HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-2026 Council MinutesAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 14, 2026
MINUTES
City of Orange
Orange City Council
March 24, 2026
The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on Tuesday, March 24, 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 5:01 p.m.
1.1 ROLL CALL
Present: Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Absent: Bilodeau
Councilmember Dumitru 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 Dumitru who joined Closed Session at 5:05 p.m. and Mayor
Pro Tern Bilodeau who was absent, 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: J.C. v. City of Orange et al.
Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2026-01553378
4. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
None
5. ADJOURNMENT
Closed Session was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
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Orange City Council Minutes March 24,2026
6:00 PM REGULAR SESSION
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Slater called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
1.1 INVOCATION
Given by Pastor Orlando Barela from Household of Faith Family Church.
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Councilmember Arianna Barrios.
1.3 ROLL CALL
Present: Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, Gyllenhammer, and Slater
Absent: Bilodeau
1.4 PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women's History Month and
celebrating the exceptional female student athletes of Orange High School
Added Presentation:
Brief Update from the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and
Girls
1.5 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS
None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Speakers:
Carole Walters expressed concerns regarding a neighborhood party and parking
control issues over the weekend.
Greg Arrowsmith commented on an alleged Brown Act violation at the February 24,
2026, Council meeting.
Curt Peterson addressed Mayor Slater's State of the City remarks related to the City's
budget.
Doug Redding thanked Council and staff for their ongoing work.
Scott Kramer thanked those who supported City staff during the strike and expressed
appreciation to the Council for their negotiation efforts.
Kari Clow expressed concerns regarding consistency in Code Enforcement related to
to ADUs.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
3.1. Mid-Year Status Update of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
Councilmember Gyllenhammer left the meeting at 6:38 p.m.
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Orange City Council Minutes March 24,2026
Assistant Finance Director Michelle Kresan provided the mid-year status update of the
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.
Written Public Comment
The Allegro Coalition submitted an eComment in opposition of approval.
A motion was made by Councilmember Dumitru, seconded by Councilmember
Gutierrez, to:
1) Receive and file the report.
2)Authorize the appropriation of$1,804,700 to the following accounts:
210-6001-55105- Subscription Services 5,000
210-6001-80201- Software Capitalization $40,000
210-6001-55999- Other Prof/Technical Svcs $50,000
210-6102-55999- Other Prof/Technical Svcs $417,000
310-6411-59999- Other/Misc Services 58,694
317-6431-87102-266028-20- CHDO 117,943
317-6431-87102-266002-20- HOME Developer $803,243
317-6431-87102- Capital Improvements -TRBA $312,820
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Barrios, Dumitru, Gutierrez, Tavoularis, and Slater
Noes: None
Absent: Bilodeau, and Gyllenhammer
3.2. First Budget Study Session for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Finance Director Trang Nguyen and Assistant Finance Director Michelle Kresan
provided an overview of the proposed General Fund revenues and expenditures.
Public Speaker:
Brandy Romero expressed concerns regarding expenditures approved at the March
10, 2026, Council meeting.
Deputy City Manager Jack Morgan presented information on potential revenue
measures, estimated annual revenues, and the projected ongoing operational deficit
should no revenue measures be pursued.
Council discussed offering voters additional options to enhance revenue, including a
City Charter measure, a Transient Occupancy Tax, utility tax, vacant property tax,
cannabis tax, parking lot tax, residential caps, and the potential sale of the Water
Division.
During further discussion, Fire Chief Alan Velasco presented a report on a proposed
Ambulance Operator (AO) Program Enhancement. Transitioning to an all AO-staffed
transport model would provide fiscal and community benefits.
Staff was directed to include the AO program enhancement model in the FY
2026-2027 proposed budget and to return with projections for a sales tax measure
along with the other potential revenue options discussed.
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Orange City Council Minutes March 24,2026
4. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
The next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 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
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