06/07/2022ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 7, 2022
The regular meeting of June 7, 2022 was called to order at 3:07 P.M. in the Council Camber of
Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related
materials were duly posted on June 2, 2022.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Gloria Ma'ae, Jose
F. Moreno, and Stephen Faessel. Council Member Avelino Valencia
joined the meeting at 4:33 P.M.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council Member Jose Diaz [Mayoral vacancy]
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City
Clerk Theresa Bass
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil announced Council Member Diaz would not be attending today's meeting
because he was at home with COVID-19.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: None
D106 WORKSHOP:
Proposed Fiscal Year 2022/23 Budget (Citywide Overview, Administrative Departments, Police,
Fire & Rescue, and Community Services)
City Manager Jim Vanderpool announced this was the third in a four-part series of workshops to
introduce the proposed the Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget. He advised the fourth would be held before
the June 21, 2022 City Council meeting, during which the proposed budget would be on the agenda
for approval. He noted this workshop would look at the operating portions of the budget including the
General Fund.
Citywide Overview and Administrative Departments
Finance Director Debbie Moreno reported the proposed FY22/23 budget includes expenditures of $2
billion. She advised that 21 % of this sum ($407,700,000) comes from the General Fund but it would
receive the most attention, as it is the primary source of discretionary spending because the
remaining funds are almost entirely restricted for specific purposes.
Ms. Moreno noted there remains a national state of heightened uncertainty as the nation recovers
from the pandemic that offers glimpses of both recession and growth. She noted housing, banks, and
unemployment are all currently stable while consumer demand is at its highest point in 40 years. She
noted there is global uncertainty triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She reported Orange
County has recovered from the pandemic with low unemployment at around 3%, strong domestic
tourism numbers, increased home prices, and momentum for new development particularly in the
industrial and apartment realms.
Ms. Moreno reported the City's "big three" revenues of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Sales Tax,
and Property Tax make up 74% of the General Fund's resources, led by TOT at 36%. She reported
the proposed TOT budget for FY22/23 is $184,400,000. She noted the City is projecting
$167,000,000 in TOT taxes for the current year, establishing an Anaheim record high and standing in
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contrast to projections of needing until FY23/34 to exceed pre -pandemic levels. She noted December
2021 was the highest TOT month in the City's history until it was surpassed in April 2022.
Ms. Moreno reported the proposed Sales and Use Tax budget for FY22/23 is $103,600,000,
accounting for 20% of the General Fund. She clarified the City receives one cent for every dollar
spent in Anaheim, paid quarterly from the State. She advised the projection for the current year of
$97,000,000 is 22% above the adopted FY21/22 budget and exceeds pre -pandemic levels. She
advised the fourth quarter of 2021 was a record high for retail in the City.
Ms. Moreno reported the proposed Property Tax budget for FY22/23 is $92,700,000, accounting for
18% of the General Fund. She reported the City receives 20% of Property Taxes collected in
Anaheim, sharing the rest with Orange County, school districts, and others. She advised steady
demand and limited supply have continued to fuel a hot housing market, even during the pandemic.
Ms. Moreno reported on General Fund uses with 52.3% going to keeping the City safe, 18.8% going
towards debt service, and 12.9% going to ensuring the quality of life inclusive of Community Services
and Planning and Building. She noted the safety portion covered the Anaheim Police Department
(APD) and Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R).
Ms. Moreno presented the proposed General Fund Five -Year Forecast noting it is speculative based
upon a variety of future economic forecasts. She noted the FY22/23 proposed budget includes a
revenue shortfall of $15,000,000. She noted the projected $500,400,000 in expenses are led by
$290,400,000 towards labor expenses. She advised the next four years also include a structural
deficit but advised it does decline annually to just $9,300,000 in the FY26/27 projection. She noted in
March 2021, the Council authorized $138,000,000 in deficit bonds to address the structural deficit
and help maintain City services over the next couple of years. She advised the projected reserve
levels in the five-year forecast remain within the policy -set parameters.
Ms. Moreno displayed proposed budgets for administrative departments. She reported the City
Council, City Administration, City Attorney, and City Clerk departments are funded by the General
Fund and their budgets are largely unchanged from FY21/22. She noted the much larger Finance and
Human Resources budgets are largely funded outside of the General Fund.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma'ae stated the budget report was encouraging in light of outside
accusations about the City's finances in an Orange County Register editorial by State Senator John
Moorlach.
In response to Council Member Ma'ae's inquiry, Ms. Moreno clarified the City can make its payments
as they come due so having liabilities from long-term investments was not a bad thing. She advised
the City's bond rating is strong, noting the City could still sell its deficit bonds while the Anaheim
Resort was closed for the pandemic. She reported the City is removed from the negative watch and
on to stable. She advised the City's Other Post -Employment Benefits (OPEB) liability is decreasing.
She advised the City is fiscally healthy and it is a compliment to the City Council coming out of the
pandemic. She noted the Lease Payment Measurement Revenues (LPMR) bonds worked as they
were intended during the pandemic so the City could continue to serve its residents.
Mr. Vanderpool addressed a comment in the editorial referencing a potential bankruptcy by noting the
financial strength of the City is at a high, generating record revenues even without the Anaheim
Convention Center being fully reopened. He reported the City meets its obligations and operates a
public utility while holding $70,000,000 in reserve. He commended the City Council for its direction,
Ms. Moreno, and her staff.
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Council Member Ma'ae advised it was unfortunate that some people choose to take advantage of the
City's difficulties to gain media attention. She admitted it is a trying time for the City but not a trying
time financially and advised it was reckless to suggest otherwise.
In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiries, Ms. Moreno advised the 2019 Average Daily
Rate (ADR) was $180 and it is currently at $198. She advised the City is forecasting a 4% increase in
ADR for 2023. She could not confirm whether every dollar added to ADR translates to an additional
$1,000,000 of TOT for the City but noted the impact of each additional dollar is significant.
In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Ms. Moreno reported the scheduled maturity for the
LPMR bonds is March 1, 2037. She advised the latest conservative projections indicate the LPMR
bonds could be repaid as early as 2029. She noted it was speculative but advised it looked favorable
towards being able to repay the bonds early.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Ms. Moreno clarified the City is not projected to be
structurally balanced in any of the next five years. She noted that new labor contracts and additional
development could impact the forecast in the future. She recommended continuing to use the LPMR
bonds as anticipated until they know for certain about a future recession or slower -than -expected
pandemic recovery. She advised it was far too early to conclude about the possibility of an early
LPMR bond repayment.
Council Member Moreno advised if the City has to keep borrowing to pay its bills it does not reflect a
healthy budget.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Ms. Moreno advised the City has $3 billion in
unfunded liabilities, 54% of which belongs to the General Fund. She advised the number comes
down to about $2.2 billion if the Resort bonds are removed because they have a dedicated revenue
stream with 40% being in the General Fund for obligations to employee pensions and retiree medical
expenses. She confirmed the City owes $1.9 billion for bonds. She clarified the Resort is not included
because it has a dedicated revenue stream and advised this long-term debt was issued as an
investment. She reported the City's return on the Resort went from 11 % to 28% following the bond
issuance, noting this represents a good return on investment.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Ms. Moreno advised half of the City's TOT does
not go to repaying bonds. She clarified the Resort generates $172,000,000 of TOT and LPMR this
year is $69,000,000.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Ms. Moreno confirmed a line -item proposed
budget is available online. She confirmed the City is also holding workshops at community centers to
inform residents.
Council Member Moreno advised his interpretation is that healthy means balanced. He advised that if
there was any growth, he would like to know where the money is going. He noted the Resort is
bringing back resources but the investment also costs the City resources when it needs more things
like police officers. He noted he often hears from residents about things like the City only having one
public swimming pool and advised the public is not seeing how the City is doing well financially.
Council Member Moreno noted Senator Moorlach was shouting in the mid-1990s about Orange
County's impending bankruptcy. He reported the County attempted to say he was wrong and then
soon thereafter declared bankruptcy. He recommended the City should heed the call and examine
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things more closely. He denounced calling the warnings reckless or dismissing them outright and
noted that the County staff expressed similar confidence in the 1990s.
Police Department
Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros lauded the success of the Anaheim Police Department's (APD)
core services and reported on its successes in keeping the community safe. He noted the APD
accounts for 10% of the total operating budget at $193,500,000, including a 42% share of the
General Fund at $172,100,000. He advised the amount of operating costs is $61,000,000, 84% of
which are labor costs. He reported the budget includes 617 full-time staff and 63.6 part-time staff. He
added the APD has 431 sworn officers, of which 23 positions are frozen due to budget issues, and
180 full-time civilian personnel with seven frozen positions. He reported how the APD would benefit
from administrative positions being unfrozen for FY22/23. He added the APD has a goal of filling 40
sworn officer vacancies within the 2022 calendar year and reported on its recruitment efforts. He
discussed the APD's developments over the past year and community outreach efforts.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros confirmed
recruitment and retention are currently difficult for police organizations nationwide. He thanked the
City Council for the additional resources it has provided for the APD. He advised the APD has filled
16 of its sworn officer vacancies for its 2022 goal of 40. He noted this is only a net gain of five officers
due to a loss of 11 officers for retirements or other reasons.
Council Member Ma'ae commended Chief Cisneros on the effectiveness of APD's drones in helping
with law enforcement.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Chief Cisneros reported the APD's response time
has consistently been in the 6-7:00 minute range for Priority 1 calls. He added the new technology
would help the APD respond quicker to lower priority calls. He advised drones and future potential
robotic technology would continue to help with low -priority call response times.
Council Member Moreno cautioned about the balance between the need for policing and community
fears of living in a police state. He added his concern about response times is out of hope the
Community Care Response Team's (CCRT) success and technological advances have freed up
more officers to respond.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros advised he is not aware of
the APD ever being asked to provide response time data from lower priority calls but noted he would
be glad to provide the information. He reported that APD's Priority 1 response times are on the higher
side compared to other organizations but noted those organizations are covering much smaller areas.
He advised the City is 22 miles in length and reported most large agencies would use five minutes as
their goal response time.
Council Member Moreno requested Mr. Vanderpool obtain the response time data from other cities
and noted it could be valuable in contract negotiations.
Police Chief Cisneros reported they have software available to extrapolate the data required to see
what the APD would need to bring the response time to six minutes.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros advised they added a
request for three Police Service Representatives (PSR) to the budget as they see how much of a
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benefit the APD sees by using them in place of more expensive sworn officers in many non-
threatening situations. He added they could request more if the data supports it.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros reported the starting salary
for a sworn officer is $80,000 with a maximum of $136,000. He noted it takes about two years to
recruit and train the replacement for a retiring officer. He added that he would look to hire lateral
officers to help reduce the time frame before they could be on the street by needing less training time
He noted if you try to hire two entry-level officers as a replacement for a maximum -salaried officer
their two salaries would combine for more than the one in the future and would result in a payroll
budgetary issue.
Fire & Rescue Department
Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R) Chief Pat Russell spoke of the successes of the AF&R over the past
year ensuring public safety. He reported the AF&R's total proposed budget is $115,000,000,
encompassing 6% of all City funds with a $92,900,000 General Fund allocation, representing 23% of
its usages. He advised that 79% of the AF&R's $94,500,000 operating budget goes towards labor
expenses. He reported that of 331 full-time positions, 221 are sworn fire suppression staff. He added
the sum also includes 41 ambulance staff as the City internally takes over this program from an
outside vendor. He advised the department has 13.25 part-time staff. He highlighted many of the
programs provided by the AF&R including its prominent role in the City's pandemic response. He
cautioned about the region's current high risk for wildfires.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Fire Chief Russell reported about
85% of the AF&R's calls are for Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which aligns with the national
average.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Fire Chief Russell reported areas of the City are
designated by the State as very high fire hazard risk zones. He clarified the City does pay the State
for response resources but he added there are grants the City is researching to help cover costs. He
added they work with the Orange County Fire Authority on programs in the high hazard areas. He
confirmed they are researching opportunities for some State funding through environmental
protection channels.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Fire Chief Russell advised response times are
around 5:00 minutes for an EMS call. He noted every fire company in the City includes paramedics,
which is unusual nationally and benefits residents. He noted the new ambulance program also allows
for multiple options in how to handle medical emergency calls based on the potential need for life
support.
Community Services Department
Community Services Director Sjany Larson -Cash reported the department is divided into the Library,
Parks and Recreation, Human and Neighborhood Services, and Golf divisions. She advised the
department has over 600 employees of all statuses, mainly part-time and seasonal employees. She
reported the department has a proposed FY22/23 budget of $65,100,000, representing 3% of all City
spending while it is projected to draw $39,600,000 from the General Fund, accounting for 10% of its
total use. She noted that 56% of the departmental budget is for operational costs with 43% going to
labor expenses. She added the department has seen no full-time staff increases from the current
year and only minimal increases in part-time staffing.
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DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Ms. Larson -Cash confirmed three
library branches are only open three days a week. She advised it would cost $225,000 to make them
open five days a week.
Council Member Faessel encouraged Mr. Vanderpool to work with Ms. Larson -Cash to find this
needed funding.
Ms. Larson -Cash clarified the three libraries in question are smaller and more neighborhood -based,
which is why the decision to only open them three days a week was made.
Council Member Faessel advised that libraries are important to those specific neighborhoods. He
noted he is regularly in the Sunkist Branch and the patrons would be happy to have these services
restored.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil echoed Council Member Faessel's concerns.
Council Member Moreno advised he would support opening the libraries seven days a week. He
added libraries are the only place the public can go where it would not be charged to use its services
and added they activate the minds of children. He added libraries could also provide summertime
heat relief for residents. He called to have the libraries open seven days a week, noting the City's
libraries serve 3,650,000 patrons. He supported Council Member Faessel's direction to Mr.
Vanderpool to find funding to open the three branches five days a week.
Council Member Moreno commended the department's neighborhood services cleanup work. He
noted it fits Chief Cisneros' pillar about prevention by investing in neighborhoods and encouraging
collaboration.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Ms. Larson -Cash reported the budget for the
neighborhood services program is neither increasing nor decreasing. She added the City has a new
Anaheim Family Mobile Resource Center Project allowing the City to visit more neighborhoods and
expand its reach.
Council Member Moreno called for help funding neighborhood cleanups because of how much they
bring to the communities without a large expenditure. He noted only 10 cents for every General Fund
dollar is spent on Community Services. He called for the Community Services Department's work to
be considered part of the City's public safety efforts for its work in prevention. He commended the life-
saving work of Ms. Larson -Cash during the pandemic.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Ms. Larson -Cash clarified the agreement between
the City and school districts to use school facilities for recreational use ended when the schools were
reopened after the pandemic and added this could be revisited.
