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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-2026 Council MinutesAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 14, 2026 MINUTES City of Orange Orange City Council March 10, 2026 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, March 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 1.1 ROLL CALL Present: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Absent: None Councilmember Gutierrez joined Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS None 3. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:02 p.m. with all Members present, except Councilmember Gutierrez who joined Closed Session at 5:05 p.m., to discuss the following: a. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL— EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) & (d)(1) - One case Name of Case: CEM Construction Corporation v. City of Orange Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2025-01536465 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: Orange Fire Management Association, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 47 (Maintenance and Crafts and Water Division), Orange Management Association, Orange Municipal Employees' Association, Orange City Firefighters, City of Orange Police Association, City of Orange Police Management Association, Top Management 4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT None Page 1 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 5. ADJOURNMENT Closed Session was adjourned at 6:07 p.m. 6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION 1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. 1.1 INVOCATION Given by Pastor Jason Park from Lighthouse Bible Church Orange County. 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 1.4 PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Proclamation honoring the Strikers FC Orange Boys U10 division for winning the 2026 Cal South State Cup Champions 1.5 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS None 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Public Speakers: Greg Arrowsmith spoke about statistics related to California correctional facilities. Reggie Mundekis commented on issues that should be discussed in open public meetings. Tracey Curtis announced the Rotary Plaza Car Show was scheduled for May 2 and invited the Mayor to serve as a judge. Craig Attanasio spoke about ongoing federal immigration issues. Kyle Petersen, City of Orange Water Division, requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Julian Bernal requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Gonzalo Toledo requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Jeremy Sepulveda expressed concern that the City is becoming a revolving door for employees and requested a fair contract. Dave Zamora requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Josh Garcia requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Page 2 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 Scott Kramer, City of Orange Parks Division, requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Pete Ortiz requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Jesse Mario requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Josh Borden requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. Shawn Donnelly requested a fair contract and competitive wages for their bargaining group. James Kushon commented on the Willdan contract related to solar power. Boyd Schultz spoke in support of IBEW employees. Written Public Comments Sam Giahi emailed regarding the use of artificial intelligence to reduce costs and increase efficiency in the City. Janice Brownfield emailed about the importance of recycling food waste. 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 February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026 and payroll check warrants dated February 13 and 27, 2026 ACTION: Ratified the accompanying registers. 3.3. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange City Council Regular Meeting held on February 24, 2026 ACTION: Approved minutes as presented. 3.4. Cooperative Agreement by and between the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton and Orange for the State College Boulevard/The City Drive Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project Note: Councilmember Dumitru abstained due to a nearby property interest. ACTION: 1) Approved the Cooperative Agreement with the cities of Anaheim, Brea, and Fullerton for the implementation of State College Boulevard/The City Drive Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project; and authorized the City Manager and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 2) Authorized the appropriation of $200,000 from the Measure M - Traffic Improvement 263) unreserved fund balance to: 263-5704-87101-265105 State College Blvd Traffic Signal Synchronization Page 3 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 3.5. Production agreement for the inaugural Celebrate Orange event: A collaborative event combining the Orange May Parade, Taste of Orange, and Orange Plaza Rotary Club Car Show A speaker card was submitted for Item 3.5; therefore, the item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Public Speaker: Brandy Romero requested that the placement of the portable restrooms be reconsidered. Council discussed the placement of the portable restrooms in the Plaza. ACTION: A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Tavoularis, to approve the Celebrate Orange Production Agreement combining the Orange May Parade, Taste of Orange, & Orange Plaza Rotary Car Show); authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City and direct staff to work with the organizers of Celebrate Orange to relocate the portable restrooms. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None 3.6. First Amendment to agreement with HF&H Consultants, LLC for Solid Waste Consulting Services Written Public Comments The following submitted eComments in support of approval: William Melcher and Jake Corner. ACTION: Approved the First Amendment to Agreement No. 7697.A with HF&H Consultants, LLC in the amount of $60,000 for Solid Waste Consulting Services; and authorized the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City 3.7. Approval of plans and specifications for Almond Avenue and Collins Avenue Street Improvements and authorization to advertise for bids; and finding of California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) exemption ACTION: 1) Approved the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for Bid No. 25-26.13 (SP-4327), Almond Avenue and Collins Avenue Street Improvements. 