Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-2026 Council MinutesAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 24, 2026 MINUTES City of Orange Orange City Council February 10, 2026 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California. 5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Slater called Closed Session to order at 5:02 p.m. 1.1 ROLL CALL Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Absent: Gutierrez 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS None 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:03 p.m. with all Members present, except Councilmember Gutierrez who was absent, to discuss the following: a. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) Title: City Manager(Six-month Informal Performance Review) b. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 City Negotiator: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager; Monica Espinoza, Human Resources Director; Cody Kleen, Assistant Human Resources Director Employee Organizations: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 47 (Maintenance and Crafts and Water Division) 4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT None 5. ADJOURNMENT Closed Session was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Page 1 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION 1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 1.1 INVOCATION Given by Reverend Beth Chiaravalle from First Christian Church of Orange. 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Mayor Dan Slater. 1.3 ROLL CALL Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Absent: Gutierrez 1.4 PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Proclamation celebrating Old Towne Preservation Association's 40th Anniversary 1.5 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS None 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Speakers: Jonathon Swaim expressed safety concerns regarding Hart Park and noted an increase in homeless activity in the surrounding area. Greg Arrowsmith spoke about the rise in the homeless population in Orange. Eric VonDruff shared concerns about the recent implementation of paid parking in Old Towne and the impact on local employees. Ric Olsen, Sons of the American Revolution, presented an overview of U.S. History focused on events of the American Revolutionary War during the winter of 1775. Mary Oberschlake discussed the negative economic impacts resulting from recent federal immigration enforcement actions. Craig Attanasio spoke about the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln. Written Public Comment Janice Brownfield emailed regarding the environmental impacts of single-use plastics and plastic waste. Page 2 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 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 January 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026 and payroll check registers dated January 2, 16, and 30, 2026 ACTION: Ratified the accompanying registers. 3.3. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange City Council Regular Meetings held on January 13 and January 27, 2026. ACTION: Approved minutes as presented. 3.4. Agreement with AGA Engineers, Inc. for Traffic Engineering Services to validate and reestablish speed limits citywide based on the provisions of Assembly Bill 43. ACTION: Approved the agreement with AGA Engineers, Inc. in the total amount of 150,000, representing the cost of traffic engineering services of $82,252, plus a 22% contingency of $17,748, plus $50,000 for the purposes of exercising Optional Task 5 as set forth in Exhibit A of the professional services agreement; and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.5. Attorney Services Agreement with Bordin Semmer, LLP to provide legal services relating to litigation defense in the matter of Ayoleone Amani Bufkin, et al. v. Vista Del Rio Housing Partners LP, et al. ACTION: Approved the Attorney Services Agreement with Bordin Semmer, LLP in the amount of $350,000; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3.6. First Amendment to Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership Act Program, and Housing Set-Aside Administration Support. ACTION: Approved the amendment to agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for 40,000, for a total not to exceed compensation of $70,000, for Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership Act Program, and Housing Set-Aside Administration Support; and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. Page 3 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 3.7. Authorize increase of purchase order to Ferguson Waterworks for the Neptune 360 annual maintenance subscription for remote read water meters and miscellaneous parts needed for water system maintenance operations. ACTION: Approved the increase to the existing purchase order with Ferguson Waterworks in the amount of $85,000, for the Neptune 360 annual maintenance subscription. 3.8. Establish the order of business for all Regular, Adjourned, and Special City Council Meetings. Resolution No. 11656. ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 11656. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange, establishing a new agenda format for all Regular, Adjourned, and Special City Council Meetings and repealing Resolution No. 8946. 3.9. Side Letter Agreement between the City of Orange and the City of Orange Police Association. Resolution No. 11657. ACTION: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 11657. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange establishing side letter agreement between the City of Orange and the City of Orange Police Association, effective January 1, 2021 through and including June 30, 2026. 2) Authorized staff to implement terms and incorporate the Side Letter Agreement into a future Memorandum of Understanding. Approval of the Consent Calendar A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember Barrios, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: Gutierrez END OF CONSENT CALENDAR 4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR SLATER 4.1. Discuss establishing a Memorial Adjournment Policy Mayor Slater stated he agendized the item to ensure consistency in the process for memorial adjournments. Public Speaker: Reggie Mundekis spoke in support of limiting memorial adjournments to Orange residents who have made significant contributions to the City. Following discussion, Council arrived at consensus to authorize the Mayor to determine when and how memorial adjournments are placed on the agenda. 4.2. Discuss prohibiting smoking in City parks Mayor Slater distributed the American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control - Page 4 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 California Local Grades and discussed the possibility of prohibiting smoking in City parks. Public Speakers: Mike Brydges spoke in opposition to banning on smoking in City parks. The following spoke in support of banning smoking in City parks: Glory Johnson, Reggie Mundekis, Stephen Bishop, and Brandy Romero. James Kushon questioned why the item had not first been referred to the Park Planning & Community Events Commission. Pursuant to City policy, Mayor Slater sought Council consensus prior to moving the item forward and directing the Commission to review it. Council discussed potential enforcement challenges and the option of having the Park Planning & Community Events Commission evaluate various scenarios. With Council concurrence, staff was directed to submit the item to the Park Planning & Community Events Commission for further review. 