permit
fees; within paid parking meter zones. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Noes: Bilodeau
Absent: None
Recuse: Barrios
9.2. Approval of an "Adopt a Box" Utility Box Art and Sponsorship Program in the
City.
During discussion, staff was directed to consider a patriotic theme for the first couple of
utility boxes.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez, seconded by Mayor pro tern
Bilodeau, to approve "Adopt a Box" Utility Box Art and Sponsorship Program and
authorize staff to solicit artists and sponsors for the program. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Noes: None
Absent: Barrios
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned in Memory of John
Thomas Moore at 9:38 p.m.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 11433, the next Regular City Council meeting will be held
on Wednesday, November 12, 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
I
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