Council Member Moreno called for the program to be revisited to be included in this budget cycle. He
noted many neighborhoods do not have parks but do have school fields as recreational options.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Ms. Larson -Cash confirmed the Parks Master
Plan was approved in 2018. She clarified the Master Plan's recommendations are used for guidance
as staff evaluates parks. She added many of the decisions are based on funding. She noted that staff
could provide an update on park improvements made since 2018 and added that staff continues to
utilize the Master Plan for its planning purposes.
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Council Member Valencia requested a report to ensure the Master Plan is seeing progress.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Ms. Larson -Cash confirmed increasing park
acreage is a theme in the report, as the City does not meet the State's standards. She advised it is an
issue that staff is always aware of.
Council Member Ma'ae echoed her peers and called for more library hours and neighborhood
cleanups.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Robert Fabela announced that Closed Session Item No. 01 pertained to potential
litigation arising from the Angel Stadium transaction.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM:
James Vanderbilt reported the City Council declared it was deeply troubled by issues around former
Mayor Harry Sidhu and the Chamber of Commerce. He advised they need to apply similar concerns
to the naming of an Interim Mayor. He noted he would be fine with any of the Council Members being
named Interim Mayor if they felt they would be completely exonerated when the investigation
concludes. He advised the court documents do not seem to exonerate anyone other than Council
Member Moreno. He explained he has ideological differences with Council Member Moreno but it is
an undeniable truth that he is the most appropriate Council Member to serve as Interim Mayor. He
requested the City Council call a Special Meeting as soon as possible to select Council Member
Moreno as Interim Mayor.
Tom Fielder reported the Closed Session item involves violations of the Brown Act during
negotiations of the now -abandoned Angel Stadium sale. He thanked City Council for ditching the
deal. He noted that the depth of the corruption around the deal and how many City officials may still
be arrested or indicted is unknown. He advised it now seems official that Brown Act violations
occurred and advised the Council Members are all on notice and the public will be watching them.
CLOSED SESSION: At 5:00 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil recessed to closed session for
consideration of the following:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of
California Government Code Section 54956.9 and/or initiation of litigation pursuant to
paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One
potential case
At 5:44 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil reconvened the City Council.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Gloria Ma'ae, Jose
F. Moreno, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Council Member Jose Diaz [Mayoral vacancy]
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised Council Member Diaz was not in attendance as he had tested positive
for COVID-19 and was not feeling well.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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INVOCATION: Pastor Jim Schibsted, First Congregational Church of Anaheim
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae
PRESENTATION:
Recognizing the 2022 winners of the Anaheim Beautiful Community Pride
Poster Contest
Anaheim Beautiful President Lori Dinwiddie reported the eighth annual contest was conducted in
April. She explained it is offered to all Anaheim public school students from first through sixth grade to
promote green awareness. She announced the winners were Velonika Ohi (first grade), Cynthia
Wang (second grade), Brooklyn Mondeau (third grade), Eden Johne (fourth grade), Victoria Le (fifth
grade), and Mauricio Alvarez (sixth grade).
nce of Other Reconnitions (To be presented at a later date]:
Recognizing June 12-18, 2022, as National Flag Week
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS [all agenda itemsl:
City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 28 public comments were received electronically prior
to 7:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim
City Council. [A final total of 28 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City
Council, and made part of the official record]. — See Appendix.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil reminded all speakers their remarks are better received by the City Council
when they are made with civility and without offensive language. He advised it would show respect
for those in the audience and viewers at home.
Mark Richard Daniels called for a house cleaning in regards to having to raise money to run for
Council. He called for the Chamber of Commerce, Save Our Anaheim Resort (SOAR), Anaheim First,
and similar organizations to be banned from City Hall. He advised it was embarrassing to see so
much money being thrown around. He called for an Interim Mayor to serve until the November
election and noted Council Member Moreno is the only one of them who is not tainted by FBI
implications. He advised the other Council Members are suspected of being part of the cabal and
need to start winning back the trust of the community.
Jorge Gavino, President of the Anaheim Democrats, advised the City is in turmoil with trust in the City
Council at an all-time low because it has been infiltrated by dark forces. He encouraged City Council
to approve Item No. 13 and hear Council Member Moreno's call for campaign finance reform to help
prevent a recurrence of current events. He noted Item No. 14 is an important look at how former
Mayor Sidhu's vendettas have affected the City, such as the inability to agendize the Little Arabia
designation. He urged City Council to approve campaign finance reform and to agendize the Little
Arabia designation and noted there would be no negatives to either.
Bob Donelson agreed with Mr. Daniels and Mr. Gavino. He called to make Council Member Moreno
Interim Mayor until the November election, for which he endorsed Ashleigh Aitken. He advised the
election of former Mayor Sidhu was a horrible mistake and noted the margin last time was only a few
votes but former Mayor Sidhu had big money. He called for an audit of everything former Mayor
Sidhu did. He advised Council Member Moreno is the only one on the dais with seemingly clean
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hands and expressed support for Item No. 13. He encouraged removing every restriction enacted by
former Mayor Sidhu against citizens speaking at meetings and being able to access them with quality
audio. He commended the City's parks staff on the cleanliness of Yorba Park and the caliber of
bathroom facilities while attending his granddaughter's softball tournament but noted that the park
could use more parking.
Pam Donelson expressed support for Item Nos. 12 through 15 and endorsed Council Member
Moreno to serve as Interim Mayor until the November election. She believed none of the other
Council Members deserved to serve as Mayor.
Wes Jones advised James Otis' phrase "taxation without representation is tyranny" spurred on the
American Revolution. He advised the City has had no representation for the people for a long time
due to the campaign donations by Todd Ament, Jeff Flint, and Curt Pringle. He called for Council
Member Moreno to serve as Interim Mayor. He noted how passionately Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil
endorsed the stadium deal through lies. He denounced the lease extension, which the agenda falsely
advised was only for one year and was endorsed by Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil. He advised that if Mayor
Pro Tem O'Neil knew all along it was not just for one year as he insists now then he should not be
considered for Mayor. He advised the campaign finance reforms in Item No. 13 are necessary for the
Council to regain its credibility.
Victoria Michaels, President of the Anaheim Republican Assembly, endorsed Item No. 13 but
questioned how these Council Members could institute it. She questioned how the Council Members
could be kept honest when they loyally voted with former Mayor Sidhu without a hint that they were
doing something wrong. She advised she stopped attending Council meetings when former Mayor
Sidhu was elected because they gave her a stomachache. She decried how the Council Members
disrespectfully treated Council Member Moreno and former Council Member Denise Barnes. She
denounced the disinterest shown by the majority of Council Members while candidates for the seat
vacated by former Council Member Jordan Brandman spoke because the appointment had already
been decided upon. She noted the majority of Council Members feigned surprise at the FBI
investigation and are now suddenly acting like good people. She advised if the Council Members are
honest and fair and knew what was going on they would do the right thing and resign.
Blanca (translation: Spanish), District 5 resident, encouraged Council Member Faessel to support
Item No. 13. She advised campaign finance reform would benefit the community by ensuring no one
would use their power to only support a select group of friends.
Alicia Mora (translation: Spanish), District 4 resident, encouraged Council Member Valencia to
support Item No. 13. She advised the community desires transparency about donors and wishes to
ensure Council decisions always support the community.
Hari Lal, Chairman and Co -Founder of Anaheim Citizens for Transparency, reported he submitted a
statement of interest about the Orange County Water District (OCWD) vacancy in Item No. 11. He
advised he is the Co -Chair of the Geologic Hazard Abatement District of Anaheim. He advised that if
named to the OCWD he would donate the $40-45,000 stipend to the Bo and Girls Scouts and
homeless of Anaheim. He advised what Council Member Moreno has proposed in Item No. 13 is only
the tip of the iceberg, commended the proposal, and added it is fair to not permit Council Members to
vote on items involving donors because it is a conflict of interest. He added the Council Members
should not be on the dais if they vote against the proposal. He advised his organization has drafted a
19-page act it would present to City Council next week because the City's current campaign finance
laws are vague and obsolete. He announced he would run against Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil in
November for the District 6 seat on the Council.
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Michelle Lieberman noted her name is on the list of former Mayor Sidhu's donors in Item No. 14 due
to the Mills Act. She expressed surprise that she is on the list because her Mills Act contract and
those of others on the list date back to the early 2000s. She advised her Mills Act contract dates to
2002, long before former Mayor Sidhu was on the City Council. She advised the report seems
skewed because her contribution in 2018 could not have affected a vote in 2002 by someone who
was not on the Council.
Ashleigh Aitken reported today is Election Day and she spent the morning canvassing. She reported
voters wanted to discuss issues about parks and public safety, and not how to replace a scandal -
ridden former Mayor and how to audit his contributors. She reported voters wanted to discuss
economic recovery and not campaign finance reform. She advised the City is sick and that they need
to shine some light on the real issues that are often ignored. She called for a level playing field so no
group, Political Action Committee, Chamber of Commerce voice, or corporation speaks louder than
the actual residents do. She thanked City Council for agendizing issues like campaign finance reform
to help take a step forward. She questioned why there was still not an official designation for Little
Arabia. She advised former Mayor Sidhu did not vote on the issue's merits but rather out of political
retribution. She called for the Little Arabia designation to be agendized.
Mirvette Judeh expressed support for Item No. 12, stating the City Council must undo all of the
damage former Mayor Sidhu did to the City. She advised the majority of Council Members need to
undo the damage to regain the City's trust and show they are not corrupt. She advised that if Item No.
13 had been in place, most of the corruption would not have been possible. She encouraged Council
to unanimously approve Item No. 13 so they could wash their hands of corruption and prove they are
not corrupt. She added that if the Council Members truly have nothing to do with former Mayor
Sidhu's corruption, they should want Item No. 14 to prove they were not involved. She encouraged
the Council Members to show they were not involved in the corruption by approving Item No. 14's
audit. She advised she is an Arab -American Palestinian born in Puerto Rico who came to Anaheim in
the 1980s and Little Arabia was where she felt welcome. She applauded how much work the
community does for the City through its non-profit organizations. She questioned City Council's delay
in making the Little Arabia designation official. She alleged former Mayor Sidhu did not encourage the
designation because he is prejudiced, racist, and corrupt. She called for the designation of Little
Arabia to be agendized.
R. Joshua Collins, Founder of Homeless Advocates for Christ, encouraged everyone to give their
lives to Jesus Christ and noted the City needs to examine how it helps the needy and homeless. He
reported trying to help homeless residents in La Palma Park. He questioned if Senate Bill (SB) 1152's
procedures were followed relative to one previously hospitalized homeless person who was using
methamphetamine. He encouraged the City to work with hospitals on their SB 1152 follow-through.
He called for walk-in shelters and additional shelters. He advised the City needs more than just City
Net. He called for more affordable housing. He advised this could happen if money was not wasted
on corrupt activities.
Cynthia Ward advised there needs to be an investigation not merely into campaign donations but all
conflicts of interest involving the sale of influence in Anaheim. She advised the definition of conflict of
interest as presented tonight is too limited. She encouraged the use of an outside firm with forensic
accounting experience and as broad of a definition as possible of conflict of interest. She denounced
the political and personal abuse the Council Members have levied at Council Member Moreno and
advised she would never expect a majority of the City Council to vote for him as Interim Mayor. She
noted Council Member Moreno is the only one of them not running for reelection, at risk of being in
the FBI or Grand Jury reports, and possessing the experience to understand the office of Mayor. She
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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advised the only reason not to vote for him is personal, which should not be a basis for making
governmental decisions. She advised their duty is to do what is best for the community and that
restoring the City's reputation is the only thing that matters. She urged City Council to support Council
Member Moreno for Interim Mayor. She noted the staff report for Item No. 15 has no staff
recommendation and noted this is a failure by City staff because City Council has to take some sort of
action.
John Dunton reported the residents love Police Chief Cisneros. He advised that he has been in touch
with the State Attorney General's office about corruption in the City. He thanked Council Member
Moreno for helping schoolchildren. He vowed to campaign against Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and
encouraged residents not to vote for him. He condemned Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil for his role in 19
senior citizens dying at Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park and questioned how much its owner, John
Saunders, paid him. He pledged to outspend Council Member O'Neil 200-to-1 so people do not vote
for him.
Rudi Krause addressed COVID-19 and alleged negative impacts by COVID-19 vaccines and booster
shots.
Vance Dizney addressed the Walt Disney Company and women's ability to be doctors. He advised
former Mayor Sidhu has been framed by Democrats, believed former Mayor Sidhu is a Congressional
hero for empowering the American dream, and denounced the American judicial system. He
encouraged putting the Pledge of Allegiance before the Invocation so as not to corrupt the Pledge of
Allegiance with Christianity and God.
Cecil Jordan Corkern reported President Joe Biden wants to ban assault weapons. He advised he
was working on fighting subliminal predators and pornography in Disney. He advised President Biden
wants to put safety regulations on guns.
Rebecca Kovacs -Stein called for the overdue designation of Little Arabia to be agendized. She
advised Jeanine Robbins asked her to remind the audience about the exchange in the FBI
documents between Mr. Ament and Mr. Flint about Council Member Valencia where they note he has
a bright future playing for the team. She advised the financial support from the cabal for Council
Member Valencia's Assembly campaign confirms he played along with them. She advised residents
should follow the money and see how it connects Council Member Valencia to the cabal. She advised
returning the funds was a nice gesture but does nothing to prove his innocence, She advised Council
Member Valencia is not innocent and added his betrayal of the cabal was almost as quick as his
betrayal of Anaheim's residents. She noted a State Assembly candidate would make a valuable trade
if any other parties under FBI investigation flip. She advised Council Member Valencia and his peers
are as corrupt as former Mayor Sidhu, noting they all received the same sources of campaign
funding. She encouraged him to suspend his Assembly campaign and resign from the City Council.
Rudy Gaona encouraged City Council to name Council Member Moreno as Interim Mayor because
he is the people's champion. He called for the official designation of Little Arabia, as the residents are
part of the Anaheim community, and campaign finance reform. He advised they all knew former
Mayor Sidhu was who he is and residents should follow the money. He called on Council Member
Ma'ae to resign for being part of former Mayor Sidhu's crew and to save her soul. He advised he
withdrew from consideration for her City Council seat when it was vacant because it was obvious the
process was a joke. He advised he is a combat veteran and will run against Council Member Ma'ae
for her Council seat. He advised he is for the people and does not need contributions. He encouraged
Council Member Ma'ae to drop out of the race.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 12 of 34
Manuel Hernandez encouraged Council Member Moreno to look up Havana Syndrome. He advised
government agencies are creating mental illness to create profit for large pharmaceutical companies.