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS 5.1. Consider establishing a City Council ad hoc committee to address Police and Fire Departments budgetary needs (Dumitru) Councilmember Dumitru discussed creating a working group comprised of Mayor Slater, himself, and potentially a third Councilmember, along with the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Finance Director, City Manager, and City Treasurer to review the budgetary needs of the Police and Fire Departments and report back to full Council with potential recommendations. Public Speakers: Yash Patel, Police Association, addressed the budgetary needs of the Police Department. Ryan Vega, Fire Association, spoke in support of establishing a working group. Brandy Romero spoke regarding the importance of retaining public safety employees. Reggie Mundekis spoke in opposition to creating a working group, stating that budgetary discussions should occur in a public forum. Council discussed scheduling a study session to allow the full Council to review and discuss the matter publicly, rather than forming a working group or ad hoc committee. 5.2. Other Councilmember Reports Councilmember Barrios reported she was asked by Supervisor Sarmiento to serve on the County Women & Children Commission. She also distributed a copy of a letter that she and Councilmember Gutierrez submitted to U.S. Representatives Correa and Kim. Page 5 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 6. AB 1234 REPORTS None 7. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER None 8. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 8.1. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Report. Finance Director Trang Nguyen and Assistant Finance Director Michelle Kresan provided an overview of the General Fund report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. A motion was made by Mayor pro tem Bilodeau, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to: 1) Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Year-end Financial Report, focusing on the General Fund. 2) Approve the Purchase Order carryover requests of $14,746,733 and continuing appropriations of$4,312,319.49 for all funds. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: Gutierrez RECESS: The City Council recessed at 7:52 p.m. and reconvened at 8:03 p.m. with all Members present, except Councilmember Gutierrez who was absent. 8.2. Land lease option and land lease agreements with the County of Orange for OC Riverwalk Project and Rampart St. Park Project respectively and appropriation of 10,000 in Developer Impact Fees - Park for the administration of these agreements. Note: Mayor pro tern Bilodeau and Councilmember Tavoularis disclosed that they are employed by the County of Orange and stated that they have no financial interest in the subject properties. Public Works Director Chris Cash and Community & Library Services Director Leslie Hardy presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to: 1) Approve the land lease option and lease with the County of Orange for the OC Riverwalk Project and Rampart St. Park Project respectively; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 2) Authorize the appropriation of $10,000 from the Developer Impact Fees - Park (510) unreserved fund balance to: 510-7201-84101-267005-40 - Rampart St. Park The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: Gutierrez Page 6 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 8.3. Approve a Subscription and Services Agreement with Granicus, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company for a three-year term. A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Tavoularis, to approve a Subscription and Services Agreement with Granicus, LLC for a three-year term totaling $473,233.42; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement(s) on behalf of the City. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: Gutierrez 8.4. Energy and Performance Contract with Willdan Energy Solutions. Senior Assistant to the City Manager Jack Morgan and Colton Gorman, Willdan Energy Solutions, presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation and responded to Council's questions regarding grants, water meters, and solar panels. Public Speakers: Jake Corner spoke in support. James Kushon spoke in support. A motion was made by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, seconded by Councilmember Barrios, to approve an Energy and Performance Contract with Willdan Energy Solutions to conduct an Infrastructure Investment Grade Audit; 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, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: Gutierrez 8.5. Recommendation for Celebration in the Park on July 3, 2026, in connection with the USA250 initiative. Community and Library Services Director Leslie Hardy and Assistant Community Services Director Emily Bustamante presented a brief staff report. Public Speaker: Brandy Romero, Park Planning & Community Events Commission Chair, respectfully requested that Council take action on the item that evening to allow sufficient time for the Commission to conduct fundraising efforts. Council discussed cost of relocating the event to Grijalva Park, the additional cost of including fireworks, and the overall cost of hosting a full scale event. A motion was made by Mayor Slater, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru to approve the proposed USA250 Celebration in the Park at Hart Park on July 3, 2026 as recommended by the Park Planning & Community Events Commission. A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, seconded by Mayor pro tern Bilodeau, to use the existing proposed plan and move it to Grijalva Park's facilities with the addition of fireworks to the event without the audio/visual component. Page 7 of 8 Orange City Council Minutes February 10,2026 The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, and Gyllenhammer Noes: Barrios, Tavoularis, and Slater Absent: Gutierrez 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 approve the proposed USA250 Celebration in the Park at Hart Park on July 3, 2026 as recommended by the Park Planning and Community Events Commission. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, and Slater Noes: Tavoularis, and Gyllenhammer Absent: Gutierrez 8.6. Investment Portfolio Update for October, November, and December of 2025. City Treasurer Garrett Smith presented the staff report utilizing a PowerPoint presentation. The report was received and filed. 9. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 p.m. The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, with Closed Session beginning at 5:00 p.m., if necessary. L4 /W, <:We-46 PAMELA COLEMAN DANIEL R. SLATER CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 8 of 8