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12/12/2023ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 2023 The regular meeting of December 12, 2023 was called to order at 2:34 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 December 7, 2023, with a revised agenda subsequently posted on December 9, 2023. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks 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Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that Closed Session Item No. 01 was withdrawn from the Closed Session agenda. City Attorney Robert Fabela announced that Closed Session Item No. 04 is related to Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) issues with JW Marriott. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION: None CLOSED SESSION: At 2:35 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed to closed session for consideration of the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9: One potential case 5. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS (Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: Service Employees' International Union, United Service At 4:00 p.m., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 2 of 29 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Natalie Rubalcava, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Norma Campos Kurtz, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks D125 WORKSHOP: Brookhurst Corridor Study Report Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported on August 23, 2022, the City Council voted to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Corridor as Little Arabia District and directed staff to conduct a study researching the needs of the local community to analyze options for the corridor. He reported a multi -departmental team of staff selected Dudek Services to complete a comprehensive analysis, visioning, and engage the community for the enhancement of the 3.5-mile Brookhurst Corridor. Dudek Urban Design Director Gaurav Srivastava thanked staff, members of the community, and the members of the working group who participated in the process. He noted the presentation will include the project overview, outreach and engagement, and primarily focus on recommendations. He reported the study began in April 2023 with objectives of the study involving studying the 3.5-mile corridor and understanding the issues within the corridor including land use, demographics, mobility, economics, real estate, parking, and public realm; comprehensively engaging the community; and analyzing the boundaries of Little Arabia for potential modifications. Mr. Srivastava reported the study found Brookhurst Street is a valued corridor in West Anaheim connecting California State Route 91(SR-91) and Katella Avenue playing a significant role in the daily lives of locals and visitors, featuring an eclectic mix of uses. He added the commercial activity is concentrated in a one -mile segment between Lincoln Avenue and Ball Road known as Little Arabia — a cluster of businesses self -'identifying as originating from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). He emphasized the element of self -identifying the businesses of other ethnic origins have adopted an Arab/MENA identity since the area began to organically grow in the 1980s. He added the area brings visitors from around Southern California for being the only such Arab/MENA clustering in the region and one of only a handful nationally. Mr. Srivastava stated their nine -month analysis has confirmed the designation adopted by the City Council was an appropriate action. He described the process to arrive at the recommendations including analysis and discovery, alternatives and vetting ideas, and refining recommendations. Each of the phases were accompanied by a community event which formed the ideas that were generated during the process. Dudek Urban Design Principal Catherine Tang Saez described the multi -layered approach across multiple cultures, languages, formats, locations, and interests with the goal of creating a transparent and inclusive process to understand community needs. She reported on the multi -layered approach to community engagement including residents, businesses, property owners, community organizations, visitors, and City staff, amounting to about 300 public participants. She commended the turnout of the highly visible community walking tour in August, along with a pair of open house events in November to share preliminary ideas. She added three successful Working Group meetings were held with people representing a cross-section of interests in the Corridor. She noted Dudek received over 300 written comments and concluded that the community feedback served as a critical asset to the recommendations. Mr. Srivastava noted some of Dudek's recommendations are short-term changes while others are long-term matters. He presented his recommendations beginning with improvements to branding and identity to help mark the Corridor including partnering with Caltrans to install a sign on Interstate 5 (1-5), encouraging bilingual business signage, identifying the Brookhurst Corridor in the Citywide City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 3 of 29 Public Art Plan, the addition of street banners, and a distinct point of arrival marker. He recommended the formation of regional partnerships, encouraging County -level partnerships with the cultural districts of Koreatown and Little Saigon, both further down Brookhurst Street in different jurisdictions. He encouraged holding more formal events and celebrations in Little Arabia, particularly during the months of Ramadan, including the creation of a City framework for night markets and an annual Brookhurst Food Festival. Mr. Srivastava recommended improvements to the public right of way including enhanced cohesive landscaping in the commercial heart of the Corridor, likely through a Master Plan, and extending the median south of Ball Road ideally north to 1-5 but at minimum to Lincoln Avenue. He recommended measures to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety including full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), improved street lighting, additional crosswalks