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08/15/2023ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 2023 The regular meeting of August 15, 2023 was called to order at 3:31 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on August 10, 2023. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks. Mayor Pro Tern Natalie Rubalcava joined during Closed Session. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that Closed Session Item No. 2 was withdrawn from the Closed Session agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: City Clerk Bass reported that no electronic public comments on the Closed Session agenda were received prior to 1:00 p.m. Sandy Lozeau commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council provide additional authority to the City's negotiating team to address compensation and personnel work policy issues. Fred Barvarz commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and compaction concerns. Shelly Russell commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and personnel work policy concerns. Adrian Romero commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and personnel work policy concerns. George Kline commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and personnel work policy concerns. Jonathan Heffernan commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and personnel work policy concerns. Nick Burki commented on Item No. 4 requesting the City Council address employee compensation and personnel work policy concerns. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 2 of 32 CLOSED SESSION: At 3:53 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed to Closed Session for consideration of the following: 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION (Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Thomas Fielder v. City of Anaheim, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30- 2022-01268974 CU-WM-CJC 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of Subdivision (d) of the California Government Code Section 54956.9): One potential case [Closed Session Item No. 2 withdrawn] 3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Gretchen R. Beatty, Deputy Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 47; IBEW, Local 47 Part -Time Customer Service Employees; IBEW, Local 47 Professional Management Unit; and IBEW, Local 47 Part -Time Management Unit 4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Gretchen R. Beatty, Deputy Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 2002 General Management Unit; AFSCME, Local 2002 Professional/Technical Management Unit; and AFSCME, Local 2002 Confidential Unit At 5:29 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks INVOCATION: FLAG SALUTE: PRESENTATIONS: Pastor Charles Vermeulen, Kindred Church Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz Recognizing El Polio Fino's 401h Anniversary of conducting business in Anaheim Accepted by El Polio Fino's owner, Roberto Hernandez, Sr. and El Polio Fino's manager, Roberto Hernandez Jr. Mayor Aitken highlighted the restaurant's 40-year history in the City. The restaurant was recognized for its charbroiled chicken, authentic Mexican cuisine, and their prior history of being voted "Best Hole in the Wall" restaurant by OC Weekly. Mr. Hernandez, Sr. continues to visit the restaurant every day, which continues to be managed by his family. Recognizing Anaheim resident Jillian Albayati for her athletic accomplishments Accepted by Jillian Albayati, who made history as the first female to pitch in a CIF championship game and was named the Orange County Register's Female Athlete of the Year for the 2021-22 City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 3 of 32 season after compiling a 12-0 pitching record and leading her team to their first CIF final since 1980. Ms. Albayati is a graduate of Anaheim High School and now plays softball for California State University, San Marcos. She also played on the US National Women's Softball team for two seasons in a row. Presentation by the Orange County Water District regarding an update on district activities Presented by Jason S. Dadakis, Executive Director of Water Quality and Technical Resources, Orange County Water District (District). Mr. Dadakis provided a summary of the authority and work of the District which includes managing the Orange County groundwater basin and protection of the County's rights to the Santa Ana River. He highlighted the District's facilities and equipment. He reported on major projects and initiatives, including stormwater capture, sustainable storage capacity, groundwater replenishment system, recycling of all the reclaimable wastewater from the Orange County Sanitation District, and leading efforts to research new and innovative ways to address water regulations in a cost-effective manner, well restoration, collaborative efforts with the city and the Riverwalk project, including potential public access to trails. Mayor Aitken confirmed with staff that the District's presentation will be posted on the City's website. ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be presented at a later date): Recognizing September 2023, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Recognizing September 2023, as World Alzheimer's Awareness Month Kristen Maas Kohlberg, an advocate at Alzheimer's Orange County, thanked the City Council for the recognition of September as World Alzheimer's Awareness Month. She noted the more than 164,000 Orange County residents and over 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Since 1982, Alzheimer's Orange County has been the county's largest local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free education, support and advocacy to people and families living with memory loss. She provided information packets to the City. Mayor Aitken confirmed the work performed by the organization as she previously served on their Board of Directors. Recognizing September 8 — 17, 2023, as Welcoming Week At 5:47 p.m., Mayor Aitken called the Anaheim Housing Authority to order (in joint session with the City Council). ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): Prior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum. City Clerk Bass reported that a total of 15 public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 p.m. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of 15 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. — See Appendix. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 4 of 32 Mark Richard Daniels commented on Item Nos. 24, 25, 26, and 27 suggesting the City Council adopt the recommendations from the JL Group report and calling for the resignation of the current City Manager and City Attorney. Bob Donelson commented on Item No. 24 requesting audits of the funds directed to Visit Anaheim and the Chamber of Commerce and calling for the resignation of three members of the City Council. Duane Roberts commented on Item No. 27 stating that the Mayor should not be exempted from providing access to meeting calendars and other records related to business meetings. He cited his requests for public records and the responses to those requests. Wes Jones commented on Item Nos. 26 and 27 expressing concern regarding the nature of certain campaign contributions to members of the City Council, suggested there be an entity to enforce the provisions of the lobbying ordinance, supported the posting of the Council Members' calendars on the City's website, encouraged the District Attorney to investigate "pay -to -play" powers still in effect, and requested that items over a certain dollar threshold not be placed on the consent calendar. Mike Robbins commented on Item No. 23 stating residents should not tolerate any actions that compromise the integrity of our government and any officials implicated in corruption should resign their positions. Jeanine Robbins commented on Item No. 23 expressing support for transparency in Anaheim and calling for accountability from any officials listed in the recent audit report. Vern Nelson commented on Item No. 24 expressing support for the audit of funds which were misdirected to inappropriate entities and calling for accountability from City officials. Victoria Michaels commented on Item No. 23 noting she has read the majority of the JL Group report and called on City officials to consider whether they should resign. Cynthia Ward commented on Item Nos. 25, 26, and 27 expressing support for implementing the suggested changes to improve transparency and trust in the City's leadership. Fernando Delgado commented on Item No. 24 requesting the members of the City Council inform residents as to their plans to restore public trust and transparency in Anaheim's government, cut ties with certain agencies, enact campaign finance reform, and provide meeting videos in Spanish and English. Kenneth Batiste commented on Item No. 27 expressing concerns with members of the City Council not providing proper oversight on business items and ensuring the truth about City business is disclosed. Ruben Soto commented on his experience dealing with the impacts of drugs and other situations that have negative outcomes in people's lives. Cecil Jordan Corkern commented on traffic controls in the City and alleged illegal activities taken by Disney. Nahla Kayali commented by providing information concerning the grand opening of Access California Services and thanked the City Council and City staff for their assistance. She invited the City Council, staff, and community members to attend. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 5 of 32 Leticia Bermejo expressed her disappointment with the Anaheim Police Department related to matters concerning an incident involving her son. Mayor Aitken requested the Deputy Police Chief speak with Ms. Bermejo to provide assistance related to her concerns. Luis Alonso expressed concerns with the deceptive actions taken by City officials and called for their resignation. Marco A. Barrera (translation: Spanish) commented expressing concerns with the deceptive actions taken by City officials and noting his recent police report regarding a physical attack against his person. Mariana Angeles (translation: Spanish) expressed her concerns regarding the information provided in the recent JL Group report and the lack of transparency in City business dealings and public meetings. She called for the resignation of any implicated officials and noted the fear among residents that the Police will not take action if they report wrongdoing. Mayor Aitken stated the safety and security of residents is the City Council's top priority and suggested the speaker make a report to members of the Police Department who were in attendance. Rosalia Garay (translation: Spanish) commented by defending resident's rights to know the truth about the corruption taking place in the City and the report concerning the mishandling of funds. Sandra Cazares (translation: Spanish) noted the impact the Council's actions have on residents, especially the costs incurred to prepare the JL Group report. She requested transparency in the Council's activities. Susana Galan (translation: Spanish) expressed concerns about how the City's corruption impacts the lives of residents who are struggling to pay for basic needs, especially due to the effects of the recent pandemic. Len Beckman commented on the impacts that lack of funding has on schools and students in the community and requested the Council assist by directing financial assistance to education. Donna Acevedo -Nelson suggested the City move forward with gathering input from residents as to the future of Anaheim stadium and also directing efforts toward creating a more vibrant downtown in Anaheim. Marc Herbert expressed support for the recent release of the JL Group report, inquired about the Fire Station 12 project, and requested the City investigate the Visit Anaheim organization. Bryan Kaye thanked a resident who attends each Council meeting and expressed his desire to see a positive, healthier Anaheim. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 6 of 32 COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Leon invited District 2 residents to the Brookhurst Corridor Study Walking Tour on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Stater Brothers. He shared that participants may arrive between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. and will be given a map of the route and asked for feedback regarding the current state of the area and what they would like to see in the future. The feedback from the walking tour will be used to develop recommendations for the City to consider for public improvements in the area. He shared that the District 2 Office, in collaboration with dozens of organizations, distributed over 600 backpacks and school supplies to students at the James Madison Elementary School Back to School Bash. Council Member Leon was grateful to collaborate with the City and community partners to make the event a reality. He thanked Public Utilities, Public Works, Community Services, Fire and Rescue, Police Department, Mark Lowry and the Community Action Partnership Orange County for providing food boxes for families, Anaheim Run Club, James Madison Elementary School staff, Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Downing, Eddie the custodian who worked tirelessly throughout the event, Taylor Griffin and Maggie Moreno from his Team, all the volunteers from Project Say, and the community for helping make the event a success. Council Member Leon shared that one of the reasons he ran for office is to ensure that the issues discussed on the dais are in the context of how they affect and help residents. He stated that potential actions, following the release of the JL Group report, will be discussed later in the meeting and he reiterated his commitment to exploring, analyzing, and implementing sound public policies that will help establish safeguards so that the City does not go through this again. He stated that the City Council is still in the process of reestablishing the City's trust in City Hall and must implement well -thought-out public policy because residents deserve that. Council Member Leon stated that Orange County is home to some of the greatest higher education institutions with faculty who are subject matter experts that can help provide unbiased recommendations that are also data and research -driven that may very well go above and beyond some of the recommendations in the report, but more importantly are not driven by special interests. He shared that he looks forward to personally engaging with some of the educational institutions, residents, and City staff to bring additional policy recommendations to the City Council for consideration. It will be a lengthy process and he looks forward to discussions with colleagues to show residents that the current Council is not the Council that led the City to this mess in the first place. Council Member Faessel requested the meeting close in memory of Sarah Alevizon. He shared that she was married to former Council Member Bob Hernandez and was active in the community for more than 30 years. She volunteered for the Assistance League of Anaheim, Anaheim Women's Group, Anaheim Arts Council, Anaheim Ballet, The Ebell Club of Anaheim, and the Anaheim Library Foundation. Council Member Faessel stated that she was well -loved in the community and wished her husband and family well. Council Member Kurtz highlighted and displayed photographs of events she participated in. She thanked Officers Woo and Jasmine from the Anaheim South District Police Community Team, for attending four different community events. They attended the Ponderosa Neighborhood clean-up and provided ice cream for the kids. They also presented in Spanish, along with the Fire Department, a safety forum for residents in the Ponderosa neighborhood regarding Fentanyl and what signs parents should look for if they are wondering if their kids were using drugs. Council Member Kurtz also thanked the Orange County Employees Association and Anaheim Municipal Employees Association for bringing out a hotdog wagon and feeding families who walked around the neighborhood picking up trash. She also thanked Anaheim Neighborhood Services and Anaheim Public Utilities for providing information at the event regarding City services. Council Member Kurtz thanked Officers Woo and Jasmine, Housing & Community Development Deputy Director Sandra Lozeau, and Public Utilities Communications Supervisor Melissa Seifen for attending a community meeting to discuss City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 7 of 32 concerns in the neighborhood due to the homeless. Council Member Kurtz referenced the Barbie Storytime event and Silvia Salas-Sanchez book event at the Euclid Branch Library and thanked staff for the great events. She encouraged residents to attend community events because staff do not just do their job, they are listening and working with residents to help improve the quality of life for residents. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested that the meeting close in memory of Fernando Mejia, a father of four daughters, who untimely lost his life at Kern River. She thanked Director of Community Services, Sjany Larson -Cash and her staff for all the work they have done in recognition of Chicano Heritage Month Celebration. As part of the celebration, a new Chicano mural is planned at Little People's Park. She also thanked everyone who participated in public comments and stated that public comment is part of a process just like the JL Group report. The report helps the Council better understand issues involving a prior Mayor and former Chamber of Commerce Executive. The report also raises questions about lobbyists and how money allocated by a prior City Council impacted the City, but suggestions that the report represents what Anaheim is today are completely inaccurate. The people who currently sit on the dais have grown up in this City and have a vested interest in the success of the City. She stated that she personally takes offense when people mention that Council Members do not have a vested interest in moving the City forward in a positive way. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated that she personally welcomes thoughtful consideration of the report's recommendations, but speculation that goes beyond that is unwarranted. Slides were displayed and she noted that the first set of recommendations highlights an appointment of an ombudsman, upholding City Council/Manager form of governance, considering improvements to Information Technology (IT), amending the lobbying ordinance, and an audit of how the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim may have misused funds. She pointed out that there is no recommendation that would suggest that anyone on the City Council should step down and there is no justification in the recommendations for attacking the work and character of anyone on the dais or anyone working for the City of Anaheim today. She stated that she would like to set the record straight regarding directing City staff because that is an inaccurate accusation included in this report because she always works with City staff through the City Manager to get things done. She highlighted her accomplishments since taking office as follows: Passed a Hotel Workers Safety Ordinance to protect the people who work in the Resort District, created transparency, tree trimming, obtained stop signs on Bush and Sycamore, worked with Assembly Member Valencia to obtain $1 million in funding for Northgate Store No. 1 which is located in District 3 and will benefit the workforce development of the people who live in the City of Anaheim, secured public safety officers to help keep schools safe in response to an incident that occurred at Sycamore Junior High School, housed a woman who was homeless, prepared a Chicano Heritage initiative to represent the people in District 3, and has worked on behalf of small businesses in District 3. She highlighted the allegation in that report regarding the Small Business Development Group. She clarified that in a public meeting, she requested that the Economic Development Department staff work with the Small Business Development Group which provides opportunities for small businesses to obtain capital through the Federal Government if they are struggling and that is something she will never deny because the City needs to do more for small businesses. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated that unfortunately the mischaracterization in the report was expected given the volume of information and interviews, but what is inexcusable are the secondary accounts over the past two weeks and even in the Council Chamber tonight because she respects City staff and has read the City Charter. She reiterated that she always works with the City Manager to collaborate respectfully with City staff. She noted that the reports passage about an Anaheim First binder is also inaccurate and chronologically impossible. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava noted that after the report came out, she provided the City Attorney's Office with an email from a community member, one month after the election, January 13, 2023, regarding Anaheim First issues. She stated that as a candidate, she along with many of her supporters canvased thousands of houses, sent text messages, and made phone calls to residents. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 8 of 32 She stated that feedback from residents and understanding what they want from their elected officials is priority number one, because she ran to represent District 3, not to represent her own personal interest. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated that for that, she will never apologize. She received this information via publicly accessible information that candidates have access to during campaigns. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava welcomed thoughtful consideration of the report's recommendations and any beneficial insights that may be gained. She stated that the City Council has an obligation to ensure that the report is handled responsibly, competently, with dignity and respect, and must resist pressure campaigns and rushed reactions to the results of the investigation. She welcomed all points of view during the process but stated that as a City of more than 300,000 people, it extends well beyond what was just heard during public comments. What most residents in District 3 ask for is for the City Council to focus on homelessness, affordable housing, crime and public safety, parks, libraries, streets, timely trash pick-up, graffiti removal, and other important quality of life issues. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated that she will focus on those concerns including making sure that the City Council is transparent. She stated that as the City of Anaheim moves forward, she looks forward to working with all Council Members as well as City staff. Council Member Diaz highlighted and displayed photographs of Bionicos Green Paradise at 3414 West Ball Road, at the corner of Ball Road and Knott Avenue. He shared that the restaurant is owned and managed by immigrants from Guadalajara, Mexico. The owners have been in business for just over a year and work hard to maintain the restaurant. Sandwiches, shakes, salads, smoothies, and fruit floral arrangements can be prepared. He encouraged everyone to support Bionicos Green Paradise. He also shared a flyer regarding the Cheer Mini Pioneer cheer clinic on August 301h and 31 st at Western High School. He stated he will continue working to improve Beach Boulevard and address homelessness and the housing crisis. Mayor Aitken highlighted and displayed photographs of events she participated in. She reported that she was selected to participate in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Program along with 40 mayors from across the world, focusing on leadership skills and policy development with a real focus on getting things done at the municipal level. She stated she was looking forward to partnering with some of the California mayors as well as mayors from across the world in tackling issues. It was amazing how whether it's mayors from Italy, Amsterdam, or New Zealand everyone is trying to tackle the same issues as municipal public servants. She thanked the Anaheim Police Department, Fire and Rescue Department, and all the volunteers who organized the National Night Out event in District 6 because it was a huge success. She also gave a shout out to Jason Perez from Neighborhood Services for winning the donut eating competition three years in a row. He ate a dozen donuts in under three minutes. Mayor Aitken highlighted that she had the pleasure of hosting the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Christoper Coes at ARCTIC. Mr. Coes was visiting the OC Vibe project and presented the City with a $5 million Rebuild American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant which will be used to help reinvent the area around the OC River Walk. She thanked the Council Members who were able to meet with the Secretary of Transportation and welcome him to ARCTIC. Mayor Aitken stated that she and Council Member Leon attended the "Tacos With A Cop" event at Taco Land. She thanked the Police Department Community Policing Team for reaching out to the community and taking the time to meet with families. Mayor Aitken visited Roosevelt Elementary School and welcomed students back to school. She wished all students in Anaheim good luck in their new school year. She reported that she was invited to give a welcome speech at the Orange County Labor Federation dinner, highlighting all the wonderful work that Anaheim's working families do as well as those who advocate for working families. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 9 of 32 CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool announced the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Anaheim for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. It's the City's 48th consecutive award, the most received in the state. He noted that since the City Council approved the Clean California agreement in March, the Anaheim Team including Housing & Community Development, CCRT, Public Works and the Police Department have been working every Saturday along the 5, 57, and 91 freeways to clean up Caltrans rights of way. He was happy to report, that in just a few months a milestone of 100 tons of trash was picked up from the freeway on and off ramps that serve as a gateway to the community. This work is fully reimbursable by the state through the Clean California program. The Public Works Department received authorization to proceed with the construction of safety enhancements at seven intersections across the City valued at over $2.1 million funded entirely by the Federal Highway Administration. Some of the intersections include Brookhurst/La Palma, Euclid/Crescent, Harbor/Lincoln, and Ball/State College. This continues the City's mission to improve safety on roadways and maximize the federal and state grant dollars brought to Anaheim. He invited the community to the celebration of Central Library's 60th Anniversary on Sunday, August 27, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Attendees of all ages will be able to join in on the festivities. There will be a self-portrait collage craft corner, a trivia contest, and a history scavenger hunt where patrons can win prizes. To celebrate the 60 years of impact, there will be a story time with special guests Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster. Families will be able to make birthday hats for the cake cutting and enjoy music from special guests Sean Oliu and the Coastline Cowboys. City Manager Vanderpool invited Police Chief Jorge Cisneros to the podium and thanked him for his many years of dedicated service to the community. He stated it was an absolute pleasure to work with him and stated that staff and the community will miss him. Police Chief Cisneros shared that it has been a great five years and thanked the City of Anaheim for the opportunity he was given. He stated it has been an honor and privilege to work with the women and men of the Anaheim Police Department, other City Departments, and numerous organizations. Police Chief Cisneros stated he has been Chief for 13 years of his career and working for the City of Anaheim is a great way to end his career. Mayor Aitken, on behalf of the City Council, thanked Police Chief Cisneros for his many years of service. At 8:00 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the Anaheim City Council meeting to address the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda and reconvened the City Council at 8:01 p.m. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 10 of 32 CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:01 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Kurtz pulling Item Nos. 9, 11, 18, 19, and 21 and Council Member Meeks pulling Item No. 16 for separate consideration. MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. B105 3. Receive and file minutes of the Public Utilities Board meetings of June 23, 2023 and June 28, 2023. 4. Approve recognitions recognizing Linbrook Bowl on their 65th Anniversary of conducting D116 business in Anaheim, the retirement of California Highway Patrol Officer Tyrone Bennett, and Jason Perez for winning the donut eating contest for three consecutive years at National Night Out. 0144.6 5. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute the City Council's response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, prior to September 1, 2023 related to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury report titled "Gimme Shelter and a Pound of Advice, The State of Animal Welfare Overseen by the County of Orange." 0144.6 6. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Court and the Orange County Grand Jury relating to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury Report, "Human Sex Trafficking in OC." D180 7. Accept the bids from Cal -Duct, Inc., Anixter Inc., One Nation Distribution LLC, and OneSource Distributors, in the respective amounts of $28,650.00, $99,699.10, $27,800.00, and $22,902.50 plus applicable taxes, for the purchase of various electrical materials including connectors and conduit for Anaheim Public Utilities Department in accordance with Bid #9702. D180 8. Accept the bid from Pump Check Inc., in the amount of $28,382.90 plus a 20% contingency, to provide pump efficiency testing services for the Anaheim Public Utilities Department for a one year period with four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute the renewal options in accordance with Bid #9707. D180 10. Waive the sealed bid requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a master agreement to Mesa Energy Systems, Inc. dba Emcor Services Mesa Energy, in the amount of $104,250, for parts and services needed to repair the Hall E chiller at the Anaheim Convention Center; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue the necessary purchase order, in the estimated cost of $200,000 plus applicable taxes, to acquire a replacement compressor unit for the chiller. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 11 of 32 D180 12. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Foster and Freeman USA Inc., in the amount of $79,098 plus applicable tax, for the purchase of a forensic imaging system for use by the Anaheim Police Department. 13. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and ratify the purchase orders D180 issued to Professional Police Supply, Inc., in the combined amount of $86,293.53, for providing various parts needed to upfit 11 new Anaheim Police Department vehicles. D180 14. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue purchase orders, in a total amount not to exceed $264,000 plus applicable taxes, in order for the Purchasing Division to solicit bids and/or evaluate available cooperative agreements for three vehicle purchases to support Anaheim's Homeless System of Care Program, in accordance with Council Policy 4.0. AGR- 15. Approve an agreement with Great American Insurance Company, corporate surety for HYM 13189.A Engineering, Inc. to assume the obligations and complete the Brookhurst Community Center — Teen Room Addition Project and authorize the Director of Public Works to execute all documents in furtherance thereof. AGR- 17. Approve the Restated and Amended Joint Powers Agreement for Integrated Law & Justice Agency for Orange County (ILJAOC) between the City of Anaheim, County of Orange and 3948.B Member Agencies to further clarify the operation of the ILJAOC and its Voting Board to facilitate the integration and sharing of criminal justice information/data; and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement [Member Agencies: Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, California State University, Fullerton Police Department, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Superior Court of CA, County of Orange, Tustin, Westminster, and University of CA, Irvine Police Department]. T105 20. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-068 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM levying special taxes within City of Anaheim Community Facilities District No. 06-2 (Stadium Lofts). RESOLUTION NO. 2023-069 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM levying special taxes within City of Anaheim Community Facilities District No. 08-1 (Platinum Triangle). D175 22• RESOLUTION NO. 2023-071 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM authorizing the Director of Public Works or designee to submit an application to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for funds for the Environmental Cleanup, Tier 1 Grant Program under Orange County Local Transportation Ordinance No. 3 for the Catch Basin Screen Installation Project, and if awarded, authorizing the acceptance of such grant funds on behalf of the City and amending the budget for fiscal year accordingly and determine that these actions are exempt from the California City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 12 of 32 Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guideline Section 15303 (grant funds in the amount up to $500,000; matching funds amounting to 20% of project cost, at minimum). BUSINESS CALENDAR: D180 9. Accept the bid from BrightView Landscape Services, in the amount of $594,872 plus a 20% contingency, to provide landscape maintenance services for the western portion of the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District and the Anaheim Convention Center for a one year period with up to four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise the renewal options in accordance with Bid #9704. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz inquired if General Fund dollars will be expended for this project. Purchasing Agent Barrick L. Bartlett and Streets and Sanitation Manager Eddie De La Torre confirmed the funds for this project do not come from the General Fund, but from the special resort district funds, specifically from the self -assessment of the resort. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to accept the bid from BrightView Landscape Services, in the amount of $594,872 plus a 20% contingency, to provide landscape maintenance services for the western portion of the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District and the Anaheim Convention Center for a one year period with up to four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise the renewal options in accordance with Bid #9704, seconded by Council Member Meeks. With the concurrence of the entire City Council, the vote for Item No. 9 was conducted following the presentation of Item No. 11. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to accept the bid from BrightView Landscape Services, in the amount of $594,872 plus a 20% contingency, to provide landscape maintenance services for the western portion of the Anaheim Resort Maintenance District and the Anaheim Convention Center for a one year period with up to four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise the renewal options in accordance with Bid #9704, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 11. Accept the proposal from Turbo Data Systems, Inc., in the amount of $273,615, for parking D180 citation processing and parking permits services for a one year period with up to six one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise the renewal options in accordance with Request for Proposal #9665; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue and execute the necessary documents to establish new agreements and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz requested clarification, stating that the bid from the selected vendor appeared to be significantly higher than the others which were submitted. Streets and Sanitation Manager De La Torre confirmed the Request for Proposals had specific requirements for technology to enable uniformity of devices across Departments. The selected vendor met all specific requirements and qualifications, and the high ranking also included input from the review panel comprised of staff from various City Departments. The pricing consideration comes after the qualification rankings. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 13 of 32 Council Member Leon inquired if the subject vendor is the current provider, or if the City is utilizing a new vendor. Mr. De La Torre confirmed the vendor is an existing provider to the City and staff is pleased with their current level of service. Prior to the vote for Item No. 11, the City Council voted on Item No. 9. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to accept the proposal from Turbo Data Systems, Inc., in the amount of $273,615, for parking citation processing and parking permits services for a one year period with up to six one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise the renewal options in accordance with Request for Proposal #9665; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue and execute the necessary documents to establish new agreements and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 16. Approve an agreement with the City of Irvine for Anaheim to provide air support services at an AGR-14259 hourly rate of $1,058 for a term beginning on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2025, with three one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Chief of Police to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks inquired whether this agreement makes financial sense for the City, given that the City of Irvine is a large city and could perhaps fund its own air support services. Deputy Chief Rick P. Armendariz provided historical data on the City's involvement with mutual aid to partner cities. He noted the City does not request reimbursement for emergency -type services to other agencies, because the City is often receiving similar aid in other situations. The City of Irvine requested priority aid in air support services and thus, the need for the current agreement. Council Member Meeks clarified she wanted to ensure that providing this service does not take away from the services provided directly to Anaheim residents, but also confirmed the numbers were not significant in terms of the requests for this specific type of service. In response to an inquiry from Council Member Faessel, Deputy Chief Armendariz confirmed the cost reimbursement covers City personnel, maintenance, and fuel for these types of air support operations. He noted the fuel costs have been modified and are consistent with costs for providing the service when requested. MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to approve an agreement with the City of Irvine for Anaheim to provide air support services at an hourly rate of $1,058 for a term beginning on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2025, with three one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Chief of Police to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 14 of 32 18. Approve an agreement with The Segal Company (Western States), Inc., in an amount not to exceed $525,000, to conduct a citywide classification and compensation study; and authorize AGR-14261 the Human Resources Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz inquired if the study can be completed within 12 months, if there is a penalty clause in the agreement if the results are not returned to the City within the agreed - upon time frame, and what the start date of the study would be. Deputy Human Resources Director Gretchen R. Beatty explained that the projected plan for a 12- month completion was accurate and noted the consultant was available to answer any questions. Employees and the City Council have great interest in seeing this project completed. It was also stated that there is no penalty clause, however, it was noted that there may be circumstances beyond the control of the consultant, such as employee and supervisors' return of the questionnaire and other elements required by the study. The consultant is very committed to having the study completed on time and is immediately ready to commence as soon as the contract is approved. City staff has already commenced internal planning and meetings for the study. TL Cox from the Segal Company stated their staff has been working closely with the City's Human Resources employees to prepare a detailed project timeline and that adequate staff are assigned to the project. He confirmed that there are many elements of the study that are outside of the consultant's control, such as the return of questionnaires and other materials that must be completed by City employees. City Manager Vanderpool stated that all Department Heads are committed to ensuring their employees have access and timelines related to the elements required in the study. Staff understands that the Council would like this item completed within the stated timeframes. City Attorney Fabela noted there is no timeline in the contract wording itself, no "time is of the essence" nor "liquidated damages," clause. The consultant is only obligated to complete the work provided for in the contract. Council Member Kurtz stated she was under the impression there was a specific 12-month timeframe. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed there is a work plan timeline included in the contract, which includes the time schedule and summarizes the expectations of when the project will be completed. Council Member Meeks requested the consultant and City staff provide clarification of the project work plan and schedule. Mr. Cox provided details as to the project's steps, including gathering job descriptions, stakeholder meetings with executive leadership and bargaining unit representatives, classification analysis commencing in the third quarter of 2023 including review of employee questionnaires, building of job architecture, evaluation of positions across the City, and completion of a total compensation market assessment. He noted that Human Resources staff emphasized how important visibility was for this process and the total compensation market assessment and classification analysis will be completed simultaneously. It is anticipated the final results of the study will be presented to the City Council in the third quarter of 2024. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 15 of 32 Council Member Meeks requested that the Human Resources Department and the City Manager institute plans to ensure employees are returning the elements in a timely fashion to have this study completed. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed the importance of completing the study. The results of the study are expected to assist in the future work of Human Resources staff. There will be liaisons established in each Department to ensure work is completed, as there are frequent requests from individual Departments to have individual studies completed. Council Member Meeks stated her support to ensure the study treats all employees fairly as it relates to the results of the classification and compensation analysis. Council Member Faessel noted the importance of the study to the organization and inquired if any deliverables could be provided to the City Council for review prior to the 12-month completion date. Mr. Cox provided details as to the study's key deliverables, explaining there are updates that will be provided along the way in an easily digestible format. He noted the completion of the timeframe for the public and private sector benchmarking is a natural time to provide the City Council with an update, as it will show which agencies were selected for comparison purposes. He reiterated that a classification and compensation study seeks to achieve internal equity and it is important that communications are consistent with that plan, rather than providing updates regarding specific work groups. Council Member Faessel stated it is clear the Council Members are committed to completing the study as quickly as possible, without sacrificing quality. Council Member Leon confirmed with City Attorney Fabela that there is no specific provision in the consultant's contract requiring that the project must be completed within 12 months of commencement and inquired if language should be incorporated. City Attorney Fabela stated the consultant would not be in breach of the contract as long as they completed the scope of work agreed upon, and noted that there could be factors beyond the consultant's control that could result in delays. He noted the City Council could opt to include such language, however, it may be complex. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested Mr. Cox continue the presentation to address potential comments she may have. Mr. Cox introduced the Segal Company and noted it has been independently and privately held for over 80 years, they have excellent references from organizations similar in size and complexity to Anaheim, and they are known for their adherence to timeliness. The participation of City employees is paramount to their success and they work collaboratively with the client to ensure internal participation is welcomed. They have a good reputation among public sector unions due to their collaborative work approach. He introduced the members of his team, who work to ensure quality control and accountability, including assignment of a local area representative. He highlighted the extensive experience of the firm and the firm's employees. He reiterated that the organization has no control over whether employees return the information requested and it requires a collaborative approach among all parties involved. The work plan ensures internal and external equity, even including comparisons with private sector positions, so that the resulting recommendations are statistically valid. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 16 of 32 Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava inquired as to the consultant's methods for collecting information from comparable agencies. Mr. Cox stated that much of the comparison data is publicly available from outside agencies, but it is also important to ensure that the work being completed by internal employees matches the job descriptions and compensation appropriately, as duties, responsibilities, and business technologies may have shifted over time. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava inquired how the City can develop classifications, for example, when the City Council is negotiating with labor unions the results of their classification and compensation studies are not accepted in some cases. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed that the job duties and content associated with a particular title in Anaheim may not be consistent with the same job title in another agency for comparison purposes. The specific job duties currently performed by Anaheim employees must be accurately reflected to ensure the job descriptions are modernized and accurate for recruitment and retention purposes. Separately, comparisons are conducted with other agencies to validate where the City is in the competitive marketplace, however, the content of the work done under the same titles may not be the same from agency to agency. Mr. Cox added that from his experience, the employees and employee groups find value in participating in the process. He continued with his presentation, noting that the updated job descriptions are within their scope of work and part of the classification architecture. The total compensation assessment is the competitive benchmarking in areas such as salaries, healthcare, retirement, and other leave. It also includes determining the differences between pay grades. The Segal Company will also provide implementation guidelines to coincide with the City's strategic plan and objectives going forward. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava explained the City Council's focus is to ensure that the City's budget is utilized effectively and considers a potential $250,000 expenditure very seriously. She confirmed her interest in ensuring the project is completed in a timely manner to assure employees of their role in the organization. She expressed concerns with outsourcing the study and preferred to have the study completed by City staff. She requested additional information from staff on the process undertaken to select the proposed consultant and staff's confidence in their selection and that there will not be change orders which double the cost of the project. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed the Segal Company was on board with the City's intent and interest in getting the project completed on time and on budget. She added the budget for this project was approved by the City Council in the current adopted budget and there was City Council support from the onset. The Request for Proposals process resulted in seven different proposals, with five determined to be highly qualified. The proposals were reviewed by each of the City's collective bargaining units and returned with their feedback, including proposed questions to ask during the oral interviews with the consultant firms. She noted the City's stakeholder team consisted of Human Resources representatives and other City groups who assisted with the interviews. Staff conducted significant reference checks and confirmed the Segal Group has performed similar work in other agencies similar in size and complexity to Anaheim. The City has over 3,000 employees and over 600 classifications and it will be significant work for a consultant without prior experience in similar agencies. She noted the City will utilize the results of the study to provide assurance to employees that they are properly classified. Council Member Diaz expressed concern with the selection of the comparison cities and agencies to ensure the correct comparisons are made for recruitment and retention purposes. The size of the City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 17 of 32 comparison city or agency may not be the best metric to utilize. He added private or special district entities and local regional information should also be included. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve an agreement with The Segal Company (Western States), Inc., in an amount not to exceed $525,000, to conduct a citywide classification and compensation study; and authorize the Human Resources Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D154.8 19. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-067 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE D154 CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Resolution No. 2022-138 for the purpose of creating, deleting and/or modifying certain classifications represented by the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association, Part -Time Unit, and approving a Letter of Understanding concerning training duty assignment pay for employees in the classification of Traffic Control Assistant. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Resolution No. 2022-139, as amended, for the purpose of creating, deleting, and/or modifying certain classifications, rates of compensation, and pay policies for classifications designated as Non -Represented Full -Time and Part -Time employees. Increase the City Council's Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget by $43,840. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz requested general clarification on the item, including why these items are requested separately from the classification and compensation study. Deputy Director Beatty responded that currently there are matters of concern related to positions in certain areas of the City, including the Community Services Department. The compensation for certain positions, such as Park Ranger and Senior Park Ranger have fallen significantly behind the public and private sector markets. Many employees are supplementing their pay with positions in other agencies and the City needs to ensure proper staffing for its own park operations. She provided details as to the proposed compensation changes for the positions. Additionally, positions within the Police Department were included, with pay starting near minimum wage and the City is losing the staff on a sustained basis. She noted that the City is contractually required to provide staff for traffic control at external venues. She explained the increase in salaries should be offset by savings in the General Fund, as sworn personnel would be utilized to supplement staffing. Last, a compensation change was proposed for the direct support positions to the City Council, as they were out of alignment with comparable agencies. She added the incumbent Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor position will not be moved up 21%, but the general range would be adjusted. She explained the City Council Aide positions pay was recommended to increase by 10%. The proposed fiscal impact to the City for approval of the proposed classification changes would result in an increase to the City Council budget, however, the costs for the other proposed changes can be absorbed into the current fiscal year budgets for the Community Services and Police Department. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash confirmed the impacts to Park Ranger programming and duties due to understaffing is having an impact on current operations, with shifts remaining unfilled. She noted staffing levels are at 46% to patrol the City's 63 parks. There are also significant challenges in recruiting for the positions due to the low compensation. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 18 of 32 Council Member Kurtz requested clarification of the range increase for the Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed the incumbent for the Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor will receive a 10% increase as a result of approval of the new range for the full-time position and the same is recommended for the other Council support staff positions. All Council support positions will receive the proposed increase. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava inquired as to why the Council Aide positions are included in a labor agreement recommendation. Deputy Director Beatty confirmed these are not represented employees, however, they are all covered under the personnel rules, which are included as part of the staff report, because there are other maintenance updates proposed for those rules. She added they go together in terms of the classification updates, or compensation updates, and staff groups them as they come up, even if they are not represented by the same groups. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava suggested items, like these, are not proposed after the fiscal year budgets are approved, and if necessary, that they are not placed on the consent calendar for transparency purposes. She stated she is opposed to voting for the proposed increased ranges for the Council support positions as those items were unbudgeted, although she explicitly stated that she supports the work of all City employees, including the Council support staff. Deputy Director Beatty noted staff proposed three recommendations and the City Council may separate the recommendations. She expressed interest in making a motion to bifurcate consideration of the various resolutions at the appropriate juncture. Council Member Diaz agreed with the bifurcation of the various resolutions for transparency and would propose moving the resolution concerning the City Council support positions to the meeting on August 29, 2023. He expressed support for all employees in all affected classifications, however, acknowledged the urgent public safety impacts of addressing the Park Ranger positions at this time. City Attorney Fabela suggested bifurcating the two resolutions and continuing the second resolution to the August 2911 City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava confirmed that was her interest in the item. City Attorney Fabela clarified there is a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava and a second by Council Member Diaz to bifurcate the motion. Mayor Aitken confirmed she was requesting additional comments from the Council regarding the bifurcated motion. Council Member Meeks supported the bifurcated motion and stated she is generally opposed to "one- off' classification amendments in order to respect all employee positions, however, she did acknowledge the urgency concerning the Park Ranger issues. She expressed concerns about moving forward with any action on the City Council support positions until all other management positions are addressed within the current study. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 19 of 32 Council Member Faessel confirmed with Deputy Director Beatty that the issue of traffic control has been of concern for some time, however, this is not a request to increase the Police Department budget for this time. Funds are available in the current approved budget for the proposed compensation amendments. He agreed with the proposed bifurcation of the two resolutions. Council Member Leon confirmed with Deputy Director Beatty that the proposed compensation changes if approved, would go into effect at the beginning of the next pay period. Council Member Leon expressed support for the bifurcation of the resolutions, however, he did acknowledge the City Council support positions do deserve to be considered for compensation amendments. Council Member Kurtz expressed support for the bifurcation of the resolutions with the vote concerning the traffic control and park ranger positions taking place at this meeting. She echoed Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava's suggestion to bring similar items forward during the budget process. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava noted her comments at this time are related to the resolution proposed to be brought back for consideration, noting she would like more details concerning the compensation study done for the City Council support positions. She stated that it is not just the City Council direct support positions that provide services to the City Council and expressed that all City employees should be considered equally under the current classification and compensation study. Mayor Aitken stated she worked with the City Manager and Human Resources staff to evaluate the full-time Policy Advisor position to place it within a group where the compensation is compatible and is mindful to include her City Council colleagues to bring in the other City Council support positions for evaluation. She supports bringing the discussion back in a few weeks for separate consideration. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava noted the item should be considered under the Business Calendar. She wanted to highlight her previous conversation with the City Manager concerning this issue for this meeting and the posting of this agenda. She expressed support for a conversation concerning the classification status, inclusive of membership in bargaining units, for the affected positions. Deputy Director Beatty clarified the consideration of Resolution No. 2022-139 includes the Personnel Rules with proposed classification changes and range assignments and requested that it be considered at the next meeting. City Attorney Fabela repeated the potential action: bifurcating the resolutions and continuing the resolution including Non -Represented employees to the next City Council meeting and taking action on the resolution regarding AMEA employees. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava moved to bifurcate the two resolutions as presented on the agenda and continue RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Resolution No. 2022-139, as amended, for the purpose of creating, deleting, and/or modifying certain classifications, rates of compensation, and pay policies for classifications designated as Non -Represented Full -Time and Part -Time employees and consideration of an increase the City Council's Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget by $43,840 to August 29, 2023, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2023-067 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Resolution No. 2022-138 for the purpose of creating, deleting and/or modifying certain classifications represented by the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association, Part -Time Unit, and approving a Letter of City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 20 of 32 Understanding concerning training duty assignment pay for employees in the classification of Traffic Control Assistant, seconded by Council Member Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Clerk Bass noted the continuance of RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Resolution No. 2022-139, as amended, for the purpose of creating, deleting, and/or modifying certain classifications, rates of compensation, and pay policies for classifications designated as Non -Represented Full -Time and Part -Time employees and consideration of an increase the City Council's Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget by $43,840 to the August 29, 2023 City Council meeting. D125 21. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-070 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring certain city -owned real property located at the southeast corner of S. Anaheim Boulevard and E. Ball Road, Anaheim, California (APN 082-46-23, -24, -25, - 31, -34, and -35), as exempt surplus land; directing the City Manager to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Sections 54220, et seq.; making certain findings under the California Environmental Quality Act; and authorizing certain other actions. Authorize the Director of Economic Development to issue a Request for Proposals and review responses for a mixed -use development project, with a minimum 25% affordable housing component. Director of Economic Development Sergio Ramirez, joined by Director of Housing & Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter, stated the item concerns a recommendation by staff for compliance with the Surplus Land Act for a Successor Agency property and recommendation for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a mixed -use development project with an affordable housing component for the subject site. He provided a background of the subject property and site, noting the property is now subject to Surplus Land Act provisions pursuant to current legislation. The Surplus Land Act allows local agencies to declare properties surplus land if the site is made available to affordable housing sponsors and the local agency provides for a competitive bid process that results in 300 units or more, and 25% of the units are restricted to lower -income households. 338 units can be achieved on the site, resulting in 85 affordable housing units for rental and 253 units for sale. Staff would comprise a multidisciplinary team of staff from the Housing and Community Development, Planning, Public Works, and Economic Development Departments, and the advisory firm Keyser Marston Associates to evaluate proposals and select the top proposal. Staff would return to the City Council with a recommendation for an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with a top development team and proposal. Mixed -use development is consistent with other developments along Anaheim Boulevard and would help support local businesses and meet housing needs, including a significant affordable housing component. Council Member Kurtz confirmed with Director Ruiz-Stepter and Director Ramirez that under straight surplus, there would be no affordability housing component and the City is not required to take less than fair market value for the site. With exempt surplus land, the City can issue an RFP that defines how many affordable units need to be included. The fair market value of the property is approximately $25 million. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava inquired how the item is considered "economic development". City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 21 of 32 Director Ramirez explained the City's former Redevelopment Agency properties were classified as government use, Housing Authority use, and future development. The current site is considered "future development" under the Redevelopment Agency dissolution law and the Successor Agency is under the Economic Development Department. Their role is to dispose of the assets in the Successor Agency portfolio. The Surplus Land Act has necessitated a re -look at the subject property to ensure its highest and best use. Director Ruiz-Stepter added the site was initially zoned for commercial use and historically that was the purpose of the site. She noted the Surplus Land Act has necessitated the use of the property for housing purposes. Staff confirmed the location was the site of former car dealerships, bank buildings, and other commercial uses. Director Ramirez noted the City has demolished certain sites on the property and the remaining properties are being used by Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN). Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava expressed concern that the location was unusual for housing, noting that 25% affordable units could bring parking challenges. Director Ramirez responded the site was rezoned by the Planning Commission in 2022 and staff evaluated the concerns brought forth by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. The property now has General Plan designation and zoning allowing for mixed -use development. It is also consistent with the development occurring on Anaheim Boulevard. He cited other development projects that were former development projects converted into housing. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava stated her recollection was that the previous District Four Council Member was opposed to this project, and recommended staff explore other uses conducive to the area, such as a museum. Director Ramirez responded that sales proceeds from this property have to go to the effective taxing entities, and the City would only receive a portion of the proceeds. Development for other uses, other than those proposed, would have to be funded out of the City's General Fund. Staff noted the item under consideration this evening was a different proposal than what was presented to the former Council Member. The current potential development could put together a project that would include good landscaping, a public park element, and public art, among other amenities. City Manager Vanderpool noted that if the City contemplates an alternative public use for the property, it must reimburse costs from the General Fund for the proposed project. 88% of the sale of the property goes to outside taxing agencies consistent with Redevelopment dissolution law. The other public uses contemplated by previous City Council Members such as community centers, public parks, pools, and museums would have to be funded with General Fund dollars, less those obtained by the City in the proposed sale of the subject property. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Director of Housing and Community Development Ruiz-Stepter confirmed that changing the proposed site for another parcel was allowed, however, it would be difficult to find a parcel of the same nature and size. Staff is exploring various options, however, the exempt route was pursued as it scores well for an affordable housing project, including from the lens of supporting workforce development, as it lies adjacent to one of the City's key employment corridors. Staff could explore a land swap, however, it may prove difficult due to the size. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava inquired as to any potential California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) impacts, due to the previous uses of the property. Director Ramirez responded that the Planning Commission reviewed these matters when it rezoned the property, and they were not considered heavy environmental challenges. From an economic development perspective, the proposed project could create over 300 units and also increase the assessed property value. This would prove a significant economic driver for the City. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Director Ramirez responded that the precedents set by similar projects are close to $1 million, to the extent market conditions can be predicted. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 22 of 32 Council Member Faessel stated this would be the City's first project utilizing the Surplus Land Act and is eager to see what can be accomplished, particularly as related to affordable housing. Director Ruiz- Stepter clarified a previous project located at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Lincoln Ave. was completed utilizing the Surplus Land Act and noted staff will draw upon that experience for the proposed project. Council Member Diaz expressed strong support for housing at this site and the affordable housing component, which is a priority for the City, as well as the commercial development that comes along with it. Council Member Kurtz expressed support for projects of this type in District Four, noting the benefits for residents and businesses. She anticipates code enforcement efforts to commence after the project commences to begin improving properties in the surrounding areas. She thanked staff for their work on the item and explained the exempt versus non-exempt components of the Surplus Land Act. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava confirmed this property is identified as one of the parcels in the City's Housing Element for residential housing development. She requested the project follow the 25% threshold, first-time homebuyer program, and have the developer understand the parking issues as related to affordable housing projects. Council Member Leon noted he pulled the item as it was important that the Surplus Land Act could provide for additional housing opportunities. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2023-070 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring certain city -owned real property located at the southeast corner of S. Anaheim Boulevard and E. Ball Road, Anaheim, California (APN 082-46-23, -24, -25, -31, -34, and -35), as exempt surplus land; directing the City Manager to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Sections 54220, et seq.; making certain findings under the California Environmental Quality Act; and authorizing certain other actions and authorize the Director of Economic Development to issue a Request for Proposals and review responses for a mixed -use development project, with a minimum 25% affordable housing component, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. Mayor Aitken considered the remainder of the agenda out of order and heard Item No. 24 prior to Item No. 23. D116 24. Discuss and provide any direction to staff regarding conducting an audit into the $6,500,000 funds awarded to Visit Anaheim during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine if any funds were improperly used, and to potentially work with state and federal partners in any external audits, and any other appropriate actions. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken acknowledged the impacts of the information that resulted from the JL Group report and noted the City has to address the issues in an ongoing manner, including the commencement of the advisory committee she instituted recently. She emphasized these recommendations are only one step in the process of addressing the issues and should provide opportunities for all City Council Members to weigh in on. She stated her suggestions are not about specific people or groups, but rather about making better and more transparent policy overall. She wanted to begin by addressing some of the issues surrounding Visit Anaheim. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 23 of 32 Mayor Aitken supported the suggestion for an internal audit of the $6.5 million in funds awarded to Visit Anaheim and a potential request for the return of $1.5 million that appears to have been allegedly funneled to the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber). She noted it appears there was an additional $450,000 given to the Chamber in 2019-2020 and what those funds were for. Executive Director of Convention, Sports, & Entertainment Tom Morton stated there was an agreement between the Chamber and Visit Anaheim to provide a percentage of the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) collections to provide services for Visit Anaheim. Mayor Aitken inquired if the City has ever exercised its right to inspect and audit under the original contract with Visit Anaheim. Executive Director Morton believed the City conducted a financial audit prior to the pandemic. In response to an inquiry from Mayor Aitken, City Attorney Fabela stated the City Council could discuss the provision of the agreement as related to subcontracting for outside services during Closed Session. City Attorney Fabela stated there is no document that exists in which the City Manager authorized a signed release to allow Visit Anaheim to subcontract under the terms of their agreement. Mayor Aitken noted that given Visit Anaheim is a separate entity, the City's recourse would be to conduct an audit. She expressed interest in having a conversation with the Visit Anaheim Board at a future Anaheim City Council meeting. In response to Mayor Aitken, City Manager Vanderpool confirmed the City Council's previous direction to cease contracts with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Aitken noted 75% of ATID funds are provided to Visit Anaheim who subcontract to the Chamber of Commerce. She inquired if this violated the City Council's policy to cease operations with the Chamber. City Manager Vanderpool stated the ATID funds are defined by how they are disbursed and the City may not be able to interfere if Visit Anaheim uses the funds once they are released by the City. Mayor Aitken suggested the City Council discuss and determine whether they should send a letter to Visit Anaheim requesting the return of the $1.5 million provided to the Chamber, as well as asking them to cease all relations with the Chamber of Commerce until the conclusion of the City and State audits. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava confirmed the audit has subpoena power and requested confirmation of the scope of the audit to be conducted by the State Auditor and Controller. She suggested halting all ATID funds until after the audit is complete, as Visit Anaheim has reserves to continue its operations. City Attorney Fabela stated the City will look into that option. Council Member Kurtz concurred with partnering with the State on external audits. City Attorney Fabela confirmed the City has subpoena power pursuant to its City Charter and would look into the option to expand those powers if needed. He mentioned he has never seen those powers utilized in his tenure. He noted the purpose is for a fact-finding investigation to call witnesses to the City Council. Council Member Kurtz expressed concerns over the alleged funds awarded to Visit Anaheim due to the funding originating from taxpayers. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 24 of 32 Council Member Faessel concurred with his Council colleagues and inquired whether the City will be conducting its own audit of Visit Anaheim concurrent with the State audit, expressing concerns to ensure the various entities performing audits are not working at cross-purposes. Mayor Aitken stated the City has audit power under the current agreement, and would further request that Visit Anaheim provide access to their budget to affirm that the other financial documents provided to the City are correct. Council Member Faessel expressed support for a State -initiated audit and a city -initiated audit as long as they do not interfere with one another. Council Member Meeks concurred with sending a letter of support to the State confirming the City is prepared to provide any assistance necessary concerning the audit. She concurred with the Mayor's request to enforce and utilize the clauses in the existing agreement concerning audit provisions. Council Member Diaz preferred to see the results of the State audit prior to taking any other action, as cutting funds to Visit Anaheim may result in negative impacts on booking and marketing of the convention center. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava suggested two separate motions including writing a letter of support for the State audit and directing staff to assist the State with its audit. She noted her intention to move the item to halt funding to Visit Anaheim until after the audit, as they have sufficient reserves to operate and resume funding if there are no improper activities discovered as a result of the audit. City Manager Vanderpool confirmed that the funds were collected by the hotelier and then transferred to the ATID. City Attorney Fabela noted he will research whether there are mechanisms that can stop those transactions. Executive Director Morton noted it is a Benefits Assessment District and confirmed the City collects the assessment and then the funds are paid to Visit Anaheim. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava, Executive Director Morton confirmed the funds are not taxpayer - funded. In response to Council Member Leon, Executive Director Morton noted conventions are booked out through 2030 to 2032 and there could be unintended consequences from pausing funding to Visit Anaheim. He advised other agencies that can provide such services, however, Visit Anaheim's services are tailored to the Convention Center sales and services. Council Member Leon supported the comments of his Council colleagues. He noted the potential actions are a start to ensure transparency and due diligence of the City Council. Council Member Kurtz supported the City's cooperation with the State audit and writing a letter of support. She wanted to confirm the City administers the pass -through of the subject funds, but they are not taxpayer dollars. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to write a letter of support to the State Auditor on behalf of the City Council indicating the City Council's willingness to fully cooperate with the State Auditor's investigation, seconded by Council Member Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 25 of 32 DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken confirmed Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava's initial motion to direct staff to explore options to halt funds directed to Visit Anaheim, her interest in ceasing relations with the Chamber, investigating the legality of the Chamber's relationship with Visit Anaheim, and requesting access to the contract to grant the City access to their budget. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava moved to direct staff to do everything they can to fully support the State's audit, seconded by Council Member Kurtz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to direct staff to halt Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) funds to Visit Anaheim until after the audit, explore options to cease relationships with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce until the conclusion of the State audit, explore whether those relationships are legal under the City's contract, and how the City can obtain full access to their budget. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava recommended considering halting the ATID funds separate from the additional items proposed by the Mayor. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to explore halting the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (ATID) funds until after the audit, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried. DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz explained his vote noting the funds are not City funds and cited the potential consequences to Anaheim tourism and Convention Center sales. He emphasized he does not support the company. Mayor Aitken noted the tough situation and the need for a functioning tourist bureau. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to direct staff to explore potentially pausing the City as a vehicle to direct funds to Visit Anaheim until after conclusion of the State Audit, to explore whether Visit Anaheim is allowed to subcontract with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce for services, and to look into amending Visit Anaheim's contract to allow the City full access to their budget as part of their yearly reporting requirement, seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to direct staff to explore potentially pausing the City as a vehicle to direct funds to Visit Anaheim until after conclusion of the State Audit. DISCUSSION: Council Member Meeks inquired about the Chamber's relationship with Visit Anaheim outside of the ATID funds. She cited concerns regarding interference with the companies' private agreement. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Mayor Aitken clarified the proposed action. In response to Council Member Diaz, Executive Director Morton clarified there are two contracts with Visit Anaheim, a Master Agreement and a separate agreement for the $6.5 million. City Attorney Fabela added through the Master Agreement, Visit Anaheim distributes funds to the Chamber of Commerce. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 26 of 32 In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Executive Director Morton explained there is a clause in the Master Agreement to prevent Visit Anaheim from subcontracting. City Manager Vanderpool added that administratively the City ceased all contracts and relationships with the Chamber of Commerce until the City gathered additional information. Council Member Diaz expressed concerns regarding prohibiting private companies from contracting with one another. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to direct staff to explore potentially pausing the City as a vehicle to direct funds to Visit Anaheim until after conclusion of the State Audit and to explore whether Visit Anaheim is allowed to subcontract with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce for services seconded by Council Member Leon. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken expressed interest in obtaining access to Visit Anaheim's budget and requiring more detailed annual reports from Visit Anaheim. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to explore amending Visit Anaheim's contract to allow the City full access to their budget as part of their yearly reporting requirement, seconded by Council Member Leon. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Kurtz, Executive Director Morton confirmed that Visit Anaheim is a 501(c)(6) non-profit. He explained the difference between a 501(c)(3) business between a 501(c)(6). Council Member Kurtz noted the forms to be filed are public records and can be reviewed by the City. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Executive Director Morton explained Visit Anaheim is a subcontractor of the City. Mayor Aitken clarified the City would not advise the Visit Anaheim Board over their daily operations. In response to Council Member Diaz, Executive Director Morton detailed Visit Anaheim's services to the City. He clarified they market on behalf of the City for tourism and scheduling the Convention Center. He noted the contract was executed in 2010. Council Member Faessel added the Orange County Visitors Authority dates back to 1966. Executive Director Morton noted the Orange County Visitors Authority currently does business as Visit Anaheim. City Attorney Fabela clarified the motion being considered. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava cited the City Council's fiduciary responsibility due to recent findings regarding the use of funds. Council Member Leon added the concern is that the City provided the funds to Visit Anaheim. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to direct staff to explore potentially pausing the City as a vehicle to direct funds to Visit Anaheim until after conclusion of the State Audit and to explore whether Visit Anaheim is allowed to subcontract with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce for services seconded by Council Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 27 of 32 D116 23. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM rescinding Resolution No. 2021-031 and authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements on behalf of the City when the contract amount does not exceed One Hundred Thousand Dollars; restating the City Manager's authority to submit grant applications, resolve worker's compensation claims, and delegate limited contractual authority to Executive Managers of the City; restating the City Attorney's authority to take certain specified actions in defense of the City; and amending Council Policy 4.1. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken stated she supported this item to move toward more transparency in City government and it was not directed toward a specific person. She noted the proposed reduction of the City Manager's signing authority was a recommendation as a result of the State audit. She requested that contracts executed by the City Manager be uploaded to the City Manager's website and notify the City Council of new contracts signed within 72 hours. Council Member Diaz expressed concerns with the fluctuations over the past several years of the City Manager's signature authority, given there is no evidence of the current City Manager abusing his authority. He noted City Manager Vanderpool's character and integrity and encouraged his Council colleagues to compare signing authorities with similar cities. Council Member Kurtz agreed with Council Member Diaz and noted that this matter should be taken out of the political realm and that future City Councils should base their assignment of signature authority on a reasonable metric. She requested additional information and a plan to proceed with revising the City Manager's signature authority. Mayor Aitken suggested that the City Manager's signing authority match the County's policy similar to the City's policy on campaign contributions. Council Member Kurtz expressed she did not wish to lower the City Manager's signing authority and expressed concern with previous changes to the signing authority. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava supported making contracts accessible and notifying the City Council via email whose subject line states "Contracts." She preferred to explore what other cities are doing and emulate their best practices. Council Member Meeks expressed concern that reducing the City Manager's signature authority could limit the City's ability to react quickly in emergencies or other similar situations. She was in favor of making contracting information more transparent. In response to Council Member Leon, City Manager Vanderpool noted that he remains consistently sensitive to the City Council's interest in certain contracts and will often bring certain items under his signature authority for City Council consideration in a public meeting. City Manager Vanderpool noted the sensitive nature of policy decisions and the discretion to bring items to the City Council for approval. MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to explore best practices in comparison to other cities and the County of Orange, to post contracts on the City's website, and for the distribution of contracts to the City Council, seconded by Mayor Aitken. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava clarified the motion does not include reducing the City Manager's signing authority. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 28 of 32 Council Member Faessel referred to the recommendations made by the JL Group and stated the City could benefit from the recommendation for an ethics officer and also strengthen the provisions related to the Council -Manager form of government. He cited his previous experience on Boards and Commissions and the signature authorities of other local agencies. In response to Council Member Diaz, City Manager Vanderpool confirmed that Public Works contracts must come to the City Council for award and that there are established City purchasing and contracting processes that must be adhered to, including the Request for Proposals (RFP) and professional services agreements procedures. MOTION: Council Member Leon moved to explore best practices in comparison to other cities and the County of Orange, to post contracts on the City's website, and for the distribution of contracts to the City Council, seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D116 25. Discuss and provide any direction to staff regarding the creation of a City Hall Worker Protection ordinance that implements whistleblower and other protections for City employees. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken noted the item is being brought forward in response to media articles and noted the Administrative Regulations do not encompass a reporting hotline for City Hall employees. She requested consideration to develop a policy to report credible threats. Council Member Faessel concurred with the recommendations for an ethics officer position and also noted that elected and appointed officials and certain employees have to complete State -mandated ethics training. In response to Mayor Pro Rem Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela noted he would follow up with information concerning whether State and Federal protections cover municipal officials and employees. Mayor Aitken noted the City's current administrative regulation and that it abides by Fair Employment Housing Act policies. She requested further exploration to strengthen the reporting procedures against elected officials. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested additional information prior to implementing a policy. City Manager Vanderpool noted that the public should feel safe within the City and the information of an alleged threat was provided over a year after the action occurred. He highlighted provisions are in place to ensure workplace safety. Council Member Diaz expressed that workplace safety and reporting provisions are already in place and inquired as to the purpose of the new proposed ordinance or policy. City Attorney Fabela stated the current protections could be emboldened with additional information and procedures on how to act if a report is made. Council Member Diaz suggested advertising the current reporting guidelines to employees. Mayor Aitken inquired if the reporting hotline could replicate the City's current fraud hotline. Council Member Meeks inquired about additional training and information on how to utilize existing resources rather than create a new ordinance that could conflict with future State law. Council Member Kurtz commented that workplace safety and reporting processes should be emphasized with employees so they are aware of what is available to them. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 29 of 32 In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Deputy Director Beatty noted the fraud hotline is managed by the City Manager's Office. She noted the City does not have a separate hotline for complaints and confirmed future complaints can be forwarded to Human Resources. In response to Council Member Leon, City Attorney Fabela noted that even though elected officials are included in the current policies concerning ethics and other workplace safety violations, the City does not have an enforcement mechanism to terminate elected officials as they are elected and not appointed. Council Member Leon requested additional consideration to make the current policy more accessible to employees. Mayor Aitken clarified the creation of a hotline would show good faith to City employees. Council Member Meeks requested renaming the Fraud Hotline to "Ethics Hotline" which can direct the concerns accordingly. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela clarified current complaints received through the Fraud Hotline are directed to the City Auditor. MOTION: Council Member Meeks moved to rebrand the current fraud hotline to encompass whistleblower and other protections for City employees, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D116 26. Discuss and provide any direction to staff regarding strengthening the City's Lobbying Ordinance as well as exploring a potential council policy requiring City staff and City Council Members to disclose and report meetings with all outside lobbyists. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken suggested discussion of this matter to provide additional transparency concerning City decision -making. She requested the creation of an ad -hoc committee to address transparency. In response to Council Member Faessel's concerns about how a proposed ad -hoc committee on the topic would operate, Mayor Aitken noted that recommendations could be developed and then forwarded to the City Council for discussion at a public meeting. Council Member Kurtz offered initial support for an ad -hoc advisory committee to develop recommendations but with a specific start and end date. Council Member Meeks supported the exploration of this topic and the development of recommendations as a limited endeavor and also supported further education of the City Council concerning best practices on working with lobbyists and avoiding bias in decision -making. She expressed concerns about assigning a title to the group without it being a public group. City Attorney Fabela advised if a Council Member assigned a name to an advisory group, it would not be subject to the Brown Act unless the City Council voted on the subject. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava inquired how enforcement of such an ordinance would be implemented and noted she would prefer that potential and proposed recommendations be formulated in a public forum, rather than via an ad -hoc committee. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 30 of 32 Council Member Diaz expressed support for the ability of individuals and groups to legally petition their government and that the City avoid any actions that would restrict these principles. Council Member Leon expressed support for campaign disclosure best practices and any proposed processes that would allow the City Council to increase public trust and transparency in the decision - making process. In response to Mayor Aitken, City Manager Vanderpool stated the City Council provided input and direction and staff could return to the City Council with mechanisms to address education, training, enforcement, an ad -hoc advisory committee, and other options concerning strengthening the existing Lobbying Ordinance. Mayor Aitken expressed concerns regarding the timing to address the concerns and move forward. She requested comparing practices with comparable cities Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested support for a proposed ordinance to require City staff and the City Council to disclose meetings with lobbyists. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava moved to direct staff to return with a recommendation for a lobbying ordinance including City Council members and City Executive staff, seconded by Mayor Aitken. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Diaz, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided historical information and details as to the process and provisions concerning the current Lobbying Ordinance. City Clerk Bass noted the Lobbyist program was established in 2017 and established the definition of a lobbyist, guidelines, and filing obligations. She noted lobbyist information is posted on the City's website including filing fees and quarterly reports. City Clerk Bass highlighted within 15 days of lobbying the City or any regional agency, the lobbyist must register with the City Clerk's Office and pay a filing fee which is established by resolution. City Clerk Bass provided the definition of a lobbyist as any individual, entity, or organization that receives or is entitled to receive $500 or more other than reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses in a calendar month to communicate directly or through their agents with any elected or appointed official for the purpose of influencing legislative or administrative action of the City or any regional agency, oversight, or authority of the City of Anaheim. She noted the lobbyists must submit a quarterly report within 30 days of the end of each quarter including compensation, dates, times, purpose of the communication, and contributions to elected officials. An annual report is prepared by the City Clerk's Office noting lobbyists that filed or terminated registration including the information received by the lobbyists. She noted in 2022, a Council Member requested additional enforcement to include penalties for knowingly or intentionally acting as a lobbyist without registering, filing quarterly reports, filing quarterly reports that contain inaccurate information, or concealing or diverting lobbying activities. Council Member Diaz noted the City went through a very thorough process concerning the development of the existing subject ordinance subsequent to the recent FBI investigation. Council Member Meeks and Council Member Kurtz requested additional information regarding the definition of a lobbyist and reporting requirements. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested exploring enhancing the current lobbyist ordinance to include City staff and Council Members. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 31 of 32 In response to Council Member Meeks, Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava clarified her request to explore enhancing reporting requirements. Council Member Meeks expressed concerns with potential restrictions to lobby and meetings with elected officials for the benefit of the City. Mayor Aitken requested an amended motion to work alongside Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava and the City Attorney's Office to include options on different definitions of a lobbyist and reporting requirements by other cities. Council Member Meeks suggested including discussion relating to a potential new policy that would require all City Council Members, as well as the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, to post their work calendars on the City's website (Item No. 27). Council Member Leon requested the inclusion of exploring legally allowable enforcement provisions. City Attorney Fabela advised the City could not impose a penalty higher than a misdemeanor. He clarified the City Attorney's Office does not have an investigatory unit to address offenses and knowledge of the offenses is information -based or report -based. Mayor Aitken clarified the current motion includes providing direction to staff to include direction to staff to explore a potential policy that would require all City Council Members, as well as the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, to post their work calendars on the City's website. City Attorney Fabela clarified direction includes collaborating with Mayor Aitken and Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava to explore options on the lobbying ordinance and for disclosure of City calendars and return to the City Council for discussion on recommendations. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to work with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to bring back options for strengthening the City's Lobbying Ordinance as well as a policy for disclosure of City calendars for the Mayor, Council Members, and the City Manager, seconded by Mayor Aitken. DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz clarified the direction provided to staff to explore recommendations to the lobbying ordinance and posting of calendars. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to work with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to bring back options for strengthening the City's Lobbying Ordinance as well as a policy for disclosure of City calendars for the Mayor, Council Members, and the City Manager, seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D116 27. Discuss and provide any direction to staff regarding a potential new policy that would require all City Council Members, as well as the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, to post their work calendars on the City's website. The City Council encompassed discussion for Item No. 27 with Item No. 26. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to work with the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem to bring back options for strengthening the City's Lobbying Ordinance as well as a policy for disclosure of City calendars for the Mayor, Council Members, and the City Manager, seconded by Mayor Aitken. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. City Council Minutes of August 15, 2023 Page 32 of 32 0148 28. Nominate and appoint a voting delegate and up to two voting alternates to the League of California Cities Annual Conference, to be held on September 20 — 22, 2023 in Sacramento, California. APPOINTMENT: Council Member Natalie Meeks ALTERNATE: City Manager Jim Vanderpool ALTERNATE: NOMINATION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava nominated Council Member Meeks as the voting delegate and City Manager Jim Vanderpool as the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nominations approved. At 12:19 a.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the City Council to Closed Session and reconvened the Anaheim City Council meeting at 1:45 a.m. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): None COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: Council Member Kurtz requested an agenda item regarding current and future upgrades to parks in the City as well as information regarding the funding source for the upgrades. She also requested an agenda item to discuss the plan for the undergrounding of existing overhead power lines over the next five years as well as information regarding applicable grants. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested an agenda item to further discuss recommendations for transparency in response to the JL Group report. ADJOURNMENT: At 1:51 A.M., Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of Sarah Alevizon and Fernando Mejia. Respectfully submitted, Xhersas, CMC City Clerk Susana Barrios From: Alex Brown Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2023 1:39 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #5 - August 15 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. The city cannot trust OC Animal Care. The shelter just retracted and replaced its 1 st Quarter statistics. Their statistics page now states: 'An incorrect version of the 2023 1st Quarter Shelter Statistics report was posted on April 26, 2023. It has been replaced with the correct information as of 811112023." https:Hocpetinfo.com/about-us/shelter-statistics These are the shelter's main statistics. They took action only when an advocate presented iron -clad proof that the statistics were made up. You can find the details in Voice of OC: https://voiceofoc.org/2023/08/lawther-oc-animal-care-is-unable-to-keep-track-of-its-animals/ It's worth asking the county: - Is it up to ordinary citizens to discover the errors in a county agency's key report and then patiently wait for dismissive county managers to take the evidence seriously? - Why should the public trust any numbers put out by the shelter? In most cases, OCAC is unable to back up its claims with any details, data, or calculations. - Why are the 2nd Quarter statistics (April -June) not available? (All other area shelters put them out weeks ago.) - Is an audit going to be ordered? - The OCAC Assistant Director (and current interim director) led the production of the wrong statistics. Isn't it risky to trust her next round of statistics? Susana Barrios From: Michael Mavrovouniotis Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2023 12:18 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #5 (August 15, 2023) 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. To keep its costs under control, the city should: [R14] Urge OCAC to reopen the kennels and speed up adoptions. [R6] Pursue the Joint Powers Authority in order to protect its budget in the long-term. While the county makes all the decisions, the cities bear 93% of the costs. The county is indifferent to the consequences of their policies, because the county not footing the bill. It's up to the cities to protect themselves and their taxpayers. During the pandemic, fewer animals were coming into the shelter, mitigating the negative impact of bad policies. But now the numbers are returning to pre -pandemic levels, and the full impact of OCAC's bad policies will fall on the cities. The increase in costs to the cities is driven by the increase in length of stay, which is the consequence of the bad adoption policies. If we compare FY 2021-22 to FY 2018-19, we see that: • The number of animals coming in dropped by 37% • Admin costs increased by 15%. • Net cost per intake increased by 69%. This is not caused by inflation (the Consumer Price Index increased by only 11 %). • The cost increase is caused by the fact that the shelter is too slow in getting animals adopted. With each animal staying longer, the shelter is warehousing more animals, and all expenses increase accordingly. This is what the Assistant Director of OC Community Resources (Cymantha Atkinson) wrote on November 14, 2018 (emphasis added): `[The OCAC director] can fill you in on the essential component that play groups play in accurate dog evaluation and expedited dog placement. Both these factors decrease length of stay in the shelter which serves our primary goal of providing excellent animal care while simultaneously reducing the financial impact to our partner cities. [The director] can also point to other shelters nationwide that implement this best practice." OCAC forgot its responsibility to the cities and is keeping pandemic -era policies in place. OCAC and the county don't care about the financial impact of their bad policies, because they're just passing the costs to the cities. The cities are told the increase is driven by external factors (inflation, intakes) when in reality it's driven by bad policies and bad management. DIRECTLY FROM OCAC STATISTICS FY 2018-19 14,453I FY 2021-22 9,1131 'Change'; Intakes (animals coming in) Shelter Services Count (Total Days of Stay) 198,749 195,239 Shelter Services Cost 5,514,047.46 5,315,838.60 Admin Cost 2,480,780.48 2,852,173.02 Shelter Services Revenue (1,142,023.31) (876,236.30) Animal License Revenue (229,568.73) (233,651.92) Admin Revenue (18,679.41) 5,094.46 DERIVED FROM THE ABOVE STATISTICS FY 2018-19 FY 2021-22 'Change Net Cost (excluding License Revenue) 6,834,125 7,296,870 Net Cost per Intake 473 801 Service Count per Intake 13.8 21.4 Net Cost per Service Count 34.4 37.4 For Reference: Consumer Price Index 253.3 282.0 Susana Barrios From: Kevin Hardy Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2023 3:55 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Consent Calendar item #19 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. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council, I read through your agenda as I usually do and finally found something that truly bothered me. I was just shocked that in a City that I keep hearing over and over again from the elected office holders that $25 has to be established because everybody needs a living wage. Yet, here are you very quietly doing just the opposite! In addition, I actually have 2 stories about my interaction with the Anaheim Park Rangers. Back in December, at Boysen Park I was with my 2 daughters when 3 large stray dogs came after us and my daughters ran up hide and clinging to a fence as the dogs jumped and tried to bite them. I was able to jump into the baseball dug out. I called the police and they arrived pretty quickly but did nothing and advised they were waiting for animal control. Shortly after the police arrival and really big guy with the Park Rangers showed up and he saw what was going on and talked to the police officers, while I don't know what was said specifically I could tell the Ranger wasn't happy. My daughters were screaming and having trouble holding on to the fence. The Ranger, then got a broom out of his truck and tied a big trash bag to it, and then proceeded to go to my daughters with the dogs coming at him. He used a broom and bag to create an item for the dogs to be interested and then he very calmly got each of my daughters down and carried them on over his shoulder to safety with me in the dugout. All the time the dogs were aggressive and the cops wouldn't do anything. This Park Ranger was brave when the police weren't. Once my 2 daughters were safe with me, the Park Ranger then sat on a bench with my girls and talked with them very calmly and even sang a song with them as they started to giggle. My second story is how these Park Rangers are again on the front line of dealing with all the things you as City Council people never will understand like the homeless, drug users, and gang members. I was at Edison Park with a couple of friends and over the bathrooms, there was some type of activity so we ran over to see what was happening and we saw 2 Park Rangers doing CPR on a homeless guy that apparently had been using drugs and overdosed. Not sure what the outcome was. It is clear that as a resident we want parks to be safe and these Park Rangers are on the front line of ensuring our safety many times when the Police will not arrive or will be very delayed. I will end that I am shocked anybody would work for Anaheim as a Park Ranger for the low wages and all things they have to deal with and the danger to themselves. Indeed these employees are special people. Again, many of you have campaigned and made statements for a $ 25-hour living wage for people maids at hotels. I would say your Park Rangers deserve $25 an hour as well if not more as they actually are in dangers way! Thank you for your time and consideration. Kevin Hardy Susana Barrios From: Jane Kurtz Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:59 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council Meeting #19 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. City Council, WHAT AJOKE!!! I am a local hotel operator a Mom and Pop and you all run around telling everybody that I need to pay our housekeeping staff $25-$30 an hour. Yet, the city pays basically crap to your Park Rangers and Traffic Controllers. Again, WHAT A JOKE!!! Lead by example and pay your employees what you are demanding the hotels to pay employees! You want me to pay housekeeping and they have safe jobs. Your employees in the parks are dealing firsthand with gangs, druggies, and a massive out -of -control homeless and your traffic controllers are dealing with drug drivers and idiots. THEY DESERVE BETTER!! Thank you, Jane Kurtz 1 Susana Barrios From: Eliza Ambriz Sent: Friday, August 11, 2023 4:23 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] To address homeless issue 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 my name is Eliza Ambriz. I come to you to address the issue with homelessness and families being homeless it's myself my husband and our five kids at the moment we are homeless sleeping in our truck when we're able to get money for a room we stay in a hotel room one maybe two days at the moment I am seeking new employment I will be working for CHOC hospital my daughter's employed as well we've come to the city many times I made many complaints to see if we could get help you know or issue with being homeless the issue was that we had an animal we have a dog I'm in the process of getting him registered as my son's service animal he has behavioral issues. I was told that they could not help me because the fact that we had a dog that I had to get rid of the dog. And I understand that but I am not going to rehome my son's animal my son uses this animal for emotional support it helps soothe and calm him down when he is going through his his behavioral tantrums. I was still turned down they said that they would be able to help us out with 7 months in a hotel again pushed us away because the fact that there's certain guidelines we have to follow we're not asking for a free hand in anything but I don't understand how you of the city of Anaheim could help all these people who don't need the help who take advantage who are housed yet lose it within a month or two to a family of seven who is the parents are trying to you know keep a roof over their kids head and keep getting pushed to the side push the giving every excuse whatsoever that's ridiculous someone needs to do something you guys help all these people house them and get money for them at that and they lose it but still you guys are collecting on that I don't what's wrong with that picture for someone who has worked almost her whole life yeah maybe once or twice have not had a job but I pay taxes too and this is ridiculous I mean isn't this what my you know what my heart earned money is paying for people for it to help people and it's not being done. Susana Barrios From: Julian Gutierrez <juliang@kennedycommission.org> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 3:05 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 21 Attachments: Anaheim Item 21 Letter.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. Good Afternoon, My name is Julian Sebastian Gutierrez, the Policy Analyst for the Kennedy Commission. I have a letter to be submitted as a public comment for today's meeting on behalf of our Executive Director, Cesar Covarrubias. Thank you, Julian Sebastian Gutierrez JulHan SellsasJfan GuJierrez 0..Iq,P..ih,T:) Policy nalyst . P�ennedy Commission August 15, 2023 Mayor Ashleigh Aitken Council Members Housing Authority City of Anaheim 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 Gw'k o,k'kmIo""�d �o7IIYtlIIIs,'Io'org Re: Item 21. ADOPT A RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF ANAHEIM AND BALL ROAD (082-46-23, -24, -25, -31, -34, AND -35) EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SURPLUS LAND ACT AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 1486 Dear Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Councilmembers: The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad coalition of residents and community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $30,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in partnering and working with jurisdictions in Orange County to create effective policies that have led to the production of new homes affordable to low income working families. We are submitting public comment to request the Anaheim Successor Agency and the City of Anaheim declare the Southeast corner of Anaheim and Ball (Agency owned property) as surplus land and dispose of the land in a manner that complies with the California Surplus Land Act by prioritizing the surplus site to increase affordable housing in Anaheim for extremely low, very low, and low income families. The current exempt proposal would again prioritize public lands for market -rate development on sites that are key to address the affordable housing needs in the city. The Successor Agency/City is proposing to declare the site as exempt surplus property and seek a development that is predominantly for sale housing (250 homes) in price ranges that are not affordable to lower income families in Anaheim. The current zoning and densities would allow for a total development of 225 units with 54 affordable units. Applying a density bonus would allow for greater density and an increase in -wk tiu tia,k, o""d 7IIYtlIIIs,, I org units that coulds be developed. To qualify for the exempt surplus property, a Mixed -Use h vv,% (:°IA 9 M 4 development must have a minimum of 300 units and at least 25% have to be affordable to lower income categories (Extremely Low, Very Low, Low). Here the proposed concept project may not qualify as exempt surplus. The minimum threshold number of units required for the exempt surplus is not achievable with the base density. A density bonus may get the unit count to the threshold, but would also require that the agency/city add additional affordable units beyond the 25% threshold of the Surplus Land Act. As required by the CA State Density Bonus, to get to additional density (more units) will require that the development commit to a greater affordable housing percentage based on the density bonus requested. In adopting the Surplus Land Act, the California Legislature declared, "housing is of vital statewide importance to the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this state and ... provision of a decent home and a suitable living environment for every Californian is a priority of the highest order," and thus "surplus government land, prior to disposition, should be made available for that purpose." (Cal. Gov. Code, § 54220(a)). The agency and city need to prioritize publicly owned land to create much needed affordable housing at extremely low, very low, and low income categories, those that are not being created by the market. These surplus sites need to include the majority or 100% of the units developed as affordable to extremely low, very low and low income categories. As highlighted in the City of Anaheim's latest Housing Element Annual Progress Report that was submitted to the California Housing and Community Development, the city has a deficit of affordable housing production. The report points out that the city has approved and permitted 526 housing units during the current Housing Element period and only 179 (remaining RHNA is 3,767) have been in the affordability level of very low households and 90 (remaining RHNA is 2,397) for low income households. The majority of the housing units, 206 have been approved at above moderate -income levels. With limited city/agency owned sites available, it is imperative that the City of Anaheim prioritize affordable housing and exercise the California Surplus Land Act priorities on its public property. The Commission is requesting that the city prioritize this site for the development of a 100% rental development at the extremely low, very low, and low categories. The City can be impactful and help address the critical need for creating affordable housing by prioritizing and leveraging public lands. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to further conversations regarding the use of agency owned to increase affordable housing opportunities for the lower income families in Anaheim. Very truly yours, Cesar Covarrubia Executive Director km I o""d I n n I i q 17 1 ao ,, I e 200, A 926& 2510 (19001 Susana Barrios From: Ryberg, Erinn <Erinn.Ryber @asm.ca,i ov> Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 12:19 PM To: Theresa Bass <TBass(@anaheim.net>; Jim Vanderpool <JVa_r�_ erp.pjg._�'_ rrghjgJ!m. net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Urgent Audit of the City 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. Hello, The recent investigation that was released regarding the City of Anaheim and the events of 2022 raised serious concerns regarding the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim. Assemblymember Avelino Valencia has requested an audit of the City of Anaheim to review the public funds that have been distributed to these entities, in addition to other related matters. This audit request has been approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and has been sent to the State Auditor's office. For your information, the approval letter and the audit request letter are attached to this email. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Chief of Staff Office of Assemblymember Avelino Valencia 68t" California Assembly District Capitol Office: 916-319-2068 1021'0' Street, Suite 4120 Sacramento, CA 95814 Erinn.Ryberg@asm.ca.gov 68th Assembly District Website lAF' August 12, 2023 Grant Parks California State Auditor 621 Capitol Mall, Suite 1200 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Approval of City of Anaheim Audit — Committee Rule 18 Dear Mr. Parks: In accordance with Rule 18 of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, I am asking your office to move forward with the enclosed urgent audit request regarding the City of Anaheim. As you are aware, a recent investigation raised serious concerns regarding the City. I hope this audit will provide much needed transparency and accountability. I therefore ask and trust that you will prioritize it appropriately. Should you have any questions, please contact Committee staff at (916) 319-3300. Sincerely, DAVID ALVAREZ, Chair Joint Legislative Audit Committee Assemblymember, 80th District Enclosure cc: Members, Joint Legislative Audit Committee Robert Rivas, Speaker, California State Assembly Toni Atkins, Pro Tempore, California State Senate �J N/0.FN � Y COMMITTEES: ARTS ENTERPTAINMENT,SPORTS, AND TOURISM MILITARY AND VETERAN°SAFFAIIRS INSURANCE REVENUE AND TAXATIGNeIiolend JOIN F LEG9SEATIVE ALLfr RULES ASSEMSLYMEIMBER,SIXTf-EIGHTH DISTRICT orni Legislature August 4, 2023 The Honorable David A. Alvarez Chair, Joint Legislative Audit Committee RECEIVED 8/4/2023 1020 N Street, Room 107 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Request for Urgent Audit of the City of Anaheim. Dear Chairman Alvarez, I respectfully request that the Joint Legislative Audit Committee approve an urgent audit of the City of Anaheim to review the public funds they have disbursed to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, and ensure that they have fulfilled their contractual obligations to the City. The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim are two nonprofits the City of Anaheim works closely with to generate economic growth in our community. The City of Anaheim is a member of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, and the City has councilmembers on the board of directors for Visit Anaheim. The mission of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce is to help strengthen the local economy and promote Anaheim's economic development. According to their website, their strategic initiatives for business development include representing business interests in government and political advocacy. Visit Anaheim's objective is to attract tourism to the City of Anaheim to help increase tax revenue. They work with partners and stakeholders in order to advertise the resort district and convention center industry in the City. The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim receive public funds from the City in order to achieve these goals. Recent discoveries have shed a new light on their potential influence in policy making and a lack of bargained exchange for their receipt of public taxpayer dollars. Visit Anaheim generally receives funding through a City assessment on the room revenue for all hotel facilities within the Anaheim Resort and Platinum Triangle districts. However, in March 2020, the Anaheim City Council approved a $6.5 million grant for Visit Anaheim so they could use those funds to help the City's hospitality industry as the pandemic had stunted revenue from travel and dining. The Anaheim City Manager at the time expressed concerns with the City giving Visit Anaheim this money and suggested that the tourism bureau should pay back the City for these relief funds, with interest. On. April 21, 2020, the Anaheim City Manager was fired. In October of 2020, Visit Anaheim sent out a press release outlining their plans for spending $2.5-$3 million of the granted $6.5 million, but they had yet to spend any money. City councilmembers considered adding an agenda item requesting Visit Anaheim return funds to the City in order to use it for community needs, such as rent relief and city services, but it was never added. CAPITOL OFFICE: STATE CAPIML I? C. BOX 942849, SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-006C • (916) 31E1-2068 - FAX (916) 319-2168 DISTRICT OFFICE: 2400 EAST KATF.EI.A AVENUE, SUITE 640 • ANAHEIIM, CA 92806 (714) 939 8,469, • FAX (714p 9398986 EMAIL: ca.gov - WEEISITE: IFIIIs//a68.@smdcr org Last year, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probe revealed that the former Mayor of Anaheim had attempted to rush a proposal for the sale of the Anaheim Angels stadium in order to receive campaign contributions in return. Additionally, the probe alleged the Mayor leaked confidential information regarding the sale of the stadium, including an appraisal of the property, to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the Angels Baseball organization.' In light of these revelations, the mayor resigned and the City of Anaheim tasked an independent investigator to determine the extent of the alleged corruption involving the mayor, City staff, consultants, and lobbyists. On July 31, 2023 the City -commissioned corruption report (July 31 report) was released to the public and detailed that at least $1.5 million of the $6.5 million in relief funds that the City appropriated to Visit Anaheim were improperly diverted to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce. The July 31 report also highlighted a 2013 audit report of the Anaheim Chamber's Enterprise Zone Program. The City awarded the Anaheim Chamber with a five-year no -bid contract for $1.8 million in February 2012 to implement the Anaheim Enterprise Zone Program, which was designed to provide tax credits to participating businesses that hired individuals from economically distressed areas. A year into the program the Chamber requested an additional $1.1 million. Key findings from the audit report noted that the Chamber had inefficient reporting requirements that did not ensure contract compliance and that the labor documentation was vague and did not follow standard practices for reporting staff hours. The investigative report concludes the Chamber took advantage of this opportunity to charge the City for program costs that were not adequately documented and potentially unjustifiable. Based on the July 31 report's findings, it is clear that we need more oversight over the City of Anaheim's disbursement of public funds to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, as they may have directly influenced City officials for personal and political gain at the expense of what was best for the city. Anaheim residents deserve transparency to ensure their taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately. For these reasons, I am requesting the State Auditor conduct an audit of the City of Anaheim to determine if there was a misuse of public funds at the hands of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim. In order to comply with Rule 18 of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that states the cost of urgent audit requests must not exceed $290,000, this request allows the State Auditor to modify or decrease the scope of this audit to remain within the monetary limit. The scope of the audit request is as follows: 1. Examine all sources of public funds the City dispersed to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim or their affiliates, over the past 10 years, and how those funds were used. I The sale of the stadium was approved by the Anaheim City Council but subsequently put on hold when the City was sued by the California Department of Housing and Community Development over a violation of the Surplus Land Act. The City disputed it did anything improper, but eventually settled with the state. However, prior to the settlement being approved by the court, state officials learned of the FBI probe into the Mayor and ultimately the sale never went through. 2. For each contract, initiative, project, etc. approved by the City in which the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce or Visit Anaheim were recipients of public funds, identify the source of the money, the parameters on those funds, and how each dollar was ultimately spent. This should include a review of all contracts approved by the Anaheim City Council, City Manager, and City Director in the past 10 years. 3. Examine the City's policies regarding projects, grants, contracts, etc. and identify what went into their decision making process for awarding funds to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, and their affiliates. Additionally, review the City's process for monitoring their projects, grants, contracts, etc. with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim to ensure compliance, and recommend ways they can improve their oversight. 4. Identify COVID funds, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), awarded to the City and then given to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim. For any COVID funds allocated to these entities by the City, identify the amount of money given, the parameters of those funds, and how the dollars were ultimately spent. 5. Identify the number of no -bid contracts the City awarded to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, and determine whether the lack of competitively bid contracts were justified and/or complied with the City's policies and practices. 