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(c)- Existing Facilities). 3.8. Award of contracts to ABM Electrical & Lighting Solutions, Inc. and Interior Resources, Inc., dba Commercial Interior Resources for lighting, paint, and flooring improvements at the Police Department ACTION: 1) Approved the contract with ABM Electrical & Lighting Solutions, Inc. in the total amount of $199,971, representing a cost of $198,971, plus a contingency of 1,000; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 2) Approved the contract with Interior Resources, Inc., dba Commercial Interior Resources, in the amount of $204,763, representing a cost of $186,148, plus a Page 4 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 contingency of 10% or $18,615; and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 3) Authorized the appropriation of $204,763 from the Developer Impact Fees-Police 570)fund balance to: 570-5601-84101-255019 Developer Impact Fees-Police 4) Authorized the appropriation of $199,971 from the Merged 2008 Tax Exempt Bonds 954)fund balance to: 954-5601-84101-255019 Merged 2008 Tax Exempt Bonds 3.9. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Annual Pavement Maintenance at Various Locations, Fiscal Year 2024-2025; Bid No. 24-25.09 (SP-4291) ACTION: 1) Accepted the Annual Pavement Maintenance at Various Locations Fiscal Year 2024-25 project as complete; and 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.10. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for the Multi-Library Improvements at Main, Taft, and El Modena Library branches (SP-4318) ACTION: 1) Accepted the Multi-Library Improvements at Main, Taft, and El Modena Library branches as complete; and 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.11. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Well No. 28 Equipping Project; Bid No. 22-23.33 ACTION: 1) Accepted the Well No. 28 Equipping Project as complete; and 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.12. Notice of Completion and Acceptance for Purchase and Installation of Mixers for Reservoirs 2 and 10A ACTION: 1) Accepted the Purchase and Installation of Mixers for Reservoirs 2 and 10A as complete; and 2) Authorized the City Clerk to file Notice of Completion with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office. 3.13. Authorize purchase of mobile vehicle barriers and deployment components, and annual certified operator training from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales, LLC through General Services Administration Contract No. 47QSWA19D001F A speaker card was submitted for Item 3.13; therefore, the item was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Public Speaker: Adam Feliz spoke in opposition, citing a lack of cost savings. During discussion, staff confirmed that the City having creating an inventory of barriers would result in an overall cost savings for non-profits. A motion was made by Councilmember Bilodeau, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to: 1) Approve the purchase of 50 mobile vehicle barriers and components from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales, LLC in the amount of$398,599. Page 5 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 2) Authorize the appropriation of $400,000 from Traffic Safety (450) unreserved fund balance to: 450-5001-80101- Furniture, Fixture, Equipment ACTION: A substitute motion was made by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, seconded by Councilmember Barrios, to table the item for 30 days to allow staff time to meet with the various non-profit organizations. The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Barrios, Gutierrez, and Gyllenhammer Noes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Tavoularis, and Slater Absent: None Following the failed substitute motion, Mayor Slater called for the vote on the main motion. ACTION: A motion was made by Mayor pro tern Bilodeau, seconded by Councilmember Dumitru, to: 1) Approve the purchase of 50 mobile vehicle barriers and components from Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales, LLC in the amount of$398,599. 2) Authorize the appropriation of $400,000 from Traffic Safety (450) unreserved fund balance to: 450-5001-80101- Furniture, Fixture, Equipment The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Tavoularis, and Slater Noes: Barrios, Gutierrez, and Gyllenhammer Absent: None 3.14. Authorize purchase of four message trailers from Applied Concepts, Inc. through the Houston-Galveston Area Council HGACBuy Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract No. EF04-21 ACTION: 1) Approved the purchase of four message trailers from Applied Concepts, Inc. for$77,580. 2) Authorized the appropriation of $77,580 from Traffic Safety (450) undesignated fund balance to expenditure account number 450-4011-80101, Traffic Safety - Furniture, Fixture, Equipment. 3.15. Quitclaim of fire access easement at 500 West Collins Avenue ACTION: Authorized the Mayor to execute a Quitclaim Deed of the fire access easement to 500 Collins, Inc. 3.16. Designation of April 25, 2026, as Arbor Day in the City of Orange ACTION: Adopted Resolution No. 11659. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange designating April 25, 2026, as Arbor Day. Approval of the Consent Calendar Items 3.5 and 3.13 were removed from the Consent Calendar and heard separately. Councilmember Dumitru abstained from Item 3.4. All other items were approved as recommended. Page 6 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, 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 RECESS: The City Council recessed at 7:07 p.m. and reconvened at 7:19 p.m. with all Members present. 