08-29-23_Action with CommentsANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
ACTION AGENDA
AUGUST 29, 2023
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
▪ ORDER OF BUSINESS: Public sessions of all regular meetings of the City Council/Successor Agency to
the Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority/Public Financing Authority/Housing and Public Improvements Authority begin at 5:00 P.M. Public hearings begin at 5:30 P.M. unless otherwise noted. Closed sessions begin at 3:00 P.M. or such other time as noted. Closed sessions may be preceded by one
or more public workshops. If a workshop is scheduled, the subject and time of the workshop will appear on
the agenda. Not all of the above agencies may be meeting on any given date. The agenda will specify which agencies are meeting. All meetings are in the Anaheim City Hall, Council Chamber, 200 S. Anaheim
Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805 or such other location as noted. Pursuant to Government Code Section
54954.2(a)(2), no action or discussion by the City Council shall be undertaken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda, except to briefly provide information, ask for clarification, provide direction to staff, or schedule a matter for a future meeting.
▪ REPORTS: All agenda items and reports are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office and www.anaheim.net/councilagendas. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda (other than writings legally exempt from public disclosure) are available
at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., 2nd Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805 and by
contacting the office by phone, 714-765-5166, or email to cityclerk@anaheim.net. ▪ PUBLIC COMMENTS: There are two Public Comment periods with speakers having one opportunity to address the City Council, except for scheduled public hearing items. Public comments are limited to three
(3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time limit is announced. The City uses speaker cards that must
be submitted to the City Clerk in order to address the City Council. Prior to the business portion of the agenda, the City Council and all other related agencies meeting on such date will convene in joint session
for the first Public Comment period where speakers will be permitted to speak on specific agenda item(s).
This first Public Comment period is limited to 90 minutes or until all agenda item speakers have been heard, whichever is later. Any remaining time shall be provided to non-agenda item speakers until the 90
minute time limitation is exhausted. The second Public Comment period will be opened by the Mayor if any
non-agenda item speakers were not called during the first Public Comment period. For public hearings, the
Mayor or Chairperson will separately call for testimony at the time of each public hearing. Testimony during public hearings is subject to the following time limits: Project applicant or issue initiator: twenty
minutes for initial presentation and ten minutes for rebuttal; Residents within the noticed area of the subject
property: ten minutes; All other members of the public: three minutes. Public hearings regarding legislative matters: five minutes. The Mayor or Chairperson may limit the length of comments during public hearings due to the number of persons wishing to speak or if comments become repetitious or irrelevant. Speakers
shall refrain from profane language and other disruptive remarks or behavior which disrupts or disturbs the meeting, or risk being removed (AMC 1.12.017). Additionally, members of the public may correspond with the City Council and all other related agencies, on any agenda items or matters within the jurisdiction of
such governing bodies, by submitting comments electronically for City Council consideration by sending
them to publiccomment@anaheim.net. To ensure distribution to the City Council prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit comments at least 2 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the meeting. Those comments, as well as any comments received after that time, will be
distributed to the City Council, posted on the City’s website, and will be made part of the official public
record of the meeting. Current and archived public comments are available at www.anaheim.net/publiccomment. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 714-765-5166 or
cityclerk@anaheim.net with any questions.
▪ ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: Items of business may be added to the agenda upon a motion adopted by a minimum 2/3 vote finding that there is a need to take immediate action and that the need for action came to
the attention of the City or Agency subsequent to the agenda being posted. Items may be deleted from the
agenda upon request of staff or upon action of the Council or Agency.
▪ CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar items will be acted on by one roll call vote unless a member(s) requests an item(s) be discussed and/or removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
action.
▪ SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCION (TRANSLATION SERVICES: SEE LAST PAGE OF AGENDA FOR DESCRIPTION IN ENGLISH): La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la
interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al Ayuntamiento, declarando su petición en el podio. No tiene que usar los servicios de interpretación de la Ciudad; las personas pueden proveer su propio intérprete, si lo desean. Debido a que existen muchos
dialectos y regionalismos, la Ciudad no puede garantizar que los intérpretes puedan traducir a un dialecto
o regionalismo en particular y rehúsa cualquier responsabilidad que surja de tales servicios. Para servicios de interpretación en otros idiomas, comuníquese con la oficina de la Ciudad (City Clerk), cuando menos 48
horas antes de la junta programada.
Ashleigh E. Aitken
Mayor
Natalie Rubalcava
Mayor Pro Tem
District 3
Jose Diaz
Council Member
District 1
Carlos A. Leon
Council Member
District 2
Norma Campos Kurtz
Council Member
District 4
Stephen Faessel
Council Member
District 5
Natalie Meeks
Council Member
District 6
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5166
Fax (714) 765-4105
www.anaheim.net
2 August 29, 2023
ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA
AUGUST 29, 2023
3:00 P.M.
Call to order the Anaheim City Council. 3:01 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Aitken and Council Members Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and
Meeks. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava joined during Closed Session.