6. Determine if any public dollars allocated to the Anaheim Chamber or Visit Anaheim by the City of Anaheim were used for increases in staff salaries or compensation for professional services (consultants, lobbyists, contractors, etc.) during the COVID shutdown. 7. Identify the public funds the City has spent on negotiations surrounding the sale of the Angels stadium and resolving the Surplus Land Act issue. 8. So long as it does not interfere with litigation or criminal indictment, identify and report any corruption that took place. 9. For the last 1.0 years, identify any conflicts of interest between the City of Anaheim, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Anaheim. 10. Determine if the City has adequate practices and policies in place to ensure staff, councilmembers, Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Anaheim comply with the Brown Act. Identify any violations of the Brown Act. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Should you have any questions, please contact Katie Guthrie at Katie. Guthrie (c�asm.ca. gov or by calling 916-31.9-2068. In service, '+ Oft Avelino Valencia Assemblymember, District 68 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 11:51 PM To: ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; Public Comment; Theresa Bass; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Anaheim Elementary schools art murals 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. ---------- Forwarded messa e--------- From: Craig A Durfey Date: Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 11:46 PM Subject: Anaheim Elementary schools art murals To <walter.munetonggegusd.us>, <lan.n uyenggegusd.us>, <bob.harden ggegusd.us>, <David.Ochoagsen.ca. gov> -pio_departmentggegusd.us>, < mafi gUgusd.us>, <oran ecountytribuneggmail.com> https://www.ocregister.coml20231071031meet-the-artist-who-painted-a-mural-at-every-anaheim-elementary- school-district-campus/amp/ Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 1:42 PM To: Craig A Durfey; Ryan Durfey; Bill Murray; Teresa Pomeroy; Public Records Request; Public Comment; COB_Response; Pam Haddad; Maria Stipe; Lisa Kim; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; Supervisor Andrew Do; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; Aguilera, Christopher Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: California, facing another wet winter, races to prevent more flooding with levee repairs 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. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Los Angeles Times <alerts o,email.latimes.com> Date: Wed, Aug 9, 2023 at 1:27 PM Subject: California, facing another wet winter, races to prevent more flooding with levee repairs To: Co Angles glints News Alert AUg. 9, 2 23 California, facing another wet winter, races to prevent more flooding with levee repairs As forecasters sound the alarm about another potentially wet California winter fueled by El Nino, Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking urgent but controversial measures to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods that befell the state earlier this year. ADVEFR I IISEINAEN I u�! Jewelry Televisioi White Cubic Zirconia 18k Yellllow Gold Over Sterling Sliver Ring 5.33ctw Bella ILuceA ®R white diamond simulant 5.33ctw round, baguette, and square, EternoA,,C 1 8k ye[low gold over sterling silver ring. Measures approximately 0.88" �L x 0.50" W and is not sizeable. hy s (() 2023, Lms AngelesTimes 2300 C. hnIperial I fig fiway I I Scgundo, California, 90245, U Jni [ed S[,a[cs. � 1111 jl';1\ 1\ 1\ 1�11 inic'; (' om Advc.r ksc.rs fiave no con [f ol over cdi[orial dccisions or con[ .'n[. > f you're, in phicing an ad or gct in [oucfi I icvc. You [c'c'c'ivc'd [his cnnail you opled k) bre""Iking news alcos ffom Los Ange1cs hmcs. Mmmpc ImIll"clinIp cnmil pfv(CIvII(' c'; - vilic h�om cnmil I cnil'; of 'Ilwn i(, c - llrkt 14 \' Polk, y - I )o ""ol "'W11 M\' Pcv,;o1ml nkwnmlioll - ( A ""olk, c o( ( ollc"' lioll FOLLOW pil 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times Cos .Angeles Mracs CAL 1111FORIN11A California, facing another wet winter, races to prevent more flooding with levee repairs The breached Boyette Levee at Tulare Lake. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) BY HAYLEY SMITH, IAN JAMES, SUSANNE RUST AU& 9, 2023 UPDATED 11:37 AM P'I' As forecasters sound the alarm about another potentially wet California winter fueled by El Nifio, Gov. Gavin Newsom is taking urgent but controversial measures to prevent a repeat of the d.,..e v as t a t i ngi-loo(Is that befell the state this year. An executive order signed by the governor this month will streamline levee repairs and --------------- ---- debris removal to help protect and prepare communities for another inundation. Last https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm—id=l 07316&sfmc—id=2394495&skey... 1/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times winter,dozens of levee b> eaghes around the state sent stormwater rushing into communities — killing several people and causing considerable damage. Restoring levees, river channels and other elements of the state's aged flood infrastructure is crucial to public safety. But critics say Newsom's order also comes at the expense of several rules and regulations designed to protect the environment. "Managing California water by executive order is bad business," said Barbara Barrigan- Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta. "Whether it's drought or flood, we have to set proper science -based environmental standards and regulate according to those standards for the protection of people." CALWOWA Age, drought, rodents and neglect weaken California levees, heightening flood danger Ma arch 14, 2023 Among the items outlined in the executive order are emergency repairs to levees directly affected by this year's floods, including portions of the Tulare Lake Basin and areas along the Pajaro and San Joaquin rivers. Such work is needed. In March, water spilled from canals and broken levees into farm fields in Tulare County, sLiL w tag__ --th of the long- are Lake and leaving the rebi--------t - ---------- Tij.l------ thousands of acres under feet of water, which officials say could take years to dissipate. Only weeks earlier, the swollen Pajaro River b-u­n­;t­ t-h--.r-oui-t--s--w---o-r-n----d--ow-n-.-l-e-y-ee, _ flooding the entire town of Pajaro and sending its roughly 3,000 residents into a months -long exile from their homes. Officials in Pajaro said the executive order was long in the making, as politicians in flood -prone regions have been urging the governor to make it easier to protect their https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm—id=l 07316&sfmc—id=2394495&skey... 2/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times communities. "The governor made clear after the storms that he would do whatever was necessary to help expedite efforts along the levee and basin, and this was our key ask," said Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County supervisor and a member of the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency Board. The levee that was breached in March had been slated for an upgrade and new construction when the flooding happened, but the work had not yet begun. With a new threat of storms later this year, he said that every burden removed to make the project a reality "has the potential to save lives and livelihoods in the Pajaro Valley." CLEMAJE & k:WRONMEN°T° Deadly results as dramatic climate whiplash causes California's aging levees to fail But the order will also suspend a number of environmental laws, regulations and criteria — including elements of the California Environmental Quality Act — to fast - track the work. Among the suspended items are laws and regulations that guide alterations to lakes and streambeds. Certain water quality rules and permitting procedures were also waived to help expedite clearing and maintenance of flood control channels. Barrigan-Parrilla said such decisions reflect a lack of long-term flood planning and emergency preparations. "Environmental regulations are always the first to go, rather than doing the hard, long- term work of building water sustainability and flood management plans," she said. https://www.latimes.com/californ ia/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm_id=107316&sfmc_id=2394495&skey... 3/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times Deirdre Des Jardins, an independent water researcher and advocate, said similarly the emergency order doesn't address the larger issue: that California's flood control infrastructure suffers from inadequate maintenance and funding. She called the order "a Band-Aid on just a huge, huge issue of long-term inadequate maintenance of flood control channels." Des Jardins has been callingftir significantly more funding to prepare California for severe flood risks, saying state and federal investments are failing to keep up with intensifying risks due to climate change. "It is going to be expensive to deal with. And the state needs more of a plan. This is not a plan. This is just scrambling," Des Jardins said. CALall°OiaW Before disastrous flood, officials knew Pajaro River levee could fail but took no action However, some experts said the fast -tracked rules could make sense when applied judiciously. The onset of the state's wet season is only months away, and future storms could bring considerable flood risk. "The high -flood -risk areas that were so dramatically exposed during this last rain and snow season, those are areas where those projects have just got to get done, and they've got to get done quickly," said Mark Gold, director of water scarcity solutions at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "As we saw, low-income communities were disproportionately impacted in such a major way, and we just can't let that happen." Gold also voiced concerns about some of the strategies outlined in the order, including an item that allows for as much as 30% of native vegetation to be removed from stream https://www.latimes.com/californ ia/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm_id=107316&sfmc_id=2394495&skey... 4/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times channels. The rule doesn't include any recommendations or requirements for how the removed material should be disposed of, meaning it could end up in a landfill, he said. "We have a state that's doubling down on nature -based solutions, we're seeing vulnerability with sea level rise that's hugely concerning ... and yet, there's not a sentence in here on beneficial reuse of the sediment that's removed," Gold said. What's more, the order defers many permitting decisions to the federal Army Corps of Engineers, which helps manage many of the state's dams, reservoirs and other water infrastructure. "The feds' review of these types of projects is generally a lot less rigorous than the state," Gold said. "And so that's why this matters." CAILUFORW El Nino has officially arrived, signaling a warmer world and possibly a wetter SoCal Much of the executive order is predicated on the arrival of a second wet winter, which looks likely but is not guaranteed. El Nifio, the climate pattern in the tropical Pacific, arrived earlier this summer and is !2xpected I-o gain strerigffi as the yQar 1-jiLogresses. El Nifio is associated with hotter global temperatures and wetter conditions in the state, particularly Southern California. Long-term ILr(1-61,)ita:tLoLi oi tIQ,L)L,,s from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are inconclusive about what to expect in most of the country. However, the agency says there is a go% chance that El Nifio will persist through the winter. There is reason to expect wetter conditions from the system. The E I NJ Flo wi n ter o f ............................................................................................................. ­­­, ...................... _997 brought powerful precipitation to California, including a series of storms that �198 https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm—id=l 07316&sfmc—id=2394495&skey... 5/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times ended with 17 deaths and more than half a billion dollars of damage in the state. The 19,82--B311-Nifio was linked to near -record -setting precipitation in the northern Sierra and one of the state's costliest flood seasons in decades, which saw decimated piers and thousands of damaged homes. But in 2015-16, a strong El Nifio failed to deliver significant rain, flooding and other anticipated effects in Southern California, ultimately dropping only about 6 inches of rain. Newsom's order follows other actions taken in response to this year's flooding. In May, the governor allocated $17.2 million to help for-L. fy lfu.e,,,,, Corcoran levee a critical piece of flood control infrastructure that protects the city of Corcoran — and its sprawling prison complex — from the flooded Tulare Lake. He also signed executive orders in February and March that allowed the state to rerotite .......... — hundreds of thou-satids of acre feet of water from the storms into areas where it could ................................... ........................ . ............................................................ -- percolate into the ground and replenish aquifers drained by years of drought. That move also stoked the ire of some environmental groups, which said the diversions allowed for lower flows in the San Joaquin River and would probably be harmful for Chinook salmon, among other concerns. Hayley Smith Hayley Smith covers breaking news in California with a focus on wildfires, drought and climate change. Originally from Miami, she holds a master's degree in journalism from USC. Ian James https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm—id=l 07316&sfmc—id=2394495&skey... 6/7 8/12/23, 11:49 AM Newsom signs executive order to hasten levee repairs - Los Angeles Times Ian James is a reporter who focuses on water in California and the West. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2021, he was an environment reporter at the Arizona Republic and the Desert Sun. He previously worked for the Associated Press as a correspondent in the Caribbean and as bureau chief in Venezuela. He is originally from California. Susanne Rust Susanne Rust is an award -winning investigative reporter specializing in environmental issues. She is based in the Bay Area. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-08-09/newsom-signs-executive-order-to-hasten-levee-repairs?utm—id=l 07316&sfmc—id=2394495&skey... 7/7 Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2023 4:35 PM To: Assemblymember Davies; Assemblymember Fong; Assemblymember Quirk -Silva; Craig A Durfey; Public Comment; Theresa Bass; alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov; alexis.hamel@mail.house.gov; assemblymember.muratsuchi@assembly.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Summer is coming to a close 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. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Craig A Durfey Date: Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 4:33 PM Subject: Fwd: Summer is coming to a close To: ADAM.BOMANgASM.CA. GOV <ADAM.BOMANgasm.ca.gov>, Aguilera, Christopher <Christopher.A uilera ,asm.ca.gov>, Bob Harden <bob.harden ggegusd.us>, Craig A Durfey Jeffrey Layland <jlaylandggegusd.us>, Lan Nguyen <lan.n uyenggegusd.us>, <REPLOUCORREAgmail. house. gov>, <as semblymember. rendon gas semb ly. ca. gov> <hauwie.tiegasm.ca.gov> ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Craig A Durfey Date: Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 4:32 PM Subject: Fwd: Summer is coming to a close To: Craig A Durfe <Ddbarnesgocsd.org>, Nick Dibs Norma Garcia <NGarciagocde.us>, PIO Department <pio_departmentggegusd.us>, Public Records Request <cityclerk gggcity.org>, Teresa Pomeroy <teresap@ggcity.org>, <fgozalez o,ocsheriff.gov>, <ocbe o,ocde.us> ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: ScreenStrong <team o,screenstrong com> Date: Sat, Jul 22, 2023 at 10:08 AM Subject: Summer is coming to a close To: SiC P E E NSTRONG J"jj Ili i iii ii+�+����+�?I S C R El E NI S� TR 0 ING FAMU IIE�� In this packed episode, Melanie and Dr. Victoria Dunekley go through some prevalent Twisted Truths in society right now, such as: "screens N -?,re suitable for neurodivergent kids"screens are harmless babysittersand "tablets are just toys." 11110 I lo '111, :11111 M.W= Coll, S�C RE�E NIS, TRO ING FA M 11 111 As our ENCORE this month, we wanted to bring back our iooth episode, full of tips to encourage you in your SereenStrong summer! In this episode, Melanie is joined by Ellen Cotton, a longtime friend of SereenStrong and living the SereenStrong Lifestyle. She and Melanie present Too unique tips to help you on your SereenStrong journey and share personal stories about the ups and downs of reclaiming your kids from the virtual world. This episode is full of laughter, joy, and advice from parents who have been where you are now. It's one you won't want to miss! 3 INTHENEWS Dopamine is a natural neurotransmitter that is needed for physical and mental functions. "However, psychologists are learning that the dopamine from screens is impairing ehildren's impulse control, increasing the demand for instant gratification, and causing more kids to try and "swipe" real pictures and punch books as if they're touch -screens. This is why screens and electronics run the risk of keeping kids in a chronic state of hyper -arousal, leaving them agitated yet somehow exhausted." Learn the science behind healthy childhood brain development: • How to increase your child's executive function skills • What types of video games are harming your kids • Why anxiety increases with social media use • Steps to prevent and reverse childhood and teen screen dependency • Join us for ideas to help you get your screen sanity back! With our very own Dr. Adriana Stacey - SereenStrong's medical Grab your ticket and bring a friend - We can wait to see you there! W"I •OTIOGNIQUEM I 6 �Ipiiiii 1111111qIIII MMLLM greatest project Of 2023, The ScreenStrong Student Course. This course inspires kids to make healthy life choices in a sereen- driven culture. Behind each powerful lesson, we discuss a unique topic, explore the science behind digital health, and give recommendations. Students will learn about brain development and the dangers of screen overuse. They'll be taught how to replace harmful screen habits with healthy activities, life skill development, and family connections. The positive tone and interactive nature provide a compelling platform for students as they learn facts and practical tips for thriving in a screen -saturated culture. 0 1 IFLAI RMQ 11111 DI DI ��MSMM PAN= MUM ............... gp, Send it to a friend. Just hit the forward button in your mail box. Share the love and spend the word about being ScreenStrong! .." Qiiestio', ri, n (",.. We Y'( I ) ) i I I " I I KI d I U, I7 , I.w IdIIIIIIIq I(i(.f I'd., (i I I I( i:,IIIl) I, II III I I!`ti G 0000 Sent to: Unsubscribe ScreenStrong, 301 E John Street, Suite 163, Matthews, North Carolina 28105, United States Susana Barrios From: Sent: Saturday, July 29, 2023 2:15 PM To: fganzales@ocsheriff.gov; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; Don Barnes; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Senator.Allen@senate.CA.gov; JANTHAN@GGPD.ORG; GARYC@GGCITY.ORG; 'Teresa Pomeroy'; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; 'Walter Muneton'; REPLOUCORREA@MAILAOUSE.GOV; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov; salome@mail.house.gov; 'Teri Rocco'; 'Lan Nguyen'; 'Bob Harden'; 'PIO Department'; response@ocgov.com; ocbe@ocde.us; 'Norma Garcia'; Theresa Bass; Public Comment; rosielyn.pulmano@asm.ca.gov; judy.babcock@asm.ca.gov; lara.flynn@asm.ca.gov; kristene.mapile@asm.ca.gov; lisa.murawski@asm.ca.gov; patty.rodgers@asm.ca.gov; jonathan.peterson@sen.ca.gov; Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; 'Supervisor Andrew Do'; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; FourthDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov; 'Leal, Fermin' Subject: [EXTERNAL] Operation targeting online child sex abuse nets 141 arrests across Southern California Attachments: LA TIMES Operation targeting online child sex abuse nets 141 arrests across.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. 07-29-2023 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. U.S. F 404 - HONORING 0IIR IIIIG I[NWICIFEY IF IS FIGHT AGAINST AUTISM ... Ms. L0110ETTA S&IM01HEZ of Callilfornila. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf new website s ci e i s® r_ Operation targeting online child sex abuse nets 141 arrests across Southern California Authorities arrested 141 people across Southern California — most of them on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material — as part of a weeklong operation targeting online abuse, officials said Wednesday. The effort was spearheaded by the long -running Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which comprises dozens of law enforcement agencies led by the LAPD. The results of the operation, which was conducted Sept. 6-12, were announced at a news conference outside Los Angeles police headquarters early Wednesday. LAPD Capt. Jeff Bratcher said many predators take advantage of the anonymity of the internet to target victims — for example, by infiltrating online gaming sites where they might try to convince a child to send images of themselves in exchange for virtual credits that can be used to make in -game purchases. The rise of esports and social media platforms in recent years has caused a surge in abuse reports, he said. "When we first started in 2004, we started LAPD's ICAC because we received 458 tips that year. In 2019 that number rose to 8,500. In 2020, 2021, both years, were over 24,000. This year so far, we're over 25,000, so we should end the year with over 36,000 cybertips," he said in an interview after the news briefing. "And each one of these tips was one more potential child victim." Although parents are "so used to seeing digital devices in their kids' hands," he said, he encouraged them to more closely monitor their children's internet activity. "It's not the same stranger in a van that your mom and dad and my mom and dad warned us about; it's a whole different type of threat," he said. "And they never really know who they're talking to." Among those arrested, the majority were wanted on suspicion of possessing, distributing or manufacturing child sexual abuse material, authorities said. An additional 18 people were booked for parole or probation violations, six were wanted for sexual abuse of a minor, and two each for the charges of statutory N rape and pimping. Three people were arrested on suspicion of causing a domestic disturbance. Investigators pursued new leads while also targeting people who had previously been arrested, Bratcher said. CALIFORNIA Online child sex abuse reports surge as kids spend more time on computers amid coronavirus May 21, 2020 These included a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy and Cedars -Sinai Medical Center pediatrician charged with possessing more than 600 sexually explicit images of children, he said. 3 The pediatrician, Dr. Gary Goulin, was fired from the hospital sometime after his arrest last November by the LAPD's Juvenile Division and has been ordered not to practice medicine while the case against him is pending, according to the City News Service. He has since pleaded not guilty to possession of child or youth pornography, the wire service reported. Task force members also conducted compliance checks on people required to register as sex offenders for various offenses. The outbreak of the pandemic brought an alarming surge in child sex abuse reports, officials said, as stay-at-home orders meant to slow the virus' spread led to schools closing, youth activities being cancelled and kids spending more time online. CALIFORNIATECHNOLOGY AND THE INTERNET Cos Angeles Mmes CA11-111FORIN11A Operation targeting online child sex abuse nets 141 arrests across Southern California A detective with the LAPD's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force demonstrates computer forensics on a hard drive at a mobile lab during a news conference in 2014. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press) BY LIBOR JANY � S°'tl'"Alf"]F WRTTER Authorities arrested 141 people across Southern California — most of them on suspicion of possessing child sexual abuse material — as part of a weeklong operation targeting online abuse, officials said Wednesday. The effort was spearheaded by the long -running Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which comprises dozens of law enforcement agencies led by the LAPD. The results of the operation, which was conducted Sept. 6-12, were announced at a news conference outside Los Angeles police headquarters early Wednesday. LAPD Capt. Jeff Bratcher said many predators take advantage of the anonymity of the internet to target victims — for example, by infiltrating online gaming sites where they might try to convince a child to send images of themselves in exchange for virtual credits that can be used to make in -game purchases. The rise of exports and social media platforms in recent years has caused a surge in abuse reports, he said. "When we first started in 2004, we started LAPD's ICAC because we received 458 tips that year. In 2019 that number rose to 8,500. In 2020, 2021, both years, were over 24,000. This year so far, we're over 25,000, so we should end the year with over 36,000 cybertips," he said in an interview after the news briefing. "And each one of these tips was one more potential child victim." MEWHM 3 of 4 suspects in San Pedro park shooting released as D.A. s office requests further investigation Selpt. 14, 2022 Although parents are "so used to seeing digital devices in their kids' hands," he said, he encouraged them to more closely monitor their children's internet activity. "It's not the same stranger in a van that your mom and dad and my mom and dad warned us about; it's a whole different type of threat," he said. "And they never really know who they're talking to." Among those arrested, the majority were wanted on suspicion of possessing, distributing or manufacturing child sexual abuse material, authorities said. An additional 18 people were booked for parole or probation violations, six were wanted for sexual abuse of a minor, and two each for the charges of statutory rape and pimping. Three people were arrested on suspicion of causing a domestic disturbance. Investigators pursued new leads while also targeting people who had previously been arrested, Bratcher said. CAILUFOWA Online child sex abuse reports surge as kids spend more time on computers amid coronavirus May 21, 2020 These included a San Bernardino County sheriffs deputy and Cedars -Sinai Medical Center pediatrician charged with possessing more than 600 sexually explicit images of children, he said. The pediatrician, Dr. Gary Goulin, was fired from the hospital sometime after his arrest last November by the LAPD's Juvenile Division and has been ordered not to practice medicine while the case against him is pending, according to the City News Service. He has since pleaded not guilty to possession of child or youth pornography, the wire service reported. Task force members also conducted compliance checks on people required to register as sex offenders for various offenses. The outbreak of the pandemic brought an alarming 5,L g j:�� e _ buu ° i t., officials said, as stay-at-home orders meant to slow the virus' spread led to schools closing, youth activities being cancelled and kids spending more time online. 41tLibor Jany Libor Jany covers the Los Angeles Police Department. Before joining the Los Angeles Times in 2022, he covered public safety for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. A St. Paul, Minn., native, Jany studied communications at Mississippi State University. Susana Barrios From: Sent: Thursday, August 3, 2023 7:30 PM To: cadurfey@gmail.com; 'Public Records Request'; senator.nguyen@senate.ca.gov; ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; 'Pam Haddad'; 'Maria Stipe'; 'Nick Dibs'; David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov; REPLOUCORREA@MAILAOUSE.GOV; joedovinh@gmail.com; 'PIO Department'; SEDN.committee@senate.ca.gov; alejandro.cardenas@mail.house.gov; 'Dina Nguyen'; 'Walter Muneton'; SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov; 'Bob Harden'; 'Lan Nguyen'; 'Lisa Kim'; Public Comment; SENATOR.GONZALEZ@senate.ca.gov; Don Barnes; Christopher.Aguilera@asm.ca.gov; FRANK.KIM@OCGOV.COM; fganzales@ocsheriff.gov; assemblymember.quirk-silva@assembly.ca.gov; Assemblymember.Davies@assembly.ca.gov; 'Supervisor Doug Chaffee'; 'Supervisor Andrew Do'; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; sbe@cde.ca.gov; response@ocgov.com; Theresa Bass; assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.fong@assembly.ca.gov; assemblymember.friedman@assembly.ca.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Utah governor unveils education campaign warning of social media dangers, promises litigation 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. 08-03-2023 (P.R.D.D.C.) PARENTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN CRAIG A. DURFEY FOUNDER OF P.R.D.D.C. P.O.BOX 937 GARDEN GROVE, CA 92842 CELL SOCIALEMOTIONALPAWS.COM FACEBOOK: CRAIG DURFEY U.S. F 4 4- HONORING 0IIR IIIIG I[NWICIFEY IF IS FIGHT I I T AUTISM ... Ms. L0110ETTA S&IM01HEZ of Callilfornila. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkq/CREC-2003-03-27/pdf/CREC-2003-03-27.pdf new website s ci e i s® r_ Utah governor unveils education campaign warning of social media dangers, promises litigation. SALT LAKE CITY vis launching public M w a .. w '.. f v 4 "unmasking" , 4 . threat �, . f .: rt pose � �. a 14 a f! Gov. Spencerw on ,'f promised wlitigation against social-f platforms academicRecent f report w Surgeon f social media declines for • Cox said between w "We care about our f.: and I knowacross nation. huge issue that continues to '.4 w ,19 the governor saidwhile unveiling the campaign Capitol on Thursday. w "This is not w not f L 'f Using $500,000 allocated by the Utah Legislature earlier this year an $750,000 from the Department of Commerce's fund for education campaigns, will air a pair of 1 w f television spotsno through spring. ads feature teenswearing rubber ,. show ♦"brave faces" many put on to hide r .� r� impacts adversey of socialf Utah governor unveils education campaign warning of social media dangers, promises litigation - St George News (stgeorgeutah.com) N Susana Barrios From: Craig A Durfey Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 8:49 AM To: Bob Harden; COB_Response; Craig A Durfey; Public Comment; Superintendent@cde.ca.gov; Supervisor Andrew Do; Supervisor Doug Chaffee; Theresa Bass; kim.vandermeulen@mail.house.gov Subject: [EXTERNAL] Watch "Utah Governor Spencer Cox Launches Public Awareness Campaign About The Harms Of Social Media" on YouTube 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. https://youtti.be/y2hWZYv-SgA Susana Barrios From: DAVID DURAN Sent: Monday, August 14, 2023 2:43 PM To: Public Comment Cc: %20aaitken@anaheim.net; Natalie Rubalcava; Jose Diaz; %20cleon@anaheim.net; Norma C. Kurtz; Stephen Faessel; %20nmeeks@anaheim.net; Norberto Santana; Kelly Aviles; Quirk -Silva, Sharon; City Attorney; City Manager; info@loucorrea.com; senator.newman@senate.ca.gov; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov; Terry.tang@latimes.com; MSNBCTVinfo@nbcuni.com; JReplogle; doj.cjsc@doj.ca.gov; media@da.ocgov.com; foiparequest@ic.fbi.gov; dlr.public.relations@disney.com; info@angels.com; Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com; Vicente.Sarmiento@ocgov.com; donald.wagner@ocgov.com; doug.chaffee@ocgov.com; investigates@cbsnews.com; mediarelations@npr.org; jball@ocbc.org; Orange County Register; orangecountyreporter@dailyjournal.com; news-tips@nytimes.com; tips@nbcuni.com; KCAL 9; KTLA 5 News; livecomments@fox.com; scustodio@voiceofoc.org; Benjamin.Brazil@latimes.com; mayortoddgloria@sandiego.gov; league@lwvnoc.org Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: Public Comment - Anaheim City Council Meeting / August 15, 2023 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. August 14, 2023 RE: Public Comment - Anaheim City Council Meeting / August 15, 2023 Dear Anaheim City Council, Stop attempting to smoke screen Anaheim's unlawful actions as these actions will also identify you as complicit along with any/all already identified as part of the list of alleged guilty parties involved in the alleged unlawful finding by the FBI Corruption Probe, State Attorney General, JL Group Report, and others. Currently, Anaheim corruption runs just as wide as it does deep. Forming an "Advisory Committee" is only a facade in the attempt to add a positive light on the current mayor. Establishing an "Advisory Committee" without transparency is not only self-serving, but will also add to the exasperated levels of mistrust the residents already have for the mayor and council members. Using taxpayer funds to in any way support the advisory committee without allowing the public to gain access, comment, or information is less than transparent. ALL of the "Advisory Committee" meetings need to be made public as the city is already recognized due to its alleged Brown Act violations. Secondly, I demand, not requesting ... I demand that steps are taken to immediately fire and/or placed on leave without pay ALL employees and/or staff that have already been found to have willfully and maliciously participated and/or acted unlawfully, unethically, and immorally while performing their duties and responsibilities as employees of the city. The resident taxpayers do not deserve to be taken advantage of for your personal gain, lied to, or failed to comply with transparency. Furthermore, actions should be taken to charge ANY past or current Anaheim Police Department employee that willfully participated in the unlawful, unethical, and immoral cover-up / withholding of evidence from ANY/ALL FBI, JL Group, CA Attorney General, or OC District Attorney investigation(s) regarding Anaheim elected officials, employees and staff. I look forward to either recognizing the positive actions of the city that are necessary along with the immediate and critical efforts needed to fire, dismiss, place of unpaid leave, replace, and/or legally charge ANY/ALL individuals already identified as city employees NOT acting with the "required" legal and ethical responsibilities they were elected and/or hired to perform. These media articles will not go away .... this is only the beginning of how AnaCrime, the City of Kindness Corruption. will be recognized until immediate and necessary steps are taken as demanded above in this public comment/letter. Listed below are only some of the recent reporting's... the public deserves to know the truth about Anaheim. 1. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 08 is-it-time-to-sack-anaheims-cit -mane .er.- nd.-nt_hnr.-tc -officials 2. htt s: www.latimes.com california stor 2023-07-3� anaheim-re port-on-corru Lion-alle es-a-criminal- caan_s.pi rack-secret-lobb�i n�-and-influence-pedd I i n� 3. htt s:/Ccalmatters.org/co_I9_I9_e_ntr 2023 08 anaheim-corru Lion-southern-california-cities 4. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 08 anaheims-corru tion-investi ation-hi hlights-how-lobbyists-across-oc-slip- pest-registration-rules/ 5. htt s:/Cwww.ocre2ister caam/2a123/nhn%-indnpndnt-invstiation-talks-of-consgirac-brown- �ct-violations/ ................................................................. 6. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 07 ca-attorne - eneral-fbi-to-see-com lete-corru Lion- robe-into-anaheim- city-h qj l./ 7. htt s:/Cwww.ocre2istercc m/nhn%-ccrrLa Lion- robe-shows-evils-of-local-cron ism 8. htt s:/Cwww.ocre2ister.com/2023/08/06/now-that-the-anaheim-investigation-is-out-how-will-the- .._............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... m ove-forward. / _.............................................................. 9. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 08 the-talk-of-the-town-anaheim-corru tion- robe -re ort-turns-heads-in-oc 10. htt s:/Cwww.ocregister...caam/2aJ23/aJ7/aJ /indn endent-anaheim-corruption-investigation-due-mondaY- ...._..........._............................................................................................. redacted -version -will -take -weeks -to -be -release 11. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 05 anaheim-residents-can-ex ect-a-redacted-cit -hall-corru Lion- robe - report/ .............................. 12. hi s: voiceofoc.or 2023 05 how-much-of-anaheims-cit -hall-corru tion- robe -will -residents -see 13. htts://voiceofoc.org/2023CO2Cullin-beck-the-c_Lartain-what.-exactly-ern-investigators-looking-t-in-th- aneheim.-cnrra.ptic�n-pre/ 14. htt s: laist.com news anaheim-cit -hall-investi ation-corru tion-fbi-sidhu-ma or 15. hps:/Cabc7.com/anmh-vt�t_a.-m on/�3582�02onaiC 16. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 08 was-an-anaheim-cit -hall-funded-nonprofit-used-as-a-political-data-minin- operation/ ............................................... 17. htt s: voiceofoc.or 2023 02 meet-the-investi afore-tr in -to-shine-a-light-on-corruption-at-anaheim- ci.t.y.-hql.l./ 18. htt s:/Cwww.ocregister...caam/2aJ2.3/a 5""/"` 13/f:fall-r salts-of:-indep nd nt- n hnim-caarrLA.ptiaan-report-wont-be- p�alicl_y-released/ 19. htt s:/Cwww.ocregister...cc m/2aJ23/�17/3 /key-recommendations-in-anaheim-independent-investigation/ 20. htt s: therealdeal.com la 2023 07 03 investi ation-re ort-comes-due-on-an els-stadium-deal 21. htt s: www.latimes.com california stor 2022-�0-25 anaheim-harr-sidhu-emails-disclosure-corru tion- investigation-scandal 22. htts://voiceofoc.org/tag/oc-corruption-scandal/ 23. htt s: s ectrumnewsl.com ca la -west olitics 2023 05 09 anaheim-votes-to-redact- ortions-of- robe- on-former.-1:9_a.yo_r-.-en el -stadium -deal 24. htt s: vo!ceofoc.or 2023 05 anaheim-ma or-delivers-state-of-the-c!t -p.ne-year-after-fb!-corrupt!on- PT hg.-__h.!_l/... 25. htt s: vo!ceofoc.or 2023 02 here-comes-the-`ud-m_et.-thy-min-ravrsein-anaheims-corruption- PT h9Z .............................. 26. htt... s: vo!ceofoc.or 2023 04 will-anaheim-officials-kee -the-f!nd!n s-of-a-tax a er-funded-corru t!on- ........... probe -secret/ _.................................................... 27. hops:/Cpatch.com/ca forn!a/orange�_-cQLAnt. anaheim-invest! at!on-talks-criminal-cons !rac _-_b_rown..-act- violations ............................................. 28. htt S. vo!ceofoc.or 2023 02 anaheim-leaders-rarel-aestiaan..-spend!n-like-they-do-on-anti-corrupt!on- effortsC ................................ 29. hops:/Cwww.ocregistpr...cc m/2aJ23/¢ / /rnpl h t-rafiei-who-was-central-tn-the-fbis_-anaheim- investigation -takes -plea -deal/ 30. htt s: www.lat!mes. form er-ca-democratic- art -leader-who-hel ed-fbi- J n..-..a n..a hoim...-.probe-ag.Ege�.-to-ple d-guilty-to-wire-fraud 31. htt s: www.lat!mes.com cal!forn!a stor 2023-07-25 anaheim-councilman-c!t -hall-officials .............. 32. b.gLi ins 33. htt s: therealdeal.coreenlaw-sho off -called- referred-develo ers-in-anaheim- robe .............. 34. hops:/Cnewsantaana.com/the-city-nf-anaheim-relna_ses.-th_e-investi ation-re ort-into-the-an el-stadium- corruption-fiasco/ ................................................................................. 35. hops:/Cwww.ocregister...com/2aJ23/a13/a1 /pn hei-co_Lanc.!_I..-_k_ee.ps_-!_nvestigation-funded-into-campai n- c.Q n t r i _b_.A.1i.2 n_s - d ep l_i_n.gS 36. htt s: therealdeal.com la 2023 05 04 anaheim-to-redact-re ort-on-alle ed-corru t!on-of-an el-stad!um- sale/ .................... 37. hops:/Cwww.ocregiseer...com/2aJ23/¢ 4/¢ 7/pn hei -investi ation-stadium-deal-loom-unsettled-as-an els- ply-horne-o ener 38. htt s: vo!ceofoc.or 2023 06 anaheims-ticket-to-ride-c!t -leaders-hand-out-thousands-of-free-t!ckets- gyg.E ...........ea r 39. htt s: www.lat!mes.com cal!forn!a stor 2022-��-�6 la-times-sues-ex-anaheim-ma ._or.-_harry-sldhu- rnessage�ss _....................... 40. htt S. vo!ceofoc.or 2022 05 duran-I !n .- inocchio-and-all-of.-his-silent-and.-complicit-friends/ This correspondence will also be posted on social media and shared with others as the public, other elected officials, and others with enforcement authority should be informed about the truth so in some cases, legal actions can be taken, and the Anaheim residents, when it's time to vote during next elections will be better educated to vote for qualified, ethical, law abiding representatives to represent the city of Anaheim residents with fiduciary and ethical responsibility. This corruption has been allowed to go on far too long and it needs to stop NOW! If you are guilty/complicit, please resign immediately for the good of the city of Anaheim and the good of society. David Duran Anaheim resident, District 1 David L. Duran Orange County, California cell emai Breach of confidentiality & accidental breach of confidentiality This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Susana Barrios From: Steve White Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 11:36 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] JL Report Attachments: Corruption.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. Sent from my iPhone JL GROUP CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION The JL Group was selected to investigate wrongdoing by City Officials and staff following the Stadium sale scandal and subsequent resignation of former Mayor Sidhu. The intent was to determine culpability, seek suggestions for corrective measures and ultimately begin a process to restore public trust and confidence in Anaheim's government. They have succeeded in making a start. One point made clear is the failure was not due to "one bad apple" but to a rotten barrel. Systemic corruption has infected City Hall for decades. Officials elected with outrageous amounts of special interest funding have always served those interests at the expense of the greater public good. The usual retort that "I am not influenced by donations; I decide on the facts" has been made laughable by the report and is increasingly apparent to the public at large. The report makes some suggestions for changes which might make modest improvements but does not claim to solve what led to the worst example of civic corruption in a generation. I believe the best place to start is to pass an ordinance requiring elected officials to recuse themselves from voting on matters affecting donors (whether individuals, businesses, political action committees or unions) exceeding the current individual limit for two years following receipt. Such a public integrity ordinance could mark a beginning to restore public respect and trust in their Anaheim government. One change suggested by the report is greater fidelity to the City Manager form of government. In a recent talk I attended, Senator Josh Newman suggested the opposite. While the manager/part-time council model works well in smaller cities, Anaheim is a fully mature 10th largest City in the State. It is time to scrap the manager's form and move to a full-time Council compatible with its districts. Councilmember Leon has suggested a Charter review which should seriously consider this change.