HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-2025 Minutes PPCEMINUTES - FINAL
City of Orange
Park Planning and Community Events
Commission
October 21, 2025
The Park Planning & Community Events Commission of the City of Orange, California
convened on October 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber,
300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California.
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kushon called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Commissioner Romero.
1.2 ROLL CALL
Present Freeman, Ahlswede, Romero, and Kushon
Absent Litwin, Fields, and Perez
1.3 PRESENTATIONS
Presentation on Grijalva Park Masterplan
Cassie Bretschger of Kimley-Horn gave a presentation on the Grijalva Park
Masterplan. She provided a brief history of the site along with the proposed vision,
objectives, and anticipated next steps. Community outreach is set to begin in
March-April 2026.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange Park Planning & Community Events
Commission Regular Meeting held on September 16, 2025
A motion was made by Vice Chair Freeman, seconded by Commissioner Romero, to
approve the minutes as presented.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman, Ahlswede, Romero, and Kushon
Noes: None
Absent: Litwin, Fields, and Perez
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Park Planning and Community Events Minutes-Final October 21,2025
Commission
4. COMMISSION BUSINESS
4.1. Capital Improvement Project Planning for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27)
Robert Ambriz Jr., Parks and Facilities Manager, presented the staff report and
provided a comprehensive overview on potential Park Capital Improvement projects for
FY27.
Staff responded to Commissioner questions regarding funding for projects and
amenities provided at pickleball courts.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ahlswede, seconded by Commissioner Romero,
to recommend the FY27 Capital Improvement Plan projects presented for approval by
the City Council.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman, Ahlswede, Romero, and Kushon
Noes: None
Absent: Litwin, Fields, and Perez
4.2. 2026 3rd of July Celebration
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented the staff report
on a re-imagined 3rd of July 2026 Celebration event.
Staff responded to Commissioner questions regarding the feasibility and availability of
elements in different event scenarios. Due to a variety of safety precautions, the
proposed event must take place at Hart Park without fireworks. Commissioners
reached consensus to form a subcommittee to focus on event fundraising.
A motion was made by Commissioner Ahlswede to select Commissioners Romero,
Fields, and Chair Kushon to serve on the 3rd of July Celebration Fundraising
Subcommittee.
Commissioner deliberation ensued. There was no second to the motion.
A substitute motion was made by Commissioner Romero, seconded by Chair Kushon,
to select Commissioner Romero, Vice Chair Freeman, and Chair Kushon to serve on
the 3rd of July Celebration Fundraising Subcommittee.
The substitute motion failed due to lack of majority by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman, Romero, and Kushon
Noes: Ahlswede
Absent: Litwin, Fields, and Perez
The Commission returned to the original motion on the floor made by Commissioner
Ahlswede to select Commissioners Romero, Fields, and Chair Kushon to serve on the
3rd of July Celebration Fundraising Subcommittee.
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Park Planning and Community Events Minutes-Final October 21,2025
Commission
The motion failed for lack of a second and discussion continued.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romero, seconded by Commissioner Ahlswede,
to select Commissioner Romero and Chair Kushon to serve on the 3rd of July
Celebration Fundraising Subcommittee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman, Ahlswede, Romero, and Kushon
Noes: None
Absent: Litwin, Fields, and Perez
5. COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, provided the Commission
the 2026 meeting schedule and updates on the progress of the Semiquincentennial
Subcommittee. She announced details on the Antepasado Park and Well Site 28
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
The next Regular Park Planning and Community Events Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Ap,u4(4,e4(4.c),
Emily Bustamante
Assistant Community Services Director
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