3:00 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None
Recess to closed session. 3:02 p.m.
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Section 54957 (b) (1) of the California Government Code)
Title: City Clerk
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
(Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code)
Agency Designated Representative: Gretchen R. Beatty, Acting Human Resources Director
Name of Employee Organization: City Clerk
3. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
(Section 54956.8 of the California Government Code)
Property: APN 072-110-47; 1687 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801
Agency Negotiator: Sergio Ramirez, Director of Economic Development
Negotiating Parties: JJTS, Inc., doing business as JR’s Wheels and Tires, and the City of
Anaheim
Under Negotiation: Rent price and terms of payment for the lease
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government
Code Section 54956.9: Two potential cases
5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
(Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of California
Government Code Section 54956.9): One potential case
(A copy of the claim against the City is included in the agenda packet and available for review by
contacting the City Clerk’s Office and on-line electronically with the agenda at:
www.anaheim.net/councilagendas.)
Reconvene the Anaheim City Council. 5:11 p.m.
3 August 29, 2023
5:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz,
Faessel, and Meeks.
INVOCATION: Pastor Kyle Bonenberger, City Church
FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz
PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Dr. Yadira Moreno and Artist Carla Roque for creating murals for all
23 Anaheim Elementary School District Schools
Accepted by Dr. Yadira Moreno and Artist Carla Roque
Recognizing Jason Perez for winning the donut eating contest at the National
Night Out
Accepted by Jason Perez
Community Services Board Presentation
Presented by Linda Barnett, Community Services Board Chair
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date):
Recognizing September 2023, as National Preparedness Month
Accepted by Chad Thompson, Deputy Chief, Anaheim Fire and Rescue
Recognizing September 2023, as National Library Card Sign-Up Month
Accepted by Don Hilliard, Library Technology Systems Administrator,
Community Services
Recognizing September 2023, as Hunger Action Month
Accepted by Malia Cary, Government & Public Affairs Manager, Second
Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
Recognizing September 11, 2023, as Patriot Day
Call to order the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements
Authority and Anaheim Housing Authority (in joint session with the City Council). 5:34 p.m.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): Twenty-three (23) in-person speakers; City Clerk
Theresa Bass reported eight (8) public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 p.m.
Public Comments Submitted – August 29, 2023 City Council Meeting
(limited to 90 minutes, or until all agenda item speakers have been heard; any time remaining shall be
provided to non-agenda item speakers)
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Council Member Leon stated that he was looking forward to additional discussions regarding the
recommendations from the JL Group report. In addition, he requested to agendize an item to strengthen
or establish a code of conduct for the City Council. He also requested more information regarding the
City’s internal audit process. He invited District 2 business owners to a business community meeting on
Wednesday, August 30th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Mama Cozza’s restaurant to discuss different
information and resources available for businesses. He shared that the Police Department, Public
4 August 29, 2023
Utilities Department, and Code Enforcement will be in attendance to answer questions on how
assistance can be provided to businesses in District 2. He also invited residents to a coffee event on
Thursday, August 31st at the Magnolia/Lincoln Starbucks from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and the senior
appreciation day and resource fair at Modjeska Park on September 23rd from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Council
Member Leon also congratulated the Central Library on their 60th Anniversary and noted he was able to
attend their event and interacted with many community members over the weekend. He attended the
One-Year Anniversary celebration of District 2’s Little Arabia designation and stated that he looks
forward to the completion of the Brookhurst Corridor study later this year. Council Member Leon
highlighted and displayed photographs recognizing House of Mandi located off Brookhurst Street as the
August restaurant of the month. The restaurant is a great spot for authentic Middle Eastern food from
Yemin because they have fresh ingredients, great desserts, and coffee as well. He invited everyone to
visit the House of Mandi. For the business of the month, he recognized Blue Bell Nursery. The business
owners, Jack and Arlene, have been part of the community for over 60 years. He shared that he
remembers walking past their nursery every day to and from Maxwell Elementary School. He shared that
Jack and Arlene requested that a second business also be recognized, and Council Member Leon
recognized Starbread Bakery located off Ball Road, which is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Council Member Kurtz stated that the JL Group investigation findings are of the utmost importance and
will get the attention needed to ensure appropriate and very necessary changes. The City continues its
operations, and all residents and businesses will continue to receive the services they deserve in this
great City. She stated that employees need to know their work is appreciated, and they are valued. To
that end, she thanked the Public Utilities, Police, Fire and Rescue, and Public Works departments for
their work in making sure the City was safe and prepared for the storm. Council Member Kurtz
highlighted and shared photographs of Tocumbo Ice Cream, which is located at Euclid Street and Ball
Road and is owned by Anaheim residents Jennifer and Ricky Quiroz. They pride themselves on using
fresh ingredients and being authentic to the Mexican culture. She invited everyone to visit Tocumbo Ice
Cream to cool down and get a wonderful “paleta.”