Pourya Bayrami advised one aspect of making America great is cultural inclusivity for minority
groups. He explained that many historical leaders whose reigns were diminished had a policy of
subjugating minority groups. He encouraged City Council to learn from history and include Anaheim's
minority groups. He quoted from the Quran about how people were made into different nations so
they can get to know each other. He advised he is not an Arab -American but called for the
designation of Little Arabia. He expressed trust the corruption issues would be resolved soon.
Christopher Padilla, Commander of American Legion Post 72, thanked Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil for
speaking at their recent Memorial Day event and thanked Council Members Ma'ae and Valencia for
their attendance.
Mazatl Tecpatl Tepehyolotzin reported he has 8,500 signatures on a petition to remove the Anaheim
High School nickname of Colonists. He encouraged the Little Arabia designation to celebrate the
community's diversity. He commended the mural of Kobe and Gigi Bryant and the beautiful park
where it is located, as he noted that at one time minorities were prohibited from the swimming pool
there. He called for more Native American murals.
Amin Nash, Arab -American Civic Council, requested City Council agendize the designation of Little
Arabia. He denounced the corruption of former Mayor Sidhu. He advised former Mayor Sidhu painted
the City's Arab -American leaders as opponents and turned Little Arabia with its 75% approval rate
into a political tool to leverage. He advised it was a strong-arm approach to leadership demeaning to
his community.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil cautioned Mr. Dizney to stop interrupting the speaker. He agreed to
extend Mr. Nash's time by 30 seconds due to his comments being lost over the ruckus.
Council Member Moreno requested Mr. Nash restart from the beginning to which Mayor Pro
Tem O'Neil agreed.
Amin Nash called for the designation of Little Arabia and expressed his disapproval of former Mayor
Sidhu. He advised former Mayor Sidhu tried to paint leaders of the Arab -American community as
opponents to his campaign and turn the Little Arabia designation, approved by 75% of Anaheim
residents, into a political tool for leverage. He advised it is a dangerous narrative to state the
designation is a danger to Anaheim. He pledged Arab -Americans would not be mistreated or used as
tools. He advised their dignity matters and would rise above this chapter. He reported the Arab -
American Civic Council recently conducted a community survey and found the three main concerns
are education, safety, and housing. He pondered what the $1,000,000 former Mayor Sidhu requested
from the Los Angeles Angels could do to improve these three areas through tutoring, community
resource officers, and housing assistance. He advised these are some ideas to move on from former
Mayor Sidhu's toxicity. He encouraged the Council Members to meet with the Little Arabia residents
and to agendize the designation.
Bryan Kaye asked if Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil has said anything nice to those who have interacted with
the Anaheim Police Department (APD). He alleged Council Members had told APD to not do its job
as well alleged that APD Internal Affairs does not accept reports from residents. He questioned how
many more Latinos would have to be killed before City Council does something about Police Chief
Cisneros and the APD. He advised no Council Members have shown the courage to call out the use
of racial slurs.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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Waleed Kafi reported he runs a successful upscale restaurant on Brookhurst Street. He advised Little
Arabia continues to grow more elegant as more businesses open and the Arab -American community
continues to invest in the area. He requested City Council officially designate Little Arabia to help lead
to more business for the area. He advised everyone knows it as Little Arabia but the City Council and
business owners like himself would benefit from an official designation.
Avery Mousa reported she is frustrated by the dismissal of Anaheim's Arab -Americans by former
Mayor Sidhu. She advised designating Little Arabia should not be politicized, as it has been a place
of comfort for generations for all minorities, not just Arab -Americans. She advised Little Arabia unifies
Arab -Americans and provides a place of refuge and security. She explained support for the
designation would make an impactful change for Arab -American voters by making the City more
welcoming and creating a sense of home in Anaheim. She called upon City Council to rise above the
corruption of former Mayor Sidhu and perform their due diligence for the Arab -American community
by designating Little Arabia.
Jack Huerta reported he owns a Mexican restaurant in Little Araba. He requested the Little Arabia
designation be agendized for the benefit of the area's businesses. He advised tourists come from all
over the country to the area and patronize his restaurant. He explained an official Little Arabia
designation with street signs and advertising maps would double or triple business traffic during tough
economic times. He noted the Little Arabia neighborhood's vibrancy helps keep crime and drugs
away and a designation would only add vibrancy by making it better known.
Vern Nelson encouraged residents to vote, particularly for the position of Orange County District
Attorney so the City does not have to lean on the FBI to clean up its messes. He reported District
Attorney Todd Spitzer has to go because he also took contributions from the Anaheim Chamber of
Commerce, Mr. Flint, former Mayor Sidhu, and everyone else involved in Anaheim's corruption. He
encouraged residents to vote for District Attorney Spitzer's opponents Pete Hardin or Michael Jacobs.
He advised this should be a turning point for the City but rather Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil is acting as a
smoother version of former Mayor Sidhu and the other majority Council Members look as if they have
touched a hot stove. He advised none of them are innocent and called upon them to appoint Council
Member Moreno as Interim Mayor as the only one of them not implicated in the scandal or supported
by the same special interests. He also encouraged City Council to pass the campaign finance
ordinance in Item No. 13. He thanked those responsible for the improved audio and visual technology
and theorized former Mayor Sidhu would not have allowed it.
Victoria Vidrio advised the Council Members have stolen from the residents and should be ashamed.
She noted the motto "In God, We Trust" is above the dais but advised the Council Members are evil.
She advised only Council Member Moreno is honest and she called for a change in the City.
Kenneth Batiste advised Anaheim residents need to start paying attention. He denounced that the
pandemic relief funds were directed to Visit Anaheim, Disneyland, Anaheim First, and other such
groups when they should have gone to the residents. He advised that amongst the City Council, only
Council Member Moreno cares. He noted how the Council Members would not support rent control at
Rancho La Paz and approved many other projects against the wishes of residents. He called for
investigations of the Angels, Disneyland, and the Chamber of Commerce. He called for making
Council Member Moreno the Interim Mayor, checking out all contracts agreed to by former Mayor
Sidhu, making all City contracts available online, a plan for the homeless, the designation of Little
Arabia, and Citywide internet for all school children. He believed the majority of Council Members
chose to sell out the City.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 14 of 34
William Trevilla advised any businesses owned by the Council Members should be investigated if
they received Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loans to see if they were used correctly. He advised it
should be investigated to see if the Council Members' businesses are paying their proper taxes. He
reported finding Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's business Impact Caregivers, LLC in the State of Utah and
not California. He advised they should have to pay their taxes in Anaheim as the residents do,
although he noted residents do not see many improvements for the tax dollars paid. He called for an
investigation to see if any Council Member -owned businesses got kickbacks from the fraud. He
denounced what City Council allowed to happen to Sunkist Plaza.
CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE:
City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported that last Friday the City was notified that its application to the
Federal Economic Development Administration for capital funding for the original Northgate market
project was approved. He advised the $3,000,000 grant ensures a significant portion of the costs
have been secured to implement the vision of a food -focused, small business incubator and
workforce training center that aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit already at the location. He
announced it is expected to open in 2024 and would deliver on the City's promise to the Gonzalez
family and the surrounding community to support and uplift the area through collaboration with non-
profits, small businesses, and local philanthropic partners.
Mr. Vanderpool announced that Anaheim Public Utilities Department would host the OC Green Expo
on Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Center Street Promenade. He reported
the free event would feature electric vehicle test drives, sustainability workshops, food trucks,
exhibitor booths, and raffle prizes. He encouraged residents to visit www.anaheim.net for additional
information.
Mr. Vanderpool also reported that the Economic Development Department kicked off the
Emprendador@s Business Mentorship Program on June 1, 2022. He explained it is an 8-week
program that provides Spanish-speaking aspiring entrepreneurs with training on how to start their
own business and he reported that 30 residents are participating.
Lastly, he announced that, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Human Resources
Department partnered with Kaiser on a "Work of Art" mental health program for City employees in
which employees contributed over 400 pieces of art and he showed a video displaying select pieces.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:29 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and
adopt the balance of the consent calendar, in accordance with reports, certifications, and
recommendations furnished each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar,
seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and
Council Members Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1 (Council Member
Diaz). Motion carried.
B105 1. Receive and file minutes of the Public Utilities Board meeting of April 27, 2022.
D116 2. Approve proclamation recognizing United States Postal Service worker Esther Perez for
providing lifesaving assistance to Anaheim resident, Terry Johnson.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 15 of 34
D159 3. Authorize the Planning and Building Director to submit California Automated Permit
Processing Program grant applications to the California Energy Commission for cost recovery
for design and implementation of automated permit processing; authorize the Planning and
Building Director, or designee, to accept the grant, execute required grant documents, and
take all necessary actions to implement grant activities; and, if awarded, increase the
Planning and Building Department's Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget commensurate with the grant
award (grant funds in the amount of $100,000).
4. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing
D180 Agent to issue a purchase order to E.J. Ward, Inc., in the amount of $104,367.04 plus
applicable tax, for the installation of new fuel management terminals and related components
at three existing fire stations to support the integration of these locations with the current
proprietary fuel management system that is in place throughout the City (Fire Station Nos. 2,
8, and 11).
AGR-13571 5. Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, Hampton Tedder Electric
AGR-13572 Company, in the amount of $6,815,393.90 plus a 10% contingency, for the Electric Line
Extension (Wanda Circuit) Project, Phase 2 (Project); authorize the Director of Public Works
to execute the construction contract and any other related documents, and take the necessary
actions to implement and administer the construction contract and authorize the Finance
Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions; approve a
Wireline Crossing Agreement (Agreement) with the Union Pacific Railroad Company, with a
one-time license fee of $33,600 and cost reimbursement, for power and communication lines
crossing underneath the railroad tracks for the Project; authorize the Public Utilities General
Manager to execute the Agreement and related documents, including a consent document,
and to take the necessary actions to implement the Agreement; and determine that the
Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to
Sections 15301(b), 15302(c), and 15303 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.
6. Approve Contract Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $16,647.92, with Mike Prlich & Sons,
AGR- Inc., for additional costs incurred to address unforeseen conditions during the Nohl Ranch
11511.0.3 Road Sanitary Sewer Improvements under the Master Agreement for Sewer, Drain and Pump
Station Construction, Maintenance, Repair and Immediate Response Services, and authorize
the Director of Public Works, or designee, to execute the Contract Change Order and any
related documents.
AGR-13573 7- Approve the Subdivision Agreement of Parcel Map No. 2021-123, located at 1445 S. Anaheim
Boulevard, with Anaheim Midway LP to establish a one lot subdivision with open space,
private drives, and landscaped areas and direct and authorize the Mayor Pro Tern and City
Clerk to execute the Agreement.
8- Approve California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CaIWORKs) Agreements
AGR-1357with Brownson Technical School, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $100,000, and with KD
AGR-13575 Education, LLC dba Healthstaff Training Institute, in an amount not to exceed $200,000, for
the provision of vocational skills training, each for a term beginning July 1, 2022 and expiring
June 30, 2024 and authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development to
execute, and the Workforce Development Manager, or designee, to administer the
agreements.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 16 of 34
AGR-13576 9. Approve a Master Agreement for Shared Programs and Services with the Municipal Water
District of Orange County, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000, for water use efficiency
and student education programs, and shared consulting, water loss control, and mutual
aid/emergency response services, for an initial term expiring June 30, 2027 with one five-year
additional extension, and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to
execute the agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the
agreement.
D114 10. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of February 15, 2022.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil noted there are only five Council Members in attendance due to Council
Member Diaz's illness and the Mayoral vacancy. He advised it takes four votes to approve an
ordinance or resolution while items involving merely direction to staff require a majority of those
present.
B105 11. Nominate and appoint a representative to serve on the Orange County Water - District 9
Orange County Water District — District 9
Appointment:
(currently held by Harry Sidhu)
NOMINATION: Council Member Ma'ae nominated Council Member Faessel. Council Member
Faessel respectfully declined the nomination.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil noted Council Member Faessel is the water expert among the
Council Members. Council Member Faessel reiterated his declination.
NOMINATION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil nominated Council Member Ma'ae.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma'ae advised she had not thought about this but would be happy to
represent the City if it is in the best interests of the City.
Council Member Moreno requested to continue the item to allow for a search to see if residents have
knowledge of water issues. He advised the seat has a lot of financial interest to it and requested the
Orange County Water District (OCWD) also look into former Mayor Sidhu's financial activities. He
noted the experienced Council Member Faessel has declined the vacancy.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to allow for advertisement and posting of the position to
accept applications for review at the next meeting, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Moreno and City Attorney Robert Fabela's inquiries,
City Clerk Theresa Bass advised the process of advertising the position to assemble a pool of
applicants would take two City Council meeting periods to turn around.
Council Member Moreno advised he was comfortable with this timeframe and his viewpoint is the
position has an "open until filled" status.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 17 of 34
Ms. Bass clarified that if any applications are received in time for the next meeting, they will be
presented at the June 21 meeting, if not the applications will be presented at the July 12 council
meeting.
Council Member Moreno confirmed he was comfortable with the flexible but expedited timetable
presented by Ms. Bass and Council Member Ma'ae reaffirmed her second of the motion.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Ms. Bass clarified the seat is still held by former
Mayor Sidhu. She advised the representative must be a Council Member or Anaheim resident. She
confirmed there is not presently an alternate for the position.
Council Member Valencia noted the item was agendized to remove former Mayor Sidhu from the
seat. He advised there could be interim options and avenues for creativity such as an employee of
Anaheim Public Utilities (APU).
Council Member Faessel noted the seat would remain open until at least July 12. He advised the
State is in a drought situation and the City has several contracts with the OCWD.
In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, APU General Manager Dukku Lee advised he was
not aware of anything pending before the OCWD where the City should be concerned about having
this seat remain vacant through July 12. He reported discussing upcoming OCWD-related matters
with Water Engineering Manager Michael Moore when the item was agendized and they did not feel
there was anything of immediate concern.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Ms. Bass confirmed the appointee serves at the
pleasure of the City Council.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed the City Council could
remove former Mayor Sidhu from the seat. He reported receiving a message from former Mayor
Sidhu's attorney requesting the process for him to resign from his other civic boards and
commissions. He advised this could all be handled by the time the matter returns to City Council
making the former Mayor's status question moot.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil requested a friendly amendment to the motion to remove former Mayor Sidhu
from the seat.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified there would not be a Brown Act
issue but there could be an internal rules issue because only a nomination of a successor, and not
the removal of the former Mayor is on the agenda. He advised the City rules would be to bring it up
under Council Communications to add to the next agenda.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted the appointment is agendized and the appointment is for a seat
currently held. Mr. Fabela advised he was comfortable with including the removal of former Mayor
Sidhu tonight.