with longer crossing windows, and a protected bicycle lane along Brookhurst Street for better vehicular separation. Ms. Saez recommended having either all or just the Little Arabia portion of Brookhurst Street designated as a "Primary Arterial Highway" by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) from its current designation of a "Major Arterial Highway". The reconfiguration would help to increase vibrant street life providing the community with the Corridor's vision as a place and maintaining the Corridor's function as a transportation facility. She noted this will allow for the fulfillment of a community vision including outdoor dining, street parking, and shopping. She recommended an update to the 30-year-old Brookhurst Commercial Corridor Overlay Zone (BCCOZ) to establish design guidelines, reconcile conflicting zoning designations, and allow for a more pedestrian and visitor -friendly area. Ms. Saez reported over 100 businesses self -identify as either Arab or MENA along the entire length of Brookhurst Street with 70% of them lying between Broadway and Ball Road. She recommended expanding the Little Arabia District's boundaries slightly south of Ball Road to include the iconic Altayebat Market along with other businesses. She suggested similarly extending the District north to Crescent Avenue to include critical social services including the Council on Islamic -American Relations (CAIR-LA) but noting this extension could come at a risk of diluting the District's identity by including many non -associated homes. Ms. Saez recommended using the City's Strategic Plan as an opportunity to recognize Little Arabia as a priority project, and the establishment of a cultural districts program in Anaheim, providing the City of San Francisco as an example. She recommended submitting Little Arabia for designation as a California Cultural District when the State revives the program. She recommended creating a Task Force or Committee to continue the momentum started by the Study, providing business support, and beginning the process of establishing a Business Improvement District (BID). Ms. Saez reported Dudek has created potential action plans based on their recommended areas of intervention, noting the recommendations can vary in terms of the ease of short-term accomplishment. She concluded the presentation with an outline of Dudek's many recommendations based on the relative ease of completion. Director Ramirez thanked the Dudek team for their work on the study, Director of Public Works Rudy Emami, Director of Planning and Building Ted White, Director of Community Services Sjany Larson - Cash, Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster, City Manager Vanderpool, and all the staff who contributed to the study efforts. He thanked the working group comprised of stakeholders to help guide the study including Amin Nash, Patrick DiDodo, Beck Levin, Hussam Ayloush, Anh Pham, Darryl and Tracy Gamboa, Elain Kraus, Nathan Zug, Nahla Kayali, and Rashad AI-Dabbagh. He City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 4 of 29 thanked residents for participating in the process and Economic Development Department staff Nick Gomez and Stephen Stoewer. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken stated the designation is long overdue and it is exciting to be taking these next steps. Council Member Leon expressed appreciation to the Dudek and Economic Development Department staff for their work on the nine -month -long study. He thanked residents, community members, and stakeholders for taking part in the study and providing feedback. In response to Council Member Leon, Ms. Saez reported there were eleven (11) stakeholders in the Working Group meetings with at least eight (8) in attendance at each meeting. She reported all public events and the online survey combined to receive the engagement of over 300 people, 70% of whom were residents. Council Member Leon requested clarification on signage in Little Saigon. Ms. Saez clarified Little Saigon is located partly in the City of Westminster and the City of Garden Grove, but Westminster coordinates the efforts surrounding the district designation. She added Westminster is also in the process of creating a gateway sign for Little Saigon crossing Bolsa Avenue. In response to Council Member Leon's inquiry, Mr. Srivastava confirmed there is potential to expand Little Arabia's boundaries beyond Brookhurst Street while maintaining signage in the heart of Little Arabia. Council Member Leon expressed his excitement for this project on behalf of District 2. He added providing a sense of safety and security was one of the initial focuses for the Study and thanked the Anaheim Police Department (APD) for its recentinstallation of overt cameras across Brookhurst Street. to enhance safety by deterring crime. He thanked West Anaheim residents for speaking up on behalf of Little Arabia and lauded the proud diversity of Anaheim as being a strength to the City. He reported his intention to work with City staff to bring forward the short-term recommendations to fruition rapidly along with working on a Strategic Plan to cover some of the longer -term recommendations. He highlighted the potential the study will bring to the Little Arabia District and West Anaheim. He noted he and Council Member Diaz agree on the potential of West Anaheim as an economic engine as this will help unlock its potential. He asked residents to continue to participate in the process. Council Member Faessel noted he is one of the two current Council Members who voted in favor of the designation with one of the most important components being residential engagement and not merely area businesses. He reported the study brought forward information and creative ideas for the area. He thanked Dudek for the company's work in this area and its robust study. Council Member Diaz thanked former Council Member Gloria Ma'ae for her efforts towards the study. He stated the portions most important to him are a Little Arabia sign on 1-5, encouraging bilingual signage approved by the property owner, adding public art and street banners, and mostly essentially designing a formal entrance gateway. He commended the idea of joining with other jurisdictions to market the combination of Little Arabia, Koreatown, and Little Saigon as a multi -cultural tourist destination. He stated night markets, food festivals, and street beautification are essential components. He added landscaping should match what might be found in the Middle East. He commended the BID concept because of how these improvements can be paid for in partnership by both the City and the businesses. He agreed with expanding the District south of Ball Road, however, noted northerly expansion is premature. He encouraged residents to visit Little India in the City of Artesia due to its similarities to India and noted he shares a similar vision for the public visiting Little Arabia. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 5 of 29 Council Member Meeks lauded the multicultural aspects of the Study. In response to Council Member Meeks, Mr. Srivastava confirmed community members encouraged and Dudek prioritized the multi -cultural aspect of the neighborhood. Council Member Meeks noted some of its long-established commercial properties give Little Arabia an advantage over comparable areas, allowing for easier -to -manage street markets and other small events not requiring the closure of Brookhurst Street. She agreed that corridor -specific landscaping makes a significant difference in creating a sense of place. She encouraged a deeper look into creating an ideal flow of traffic for both pedestrians and vehicles, noting the proposed media will eliminate several left -turning lanes. She cautioned against requesting the Corridor be redesignated by Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) as a "Primary Arterial Highway" by noting it could potentially lead to gridlock. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Mr. Srivastava clarified their research looked at BIDs based on California's definitions which are either merchant -based or property -based. He added it is a complex process to establish a BID because, whether property or business -based, 50% need to vote for self -assessments so it requires coalition building with a core group and can often fail to become established. He noted that while Anaheim has a precedent with self -assessed districts, Brookhurst would have to go through its own process. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava's inquiries, Director Ramirez confirmed the Resort District is the City's existing BID and this would be the City's second BID adhering to commercial improvement. He confirmed staff can begin this process based on City Council direction and community interest. He added the two models would be either property -based or merchant -based and each can be explored based upon stakeholder interest levels. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava requested staff investigate how it would impact the work of Visit Anaheim and its potential role in promoting the Corridor and keeping in mind how the Little Arabia residents and businesses feel about a potential BID. She stated her support for signage, however, cautioned proposed funding sources would originate from Visit Anaheim and Anaheim Transportation which receive their funding through the self -assessment of the Resort District. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated beautification is a major issue for her, especially in the central and western portions of the City, and expressed her support to ensure the City is reserving enough revenue to oversee this aspect. She expressed concerns about requesting the redesignation of the street due to increasing traffic. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava questioned whether some of the proposed events like night markets are better managed by the Chamber of Commerce or Visit Anaheim as opposed to the City. Council Member Kurtz expressed her support for the Little Arabia designation. She stated the neighborhood needs appropriate signage and qualities to create an experience for the public, similar to the Vietnamese feel of Little Saigon. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Ramirez confirmed there is a group of engaged and eager commercial stakeholders from various communities and the Arabic community ready to help enhance the area. Council Member Kurtz reiterated her support and expressed her excitement to visit once the proposed recommendations have been implemented. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 6 of 29 In response to Mayor Aitken, City Attorney Fabela confirmed no specific action can be voted on during the Workshop. He noted City Council comments will be considered by staff and any formal action would have to be agendized for a later date. Mayor Aitken expressed her appreciation for the focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety, noting she had difficulties crossing streets while joining the August walking tour. Mayor Aitken expressed her desire to agendize the short-term recommendations and more information on nuanced differences in Specific Plans for comparable districts and the logistics of implementation along with costs at the next City Council meeting. She requested information distributed to the Council or brought back for discussion on the differences between cultural districts, business districts, enterprise zones, and specific plans. Director Ramirez confirmed there is some of the requested information is in the report and added staff will provide additional information for items not included. He stated the information received today will be included in a finalized report available to the City Council and public. Mayor Aitken echoed her Council colleague's comments regarding the process and providing the area a platform to succeed. In response to Mayor Aitken, Director Ramirez reported the City of Buena Park recently adopted a Koreatown district. He added Little Saigon is the other example within Orange County. Mr. Srivastava added this reflects how significant and special the Little Arabia designation is. Ms. Saez added Little India, mentioned by Council Member Diaz, is in Los Angeles County. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP: City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of one (1) public comment was received electronically related to the Workshop. [A final total of one (1) public comment was received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. Mark Richard Daniels encouraged focusing on the Ball Road portion of Little Arabia first and building outwards from there. He encouraged using date trees and crescent moons in the signage. He stated this designation is long overdue and credited the Arabian families who have reinvented this entire area of the City. Beck Levin, Systems Change Advocate for the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC) for the Disabled, discussed the DMC's mission of providing access for adults with disabilities from its office at the corner of Brookhurst Street and Crescent Avenue. She added she lives at the corner of Brookhurst Street and Ball Road, traversing all of Little Arabia daily on her commute. She reported she worked with the Dudek group and highly lauded their work, specifically its community engagement efforts. She endorsed all of the recommendations. She added funding the project and the statement it makes is particularly vital to enhance and protect the Arab community in the face of Islamophobic hate crimes. Mazatl Tepehyolotzin stated this is needed and long overdue as an example of Anaheim's diversity. He added his fellow Native Americans stand in solidarity with their Middle Eastern brothers. He reported on the Barrio Logan cultural area in the City of San Diego. He noted Little Arabia will add revenue to the City. He concluded his comments with a Native American prayer. Amin Nash, Policy and Research Coordinator for the Arab American Civic Council, expressed his pleasure at this exercise and knowing the community's voices have been heard. He noted many things he suggested in the past like the creation of a business coalition have been included in the recommendations. He noted Little Arabia has been a center of healing for many given the recent City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 7 of 29 violent events in Palestine. He reported a group of 90 high school students from the City of Pasadena recently visited Little Arabia to learn about Arabic culture. He recognized Nahla Kayali for her work in Little Arabia and praised her as a leader in the community. Bonita Gagne expressed concerns about potential gridlock if street volume is decreased. She invited the City Council to visit Brookhurst Street during peak traffic times. She emphasized maintaining the street as a "Major Arterial Highway" is important. Nancy Joy Tooley expressed concerns about potential traffic ramifications. She inquired about plans for additional parking and plans for traffic flow if the number of driving lanes on Brookhurst Street is reduced. She commended all the ideas discussed for Little Arabia and restated her concerns about parking. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of one (1) public comment was received electronically related to the Workshop. [A final total of one (1) public comment was received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. Mayor Aitken closed the Workshop. INVOCATION: Chaplain Nathan Zug, Anaheim Police & Fire FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Natalie Meeks PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Anaheim High School's Boy's Water Polo Team for making it to the CIF -Southern Section Division 6 final Mayor Aitken introduced the Anaheim High School Boy's Water Polo Team who participated in the CIF -Southern Section Division 6 final, four years after the program was revived. At 5:38 p.m., Mayor Aitken called to order the Anaheim Housing Authority (in joint session with the Anaheim City Council). ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: City Clerk Bass announced that for Item No. 14, Volt Workforce Solutions (a division of Volt Management Corporation) has withdrawn their contract and removed it from consideration. 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 eleven (11) public comments were received electronically prior to 1:00 p.m. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of eleven (11) public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. Mark Richard Daniels stressed the importance of Item No. 11 and the issue of drug -dependent homeless residents and called upon the City Council to make a concerted effort to have available facilities and housing for them. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 8 of 29 Tamara Jimenez, Community and Government Relations Manager for Anaheim Lighthouse Treatment Center, read an email she had submitted for public comment in support of Item No. 11 and the Community Care Response Team (CCRT). She noted Anaheim Lighthouse has collaborated with the City and City Net to assist homeless individuals at no cost. She reported since CCRT was established the number of people Anaheim Lighthouse has assisted has increased exponentially. She commended the work of CCRT and encouraged the City Council to view the CCRT's work in person. Lauren Justice expressed her support of Item No. 11, City Net, and the CCRT and the services they provided to her when she encountered issues of homelessness and substance abuse. She spoke glowingly of her experiences working with City Net and the CCRT to help others currently in her former position. She highlighted City Net's mission to save lives and connect individuals in need to life-saving services. Lucille Kring reported on the work of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District in controlling vectors and other pests for the safety of residents. She cautioned about a variety of mosquitoes posing a problem in residential areas. She reported Los Angeles County and Orange County are presently working on sterilizing male mosquitoes to prevent their population from increasing and urged residents to avoid leaving areas of standing water at their homes. Brad Fieldhouse, Executive Director of City Net, stated serving the community is a privilege and detailed City Net's role in working in tandem with the CCRT. He stated the City Council should be proud of the City's innovative efforts to combat homelessness and added representatives from around the State look to Anaheim as a model. He invited the Council Members to join them on the annual