Council Member Faessel thanked residents who spoke during public comments and the three who
contacted him by email. He stated that he finds it troubling that a fellow Council Member would infer that
he should resign. He stated that the feeding frenzy would have him charged, convicted, and sentenced
before having any opportunity to be heard. He shared that his passion for the City and community
involvement spans over 50 years, and his reputation as a volunteer and community leader was well
founded before he ever contemplated an elected life. He was shocked, stunned, and angered when he
read the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) allegations regarding Todd Ament and former Mayor
Harry Sidhu’s actions. He shared that he has known Mr. Ament for 30 years and knew his father. To him,
this betrayal was both professional and personal. Council Member Faessel stated that some residents
have claimed that he was complicit in their criminal behavior. He displayed a slide with two statements of
fact from former Mayor Sidhu’s guilty plea agreement with the United States District Attorney’s Office,
which indicated that. Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Ament conducted their illegal actions in secret. He stated that
met fully and freely with the City’s investigators and answered every question, and the blame for the
corruption lies in the bad actors, not in those who were unaware of their corrupt activities. Council
Member Faessel stated that he didn’t blame Mayor Aitken for the criminal actions of Melahat Rafiei who
managed her first Mayoral campaign. But when Mayor Aitken stated that she knew nothing about Ms.
Rafiei’s criminal activities, he extended to her the benefit of the doubt and believed that she spoke the
truth and he still believes that her claim is true. He stated that he didn’t need to read a plea agreement to
believe that the Mayor was unaware of Ms. Rafiei’s criminal activity. The statements of fact from Mr.
Sidhu’s plea agreement make it clear that neither he nor the rest of the City Council had any knowledge
of Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Ament’s illegal acts. Recent news articles indicate that he received an invitation via
his personal email to attend three consecutive mock City Council meetings with members of the Angel’s
Organization or SRB Management staff three years ago. While there is evidence that the email was
indeed sent, he has no personal recollection of participating in those three meetings nor any record of
having attended them. He does recall having met with Angels Baseball representatives on September
23, 2020 and announced that he had met with them at the following September 29, 2020 Council
5 August 29, 2023
meeting. He recalled former Council Members Kring and Barnes stating they also met with
representatives of Angels Baseball a few days before the September 29th City Council meeting. Former
Council Member Moreno also stated that he had met with Angels Baseball representatives a few months
before. Those types of meetings are standard and acceptable and are held when an applicant’s request
is about to go to a public hearing. He has similar meetings with representatives of the Anaheim Ducks to
learn about the OCV!be project. As pointed out by former Council Member O’Neil in a recent Orange
County (OC) Register article, he had participated in agenda review meetings with one or two Council
colleagues to discuss important agenda items. These types of meetings are legal under the Brown Act,
ethical, and common not just for City Councils but all levels of government. One recent OC Register
article mentioned that three elected officials signed a letter referring to mock City Council meetings as a
preordained plan. The officials demanded the immediate resignation of any elected official or City staff
member who were influenced by this preordained plan. Council Member Faessel stated that he would
like to go on record to say that he has never been influenced by a preordained plan, certainly not by a
series of meetings that look like they may never have been held. As far as the Angels Baseball stadium
sale, he based his decision on the following: First, the City of Anaheim commissioned two stadium
property appraisals that valued the property at around $320 and $325 million respectively. Predicated
upon the fact that the stadium retains 12,500 parking spaces. The critics of the deal overstated the
property value by millions. None of those critics were appraisers involved in the valuation or sale of a
professional sports stadium. The property valuations the City commissioned came from two licensed
firms with experience in accessing the value of sports and entertainment properties and those appraisers
were also commissioned by two different City Councils, two different City Managers, and two different
Mayors. Second the plan included adding several acres of parks to District 5. District 5 possesses nearly
the least park acreage in the entire City. Council Member Faessel shared that he has been championing
city parks since the day he was elected. His first action as an elected official on December 13, 2016 was
to request a comprehensive parks plan. Thereafter, he worked with former Council Member Barnes, City
staff, and a consultant to publish the Anaheim Parks Plan. He shared that he was proud to say that more
recently, he pushed for the City and Anaheim Union High School District to agree to reopen some of the
athletic fields, including the one at Sycamore Junior High School. He pushed for the agreement despite
the school district demanding it receive $50,000 in annual payments so Anaheim taxpayers and their
children could use the fields. Third, between 2000 and 2004 he served on the General Plan Advisory
Committee from which the Platinum Triangle plan evolved. He shared that he looks forward to what he
anticipates will be a vibrant, walkable, in-services-rich neighborhood that uses the stadium as its center
hub. During the 2008 economic crisis, he was then serving on the Planning Commission and saw the
loss of development funding and the Platinum Triangle was no longer financially viable. At the time, the
nearest grocery and shopping options were across the Santa Ana River in the City of Orange or up State
College Boulevard at South Street. Today, the Platinum Triangle is still a food and shopping desert.