Council Member Moreno accepted the friendly amendment and Council Member Ma'ae reaffirmed
her second.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified this seat was not in former
Mayor Sidhu's resignation letter. He advised former Mayor Sidhu's attorney has subsequently
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 18 of 34
inquired about how his client resigns from other positions like this one. Mr. Fabela advised he is
unsure if such a resignation has occurred.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised the mechanism to vacate the seat is for the City Council to vote on it
Mr. Fabela advised that former Mayor Sidhu has a right to resign, but the effect would be the same
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to remove Harry Sidhu as the City's representative on the
Orange County Water District and to continue the nomination and appointment to allow for
advertisement and posting of the position and to solicit resident interest and applications, seconded
by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council
Members Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1 (Council Member Diaz).
Motion approved.
D114 12. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-060 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM amending and restating the procedures and rules of order for the conduct of
City Council meetings (moving the Council Communications section to immediately follow the
first Public Comment period, adding a new "Council Agenda Setting" section following Public
Comments for Non -Agenda Items, and other minor revisions).
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil reported he requested this item and it is a fairly straightforward
effort to move Council Communications to a time when the general public is typically present and
more attentive to the meeting. He advised having the creation of agenda items towards the end is
normal for most jurisdictions.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2022-060 A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending and restating the procedures and rules
of order for the conduct of City Council meetings (moving the Council Communications section to
immediately follow the first Public Comment period, adding a new "Council Agenda Setting" section
following Public Comments for Non -Agenda Items, and other minor revisions), seconded by Council
Member Ma'ae.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno supported the item but reported he also liked having Council
Communications at the end to allow for reflection on items discussed and reports from events
attended. He inquired if Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil was open to allowing two minutes of Council
Communications at the end of a meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised he considered Council Member Moreno's option when crafting the
resolution. He advised he would like to stay away from a rigid timeline of two minutes. He advised
there was a time before he was on City Council when there were two Council Communications
periods and it became problematic. He advised there is no perfect scenario but noted his proposal
would make for better meeting flow and public engagement.
Council Member Moreno advised he liked the way the format worked in the past two meetings but
also found himself at the end of the meeting wanting to comment on things said during the meeting.
He advised the two -minute suggestion was simply a suggestion to ensure they were not adding a lot
more time to the meeting and was not a hard limit but rather a target.
SUBSIDIARY MOTION: Council Member Moreno to amend the motion on the floor to approve the
resolution with the addition of a Council Communications section at the end of the agenda
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 19 of 34
immediately preceding the Council Agenda Setting section, with two minutes not be a rule but rather
a target, seconded by Council Member Valencia.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel advised he generally likes to hear more than less and would
agree with.the amended motion. He noted he may choose not to add anything at the end but would
like to have the opportunity to reflect on what has transpired in a meeting.
Mr. Fabela clarified this is a motion to amend the original motion.
SUBSIDIARY MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to amend the motion on the floor to
approve the resolution with the addition of a Council Communications section at the end of the
agenda immediately preceding the Council Agenda Setting section, seconded by Council Member
Valencia. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae,
Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT - 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried
AMENDED MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil moved to approve RESOLUTION NO, 2022-060 A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending and restating the
procedures and rules of order for the conduct of City Council meetings (moving the Council
Communications section to immediately follow the first Public Comment period, adding a new
"Council Agenda Setting" section following Public Comments for Non -Agenda Items, and other minor
revisions), as amended to add a Council Communications section at the end of the agenda
immediately preceding the Agenda Setting section, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL
CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and
Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried.
M142 13. ORDINANCE NO. (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
ANAHEIM adding new sections, deleting sections and amending various sections of Chapter
1.09 of Title 1 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to campaign and ethics reform
(establish recusal rules for elected members of the City Council when they received campaign
contributions from parties who have matters before the Council and place time limits on
campaign fundraising and debt retirement).
In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Council Member Moreno requested to keep the item
on the agenda and advised they could continue the item if it proved to be more valuable to have
Council Member Diaz in attendance. He noted it was important to have the option to vote on it now.
City Attorney Robert Fabela reported the ordinance would codify the State's Levine Act at the local
level and make it applicable to the City Council. He advised the ordinance would require Council
Members to recuse themselves from any action taken by the City that would impact a third party who
contributed more than $250 to the Council Member's election campaign in the past 12 months. He
explained the recused Council Member would also be prohibited from using their position to influence
a decision impacting or involving a campaign contributor. He advised the ordinance would prohibit a
Council Member from accepting or soliciting a contribution from the party for 12 months after the
decision has been made. He explained the 12 months is an increase from the three months for local
boards and commissions subject to the Levine Act.
Mr. Fabela advised, unlike the Levine Act, Council Member Moreno is proposing it would also apply if
the third party contributed over $250 to an independent committee expressly advocating for the
election of the Council Member if the member knows about the contribution. He advised the Council
Member would be allowed to return the contribution within 30 days of a conflict arising, matching the
Levine Act.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 20 of 34
Mr. Fabela reported, that, unlike the Levine Act, the proposal would allow the public to challenge
actions allegedly taken in violation of the ordinance. He reported he modeled these provisions and
City Council cure and correct options after the Brown Act since it is not included in the Levine Act.
Mr. Fabela advised, consistent with the Levine Act, that Council Members would not have to recuse
from actions involving low bid contracts, labor contracts, or personal employment contracts
regardless of whether or not they received campaign contributions from involved parties. He
explained the ordinance would require Council Members to disclose on the record if they received a
campaign contribution over $250 from the other party.
Mr. Fabela reported the ordinance also has provisions limiting contributions and debt reporting. He
advised candidates would only be able to accept donations one year before an election until 180 days
after the election with the post -election contributions not to exceed the debts accumulated during the
campaign.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno advised the root of the corruption currently plaguing the City
involves the influence of campaign funds. He advised the City needs to assure the public that funders
of their campaigns are not sponsors of their positions once elected with an expectation of something
done in return. He advised this is his attempt to restore trust in the Council Members and the electoral
process. He lamented due to free speech laws upheld by the Supreme Court that the Council cannot
stop donations to political action committees (PACs) but added donors should not expect anything in
return. He explained having Council Members recuse from voting on the donors' items would help.
Council Member Moreno advised the question of campaign debt is critical for him and discussed the
nuances under which a recently elected official could be paid directly by a PAC without it being legally
considered a bribe. He advised it is critical to prohibit fundraising to pay off these personal debts
incurred while running for office.
Council Member Moreno advised prohibiting four years of campaign fund solicitations is necessary so
the public could again trust decisions being made are not being influenced.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to introduce ORDINANCE NO. AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adding new sections, deleting sections and amending
various sections of Chapter 1.09 of Title 1 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to campaign and
ethics reform (establish recusal rules for elected members of the City Council when they received
campaign contributions from parties who have matters before the Council and place time limits on
campaign fundraising and debt retirement). The motion failed for lack of a second.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel reported his familiarity with the Levine Act after seven years
as a Metropolitan Water District and Orange County Sanitation District member. He advised the
Levine Act would not have affected either of his two City Council campaigns, even with Council
Member Moreno's proposed modifications. He noted many cities around the State have adopted the
Levine Act, including the City of Costa Mesa, and it works for them.
Council Member Faessel expressed discomfort with the one-year stipulation for lack of seeing a
working model of it for understanding. He advised he would have liked to see the staff presentation
include a side -by -side comparison of the Levine Act and what is being proposed. He explained he
agrees with the rest of the proposal but would be open to hearing options to the one-year stipulation.
He noted many campaign contributions are independent PAC expenditures and did not know all of
them until Form 460 was released after the election, but he advised he is accepting of this provision.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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Council Member Faessel advised they should have the one-year discussion when Council Member
Diaz's opinion could be included. He advised he would like to see a working model of the one-year
stipulation. He explained he is living under the Levine Act for two of his appointments without a
problem and noted the three months works well for Metropolitan Water District's $300,000,000 annual
Capital Improvement Project budget, which would be a strong reason to be solicited.
Council Member Ma'ae advised she does not disagree with the goals of the ordinance but advised
she is new to politics.
In response to Council Member Ma'ae's inquiry, Mr. Fabela advised the Levine Act has been on the
books for a long time and has not been struck down on First Amendment grounds. He advised a law
consistent with the Brown Act would likely be deemed consistent with the First Amendment. He noted
the United States Supreme Court ruled in 2011 that Council Members do not have a First
Amendment right to vote and members can have their voting rights restricted. He advised the
independent expenditures section is untested but added there is no clear legal prohibition on it. He
explained there is an opinion in legal academia that recusal restrictions in laws like the Levine Act do
not go far enough and should also include independent expenditures. He advised it could be
challenged someday, but noted it is defensible in his opinion.
In response to Council Member Ma'ae's inquiry, Mr. Fabela advised the inclusion of independent
expenditures in the ordinance gets to the lack of control of the Council Member to determine their
need for recusal. He clarified the Levine Act only applies to direct contributions to the candidate or
their controlled committees. He advised he is not sure how the need to return campaign contributions
would work under the independent expenditure provision. He acknowledged it creates a quandary for
the Council Members through their lack of control.
Council Member Ma'ae called for an analysis of currently existing laws and what is already handled
by other agencies. She advised restricting this sort of activity is redundant due to the State and
federal laws already restricting it. She explained that elected officials receive influence in non-
financial ways as well, including offering their support in campaigning. She advised removing the
financial avenue for support does not remove all opportunities for pay -for -play. She noted that limiting
Anaheim -based donors only opens the doors for non -local businesses to have a say in the City. She
called for more analysis before she could support the ordinance.
Council Member Valencia advised the issues of campaign contributions and lobbying brought to light
by the FBI investigation need to be discussed
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Mr. Fabela confirmed there are exemptions to
the policy for low -bid contracts, labor contracts, and personal service contracts. He noted there has
been a disclosure requirement before voting. He advised any other party subject to the result of the
vote would come with a recusal requirement. He clarified a participant is defined as anyone who has
actively opposed or supported a measure before the City Council and has a financial interest in the
decision. He advised the definition of financial interest in the ordinance comes directly from the
Levine Act and includes things like property interests, business investments, and sources of income.
He explained it is the same sort of analysis a Council Member must undergo before deciding if they
need to recuse from an item due to a financial conflict. He advised that financial conflicts are usually
obvious.
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In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified a direct contribution can be
controlled by a Council Member because it can be returned. He noted the independent expenditure
component could be subject to gamesmanship.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed unforeseen gaps in the
policy could be addressed in the future. He advised new legislation does sometimes require future
tweaks to close loopholes.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela advised under the Citizens United v.
Federal Election Commission U.S. Supreme Court case there are restrictions on the legislature's
ability to restrict. He advised there is limited literature on requiring recusal for independent
expenditures and staff would have to continue to look for more local examples.
Council Member Valencia expressed support for a campaign finance ordinance in concept
MOTION: Council Member Valencia moved to introduce ORDINANCE NO. AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM adding new sections, deleting sections and amending
various sections of Chapter 1.09 of Title 1 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to campaign and
ethics reform (establish recusal rules for elected members of the City Council when they received
campaign contributions from parties who have matters before the Council and place time limits on
campaign fundraising and debt retirement), as amended to require City Council or Mayoral
candidates to file a Form 497 contribution report within 24 hours of receiving a contribution over $250
throughout the election cycle. Motion subsequently withdrawn.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil agreed transparency is the key element so the public knows
where contributions come from before any vote. He noted lobbyists have to submit quarterly lobbying
reports and Council Members submit other regular filings but those reports may not coincide with
when an item comes before the Council. He advised this transparency concern is a separate issue
from campaign finance reform.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil reported the Orange County Register recently published an article detailing
local cities subject to big -money manipulation. He advised the article cited a countywide study where
Anaheim received a B-minus, ranking the City 14th-strongest out of 34 cities in the County. He
reported the City of Costa Mesa, referenced as a good example earlier by Council Member Faessel,
received a D-plus. He noted the larger cities ranked above Anaheim all have significantly lower
contribution limits. He advised the importance of independent expenditures is exacerbated when
contribution limits are lower, a phenomenon seen strongly in the City of Irvine where candidate
fundraising is heavily outweighed by developer independent expenditures.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil reported the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled restricting independent
expenditures is unconstitutional and, because candidates do not regulate them, it is impractical to
regulate a recusal based upon them. He advised he rejects the notion that campaign money is
patently bad. He noted how money can balance out things like newspaper endorsements and name
recognition unrelated to political acumen. He explained some people have more support than others
because of their political philosophies and not because their votes are for sale. He advised laws
already exist regarding soliciting donations for votes but the laws do not mean much if elected
officials are breaking them.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil advised the equalizing issue is transparency and the City already has strong
transparency rules. He noted more could be addressed, such as filling gaps between reports. He
advised addressing the reports is a separate agenda item from this one.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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Mr. Fabela clarified there has to be a noticed introduction and adoption of an ordinance. He
confirmed if there were changes to what was presented to the public the ordinance would have to go
back to the introduction stage at a future meeting.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed the amendments about filings
would have to come back as a separate item.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised he supports portions of Council Member Valencia's motion but not.all
of the conditions presented in the ordinance.
Council Member Faessel advised he would support Council Member Valencia's changes to the
ordinance but remains stuck on the one-year requirement. He advised they are getting too deep into
the ordinance to have this discussion without Council Member Diaz in attendance and deemed it
inappropriate and awkward. He called for additional staff input when the Council Members are all in
attendance.
Council Member Moreno advised that due to some of the concerns heard, clarifications requested,
and the absence of Council Member Diaz, he would not be opposed to thinking about the subject for
a while. He noted the ordinance was introduced in October 2019 without any substantial differences
from the one presented tonight but the City Council majority chose to table the subject. He noted a
number of the Council Members expressed shock that what happened with former Mayor Sidhu was
possible. He advised laws are often a reaction to someone having broken the public's trust thus
requiring the law.
Council Member Moreno advised he does not want to be a City only 14th in the study cited by Mayor
Pro Tem O'Neil. He noted he does not want the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim Fire &
Rescue, Community Services, or other civic elements to only be ranked No. 14 in the County. He
advised Anaheim takes pride in leading and innovating and noted that public trust is in crisis.
Council Member Moreno advised the essence of the law is that if someone has a financial interest in
the City and gave someone money to get elected, the public finds this suspect. He advised the
preceding 12 months restriction already exists so it is not radical. He explained it makes sense to also
extend it forward 12 months because the seduction still exists after an election. He advised he is
open to using a different figure as suggested by Council Member Faessel. He noted having the 12
months also allows the City Council time to gel as a body. He noted within two days of his election
former Mayor Sidhu called a Special Meeting to approve a building project awarded to the president
of the Chamber of Commerce.
Council Member Moreno commended City Clerk Theresa Bass for the easy accessibility of Anaheim's
campaign finance documents. He reported that from 2015 to 2022 Disney has contributed $5,600,000
to candidates in Anaheim and also presented donation data from other groups including the hotel
industry ($1,000,000), and Anaheim Police Association ($778,000). He advised these sums only
include electronic submissions and not those on paper, in cash, or the form of campaign debt relief.