Point in Time Count on January 24, 2024. Jeanine Robbins with People's Homeless Task Force reported the number of homeless residents is increasing and expressed doubts over the statistics being presented to the City Council. She challenged the Council Members to speak to the homeless individuals on the streets and in parks and inquire about the services provided by City Net. She reported receiving a poor response rate from many of her CCRT calls. She decried City Net's work in the past with the former homeless encampment on the Santa Ana River Trail. She criticized the City Council's plans to help the homeless during the winter without a walk-in shelter. Mike Robbins reported the People's Homeless Task Force has been working with the City's homeless for two decades. He criticized the City's service providers and called for more oversight of City Net. He stated a quarter of the $8 million in Item No. 11 will go to City Net's upper administration and not the people on the streets. He requested the People's Homeless Task Force be permitted to provide monthly oversight of City Net. He questioned Mr. Fieldhouse's statistics and called for the City Council to look deeper into the City's current system. Lupe Ramirez decried the living conditions at Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park due to the mismanagement of John Saunders who donated to the Council Members' campaigns. She decried spending so much to help the homeless when the City does nothing for senior citizens at Rancho La Paz forcing residents to instead gain needed assistance from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk -Silva. She cited the situation at Rancho La Paz as an example of the City creating more homeless people by not helping residents of Rancho La Paz. She criticized the past City Council other than former Council Member Jose Moreno for its inaction at Rancho La Paz in a situation that continues to worsen. She requested the City Council intervene with Mr. Saunders. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 9 of 29 Paul Hyek stated Mr. Saunders needs to come to the City Council in person as opposed to sending a representative. He called for walk-in shelters, noting several neighboring municipalities have them. He called for hiring homeless residents with relevant work experience to help staff the City's shelters. Emma Burrows, Director of Member Services for the Anaheim/Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association, thanked the City Council for all its work this year with the Hotel Workers' Safety Ordinance. She highlighted the organization's collaboration with the City to implement the ordinance. She added her organization looks forward to other collaboration opportunities in 2024 and beyond. Cecil Jordan Corkern reported on his interactions with a number of individuals including Walt Disney, Desi Arnaz, Twisted Sister, and Joan Jett. Wendy Lewis reported she and her autistic 20-year-old son became homeless due to a family emergency and no one would return her calls for assistance except for City Net. She encouraged the City Council to renew City Net's contract. She reported they are in City Net's bridging program and added the staff has been helpful and respectful. She added they are on the waiting list for a voucher and disagreed with a previous public commenter by noting City Net is the only organization willing to help them. She encouraged the City Council to look into non -profits receiving grants and other benefits without helping people. Vance Dizney commended the work of Mayor Aitken and the new Council Members. He proposed an adjustable center wall for freeways and a new variety of electric cars that would not die on the freeway. He provided a new phone number for his company. He requested Disneyland stay open as an adult theme park at night. Nancy requested the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine, including a call for the restoration of basic humanitarian aid to Gaza. She added a ceasefire would save humanity, allow for discussions on a political solution between Palestine and Israel, and save up to two million civilian lives. She decried the Israeli attacks on Palestine and accused the nation of war crimes. She encouraged a resolution to be expedited for passage before Christmas. Matthew Duncan decried the City trapping and killing coyotes since 2017. He reported Coyote, Wildlife and Pest Solution, Inc. owner is under investigation by the State for violating trapping regulations and the information has been passed to the Los Angeles County District Attorney. He requested the Council Members inquire if he is performing the same actions in Anaheim he was caught performing in the City of Torrance. He commended how respectful the area's Native Americans are of the coyotes and suggested changing the mascot of Anaheim High School from Colonists to Coyotes. Bryan Kaye stated he is attempting to bring ideas on improving the city to the meeting but is met with no response or action. He noted none of the new Council Members have reached out to thank him for reporting the APD's racial slur usage. He stated that APD officers deserve better colleagues. Lisa Sartor detailed her 12-year experience with homelessness, leading to separation from her son, and how the only group willing to help her was City Net when others turned them away. She added City staff has also been unhelpful and she has not been allowed to speak directly to Housing and Community Development Director Grace Stepter. She reported filing a written grievance on behalf of herself and her ailing son. She extensively detailed her life on the streets and questioned why no one at City Hall would help her find assistance. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 10 of 29 Mayor Aitken directed Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Sandra Lozeau to meet with Ms. Sartor to get more information on her case. Art Castillo commended the APD's School Resource Officers (SRO) but noted the APD officers on the street are not as well -trained to properly speak to youth. He questioned why the APD would detain and release kids without even telling their parents. He suggested taking the SROs out of uniform Would be helpful. He encouraged the Council Members to see more of the daily underbelly of their community trapping and scaring youth, unlike the SROs' commendable work. Vern Nelson decried the lackluster services provided by Republic Services in trash collection. He commended the City Council on its work in 2023. He called for meaningful campaign finance reform in 2024 to ensure a cleaner and more fair election than the previous six. He commented on conflicts of interest between Council Members and companies support their campaigns. He encouraged the City Council and Planning Commission to prioritize the City's interests over private companies and their proposed projects, citing the proposed Disneyland Forward project. He encouraged the Council Members January 4, 2024, Anaheim Democrats meeting. Marc Herbert expressed concern with the City's homeless policies given the amount of public commenters at the meeting. He inquired about the procedure and lack of web -streaming of Planning Commission meetings. He questioned why the contract in Item No. 09 is being terminated and what the new contracts benefits and costs will be. He inquired about a potential lobbyist violation and if the matter would be prosecuted. He expressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest with Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) contract. He called for more information on potential conflicts of interest with the proposed Disneyland Forward project in 2024. Wes Jones recalled the Alfresco Gardens proposal for low-cost structured camping living communities which was lobbied to the City in 2017, noting the City of San Diego has recently adopted a similar plan, and the City of Los Angeles and the City of San Clemente have announced they will pursue a comparable project. He stated Anaheim has no form of low -barrier shelter and it needs it along with quality drug and alcohol treatment. He noted the settlement of the Ramirez v. Orange County lawsuit only requires the City to find shelter for 67% of its homeless population so others can be left on the streets. He added the City's current plan is inadequate. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Kurtz thanked Joe Perez and Community Services, Anaheim Community Foundation, Anaheim Transportation Network, and many of the hotels in the Anaheim Resort area, came together and are delivering toys to some of the neighborhoods. She also thanked Lifestyle Cycles; a motorcycle shop located on State College Blvd. They organized a toy run and on Saturday they were assisted by the Anaheim Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, and over 200 motorcyclists rode to Orange Grove Elementary School and delivered toys for the 600 students that attend that school. Council Member Diaz highlighted and shared photographs of Wow Pho & Steak restaurant. He stated that West Anaheim has many immigrant -owned businesses due to its growing Vietnamese population. Wow Pho & Steak is located at 2801 W. Ball Road. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. He stated that pho at the restaurant is the best he has tasted, and the portions are big. He asked everyone to support local businesses. Council Member Diaz congratulated City Manager Vanderpool for winning the ugly sweater competition. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 11 of 29 Council Member Leon thanked ABRAZAR, Mercy Health, and Saint Justin Martyr Church for their incredible partnership for the free vaccine clinic. A total of 50 vaccinations were given and COVID Boosters and Flu shots were also available. He thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Doug Chaffee and his team for organizing a food and toy distribution in District 2. Over 1,000 toys were distributed along with fresh produce from United Across Borders and other organizations. He had the opportunity to stop by the Convention Center for the Annual Christmas Event held by Families Together of Orange County. There were over 30,000 attendees and they handed out thousands of toys, free food, activities, and entertainment. Over the last few weeks, his office held several neighborhood meetings, and he thanked all the residents who attended and asked questions or made suggestions and shared their concerns around their neighborhood. He stated he is looking forward to future neighborhood meetings. Council Member Leon thanked City staff for their continued work and making things happen. He stated the City Council appreciates all employee contributions to the City. He wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava shared that 23 individuals graduated last week from the small business development Emprededor@s Program. A total of 95 individuals have graduated from the program since 2019. The program helps educate, motivate, empower, and develop leadership skills among the Hispanic community in Anaheim. She thanked Economic Development Director, Sergio Ramirez and his team for making the Emprededor@s Program possible. She noted that Spectrum gave the Orange County Food Bank, also known as Community Action Partnership, a $5,000 check for their program. The Orange County Food Bank was instrumental during the pandemic and serves the greater Southern California area. She stated it was an honor to pack 800 food boxes for senior citizens who live in and around the Orange County area. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava highlighted the residents who stopped by the District 3 booth at the annual Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Village event. She and her staff were able to meet with many residents who reside in and around District 3. Toys were also donated at the event for the K&A Brunch. She noted that toy donations are still being accepted. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava thanked Nikki Sandusky and Marlene Alcantar who went above and beyond for this event. They helped set everything up and managed people's booths. She stated that if not for City staff, these types of events that serve the community would not happen. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava also highlighted a car show hosted by Impalas Orange County Car Club. This event was in jeopardy of not taking place and she thanked Economic Development Director, Sergio Ramirez for facilitating communications with the Association who manages Center Street Promenade. The Car Club partnered with Toys for Tots for toy donations. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava shared that 12 neighborhood meetings have been hosted in District 3, which has approximately 50,000 residents. She thanked City staff for attending the meetings, answering questions, and providing resources. She shared that she has received positive feedback from residents regarding the new community Police Team because they are present and responsive to the needs of the community. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava recommended the book 100 Things To Do In Anaheim Before You Die" by District 3 resident Melanie Walsh. She shared that the book is available on Amazon for $18 and would be a great stocking stuffer. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava thanked Zion Lutheran Church for their annual Christmas caroling. Pastor Tim and his parishioners always make sure to highlight the holidays and are doing a great job in District 3. She thanked Chief Communications Officer, Mike Lyster, and his team for creating a comprehensive communication related to the Hotel Workers Safety Ordinance. She noted she worked closely with the City Attorney as well as City Council Members to make sure there are protections in place that help Resort District employees. Chief Communications Officer Lyster also spent time with hoteliers in Anaheim to make sure they are aware of everything they need to know to implement the new law that will take effect in 2024. She recognized Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Downing for being awarded the Quantum 10 Courageous Leadership Award. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava addressed the potential conflict of interest that was mentioned during public comments related to her husband working for the City of Anaheim and being a member of IBEW. She noted that when she City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 12 of 29 was first elected, she disclosed that her husband worked for the City of Anaheim and the City Attorney also provided additional information about how it was not a conflict of interest. Council Member Kurtz wished everyone Happy Holidays and thanked City staff for the work they do Mayor Aitken shared that she had a meeting in Washington D.C. with Representative Young Kim who represents the eastern part of Anaheim. They spoke about partnering on fire initiatives and how to get wildfire prevention resources to the Anaheim Fire Department. She also met with Congressman Lou Correa and noted it's a pleasure working with him because of his dedication to the people of Anaheim. He secured a $980,000 grant for Anaheim's Safe Routes to School Program. Mayor Aitken noted she participates in the annual National Walk to School Day because she is very passionate about making Anaheim streets safe for pedestrians and promotes a healthy lifestyle. She along with Congressman Correa attended the Anaheim Convention Center for the Families Together Program event which provided over 30,000 toys to communities in need. She stated she is proud that Anaheim was able to host it. Mayor Aitken thanked staff for attending the annual 7' floor employee open house and thanked all City employees who do the daily work to make the Anaheim lifestyle so rich. She wished everyone Happy Holidays. Council Member Faessel displayed photographs and noted he attended the playground build day at Peter Marshall Park. He shared that he received thank you cards from the kids at the event and a thank you bracelet from the Anaheim Ducks. He referenced a photograph of his friend Monica Robles who brought the Emprendedo@s Program to Anaheim and noted that Anaheim advocate Yesenia Rojas was part of the recent graduating class. The program allows individuals who have a vision to get started and teaches them how to run a small business. He attended the "Night For Others" gala hosted by The Salvation Army Orange County and Dr. Ben Hurst. Council Member Faessel shared that a gentleman paid $50,000 to shake special guest entertainer Howie Mandel's wrist, not hand. He stated he, along with his Council Aides, have been following the bookmobile through District 5, which has been delivering toys to the kids who follow the bookmobile. The bookmobile has made stops at Anna Drive, Canfield Neighborhood, and Rio Vista Park Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava mentioned that Council Member Meeks attended the playground build and was told by former Anaheim Ducks player Ryan Getzlaf that she was the hardest working person there. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Jim Vanderpool stated that the Brookhurst Corridor Study PowerPoint will be posted online as soon as possible. He shared that two new playgrounds were built for the Peter Marshall Park neighborhood. The playgrounds were designed by kids in the community and feature group swings, slides, spinners, climbing walls, zip line, musical sensory stations, and many more amenities that will offer more than 50 new play opportunities. Along with two new playgrounds, the park's refresh also included new trees, shrubs, benches, and painted amenities. The west Anaheim playgrounds will officially open this week after the concrete sets and safety checks are complete. This build marks the 16" KABOOM! play space in the City. He thanked the Anaheim Ducks, KABOOM!, Boys & Girls Club, Peter Marshall Elementary School, and all the hundreds of incredible volunteers who joined to bring the community the gift of play. The City is bringing holiday cheer to neighborhoods with "Posadas en el Vecindario" or Celebrations in our Neighborhoods. The Mobile Family Resource Center is strolling through neighborhoods and spreading the joy of the holidays. The City partnered with Anaheim Fire and Rescue through their "Spark of Love" Toy Drive. Staff is making sure that toys donated through this drive get delivered to City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 13 of 29 children in Anaheim. Unwrapped toy donations can be dropped off at any local fire station now through December 21. For the past eight weeks, two