Fourth, SRB Management agreed to a community workforce agreement, meaning Anaheim’s building
trade residents would have local employment only a few minutes from their homes. He stated that he
firmly believes that community workforce agreements have improved the quality of life for his neighbors
since 2019 when he worked with a Council colleague to bring an agreement to Anaheim. Council
Member Faessel shared that he recently was a strong voice at the Metropolitan Water District to enact its
own project labor agreement. His support, incidentally of the community workforce agreement is a
significant reason his political party refused to endorse him in his 2020 reelection. Fifth, the stadium deal
would have brought about 1,000 units of affordable housing to Anaheim. Some of the units are for very
low- and low-income families. He noted those units are incredibly difficult to build in Orange County,
almost impossible. He voted yes on every affordable housing project brought before him as both a
Planning Commissioner as well as a City Council Member and will continue to do so. Finally, he always
looked to attract employers based on the tax revenue they bring to the City. That is why he is such a
staunch and unapologetic supporter of Disney and the Resort District. The Resort District is responsible
for over 50,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenues. The Transient Occupancy Tax
alone is over half of the City’s General Fund. He referenced the dire financial straits the City was in due
to the 2020 pandemic and the uncertainty of the effects on City services. The redevelopment of the
stadium property combined with OCV!be, St. Joseph Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County
(CHOC), and UCI Medical Center would have created another huge economic engine for the City. The
6 August 29, 2023
City’s financial foundation would have been built on three diverse pillars, the Resort District, the Anaheim
Canyon Train Station, and the Platinum Triangle. The project would have attracted young professionals
to live in the Platinum Triangle communities. Those professionals would then look north to the
neighborhoods along State College Boulevard, Sunkist Street, and Rio Vista Street to buy their starter
homes when they were ready to have families. He mentioned the benefits of the stadium deal had it been
successful, however, he voted in unity with the rest of the City Council to terminate the agreement and
called for Mr. Sidhu’s resignation when the FBI revelations became known in May 2022. He stated that in
every one of those votes, he voted for what was right because Mr. Sidhu and Mr. Ament proved to be
cancers in the community. Their criminal action spoiled a fantastic opportunity because they used their
power and position to take advantage of residents and they deserve their punishments. The focus now
should rest solely on working together to regain public trust and set Anaheim back on a solid foundation,
not on attacking each other. He recommended moving forward and working together to prevent those
dark days from happening again. Council Member Faessel stated that he appreciates the reform items
that Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava agendized for later this evening. However, the second most important
recommendation listed in the JL Group to reform the Mayor’s role in Anaheim and return the City back to
its chartered City Council/City Manager form of governance is missing. All of this started because
Anaheim Mayors were becoming more influential. Council Member Faessel mentioned Anaheim mayoral
campaigns can reach into the multi-millions of dollars and shared his intent to agendize a discussion item
to consider changing the City Charter back to an appointed Mayors position similar to several southern
California communities. He expects there will be a robust discussion and asked City Council Members if
they are brave enough for this type of reform. He hopes to use this opportunity to continue creating
policies that meet our community’s affordable housing needs, improve the quality of lives for residents,
and strengthen the City’s economic foundation so that Anaheim can thrive for more generations.
Council Member Meeks stated that it is clear from the findings of the FBI and the JL Group investigation
that unethical and criminal behavior occurred by the former Mayor and former CEO of the Chamber of
Commerce. Whether their motive was power or greed there is no excuse for violating the public’s trust
and misusing public funds. She condemned their actions and believed they should be punished to the
fullest extent of the law. She remained committed to moving this City forward in an open and transparent
way. Council Member Meeks was in support of implementing thoughtful sensible reforms that will protect
the City from future corruption and unethical behavior. She did not support rash un-informed actions
because she feels decisions need to be thoughtful and accurate. She noted reform has taken place and
mentioned a high-powered official has been identified and removed from office. She believed that after
two years of an FBI investigation, and $1.5 million spent on an internal investigation, the truth has been
uncovered. She stated that is not the tip of the iceberg, it is the iceberg. There is no evidence from the
FBI or the JL Group that would indicate the story is bigger than it is. She is supportive of reforms that will
help protect the City from unethical and or criminal behavior, but she will not be supportive of criticisms to
appear as if reform is taking place. Council Member Meeks stated that she supports the members of this
City Council, the City Manager, and the Executive Team and believes that they can help move the City
forward. She stated that she even supports some of the ideas championed by the former Mayor,
although not the way they were implemented. She supports the emergency homeless shelter that was
opened quickly after the former Mayor was elected. The shelter allows for dozens of people to be served
in the coldest months and returns parks to the tax-paying residents. She mentioned she did not support
implementing contracts that personally benefited anyone or didn’t provide full value for the funds being
expended. She is in support of investing $250 million in neighborhoods over the next ten years with input
from the community but does not support implementation of an outside process, outside of competitive
bidding. She supports keeping the Angels in Anaheim but does not support a negotiation that is done in
secret. She supports a negotiation process that includes transparency and an open conversation.