He noted how contributions from apartment and mobile home associations increased drastically after
rent control became a topic of discussion. He reported how City Council has regularly agreed to large
items supported by some of the largest City campaign donors, creating the cloud currently lingering
over the public's trust.
Council Member Moreno reported on the fundraising totals for each of the Council Members since
2017, led by former Mayor Sidhu at $963,167, which includes $95,800 in the non -election year of
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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2019. He advised the pressure to raise this large amount of money leads to the cabal situation the
FBI is investigating where Council Members feel they owe large donors favors and would-be donors
feel they have to give money for their projects to pass. He noted the campaign debts for the Council
Members entering office, led by former Mayor Sidhu at $166,400, are about five times more than the
next closest Council Member. He detailed how former Mayor Sidhu repaid his debt semi-annually,
even after the start of the pandemic.
Council Member Moreno explained the 12 months is to allow the City Council to gel and for distance
from contributions. He noted the FBI referred to the City's lobbyist registry forms and commended Ms.
Bass for making them publicly accessible. He advised the registry shows how Mr. Flint was
sidestepping the City's lobbying laws. He advised Ms. Bass could also put up links to PACs like
SOAR which donate to Anaheim candidates and Council Members should recuse before voting on
their matters.
Council Member Moreno advised the public trust is in crisis and expressed hope that the City Council
could pass this item to help regain the lost trust.
In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Council Member Moreno confirmed his financial
figures on prominent local campaign contributors include money given to PACs.
Council Member Faessel noted the numbers including independent expenditures are challenging for
a candidate because they do not know how much money a company donated to PACs. He advised
the numbers are interesting and help Council Member Moreno make a point, but advised what is
being discussed would not change the donation levels.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified the motion on the floor is to
approve the ordinance with his additional language about Form 497s. Council Member Valencia
advised he would like to move forward with the motion.
In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiry, Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil clarified the motion is to
approve the ordinance as written with the addition of Council Member Valencia's additional language.
Council Member Faessel advised he has problems with this motion because the full City Council is
not in attendance and he remains uncomfortable with the 12-month issue. He advised he is
supportive of almost everything else in the ordinance. He noted if Council Member Moreno would
budge off of one year he could support it but advised he was not ready to vote tonight.
Council Member Ma'ae requested more analysis and a comparison to other jurisdictions. She advised
the ordinance is imperfect. She clarified that she was never part of the SOAR PAC but advised she
was part of SOAR's Advisory Board. She noted that she could not support the ordinance in its current
form.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil advised there is no motion
to amend because there was not an underlying motion on the floor.
Council Member Valencia withdrew his motion.
Council Member Moreno advised he would be open to adding Council Member Valencia's proposed
amendment if the ordinance returns to City Council. He agreed with Council Member Faessel that it is
important to consider that they are missing a Council member tonight. He clarified the contributions in
his chart are the combined donations by Disney and other companies to a number of PACs and
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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directly to Council Members and not donations to any single PAC. He advised residents know the
$2,000 maximum direct donation to a campaign is not going to determine how a Council Member
votes but rather object to when Disney contributes $425,000 in one day to a PAC supporting specific
candidates. He advised money matters in elections in how the messaging it can purchase enables
the public to form a certain opinion of a candidate. He advised this decision is about making sure the
public can trust the decisions made by the Council amidst the cloud of corruption former Mayor Sidhu
has placed over the City. He advised the investigation is still ongoing and that there could be more
harmful findings. He explained the ordinance would take a large step toward showing the public they
could be trusted.
Council Member Moreno advised he was willing to continue the item to the next meeting so Council
Member Diaz could review the ordinance. He advised he would like to discuss a compromise with
Council Member Faessel. He clarified for Council Member Ma'ae that the City Attorney and City Clerk
looked at other cities for examples when drafting Anaheim's legislation. He reported they looked at
the City of San Diego's campaign finance laws in drafting this ordinance. He advised the ordinance
was researched and not simply handed to him by an industry or citizens' group.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed this was a fair assessment of
how the ordinance was drafted. He explained the caveat it is an imperfect process but reported staff
does its best to reflect what has been done in other jurisdictions. He advised the Levine Act and
Brown Act played a large role in drafting this particular ordinance. He acknowledged staff also
borrowed a lot of the City of San Diego's policy, including its time restrictions and debt relief clauses.
Council Member Moreno advised the big fish in this sea is the independent expenditures through
PACs because this creates the pay -to -play culture.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised none of these proposed changes, had they been enacted in 2019,
would have changed anything former Mayor Sidhu did because his solicitations were already illegal.
He addressed Council Member Moreno's comment about a $2,000 maximum donation carrying less
weight than PAC money supporting his comment about the large cities found to be less corruptible in
the study have lower contribution limits. He advised City Council is trying to control something out of
its control as the U.S. Supreme Court supported unlimited independent expenditures.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised he falls back on transparency and noted what the City can do is
ensure the public is fully aware of who is contributing to who and when.
Council Member Faessel agreed this item should be continued to the next meeting. He requested
staff produce a chart highlighting the similarities and differences between the Levine Act and the
proposed ordinance.
Council Member Moreno disagreed with Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's assessment, arguing this ordinance
could have stopped former Mayor Sidhu's corruption because he would not have been allowed to
vote on the Angel Stadium sale for having received direct campaign contributions over $250 from the
Angels within 12 months of the Council discussions. He advised the other Council Members also
received direct campaign contributions from the Angels, forcing even more recusals. He explained the
ordinance could have also convinced the Angels not to contribute to the Council Members and the
former Mayor in hopes of getting a better deal after their elections.
Council Member Moreno clarified this item requests recusal rules for Council Members when they
have received campaign contributions from parties who have matters before the City Council. He
advised it is simple and common sense to do this. He advised the Citizens United verdict has
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 26 of 34
poisoned politics for both parties but left an opportunity for City Councils to self -regulate. He
reaffirmed his agreement to speak offline with Council Member Faessel about his 12-month timeline
concerns.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to continue Item No. 13 to June 21, 2022 with the
inclusion of Council Member Valencia's amendment for further consideration, seconded by Council
Member Faessel.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno advised the ordinance is a simple way to help the public see
that money is not influencing the Council's decisions.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified the amendment can be included
as part of the continuation. He cautioned about the potential for a serial meeting if Council Members
Moreno, Faessel, and Valencia speak on their own about amendments to the ordinance. He advised
the three of them are fine but there can be no other Council Member discussions outside of a noticed
public meeting.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to continue the item to June 21, 2022, with the inclusion
of Council Member Valencia's amendment for further consideration, seconded by Council Member
Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae,
Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried.
D116 14. Discuss and provide direction on an audit regarding former Mayor Harry Sidhu's campaign
contributions and related agreements; and provide direction on any independent investigation
regarding matters raised or stemming from the federal investigations recently made public.
City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported this item was placed on the agenda by staff at the request of
the City Council and the general public.
Mr. Vanderpool reported he audited former Mayor Sidhu's campaign contributions and City contracts
awarded to those contributors. He thanked the City Clerk's Office and the Finance Department for
their swift assistance. He advised staff is seeking City Council direction on how to proceed with this
information and if there is any information City Council wishes to obtain.
Mr. Vanderpool advised staff is also seeking direction on an investigation regarding issues raised by
the recent FBI investigation.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Faessel referenced Ms. Lieberman's public comments about the
individuals highlighted on the staff reports whose agreements are based on Mills Act houses. He
noted those contracts are handled administratively and not through City Council action. He advised
the report needs to show where former Mayor Sidhu's influence was applied and Mills Act houses are
outside of this desired nexus. He advised the next investigatory step needs to be finding out which of
the 107 highlighted contracts were influenced by former Mayor Sidhu. He also requested a listing of
whether or not former Mayor Sidhu's vote was critical in the contract awards through a 4-3 vote. He
advised the audit is a good first step but raises too many questions.
Council Member Moreno reported that the formatting of the data was challenging. Council Member
Moreno advised the audit has to be independent and not conducted by City staff so the audit's result
cannot have its integrity questioned. He clarified he asked for an investigation about the contracts
themselves, noting the FBI showed how Mr. Ament was funneling funds from City contracts into his
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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accounts by laundering it through Mr. Flint. He advised the public needs to be assured a $400,000
contract with the Chamber of Commerce saw the money go to the Chamber and not into a PAC.
Council Member Moreno believed the audit should be expanded to all campaign contributors for all
Council Members. He noted how the FBI investigation has Mr. Ament and others on tape self -
proclaiming themselves to be a cabal controlling the entire Council. He cited the vote about Sunkist
Plaza shortly after the owner contracted Mr. Flint as a decision becoming questionable in light of the
investigations.
Council Member Moreno also reported he asked the City Attorney outside of this item to.investigate
potential unethical behavior by City staff. He requested this investigation also be handled
independently of City staff.
Council Member Moreno clarified the intent of this item is not only an independent audit of who
received contracts but also an independent forensic financial audit of where the City's money
awarded in those contracts was spent. He advised the audit should include all Council Members.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, City Clerk Theresa Bass clarified the contracts
were only cross-referenced against former Mayor Sidhu's mayoral campaigns in 2018 and 2022.
Council Member Valencia called to expand the investigation into former Mayor Sidhu's committees for
past Senate, Assembly, and anti -recall campaigns. He advised the recall campaign is particularly
relevant to the City.
Council Member Valencia reported in April 2021 he and Council Member Moreno voted against
increasing the City Manager's signing authority from $50,000 to $200,000. He questioned in hindsight
the timing of why the City Council voted to allow for this spending increase given the City's financial
situation during the pandemic. He requested an audit of whether or not any entities awarded City
contracts under this increased signing authority contributed to former Mayor Sidhu's campaign
committees.
Council Member Valencia endorsed a forensic financial audit of the contracts so taxpayers could
know where their tax dollars went.
Council Member Ma'ae expressed support for further investigations but proposed waiting until the
conclusion of the ongoing FBI investigation and Orange County Grand Jury probe. She believed
running a parallel investigation was unnecessary at this time but noted she would support a future
investigation if needed. She advised City staff already has a heavy workload. She agreed an outside
agency could be found to handle the investigation if it proved to be needed. She called for caution
and to allow the justice system to do its work.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil agreed with the component of the FBI investigation into former Mayor Sidhu
but noted the FBI is not going to look into the contracts issued by the City. He advised it is prudent for
the City to take a deeper dive into the contracts and if the funds ended up becoming campaign
donations to former Mayor Sidhu. He explained that if the dais were going to move forward with an
audit it would have to delegate a City staff member to develop the framework for the audit and find an
independent auditor.
Council Member Moreno advised he would recommend a committee of the City Council to work with
the auditors but noted the City Council is implicated in the FBI investigation. He advised this is why
they have external agencies like the Police Review Board to help maintain civic trust. He suggested a
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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citizens group could work with the independent audits. He advised he is unsure what the composition
of such a group might be because residents with the skills required have also contributed to the
Council Members' campaigns.
Council Member Moreno believed they should not wait because there are many relevant elements
outside of what the FBI is honed in on. He advised the FBI will only look at legal matters and not
ethical matters and noted the audit is of the utmost urgency. He advised City lobbyist laws could have
been violated, citing the cannabis lobby situation revealed in the investigation of Mr. Ament, and the
FBI would not look into the City's laws. He explained if the City Council holds off, the investigation
could run into the November elections.
Council Member Faessel agreed with Council Member Moreno's call for total independence but
advised a citizen review committee would not work. He cited Ms. Ward's public comments calling for
a forensic investigation and advised the City must find a contractor who does these sorts of things.
He agreed with Council Member Moreno that none of the Council Members should have their
fingerprints on the audit in any way, shape, or form. He advised the staff report is a nice first look but
is insufficient. He agreed the audit could not include supervision from almost any of Anaheim's
prominent citizens because they are likely in the same potential implication boat. He advised the City
Council's investigative lane is ethical matters and to let the FBI and Grand Jury focus on criminal
matters.
Council Member Moreno agreed with Council Member Faessel and withdrew his idea of having a
citizens committee.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) to
contract with an independent firm to conduct a financial forensic audit of contracts and agreements
with campaign contributors to any member of the City Council and the former Mayor.
DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised it was understandable to expand the audit to the rest
of the City Council but noted they still do not know what it would look like. He requested an
amendment to the motion to direct staff to return to City Council with more specifics, including a
budget, timeline, and who may conduct the audit. He advised it was hard to approve an audit not
knowing what it would look like.
Council Member Moreno agreed and amended his motion to direct staff to obtain three RFPs and
have them be presented to City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil agreed but questioned the specificity of three RFPs.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised if there were more
than three qualified bids, the ones presented to Council would be determined using staff's standard
protocols. City Attorney Robert Fabela advised this RFP would be unusual out of an interest in
assuring distance between staff's preferences. He theorized that it would be best presented without a
staff recommendation. He advised staff's thinking is to present City Council with the bids only and
allow the City Council to make the selection.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised this would be fair.
Council Member Moreno compared the proposed process to a job search. He advised staff could
bring RFPs to the June 21 meeting for City Council review. He advised he would also like a
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presentation at the next meeting about how a forensic financial audit works and what sort of
outcomes the City Council could anticipate.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised they have to get a framework and bids in the first place
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) to
contract with an independent firm to conduct a financial forensic audit of contracts and agreements
with campaign contributors to any member of the City Council and the former Mayor and to present
the proposed RFP to City Council on June 21, 2022, to be approved, amended as needed, and then
put out to bid, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Council Member Moreno clarified
they would be auditing the campaign contributions themselves, if it was a function of influence into a
contract, and if the contracted money was utilized, how it was supposed to be used. He confirmed he
wants to see if there is any connection between the contract and the influence used to obtain the
contract. He advised what they would be asking of former Mayor Sidhu they would also be asking of
themselves.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP)
to contract with an independent firm to conduct a financial forensic audit of contracts and agreements
with campaign contributors to any member of the City Council and the former Mayor and to present
the proposed RFP to City Council on June 21, 2022 to be approved, amended as needed, and then
put out to bid, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem
O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1
(Council Member Diaz). Motion carried.
D112 15. Discuss City Council's alternatives with regard to the Mayoral vacancy, with option to direct
D113 staff to place on next regular meeting agenda any action items stemming from the discussion.
City Attorney Robert Fabela announced former Mayor Sidhu resigned effective May 24, 2022. He
advised the City Charter gives the City Council 60 days from the point of vacancy to fill the position
for the remainder of the term. He advised any appointee must be a resident of Anaheim, a qualified
elector, and can be either a Council Member or an unelected Anaheim resident. He advised the
Charter also allows the City Council to call for a Special Election to elect a replacement to complete
the remainder of the term.