4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR SLATER None 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS Other Councilmember Reports: Councilmember Tavoularis reported that the Heim to Meats Specific Plan Workshop on February 26 was a success and thanked staff for coordinating the event. Councilmember Barrios requested a report on petroleum sales for the current quarter so the Council may consider potential allocation of revenues related to increased fuel costs. 5.1. Highlight Local Business (Gutierrez) Councilmember Gutierrez highlighted the following local business: The Duchess, which just reopened under new ownership. 6. AB 1234 REPORTS None 7. APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS 7.1. Appointment to the City Traffic Commission A motion was made by Councilmember Gyllenhammer, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to confirm Mayor Slater's recommendation to appoint Steven Freeman to the City Traffic Commission to fill an unexpired term ending June 30, 2027. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None Page 7 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER 8.1. Presentation on standards for paving, driveway widths, and parking within setback areas Community Development staff provided a PowerPoint presentation. Staff was directed to review standards from other cities for comparison and to prepare an ordinance amending standards related to paving, driveway widths, and parking within setback areas. Councilmember Tavoularis left the dais at 7:34 p.m. and returned at 7:40 p.m. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9.1. Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the Circulation and Mobility Element of the City of Orange General Plan and finding of CEQA exemption Mayor pro tern Bilodeau recused himself from this item due to a potential conflict with employment and left the dais at 7:39 p.m. Mayor Slater opened the Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m.; there being no speakers, Mayor Slater closed the Public Hearing at 7:40 p.m. A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to: 1) Adopt Resolution No. 11660. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange approving General Plan Amendment No. 26-0001 amending the City of Orange General Plan Circulation and Mobility Element to conform to the Orange County Transportation Authority's Countywide Master Plan of Arterial Highways. 2) Find the proposal exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None Recuse: Bilodeau Mayor pro tern Bilodeau returned to the dais at 7:41 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 10.1. Agreement with The HUB OC for youth and teen summer day camp services Assistant Community Services Director Emily Bustamante and Administrative Manager Austin Postovoit provided the staff report. In response to Council's questions, Director Cameron Geringer-Pate provided information on the Youth Centers of Orange, including its history and experience operating summer camp programs. A motion was made by Councilmember Barrios, seconded by Councilmember Gutierrez, to: 1) Approve the agreement with The HUB OC for Youth and Teen Summer Day Camp Services; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. Page 8 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute necessary renewals as outlined in the agreement. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None 10.2. Agreement with Premier Aquatic Services, LLC for Hart Park Pool Operations and Aquatic Programming Services Assistant Community Services Director Emily Bustamante and Administrative Manager Austin Postovoit provided the staff report. Public Speakers: Julie Lopiccolo spoke in support of a year-round aquatics program but not with a third party vendor. Johnathan St. Clair spoke in support of a year-round program but urged the Council to ask questions about the proposed agreement including the potential loss of revenue, cost of lessons, and risk mitigation. Jack Nance spoke in opposition of approval. Council discussed the Request for Proposals process, the cost of operating the pool year-round, scholarships, and insurance requirements. A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Mayor pro tern Bilodeau, to: 1) Approve the agreement with Premier Aquatic Services, LLC for Hart Park Pool Operations and Aquatic Programming Services in the amount of $227,424.00 plus a 10% contingency of $22,742.40 for a total of $250,166.40; and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute on behalf of the City. 2) Authorize the appropriation of $62,600.00 from the General Fund (100) undesignated fund balance to fund the prorated FY2025-26 portion of agreement services: 100-7103-55000 Contractual Services 3) Authorize the City Manager to execute optional renewals as outlined in the agreement. The motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Bilodeau, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, and Slater Noes: Barrios, and Gyllenhammer Absent: None 10.3. Establishment of Permit Parking Area "AF" to be comprised of both sides of Fairmont Way from La Veta Avenue to Delia Lane A motion was made by Councilmember Gutierrez, seconded by Councilmember Barrios, to adopt Resolution 11658. 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, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater Noes: None Absent: None Page 9 of 10 Orange City Council Minutes March 10,2026 10.4. City Charter Discussion Deputy City Manager Jack Morgan provided the staff report. Public Speakers: Reggie Mundekis spoke in opposition. AJ Ricci spoke in support. Written Public Comments Bonnie Robinson submitted an eComment in opposition. Jim Sheridan submitted an eComment in opposition. Council discussed pros and cons of becoming a Charter City and the need for the Council to work collaboratively in drafting a final Charter to present to voters. There was Council consensus to continue the discussion regarding the potential placement of a charter measure on the November ballot. 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m. in Memory of retired Orange City Fire Department Battalion Chief Scott Conniff. The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, with Closed Session beginning at 5:00 p.m., if necessary. A edfAXia\------ PAMELA COLEMAN c DANIEL R. SLATER CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 10 of 10