Furthermore, she believes in scheduling a special meeting or several meetings to discuss and act on
reforms as a good path forward. This way the Council can take their time to explore and understand all
issues and options. This will allow for adequate research and educated recommendations. It will allow
the public to review proposed actions and provide input. Having these special meetings agendized will
also allow Council to stay on task at regular meetings and keep moving forward with the business of the
City which is serving the people of Anaheim.
7 August 29, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava thanked members of the public and City Council colleagues who provided
remarks. She thanked Community Services for all their work during the celebration of Chicano Heritage
Month. She also recognized the Anaheim Public Library for implementing an educational element for
Chicano Heritage Month which has a longer lasting impact in the community. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava
announced a new mural planned at Little People’s Park to recognize and solidify the Chicano heritage in
that area. September is suicide awareness month and in collaboration with Council Member Kurtz, and
Anaheim High School an event will be hosted for youth. For more information, she encouraged residents
to reach out to the District 3 office. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava shared that longtime District 3 resident
Albert Hernandez passed away on August 16th. She also recognized Loretta Louise Negrete, a lifelong
resident of the City, and shared that she grew up with her three sons. Ms. Negrete graduated from
Anaheim High School and her husband worked for the City’s Public Works Department for 30 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava read Ms. Negrete’s obituary as follows: “In memory of Loretta Negrete who
was born on October 14, 1958. She has left a long-lasting impact on the lives of those who have held her
dear. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband Joe Negrete and a nurturing mother to her three
sons Joe, Louie, and Cesar. Loretta’s role as a grandmother brought immense joy to her heart as she
cherished her five grandchildren, Joseph, Jordan, Jacob, Diego, and Nico. Her family circle extended to
include two cherished daughters-in-law, Christina and Stacie. Her love and influence were not confined
to her immediate family, she shared strong bonds with her sisters, Helen and Debra. Her legacy lives
through the nieces and nephews who were touched by her kindness and guidance. Loretta’s journey has
come to an end; however, her honor will always be remembered.” Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava shared that
she spent many years with Ms. Negrete and also benefited from her kindness and she wanted to ensure
the City recognized someone who has contributed so much to the City of Anaheim with this memory. She
requested that the meeting close in memory of Loretta Negrete.
Council Member Diaz stated that he has lived near Beach Boulevard for more than 20 years and raised
his kids there. He has always listened to politicians promising to clean up the area with no results. After
Propositions 47 and 57 passed, he decided to run for office to clean up Beach Boulevard. He shared that
on July 1, 2023, California Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 357, the Safer for All Act, which allows
the solicitation of prostitution to be legal. This allows for resources to help the women involved with
prostitution. Additionally, the amount of phone call complaints and crime surrounding Beach Boulevard
has diminished by 90%. He shared that remediation work has started at the vacant lot at the corner of
Beach Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue and construction will commence soon. Council Member Diaz
stated that his concentration and commitment to the residents who elected him is to continue cleaning up
and improving Beach Boulevard for the future. He highlighted and displayed photographs of El Rancho
Meat Market. The market is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and mentioned the owner is
always there working long hours. They offer a great selection of food, produce, and meat and offer great
prices and excellent customer service. He shared that the working class does their grocery shopping
there because the prices at El Rancho Meat Market are more affordable compared to big supermarkets.
El Rancho Meat Market is located at 221 South Magnolia Street. Council Member Diaz encouraged
everyone to support local businesses because most owners work tremendous amounts of hours to
support their families.
Mayor Aitken highlighted and displayed photographs of events she participated in. She thanked the
Economic Development Department team for the amazing tour of the Brookhurst Street Corridor. The
community was invited out there to walk the area, give ideas moving forward, and make sure it is a plan
that benefits the community at large. While in the area she was able to stop by Cortina’s Italian Market,
one of her favorite places. She highlighted Cortina’s has walls of olive oil, amazing desserts, and is an
amazing family business. She also shared that Yesenia Rojas invited her to participate in an event where
the Governor of Guanajuato, Mexico Diego Sinhué Rodríguez Vallejo and former Mexico President
Vicente Fox participated in a ceremony where Anaheim residents were able to obtain their dual
citizenship and participate fully in some of the elections and benefits of citizenship in Mexico. She
attended the one-year anniversary of the Little Arabia designation at House of Mandi, a local Yemeni
restaurant. It was wonderful to see the excitement in the community and the pride in their culture. She
looks forward to working with everyone as the City moves forward with the Brookhurst Street Corridor.