Mr. Fabela advised that consultation with the City Clerk found that the timing of the November 8,
2022 General Election would not allow a Special Election to select a meaningful replacement, due to
various legal noticing and mandated timeframe requirements.
Mr. Fabela reported a review was conducted of the Mayor Pro Tem's role with advice sought from
other California City Attorneys and outside counsel. He reported the Charter states the Mayor Pro
Tem should serve as Mayor during the Mayor's absence or disability. He advised an argument could
be made that absence refers to a physical inability to be available including resignation, supported by
the case of Torres v. Montebello.
Mr. Fabela noted Section 504 of the Charter refers to the Mayor's physical absence but Section 503
refers to a vacancy from any cause. He noted his belief that the stronger argument is the Mayor Pro
Tem assumes the Mayoral duties in the absence of the elected Mayor. He noted the Charter
anticipates a lengthy absence by the Mayor through the 60-day appointment window.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
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Mr. Fabela advised these clauses only pertain to the execution of duties and the Mayor Pro Tem
does not assume the rights and privileges of the Mayor, such as the ability to unilaterally agendize
items.
DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiries, Mr. Fabela confirmed that the
Mayor Pro Tem could serve as Mayor until the General Election. He clarified that if a Council Member
was appointed as Interim Mayor, that would subject the representation of their district to the same
vacancy rules as the Mayoral position with either 60 days to appoint a replacement or call for a
special election. He advised there is a practicality issue at play between the 60-day or Special
Election options depending on whether or not the Council Member is not terming out. He confirmed if
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil was appointed Mayor, District 6's Council seat would become vacant. He
confirmed if any of the current Council Members were named Interim Mayor, their represented district
seat would become vacant and the City Council would have to fill the seat between the Mayoral
appointment and the next general election for that seat. He confirmed the process to fill the City
Council seat vacated by a Council Member being appointed Mayor would be a process similar to the
one used with Council Member Ma'ae.
Council Member Faessel advised they need to consider this trickle -down vacancy situation strongly
because they would still have to fill a vacancy but for only six months. He advised he does not want
to subject someone to the scrutiny of the process for only six months of service.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil clarified the term "interim" should not be used because an appointed Mayor
would serve as the Mayor for the rest of the term, as would an appointed Council Member filling an
appointed Mayor's seat. He clarified he is merely acting in the capacity of Mayor through his role as
Mayor Pro Tem. He advised he is acting in the Mayoral capacity by chairing the meeting but not as
the City's official spokesperson or as someone with the privilege of solely agendizing items. He
advised there is a lack of direction about what should come next and the City is currently defaulting to
the Mayor Pro Tem standing in to act in the capacity of Mayor.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiries, Mr. Fabela advised the staff's interpretation is that
the Mayor Pro Tem assumes the duties of the Mayor in their absence. He confirmed it is only the
duties and not also the privileges. He confirmed the duties include chairing City Council meetings and
signing resolutions.
Council Member Moreno expressed disagreement with the interpretation because the dictionary
definitions of absence and vacancy are different. He advised the Charter declares a vacancy of
Mayor due to any cause shall be filled by appointment by City Council. He confirmed it says "shall"
and not "may" or "should be considered" or any other term.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Mr. Fabela confirmed the Charter passage but
explained the Charter also says the position can be filled by inaction by the Council within 60 days
leading to a special election. He confirmed this passage is not limited to Council Members and could
also include the Mayoral seat.
Council Member Moreno advised this was an awkward conversation. He expressed humility to the
many public commenters putting his name forward for Mayor. He advised he would be open to the
appointment and embrace it in the spirit of the office.
Council Member Moreno advised he has been considering the same question as Council Member
Faessel and wondered if the City is better served without an elected Mayor or an elected district
Council representative. He advised that if any of them were to be appointed Mayor, they are still living
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 31 of 34
in their district so the district is represented. He noted he would be hesitant to appoint a district
Council representative because of the proximity to the General Election. He noted Mayor Pro Tem
O'Neil is up for re-election so leaving him in the acting Mayoral seat muddies the waters. He advised
there is uncertainty over the result of the FBI and Grand Jury investigations and noted the public is
concerned. He advised they need to make a Mayoral appointment and noted they would still live in
their district if it is a Council Member.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Mr. Fabela advised staff has not concluded how
the duties of the Mayor relate to media requests. He advised serving as a spokesperson is a non -
issue here because Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil is conceding acting as the spokesperson is a privilege and
not a duty.
Council Member Valencia noted a sitting Council Member would receive reelection leverage with a
Mayoral appointment.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, City Clerk Theresa Bass clarified the designation
if an appointed Mayor was running for reelection, they could be listed on the ballot as "Appointed
Mayor" because they were not elected to the position. She confirmed the appointee would be referred
to simply as the "Mayor" except for the election itself when they would be "Appointed Mayor."
Council Member Faessel noted the Council Members are all under a cloud of suspicion. He advised if
they canvassed the community to appoint a community leader to sit as Mayor until November they
would end up with someone who has brushed up against groups like Disney, the hotel industry,
SOAR, and the Chamber of Commerce. He recalled the success of retired jurists during the City's
districting process and suggested a retired jurist could be a good option for a six-month Mayor.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil announced for the record that he was not seeking the appointment. He
advised if the City Council wants to be as hands -off as possible, then voters should decide who their
next Mayor would be in November. He advised if he stays as acting Mayor until November, he is still
not the Mayor and it does not change his ballot designation because acting Mayor is not an official
ballot designation. He advised the City has had enough change recently and his goal is to get past
this moment and move on with the business of the City. He noted any appointee would not have.the
needed ramp -up time to get up to speed with the Council so it does not make much sense.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiries, Mr. Fabela reported, in consultation with the City
Clerk's office, that there was no way to make a Special Election meaningfully work in such a tight
window before the General Election. He advised staff felt if the appointment was not made within 60
days, the Council would be relieved of its duty to conduct a special election. He confirmed inaction to
fill the vacancy would leave the Mayor Pro Tem to fill in as the acting Mayor until the elected Mayor is
sworn in.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil advised this exercise reflects the need for a Charter Review Committee to
review some of these uncertainties.
Council Member Moreno noted that City Council refused to agendize having retired jurists lead the
2021 redistricting. He advised the City struggled to find an Anaheim -residing retired jurist in 2016. He
noted they would struggle again and time was ticking away. He advised the position of Mayor is much
more powerful than merely chairing City Council meetings. He advised when people need to meet
with the Mayor they need to know who they meet with. He questioned whom staff would consult with
when City Council's direction is ambiguous. He explained it would be worse to be Mayor less than
without a district representative.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 32 of 34
Council Member Moreno noted Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's official ballot designation would not say
"Mayor" but he expressed his assurance all the PACs will send mailers identifying him as the Mayor.
He believed politics needed to come out of the process. He noted Mr. Vanderbilt advised in public
comments they are ideologically far apart but agree on trust and transparency. He explained he is
termed out and cannot run for reelection. He advised a city of Anaheim's size needs a Mayor. He
advised they are not all touched by the issues surrounding former Mayor Sidhu's corruption and he is
not under the cloud in the eyes of the public. He advised the rest of the dais could not make this
same statement until the investigations are concluded. He agreed with Council Member Faessel that
it would be difficult for someone to come in new to the City's operations and serve as Mayor for only a
couple of months. He agreed with Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil that going the retired jurist route would be
saying to the public that they need a magistrate to run the City. He reported his constituents have
encouraged him to offer to step in and help.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed if no action is taken by City
Council then staff would not take any action.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to agendize appointing himself as Mayor.
Motion failed for lack of a second.
MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to direct staff to find retired jurists for possible
appointment as Mayor. Motion failed for lack of a second.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno advised he is uncomfortable with letting Mayor Pro Tern
O'Neil stay as the acting Mayor. He expressed his disagreement with Mr. Fabela's interpretation of
Mayoral absence as opposed to vacancy. He advised the City does not have a Mayor.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to continue the item to the June 21, 2022
meeting.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Valencia advised they have 60 days to decide before Mayor Pro Tem
O'Neil becomes Acting Mayor by default. He advised that if they stop the conversation tonight, it
could not be agendized at the next meeting.
Council Member Moreno noted public speakers have requested a Special Meeting to decide. He
advised every time they do not decide they retain the status quo so doing nothing is a decision. He
noted every day is a day without a Mayor, which is not good for a major City.
Council Member Valencia advised he shares Council Member Moreno's concerns about the day-to-
day activity of the City without a Mayor.
In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, City Manager Jim Vanderpool advised there has
not yet been any City business stall for lack of a Mayor.
In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Vanderpool advised the Mayor does not have an
official obligation to meet on behalf of the City with non -profits and other organizations.
In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Mr. Vanderpool reported he meets with Mayor
Pro Tern O'Neil, Ms. Bass, and Mr. Fabela to go over the order of the meeting agenda.
Council Member Moreno advised this discussion means someone is representing the City Council
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 33 of 34
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to continue the item to the June 21, 2022
meeting, seconded by Council Member Valencia seconded the motion.
DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno noted tonight was just a discussion and not an opportunity
for action. He amended his motion to allow for discussion and possible action at the next meeting.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiries, Mr. Fabela clarified this is now a motion to agendize
a new item and it is acceptable. He advised this item anticipates the likelihood of agendizing
something for the next meeting. He explained the modification is designed to not limit the City
Council's options at the next meeting.
MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to direct staff to continue the item and discussion to June
21, 2022, with possible action by City Council, seconded by Council Member Valencia. ROLL CALL
VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and
Faessel); NOES — 0; ABSENT — 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS:
City Attorney Robert Fabela reported that City Council, with the reported absence of Council Member
Diaz, authorized him to report that for Closed Session Item No. 01 given the City's position that the
Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) is void, the City is willing to release the escrow funds to SRB.
However, such release shall be expressly contingent on a written agreement with SRB that they will
not seek specific performance of the PSA or Amended PSA and that the City reserves all other rights
and remedies in regards to the PSA and Amended PSA pending further information or disclosures.
PUBLIC COMMENTS fnon-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS/AGENDA REQUESTS:
Council Member Valencia commented that the FBI affidavit cited a third party, the Chamber of
Commerce, as potentially laundering money in an attempt to avoid the City's lobbying ordinance and
avoid disclosing activities. To ensure this does not happen again, he believed the City should address
the issue and look at how to better enforce the lobbying ordinance and potentially implement tougher
penalties. He requested an agenda item to discuss the lobbying ordinance with possible modifications
by City Council, concurred by Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Member Moreno. He also
requested a presentation on the City's efforts to mitigate and reduce the potential impacts of fireworks
on July 4, with no objection. He congratulated all the school graduates and promotees as well all
educators for a successful year. He reported his attendance at the Memorial Day ceremony at
Anaheim Cemetery and the 165th anniversary of the Mother Colony House.
Council Member Faessel requested the meeting close in memory of Jerry Duarte, a St. Boniface and
Mater Dei graduate and long-time employee of Freedom Newspapers. He also requested the meeting
adjourn in memory of two 2020 Katella High School graduates, Sebastian Gil and Daniel Razo, who
lost their lives in a vehicle collision in Santa Barbara. Council Member Faessel requested recognition
of John Gustaferro for his contributions to the City through the YMCA, the Anaheim Community
Foundation, and other efforts, concurred by Council Member Ma'ae and Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil.
Council Member Faessel recognized the Anaheim Public Library, Jane Newell, and Heritage Services
staff for their recognition by the Society of California Archivists and the Archives Appreciation Award.
City Council Minutes of June 7, 2022
Page 34 of 34
Council Member Ma'ae shared that she has been listening and taking action regarding the Brookhurst
business corridor and Little Arabia since right after being appointed to Council. She reported that she
has met with representatives of the Arab American Civic Council, local business leaders, and the
Economic Development staff several times to discuss a designation and the ultimate goals for the
corridor, as well as taken a tour of various restaurants and business along Brookhurst St., all of which
were very welcoming. She noted the next step is to hold a community meeting hosted by herself, the
Arab American Civic Council, and staff to hear from the businesses about what they want and what
they envision for the area. She will announce the date and time once determined. She asked her
colleagues to allow her the opportunity to bring forward a well -developed proposal to uplift the
corridor and local businesses when the time is right and asked the community for time as they
continue to work on this issue.
Council Member Moreno announced a summer festival community event on June 11, 2022, 10:00
A.M. — 1:00 P.M., in the East Balsam neighborhood featuring food, entertainment, raffles, and
resources for residents, with participation by the Community Services Department, Latino Health
Access, and the District 3 office. He thanked community leader Rosaisela Roman Pescador for taking
the initiative to bring positive things to the community. He noted he could not attend the event as he
would be at his daughter, Karina's, graduation at UCLA and noted the graduation of another
daughter, Melina, from Anaheim High School who will head to Cal State Long Beach in the fall. He
congratulated the graduates and their friends as well as local partners for the Pledge Program
helping Anaheim students graduate and achieve great things. He reported his attendance last
Saturday at the Mother Colony House's 165th birthday celebration, noting it was the first home built in
Anaheim once designated as a city. He appreciated the tour provided, noted that 3,000 elementary
students visit the site each year to learn about Anaheim's history, and appreciated that information
about indigenous people is included at the site. He requested staff look for ways to celebrate and
recognize indigenous landmarks, burial grounds, etc. in the City as well as offering land
acknowledgments to offer respect related to City buildings and land use. He highlighted the Anaheim
High School baseball team for their performance in the State championships. He noted that he
thought there would be an agenda item to discuss the process of placing items on the agenda, and
requested that all members who concur on an item be notified if it would not come forward as
expected. He displayed a PowerPoint presentation showing items that were requested but failed to
be agendized during 2019-2022 after the City Council action to change the method of agendizing. He
expressed hope that Council could address this and return to the previous method to allow all
residents to be represented.
Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted the agenda -setting item was intended to be heard at this meeting but
was delayed, to have it heard on June 21, 2022. He congratulated the graduates in Council Member
Moreno's family.
ADJOURNMENT:
At 10:49 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil adjourned the City Council in memory of Gerald Duarte,
Sebastian Gil, and Daniel Razo.
ctfully submitted,
ie sa Bass, CIVIC
City Clerk
PublicComment
From:HariS. LLal <LALSLAW@msn.com>
Sent:Monday,
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] OCWD- STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR APPOINTMENT TO OCWD
Attachments:OCWD-Hari Shankar Lal - Statement of Interest inAppointment.pdf
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Dear Jennifer
Attached please find STATEMENT OF INTEREST FOR APPOINTMENT TO OCWD.
Please circulate my Statement of Interest to All the City Councilman including the
Interim Mayor. Thanks for your advance cooperation and please schedule my name for
CLOSED AND PUBLIC sessions as follows;
1. CLOSED session on ITEM # 13
2. OPEN SESSION on item Number # 11 \[OCWD\] and Item #13
Campaign Reform\].