8 August 29, 2023
Mayor Aitken shared that she would like for immigrants to know that they are welcome in Anaheim,
whether they have been here a while or are new to the City. Mayor Aitken stated she was concerned that
she was going to hear from dais and people in the community that the City should just move forward and
not address any of the problems that were in the JL Group report. She clarified that she was not willing to
do that and as far as one of her City Council colleagues is concerned, she was very thoughtful not to
mention a name in her statement. What she asked was that if the certain Council Member has
information or participated in something that was outlined in the FBI and Attorney General corruption
probe, that Council Member should come forward and shed light and information on what has been done
and if in fact those things were done, that the certain Council Member should resign. She stated that she
stands by her statement. Mayor Aitken stated that she is worried that everyone is focusing on what is
illegal and legal and not also acknowledging that there is a duty to do what is ethical. Council Members
should hold themselves to a higher standard. She stated that laws were broken and the fact that people
were using their personal emails, avoiding government records, and not turning over personal emails
either in lawsuits, Brown Act lawsuits, and California Records Act requests is against the law. She stated
that having meetings, discussions, rehearsed meetings with Council colleagues, and not listening to
public comment, might not be illegal but it is certainly unethical. When there is a group of Council
Members getting together with the sole purpose of coordinating an attack on a Council colleague, that
may not be illegal, but it is certainly unethical. Mayor Aitken stated that she couldn’t believe that half of
the reforms had to be placed on the agenda, but clearly, the City must right some wrongs. As the City
moves forward, she does not mind that she is not acknowledged for some of the reforms she brought
forward because what she cares about is getting things done. She was born and raised in the City, she
loves the City, and she is not going to brush the investigation under the rug and pretend it didn’t happen.
Mayor Aitken stated that she has a problem when the only reform brought forward by a Council
colleague since the JL Group report came out was to go after the first female elected Mayor. She
commented that there is a saying in Spanish, “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres,” which
translates to “Tell me who you walk with and that shows me who you are.” She stated there is a problem
with someone who is only aligned with special interests, a corrupt Mayor, and the only suggestion to
make this City a better place is to go after somebody who is advocating for reform.
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
City Manager Vanderpool shared that on Saturday, September 9th, the Community Services Active
Older Adult program will be co-hosting a Care Giver Workshop in collaboration with A.A.R.P. and
Congressman Lou Correa’s Office at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This workshop is designed to provide information, resources, and supportive services to residents who
are caring for their aging family members and people of all ages with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Multiple speakers will cover information on systems of support and will be available to answer any
questions attendees may have. This workshop is free. For registration or any additional information,
please contact Janet Brown with Congressman Lou Correa’s Office at (714) 401-2834.
Remediation work at 39 Commons has begun on-site. Earlier this month, the Orange County Health
Care Agency approved a cleanup plan for the Davis Mudd Pitt, a former landfill along the western edge
of the property. Removal of soil will take place over the coming months, and new soil will be brought in
to prepare the site for the first phase of retail development. City staff is working with the developer, 39
Commons Partners on the submittal of plans to plan-check. The first phase of retail will consist of new
eateries and shops. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024.
City Manager Vanderpool stated that the Public Works Department was phenomenal during the recent
storm. Public Works distributed over 40 tons of sand (2,500 sandbags) helping residents and businesses
in preparation for the storm. The Public Works, Police, and Fire and Rescue departments responded to
117 calls for service of which 108 were calls for down trees and branches. Staff also collected over 120
tons of debris from the storm. The Public Works team was on hand to take care of the community during
the storm and will continue to provide excellent services to the City.
9 August 29, 2023
Recess the Anaheim City Council, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, and Anaheim
Housing Authority. 7:35 p.m.
5:00 P.M. - PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
MOTION: NM/CL to approve the consent calendar as presented. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion
carried.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. RESOLUTION NO. APFA-2023-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE ANAHEIM PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular
meetings of the Authority for the 2023 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. APFA-2023-
002 (rescheduling the meeting of September 19 to September 12, 2023).
2. Approve minutes of the Public Financing Authority meeting of March 28, 2023.
Adjourn the Anaheim Public Financing Authority. 7:36 p.m.
Reconvene the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. 7:36 p.m.
5:00 P.M. – HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY
MOTION: NM/CL to approve the consent calendar as presented. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion
carried.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
3. RESOLUTION NO. AHPIA-2023-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF
THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY amending the dates and
times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2023 calendar year and rescinding Resolution
No. AHPIA-2023-002 (rescheduling the meeting of September 19 to September 12, 2023).
4. Approve minutes of the Housing and Public Improvements Authority meeting of March 28, 2023.
Adjourn the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. 7:37 p.m.
Reconvene the Anaheim Housing Authority. 7:37 p.m.
10 August 29, 2023
5:00 P.M. - HOUSING AUTHORITY
MOTION: NM/NK to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion
carried.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
5. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2023-006 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF
THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the
Authority for the 2023 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2023-002 (rescheduling
the meeting of September 19 to September 12, 2023).
6. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of August 15, 2023.
Adjourn the Anaheim Housing Authority. 7:38 p.m.
Reconvene the Anaheim City Council. 7:38 p.m.
5:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL
Item pulled for discussion:
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava: Item Nos. 9, 14
Council Member Kurtz: Item Nos. 8, 13
MOTION: __NR/SF___ Waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the consent calendar.
ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
7. Receive and file minutes of the Library Board meeting of July 10, 2023.
8. Approve recognition recognizing Anaheim Union High School District’s mental health awareness
programs.
Item No. 08 Discussion. MOTION: NK/NR ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
9. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the City Council’s response to the Presiding
Judge of the Orange County Superior Court, prior to September 13, 2023 related to the 2022-
2023 Orange County Grand Jury report titled “Welcome to the Neighborhood: Are cities
responsibly managing the integration of group homes?”.
Item No. 09 Discussion. MOTION: NR/NM ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
10. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, G2 Construction, Inc., in the amount of
$509,895, for the Catch Basin Screen Installation Project; authorize the Director of Public Works
to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement
and administer the contract; determine that the project is categorically exempt from the California
11 August 29, 2023
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations; and direct the Director of Finance to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to
contract retentions.
11. Approve the First Amendment to the Service and Software License Agreement with Civic Plus,
LLC., increasing the compensation amount from $250,000 to $500,000 and extending the term
for an additional five years, for CivicRec registration and facility booking software; and authorize
the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute the amendment and related
documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amendment.
12. Approve an agreement with the Hyas Group, in a total amount not to exceed $198,776, to provide
professional services and act as co-fiduciary regarding Anaheim’s Defined Contribution Programs
for a three year period with two one-year optional renewals; and authorize the City Manager to
execute the agreement, and the Human Resources Director, or designee, to implement and
administer the agreement.
13. Approve the 2024 Health and Welfare Plan Carriers and Rates and authorize the Human
Resources Director, or designee, to enter into and execute all required provider agreements and
to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements.
Item No. 13 Discussion. MOTION: NK/NR ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
14. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-072 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM adopting a Memorandum of Understanding establishing terms and conditions of
employment for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
Local 47 - General Unit [effective January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2026].
Item No. 14 Discussion. MOTION: NR/SF ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
15. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-073 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM adopting a Memorandum of Understanding establishing terms and conditions of
employment for employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
Local 47, Professional Management Unit and Part-Time Management Unit [effective January 20,
2023 through January 15, 2026].
16. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-074 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM declaring its intention to grant a franchise to SFPP, L.P., for the right to maintain
and operate a system of pipelines for oil, gas and other substances in certain public streets within
said City of Anaheim and establishing a time and date of a public hearing to consider such
franchise amendment [includes determination that the proposed Franchise will not cause a
significant effect on the environment and is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 15284 (Pipelines) of Title
14 of the California Code of Regulations; Public Hearing scheduled for September 26, 2023].
Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SFPP, L.P., to establish mutual promises
and obligations to realign an existing pipeline located at Lincoln Avenue and Manchester Court at
SFPP’s sole cost, and authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU.
12 August 29, 2023
17. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-075 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM adopting the "East Anaheim Master Plan of Sanitary Sewers Financial
Implementation Plan June 2023.”
18. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-076 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM approving the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Subgrant Agreement
between the City of Anaheim and the State of California for the term of April 1, 2023 through June
30, 2025 [includes determination that approval of the agreement is exempt from the provisions of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Sections15060(c)(3), 15061(b)(3), and 15378(b)(4); Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Subgrant Agreement is in the amount of $805,594].
19. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of May 2, 2023.
BUSINESS CALENDAR: 7:52 p.m.
20. Discussion, consideration, and action regarding setting a priority list of reforms stemming from the
recommendations from the JL Group investigative report, including but not limited to scheduling
experts with subject matter expertise, and creating a transparent and public path forward.
Item No. 20 Discussion. MOTION: SF/NM setting a priority list of reforms stemming from
the recommendations from the JL Group investigative report and calendaring for future
meetings. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
21. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-077 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Anaheim City Council for
the 2023 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. 2023-024 (rescheduling the meeting of
September 19 to September 12, 2023; including the potential of adding additional meetings to
address the recommendations from the JL investigative report).
Item No. 21 Discussion. MOTION: NM/NR rescheduling the meeting of September 19 to
September 12, 2023. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
22. Receive an update on the Council’s prior direction regarding Visit Anaheim, including (1)
exploring Visit Anaheim’s subcontracting relationships with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce
(“Chamber”) without the City’s written authorization, (2) halting the provision of Anaheim Tourism
Improvement District funds to the Chamber pending the completion of a state audit, and (3)
exploring additional financial back-up information for Visit Anaheim’s budgeting submissions; and
provide any related direction to staff.
Discussion. Informational item; no action taken.
23. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-078 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ANAHEIM adopting changes to the Personnel Rules for Non-represented Full-Time and Part-
Time Employees to include rules for Full-Time Hourly Employees and changing pay rates for
designated classifications covered by such rules and repealing Resolution Nos. 2022-139, 2023-
043 and 2023-063 [action includes rules for the newly-created category of Non-Represented Full-
Time Hourly Employee to apply to the Executive Secretary - Employee Relations, as well as to
any other non-represented full-time hourly classification; updates to reflect the pay ranges for full-
time non-represented, nonsworn employees (Executive Secretary – Employee Relations) and to
correct a typographical error in the salary range of the Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor; change
in pay range assignments for the Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor, Senior Policy Aide, Council
13 August 29, 2023
Policy Aide II, and Council Policy Aide I; and further amend the Personnel Rules and Policies to
reflect the pay range assignment changes].
Increase the City Council FY 2023/24 budget by $43,840.
Item No. 23 Discussion. MOTION: NM/NR to approve the revised Personnel Rules and
Policies covering Non-Represented Full-Time and Part-Time Employees to include rules
and pay range for Full-Time Hourly Employees and correct salary range error. ROLL CALL
VOTE: 7-0. Motion carried.
MOTION: JD/AA to approve pay range changes for Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor
(maximum 3% increase per year), Senior Policy Aide, City Council Aide II and City Council
Aide I, and City Council budget increase of $43,840. ROLL CALL VOTE: 6-1. (AYES: Mayor
Aitken and Council Members Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks; NOES: Mayor Pro Tem
Rubalcava). Motion carried.
24. Receive an update on Republic Services Customer Service, including short-term and long-term
solutions to address current challenges [Informational Item].
Discussion. Informational item; no action taken.
25. District 1 and 2 appointments to the Sister City Commission with terms ending December 31,
2024 and December 31, 2026, respectively.
Sister City Commission
District 1 appointment Marlena Truong (term ending December 31, 2024)
NOMINATION: Council Member Diaz nominated Marlena Truong. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0.
Nomination approved.
District 2 appointment Deana Helmy (term ending December 31,
2026)
NOMINATION: Council Member Leon nominated Deana Helmy. ROLL CALL VOTE: 7-0.
Nomination approved.
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
(opened only if any remaining non-agenda speakers were not called to speak during the first Public
Comment period)
COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:
Council Member Diaz requested an agenda item to prohibit City Council Members from directly
negotiating real estate deals by implementing a policy similar to labor negotiations.
City Attorney Robert Fabela clarified that labor negotiations can be discussed in closed session,
but real property negotiations must be directed in an open session.
Council Member Diaz requested a memo regarding how the City will implement and enforce the personal
security device requirement for hotels, specifically for motels located on Beach Boulevard.
14 August 29, 2023
Council Member Leon requested an agenda item to strengthen or establish a code of conduct for the City
Council. He also requested to recognize Cortina’s Italian Market & Eatery for their 60th anniversary in
October 2023.
Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested a recognition for Hope House for their mental health and addiction
treatment services and a recognition for Cambria Hotel employee, Gerado Ceja, for saving the life of a
nine-month-old child.
Council Member Kurtz requested an agenda item to discuss receiving input from the community in a
public forum, outside of a City Councill meeting, as reform discussions continue regarding the JL Group
Investigation Report.
Mayor Aitken requested clarity on what the City’s relationship is with the JL Group now that the report is
completed, and asked if the JL Group could answer questions regarding their findings in a community
forum.
City Attorney Fabela responded that the City Council conditioned that the JL Group not speak to
the media until after completion of the report and the report is now complete, however, there are
certain portions of the report that are redacted and the JL Group still has an obligation to keep
that information confidential.
ADJOURNMENT: 10:40 p.m. in memory of Loretta Louise Negrete.
Next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for September 12, 2023.
All agenda items and reports are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office and
www.anaheim.net/councilagendas, and the Central Library. Any writings or documents provided to a
majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda (other than writings legally exempt from
public disclosure) will be available at the Office of the City Clerk, located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., 2nd
Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805 during regular business hours and by contacting the office by phone, 714-
765-5166, or email to cityclerk@anaheim.net.
If requested, the agenda and backup materials will be made available in appropriate alternative formats
to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof.
Any person who requires a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or
services, in order to participate in the public meeting may request such reasonable modification,
accommodation, aid, or service by contacting the City Clerk’s Office either in person at 200 South
Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, California, by telephone at (714) 765-5166, or via email to
cityclerk@anaheim.net, no later than 8:00 AM on the day of the scheduled meeting.
TRANSLATION SERVICES: Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings.
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive
interpretation (Spanish-to-English) is also available to anyone addressing the Council by stating your
request at the podium. The use of city provided interpreters is not required and persons are welcome to
use their own interpreter. Because many dialects and regionalisms exist, the City cannot guarantee that
interpreters will be able to interpret into a particular dialect or regionalism, and disclaims any liability
alleged to arise from such services. For translation services in other languages, contact the City Clerk’s
office no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
15 August 29, 2023
VIEW CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS LIVE AND ARCHIVED: Anaheim City Council meeting videos can
be viewed live on the City’s website at www.anaheim.net/councilvideos.
POSTING STATEMENT: On August 24, 2023, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted on the
kiosk outside City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA. Internet Access to City Council, Agency,
and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at www.anaheim.net.