Thanks and looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Har S.Lal esq
THE LAL LAW FIRM
State and Federal: Civil, Business, Corporate and Criminal Litigators and Advocates
Hari S. Lal esq, Senior Trial Counsel and ad junc Professor of Law
Victor Giongco esq, Associate Counsel
Thomas Edwards esq* Associate- Of Counsel
Tim Hastie esq, Associate Counsel
1020 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 202
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: 714-635-1646
Fax: 714-635-2457
www.lallaw.com
This message is from The Lal Law Firm and may contain information that is confidential or legally privileged.
If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately advise the sender by reply e-mail that this message has
been inadvertently transmitted to you and delete this e-mail from your system. Thank you for your cooperation.
The preceding email message may be confidential or protected by the attorney-client privilege. It is not
intended for transmission to, or receipt by, any unauthorized persons. If you have received this message in
error, please (i) do not read it, (ii) reply to the sender that you received the message in error, and (iii) erase or
destroy the message. Legal advice contained in the preceding message is solely for the benefit of the The Lal
1
Law Firm client(s) represented by the Firm in the particular matter that is the subject of this message, and may
not be relied upon by any other party
From: Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2022 2:50 PM
To: HariS. LLal <
Subject: Automatic reply: \[EXTERNAL\] ANAHEIM CITIZEN COALITION FORTRANSPARENCY - Angel stadium deal
The City isinreceipt ofyour public comment. Your comment willbedistributed tothe City Council
for their consideration and made part ofthe public record ofthe City Council meeting.
2
Candidate Statement For Appointment To OCWD -Agenda Item #10 – 6/2/22 Meeting
CITY OF ANAHEIM- District 79 Rep of OCWD
NAME: HARI SHANKAR LAL ESQ, BA \[SFU-Can\], JD \[WSU\], PhD \[KFU\].
OCCUPATION: Consumer Advocate Lawyer in the City of Anaheim
Hon. Interim Mayor and City Councilman
As a Candidate for the appointment to OCWD, Isubmit the following statement of interest in being
selected to Represent City of Anaheim on OCWD. As you may recall, Iam a Consumer Advocate
Lawyer practicing Law in the City of Anaheim for past 44 years and have been a resident of Anaheim
District 4 &5 and Now in District 6 for past 47 years. During these most difficult times for the City, I
come forward to share my experiences, knowledge and skill in the area of Water Perseverance, Surface
Water purification and Reuse, Sea Water Intrusion and the need to turn recycle water into drinkable
water etc.
Apart from being the President of Anaheim Ridge -HOA and Delegate to the Board ofAnaheim Hills
Property owners Community Association \[AHPCA-2,500 Homes\], Ialso serve as the Founder ofAnaheim
Citizens for Transparency \[ACFT\]- A Citizens Group consisting of 1690 residents of Anaheim. I am also a
Co Chair and Board Member of Anaheim Hills- Santiago Geological Hazard Abatement District
GHAD\]- a State Agency- Monitoring Dewatering Wells \[74\] inAnaheim Hills and Santiago River Basin
including but not limited to Monitoring Surface Water and Underground Water including the Water basin
and OCTW Dept Aquifers along the Santiago Basin. My involvement with the GHAD for past 14 years and
Water Conservation Community Groups in Anaheim gives me an ample qualification for this appointment.
My Wife, Dr Purnima H. Lal and I have raised our family \[2 Daughters-both Medical Doctors\] and lived in
Anaheim- A City we Love dearly. I have volunteered at our schools, churches and neighborhood groups
including Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council, Boy Scouts, Little League and Love Anaheim
including Boy & Girls Club of Anaheim. Our family initiated the community group called Canyon 2 Fire
Anaheim Hills Animal Rescue Club and helped save lives of many wild animals during the Fire.
While Anaheim’s water supply is a blend of groundwater from our own wells and water imported from
Northern California and the Colorado River by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
MWD), the Orange County Water District (OCWD) is an internationally recognized leader in the water
industry and its international reach is growing with its technology and expertise. OCWD takes the limited
water supply found in nature and supplements it to provide water for more than 2.5 million people in Orange
County and more than 348,000 residents in Anaheim, California. OCWD manages and replenishes the
basin, ensures water reliability and quality, prevents seawater intrusion, and protects Orange County'srights
to Santa Ana River water. Its leadership inwater purification and potable reuse - turning recycled water into
drinking water - has been recognized worldwide. Its Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) is the
largest facility of its kind in the world. Committed to sharing information, OCWD has influenced the
creation of water recycling projects around the globe.
Iwould behonored to have your vote and to beyour Voice atOCWD. I hope the City Council shall
appoint me for this immediate opening and any stipend and wages or salary received from this
appointment by OCWD shall be donated toBoys and Girls Club of Anaheim for special education
tutorials and ANAHEIM CITIZENS for Transparency etc.
Sincerely
HARI SHANKAR LAL
THE LAL HARRIS EDWARDS LAW GRP
ANAHEIM CITIZENS FOR TRANSPARENCY
PublicComment
From:tincup2@aol.com
Sent:Friday, 3:07 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Public Statement
Attachments:Anaheim Campaign Statement.docx
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Please enter the attached email on the record. This is regarding the proposed
amendments/additions to the Anaheim Campaign Ordinance to be heard Tuesday,
June 7.
Thank you,
Shirley Grindle
1
STATEMENTBYSHIRLEYGRINDLEREGARDING
AMENDMENTSTO ANAHEIMCAMPAIGNORDINANCE
I AM THE UNPAIDVOLUNTEER WHO HASMONITOREDTHEANAHEIMCAMPAIGN
STATEMENTSEVERSINCETHEORDINANCEWASADOPTEDINTHELATE1990S.
OVERTHEYEARSIHAVESEENTHEELECTIONOFANAHEIMCANDIDATESBECOME
HEAVILY FINANCED BY THE DISNEY CO., THEANGELS, ANDMAJORHOTEL
OWNERS IN THIS CITY. THE CANDIDATES FUNDED BY INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURES IN THE HUNDREDS OFTHOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ARE THEN
HEAVILY OBLIGATED TO SERVE THE INTERESTSOFTHESE COMPANIESATTHE
EXPENSE OF WHAT IS BEST FOR ANAHEIM AND ITS RESIDENTS.
BEFORE YOU TODAYARE AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONSTO THE ANAHEIM
CAMPAIGN ORDINANCE.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TOADOPT THEM – THEY ARE ALLIMPROVEMENTS TO THE
ORDINANCE.
MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY BREAK THE HOLD THAT DISNEY, THEANGELS AND
OTHERS HAVE ONTHE CANDIDATES THEY AREFINANCING VIA THE INDEPENDENT
EXPENDITURE ROUTE.
THE PROPOSEDAMENDMENTS ALSO SHORTENTHE FUNDRAISING PERIODAND
THEY REQUIRE CANDIDATES TOTERMINATETHEIRCOMMITTEES WITHIN180
DAYSFOLLOWINGANELECTION. INDEED, ONEOFYOURFORMER
COUNCILMEMBERS HADABOUT6COMMITTEESOPENATTHESAMETIMEFORA
PERIODOF ABOUT17YEARS.
MYLASTCONCERNISAVERYSTRONGRECOMMENDATION THATYOUCEASE
FUNDINGTHEANAHEIMCHAMBEROF COMMERCE. THECHAMBERSHOULDBE
SELF-SUPPORTINGANDINDEPENDENTOFTHECITY.
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 10:25 AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:FW: \[EXTERNAL\] Opinión
Original Message-----
From: Yoliz Reyez Cruz <
Sent: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 10:17AM
To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Opinión
Warning: This email originated from outside the CityofAnaheim. Do notclick links oropen attachments unless you
recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Buenas tardes señores concejales mi nombre esMayra vivo eneldistrito 4ymirepresentante esSrValencia
Austed Sr. Valencia como mirepresentante lepido queapoye lareforma delafinanciación delascampañas, ordenanza
número 13, después deloque ocurrió con elalcalde SrShidu yque aún noestá claro quién más participó eneste fraude,
esta ordenanza pondría finaespeculaciones porque todas lasnegociaciones que sedenserán deforma transparente y
debeneficio anuestra comunidad. Esto sería una nueva forma deempezar yqueustedes ganen nuestra confianza como
servidores públicos otra vez.
1
PublicComment
From:Stephanie Krystal Palomares <spalomar@uci.edu>
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 12:47
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] 6/7 Council Meeting- Agenda Item #13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
HelloCityCouncilMembers,
Iamadoctoralstudentthat isa productof mywonderfulupbringinginAnaheim. However, theacts committedbyourMayorandthoseclose
to himweredisgracefulanddisrespectfulto theresidentsofAnaheim. Asaproudresident, Iwouldliketoknowthatmyrepresentativesare
notinfluencedbythebigmoneyinfluencesinAnaheim thathavealreadycorruptedourcity leadership. Ourcommunitywouldlike toregain
faith in our councilmembers and city leadership butwehavereasonto believethat ourrepresentatives maybeuntrustworthy asMayorSidhu
was. Please demonstrateyour commitment to anhonest andtransparent citycouncil by supporting agenda item #13.
Thank you foryour time.
1
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 2:10 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Agenda Item #13
Begin forwarded message:
From: Dayana Badillo-Marin <
Date: June 7, 2022 at 1:12:08 PM PDT
To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Agenda Item #13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Buenas tardes señores concejales, mi nombre es Dayana Badillo-Marín. Soy integrante del
distrito 4 que es representado por el concejal Valencia. Sr. Valencia, cómo representante y como
la voz de la comunidad, le pido que apoye la reforma de la financiación de las campanas,
ordenanza número 13. Después de las acusaciones de las últimas semanas en relación con el
Alcalde Sr. Sidhu y las especulaciones de quién más pudo estar en presencia, esta ordenanza
podría proporcionar la transparencia que nosotros como comunidad pedimos de nuestros
funcionarios electivos. Esto nos brindaría un nuevo comienzo, y les ayudaría a ustedes ganar la
confianza de público de nuevo.
1
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 2:10 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance #13
Begin forwarded message:
From: Luis Alonso <
Date: June 7, 2022 at 12:31:40 PM PDT
To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance #13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good afternoon councilmen,
My name is Luis Alonso, I live in district 3 and my representative is Jose Moreno. I am asking
you Mr. Moreno as my representative to accept the reform of financing campaign ordinance #13.
After what happened with former Mayor Sidhu, I believe we need to take these measures in
preventing further fraud and corruption in the city of Anaheim. The people need to come first,
not the pockets of politicians and greedy corporations.
Sincerely,
Luis Alonso
1
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 2:13 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:FW: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance number 13
From: Brenda Barrera <
Sent: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 12:36 PM
To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance number 13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good afternoon councilman,
My name is Brenda Barrera. I live in district 4. My representative is Avelino Valencia. I am asking you, Mr.
Valencia, as my representative, to support the reform for financing campaigns, ordinance number 13. After
what happened with former Mayor, Mr. Shidu, and while it is still not clear who else participated in this
fraudelent activity, this ordinance will put an end to any speculation because every negotiation that happens will
be transparent and will benefit our community.
Sincerely,
Brenda
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 5:04 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Testimony
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Itzz._.Cindyy" <
Date: June 7, 2022 at 5:03:17 PM PDT
To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Testimony
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good afternoon council members, my name is Cindy Salgado Ochoa and Ilive in district
4. Iwould like to suggest that Mr. Valencia supports ordinence 13. Ibelieve this is the
best option because itwould best prevent another instance of potential fraud happening
within our city. Thank you for taking the time to read my testimony.
Sincerely, Cindy Salgado Ochoa
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 5:24 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance 13
Begin forwarded message:
From: brianna nava <
Date: June 7, 2022 at 5:21:34 PM PDT
To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordinance 13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Hello, my name is Brianna Nava and I'm from district 4. I currently heard and understood the
news regarding the community's trust with council members of Anaheim. Therefore,
Mr.Valencia I heavily encourage you to support Ordinance 13, as it will restore transparency and
honesty within the community. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Brianna Nava
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 7:04 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:Fwd: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordenanza numero 13
Begin forwarded message:
From: "J. Reyes" <
Date: June 7, 2022 at 6:30:26 PM PDT
To: Theresa Bass <tbass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Ordenanza numero 13
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Buenas tardes señores concejales,
Mi nombre es Juana Reyes, vivo en el distrito 5 y mi representante es el señor Fassel, a usted
señor Fassel como mi representante le pido que apoye la reforma de la financiación de las
campañas ordenanza número 13, despues de lo que ocurrió con el alcalde señor Sidhu y que aún
no está claro quién más participó en este fraude, está ordenanza pondría fin a especulaciones
porque todas las negociaciones que se den seran de forma transparente y de beneficio a nuestra
comunidad.
Esto sería una forma de empezar y que ustedes ganen nuestra confianza como servidores
públicos otra vez.
Muchas gracias.
1
PublicComment
From:Vern Nelson <vernpnelson@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, June
To:Loretta Day; Public Comment; Stephen Faessel; Trevor O'Neil; Avelino Valencia; Jose
Diaz; Gloria S. Ma'ae
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Please appoint Dr Jose Moreno "interim mayor."
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Hello Council! These are interesting times, for sure. Anaheim finds itself at a turning point where the manner
of government that we've all become accustomed to, can change, and needs to change, dramatically.
It is important to send a signal to Anaheim residents, and to the world, that this City is really changing. And
we need an interim Mayor, a steady hand, over these next six months, to guide the Council through these
turbulent times.
The Interim Mayor should NOT be some outsider - it'll take too long for them to get "up to speed" with how the
city government works and what the issues are. It should be a Council member. And the most qualified, indeed
the ONLY qualified candidate for this temporary post is Councilman Jose Moreno.
He is the only Anaheim citizen NOT eligible to run for Mayor in November, so he would not be using this as a
stepping-stone to a permanent mayorship.
He is the only Council member who hasn't received funding from the special interests involved in the current
corruption scandal - Disney, SOAR, the Angels, the Chamber - and he is the only one never to have attended or
been invited to any of the notorious Chamber "retreats."
He is also the only Council member to have spoken out against this government-by-special-interests, regularly,
for years. I appreciate that Mr. Valencia has at least been critical of the Angels deal, as a bad deal, but he was
aware of all the secretive insider dealing and said nothing.
Mr. O'Neil wrote recently in the Register that "History will judge us on how we respond," and pledged to
continue with the essential work of restoring trust and moving Anaheim forward." The best way to begin that
process is to appoint Councilman Moreno interim mayor for the next six months.
Thanks for your consideration,
Vern Nelson
Anna Drive
1
PublicComment
From:Danett Abbott-Wicker <danettabbott2@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, June 3, 2022 11:
To:Public Comment; Stephen Faessel; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Diaz; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Avelino
Valencia
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Please appoint Dr. Jose Moreno Interim Mayor of Anaheim
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good evening councilmembers:
Anaheim finds itself atthe proverbial forked road and adecision tomake: keep going
down the same path ofcorrupt dealings that gives politics the bad name it's gotten for
centuries, OR take the brave, honest and forward-thinking path and dramatically change
the way the city has been run for the past several years.
Anaheim residents have paid the price for this corruption, not only with their hard
earned tax dollars, but with their trust. The city needs a person who has shown for years
that he has a firm moral compass, who always does the right thing, does not succumb to
peer pressure, and has the intelligence to guide the council through these turbulent
times.
The interim mayor should NOT be an outsider; it will take them too long to get "up to
speed" with how the city works and what the issues are. The best and most qualified
person for this post isCouncilman Jose Moreno.
He isthe only Anaheim citizen NOT eligible torun for mayor inNovember, sohe would
not be using this as astepping-stone toapermanent mayorship.
He isthe only Council member who hasn'treceived funding from the special interests
involved inthe current corruption scandal: Disney, SOAR, the Angels, the Chamber, and
he isthe only one never tohave been invited nor attended anyofthe notorious
Chamber "retreats."
He isalso the only Council member tohave spoken out regularly for years against this
government by special interests". Fellow council member Valencia was critical ofthe
Angels deal, but he was aware ofall the secretive insider dealing and said nothing.
Mr. O'Neil wrote recently inThe OC Register that "history will judge us onhow we
respond," and pledged to "continue with the essential work ofrestoring trust and moving
Anaheim forward."
The best way tobegin that process istoappoint Councilman Moreno interim mayor for
the next six months. 1
Thank you for your consideration,
Danett M. Abbott-Wicker
Progressive Democrats ofAmerica, California
National Field Team Assistant & Liaison Team Organizer, Western Region
Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle isnot the
struggle of a day, a week, a month, orayear, itisthe struggle ofalifetime. Never, ever
be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
John Lewis
February 21, 1940–July 17, 2020
2
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 9:49 AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:FW: \[EXTERNAL\] Interim Mayoral Appointment
Attachments:City Council - Mayoral Appointment.docx
From: Paul Kott <paulkott@pkrealtors.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 9:24 AM
To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] Interim Mayoral Appointment
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Good Morning Theresa,
Please distribute this letter toall City Council Members and the City Manager in
anticipation of tonight's Council Meeting. Also, please acknowledge receipt of this
email. Thank you very much for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul T. Kott
Broker
1225 W Lincoln Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 772-7000, Ext.111
Fax: (714) 772-3372
DRE: #00637576
Because Results Matter......
1
June 6, 2022
Anaheim City Council ViaEmail: tbass@anaheim.net
C/OTheresa Bass
Anaheim City Clerk
200 S. Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
Re: Interim Mayoral Appointment
Dear Members oftheAnaheim City Council:
Iwrite thisletter to youfrom New York City, where mywife, Lisa and Iwere vacationing and
thexpectingtobehomeintimefortheJune8 Council Meeting. Unfortunately, Lisahasbeen
diagnosed with COVID and hastobe quarantined here onanextended stay. Mygoal was to
beattheCouncilMeeting tospeak with you publicly and convey my intentions with you in
person.
Instead, please accept this letter asmyformal request tobe considered fortheInterim
Mayoral Appointment. Please excuse thelength of this letter, butI wanted toarticulate the
scope of mycity involvement over my lifetime. As you may know, I haveadeep and
respectful commitment to our city and Ihave been an ardent “student” of Anaheim history
and politics foralmost 50 years. More importantly, I feel that I can make a valuable
contribution to a new direction for our city. Given the circumstances and revelations ofthe
last month, we are at anew “low watermark” of our city’shistory in terms of the accusations,
expected arrests and ongoing investigations by theFBIof impropriety. The City Council will
need to have a new “face of leadership” moving forward, including onethatwillbring healing
and stability back to our city; one that will bring integrity back to the dais and one that
promises that “Anaheim First” really means that ourcity’s interests will beourparamount
priority in all decisions affecting our city. Wewill need tofoster new confidence toour
electorate in everything we do because we can never forget who we work for.
By way of background, my family moved to Anaheim in 1957 because my Mother and Father
wanted to live “out in thecountry” amongst many orange groves, they rented a small 2-
bedroom apartment on Broadway (near Manchester). Each night, my Father would walk my
brother and I to the freeway overpass to watch the Disneyland fireworks.
1225 WEST LINCOLN AVENUE • ANAHEIM, CA 92805 • (714) 772-7000 • FAX (714) 772-3372
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • INVESTMENT
WWW.PAULKOTTREALTORS.COM
Anaheim City Council
C/O Theresa Bass
Anaheim City Clerk
June 6, 2022
Page 2of 3
Sixty-fiveyears have come and gone sincethose days, butwhat hasnever leftismylove and
passion forthefinest cityinOrange County…Anaheim. Asayoungster, Iwas apaperboy for
theAnaheim Bulletin (6days aweek), was Student Body President ofmyJr. High School and
graduated from Anaheim High School in1972. Upon graduating from theUniversity of
Southern California, Idecided tosettle inmy hometown, going intothe real estate business
in1977.
Since that time, Ihave poured myself intomycommunity ineveryimaginableway. Imarried
mywife Lisa in1981 and wehave raised ourthree children here inAnaheim. Ihave been
involved inmany civic and professional organizations including thefollowing:
Anaheim Family YMCA Board Member (35years)
Easter Seals ofSouthern California/Board Member (6years)
KPC Health Anaheim GlobalHospital/Board Member (5years)
Anaheim Police Chief’sAdvisory Board/Charter Member
Anaheim Fire Chief’sAdvisory Board/Charter Member
Orange County TaxAssessment Appeals Hearing Officer (10years)
BigBrothers ofAmerica/Volunteer
Halcyon/Anaheim Interfaith Homeless Shelter/Sponsor (10years)
Anaheim Museum/Board Member
Anaheim Memorial Medical Center Foundation/Board Member
Anaheim Historical Society
Anaheim Historic Preservation Foundation/BoardMember
Assistance League ofAnaheim/Men’sDivision
Anaheim Chamber ofCommerce
Anaheim ArtsCouncil
Anaheim Beautiful/Men’sDivision
Anaheim Sister City Association/Mito Student Sponsor
Anaheim Redevelopment Commission
Anaheim Convention Center Authority
Anaheim Board ofRealtors/President
California Association ofRealtors Committee Chairman
California Association ofRealtors Legal Expert Witness
Downtown Anaheim LaPalma Little League-Manager/Coach (18years)
Anaheim Citizen oftheYear/Twice (1998 & 1999)
Anaheim Business Person oftheYear (2011)
Hollywood’sMagic Castle/Lifetime Member
Aside from these many affiliations and accolades, this year mywife and Iarecelebrating the
th40 Anniversary ofourcompany, Paul Kott Realtors, Inc., which isoneofthemostsuccessful
Anaheim based real estate companies inourcity’s history. I havea broad background ina
variety ofreal estate matters including housing and land use issueswhich wouldbe “second
Anaheim City Council
C/O Theresa Bass
Anaheim City Clerk
June 6, 2022
Page 3of 3
nature” to me interms ofresponsible and knowledgeable decision making at theCouncil
level. I am continually looked to for opinions and judgements in matters relatedtomy field
both commercially and residentially.
Iamconsensus builderacross partylines and would always befocused onwhat Ibelieve
would beintheAnaheim’sbest interest. Ihave noother political agenda and will notbe
using this position asa “stepping stone” forahigher political office. Myonly interest isto
now lead ourcityinanew direction that will lead tosustainable prosperityas well asprovide
anewculture atCity Hall away from the “play topaysystem” that hastoxically metastasized
throughout our city. We arealarge city with many “moving parts” and with these
complexities, wewill need a “steady hand” and strong leadership skills that willenable usto
move our city inasolidly positive andethical direction without any undue influence or
distraction. Wewillneed toengender new morale-building within the rankandfileofallcity
staffmembers to re-instill the “Anaheim Pride” that once was themasthead ofour
reputation.
There will bemany decisions to bemade inthenext sixmonths that will setthetone forthe
next four years. That “crossroad” ishere, now, front and center asthose decisions will have
lastingimpacts onour city forthenext 50years, consequently, wemust bediligent and
prudent moving forward. Wewould lead byeducated consensus, make decisions thatare
transparent and strive towin backtheconfidence ofourcity’sresidents, business owners,
taxpayers, and shareholders.
I believe that I would make abeneficial difference in mycommunity and amanxious tomeet
those challenges and opportunities for our city. It would bemy honor and privilege tojoin
you and to add the quality of leadership skills now atthecouncil level. Iamalways available
to answer any questions ordiscuss this matter further. Ilook forward toyour prompt and
favorable response.
Inservice toourgreat City ofAnaheim Iremain,
Sincerely Yours,
PAUL KOTT REALTORS, INC.
Paul T. Kott, President
Cc: James Vanderpool, City Manager
PublicComment
From:Victoria Vidrio-Balestrini <victoriasecrets13@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 7, 2022 10:
To:Public Comment; Stephen Faessel; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Diaz; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Avelino
Valencia
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Please appoint Dr. Jose Moreno interim mayor
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
Anaheim Council,
Dr. Jose Moreno is the only Council member who hasn't received funding from the special
interests involved in the current corruption scandal - Disney, SOAR, the Angels, the
Chamber - and he is the only one never to have attended or been invited to any of the
notorious Chamber "retreats.", therefore, He has proven TRANSPARENCY in so many ways.
The Interim Mayor should NOT be some outsider, especially during these turbulent times
where most of you can not prove transparency.
Anaheim needs to be represented by an honest, transparent, and intelligent person. So far
the only trustworthy for that interim mayor position should be Dr. Jose F Moreno.
It is time for aBIG change - Anaheim.
Best regards,
VictoriaVidrio-Balestrini, Realtor
DRE #01817066
Web: www.victoriavidrio.tngrealestate.com
2830 Brea Blvd., Fullerton CA 92835 W 714.987.3310 F714-9873313
The highest compliment Ican receive isthe referral of friends & family. 1
Thank you for your trust!
2
JenniferL. Hall
From:Carina Rivera <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 12:44 AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
Carina Rivera
Anaheim, California92805
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Monica Risberg <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 5:03AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
MonicaRisberg
Anaheim, California92807
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Claudia Ceja Alvarez <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 8:01AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
ClaudiaCejaAlvarez
Anaheim, California92805
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Tina Husted <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 8:04AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
TinaHusted
Anaheim , California92805
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Alondra Franco <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 9:01AM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
AlondraFranco
Placentia, California92870
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:MariaRosa Lope <mrilopez@ufcw324.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
MariaRosaLope
SantaAna, California92707
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Eros Miaco <eros@resilienceoc.org>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
ErosMiaco
Irvine, California92614
1
PublicComment
From:Veronica Aguilar <aguilar2617@att.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublic Comment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheimresidents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. This
isunacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, not forpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
publiclandimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
communityandour callsforgoodgovernment.
VeronicaAguilar
Anaheim , California92805
1
PublicComment
From:Tracy Thanh <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Wednesday, May 25, 2022 10:49 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheimresidents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. This
isunacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, not forpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
publiclandimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
communityandour callsforgoodgovernment.
TracyThanh
Westminster, California92683
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Analisa Swan <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 26, 2022 9:23 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
AnalisaSwan
Burbank, California91504
1
JenniferL. Hall
From:Elizabeth Winkler <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 26, 2022 9:32 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngels Stadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheim residents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. Thisis
unacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, notforpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
public landimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
community andour callsforgoodgovernment.
ElizabethWinkler
Stanton , California90680
1
PublicComment
From:Michael Malki <bbinvestments@roadrunner.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 29,
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheimresidents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. This
isunacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, not forpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
publiclandimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
communityandour callsforgoodgovernment.
MichaelMalki
Anaheim , California92808
1
PublicComment
From:Jeannine Pearce <Jeannine@FierceCourageConsulting.com>
Sent:Wednesday, June
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Stop the shady Angel Stadium giveaway
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
ForPublicComment,
DearHonorableCouncilmembers:
TheAngelsStadium salewasalwaysabaddealforAnaheimresidents. Now, ithascomeout
that thedealisconnectedtoanFBIinvestigationinto corruptioninourcitygovernment. This
isunacceptable. Anaheimresidentsneedanddeservetransparentgovernmentandhonest
leadership. We electleaderstomakedecisionsaboutourpublicresourcesbasedonfactand
whatisbestforconstituents, not forpersonalandmaterialgain. Giventhesedeeplytroubling
allegations, weurgethecounciltocancelthesaleof AngelStadiumandthe surrounding
publiclandimmediately. Tomoveforwardonthedealnowwouldbeaslapintheface toour
communityandour callsforgoodgovernment.
JeanninePearce
LongBeach, California90814
1
PublicComment
From:Theresa Bass
Sent:Thursday, June 2, 2022 4:53 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:FW: \[EXTERNAL\] What makes some California school districts somuch better at 1in3
middle and high school students say they've been bullied, anew Southern California
News Group analysis shows.
From: cadurfey@gmail.
Sent: Thursday, June 2, 2022 4:32 PM
To: City Manager <Citymanager@anaheim.net>; cadurfey@gmail.Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>
Subject: \[EXTERNAL\] What makes some California school districts somuch better at1 in3middle and high school
students say they'vebeen bullied, anew Southern California News Group analysis shows.
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message.
P.R.D.D.C.)
PARENTS FORTHE RIGHTSOFDEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN
CRAIGA. DURFEYFOUNDER OFP.R.D.D.C.
GARDEN GROVE, CA92842
SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM
FACEBOOK: CRAIGDURFEY
U.S. HOUSE OFCONGRESS H2404 - HONORING CRAIGDURFEY FOR HISFIGHT AGAINSTAUTISM
Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ ofCalifornia.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf
new website socialemotionalpaws.org
Mayor
City of Anaheim
Council
City Clerk
James Vanderpool
1
City Manager
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Ste. 733
Anaheim, CA 92805
714) 765-5162
Dear Mayor
Request a letter of support to advocate to improve the quality of life from my two
websites socialemotionalpaws.com and org address awareness about mental
health issues with social media addiction with reports and letters to calling to
improve how we use technology in safe manner. A recent news report in the OC
Register What makes some California school districts so much better at
preventing bullying? 1 in 3 middle and high school students say they’ve been
bullied, a new Southern California News Group analysis shows. What makes
some Ca school districts so much better at pre bully (socialemotionalpaws.com).
Thank You
Craig A Durfey
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