dozen Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs took part in a program to grow their young business ideas. The Emprendedo@s program teaches aspiring entrepreneurs what they need to know to build a business in this new economy. The latest class included a mom turning a lifetime of cooking into a catering business to support her family. A longtime gardener is using his passion to begin an environmentally friendly landscaping business. A former beauty queen is building on her pageant experience with a style startup that aims to build confidence in young women. This program is one way the City is helping immigrant, and first -generation residents pursue the American Dream. So many with skills or a great idea may not know where to begin. Emprendedo@s students learned marketing, permitting and licensing, and other ways to successfully run a business. Thanks to the Emprendedo@s Program and the City's Economic Development team, the program has seen nearly 100 entrepreneurs go on to build successful businesses since starting in 2016. Hopefully this inspires others in the community, including those who might be operating on City streets today, to join in building businesses the right way with the support of the City. On behalf of the City of Anaheim, he congratulated all the participants. City Manager Vanderpool stated he looks forward to seeing businesses grow in Anaheim. He noted the program will be offered again next summer. City Manager Vanderpool stated that on behalf of the 3,000 plus City of Anaheim employees, it is a pleasure to serve the City Council, residents, businesses, and visitors and look forward to a safe 2023 holiday season and a vibrant successful 2024. At 7:16 p.m., Mayor Aitken recessed the Anaheim City Council to address the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda and reconvened at 7:16 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:16 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered with Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava pulling Item Nos. 05, 11, and 17, Council Member Kurtz pulling Item Nos. 08, 09, and 12 for further discussion. MOTION: Council Member Faessel 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 Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 3. Approve recognition for Anaheim High School's Boys' Water Polo Team for making it to D116 the CIF -Southern Section Division 6 final. 4. Determine, on the basis of the evidence submitted by PT Metro, LLC, that the property AGR-3750.A owner has complied in good faith with the terms and conditions of Amended and Restated Development Agreement No. 2005-00008 for the 2023 review period for the A -Town mixed -use project located in the Platinum Triangle (1404 E. Katella Avenue). 6. Award a contract to Pioneer Chemical Co., in an amount not to exceed $40,475, to provide D180 as -needed floor cleaning equipment repair services for the Anaheim Convention Center for a one year period with four one-year optional renewals; and authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to enter into and execute the contract, any amendments and any renewal options (Bid#9737). City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 14 of 29 7. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, SEMA Construction, in the amount of $11,655,569.62, for the Lincoln Avenue Widening from East Street to Evergreen Street AGR-14470 Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. 10. Waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve the Third Amendment to Agreement with AGC Management, LLC, to continue providing golf course operation services and golf course AGR-11776.3 maintenance services at Anaheim Hills Golf Course and Dad Miller Golf Course; amend the Incentive Fee to 15% of net operating income over $4,000,000, eliminate the Food & Beverage Incentive Fee, and increase the Base Management Fee to $300,000; extend the term of the agreement by five years to expire on June 30, 2029, with two optional five-year extensions; and authorize the Director of Community Services to exercise the renewal options. 13. Approve the 2023-01 Amendment to the Master Software License and Professional AGR-10228.2 Services Agreement with Insurity LLC, successor in interest to Systema Software LLC, extending the term for one year with an annual fee, in the amount of $74,717, for the Risk Management Information System, and authorize the Director of Human Resources to execute the amendment. 14. Approve agreements, in substantial form, with twelve temporary employment agencies on an as -needed basis for a two year period with the option to renew for an additional two AGR-14474 years, authorize minimal changes that do not substantially modify the terms and conditions AGR-14475 of the agreement, provided the changes are determined to be de minimis by the City AGR-14476 Attorney's Office, and authorize the Human Resources Director to execute the AGR-14477 agreements, exercise the renewal options, and execute other related documents AGR-14478 necessary to implement and administer the agreements [22"d Century Technologies, Inc.; AGR-14479 Advanced Resources LLC; Apple One, Inc.; CathyJon Enterprises, Inc., dba HB Staffing; AGR-14480 Compunnel Software Group, Inc.; Elwood Staffing Services, Inc.; Emploi Group Inc., dba AGR-14481 AtWork Personnel Services; Project Partners; Protiviti Government Services Inc., aka AGR-14638 Robert Half; SuperbTech, Inc.; Tryfacta, Inc.; Volt Workforce Solutions (a division of Volt AGR-14482 Management Corporation)]. AGR-14483 Item No. 14 Volt Workforce Solutions (a division of Volt Management Corporation) AGR-14639 agreement was withdrawn from consideration. 15. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-107 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending the Personnel Rules and Policies Covering Non- D154 Represented Full -Time and Part -Time Employees, for the purpose of modifying pay schedules for certain classifications designated as Non -Represented Part -Time and repealing Resolution No. 2023-084 [Administrative Intern I, Administrative Intern II, General Services Worker, Office Assistant, Recreation Class Instructor, Recreation Leader I, Part -Time Emergency Management Officer, Police Reserve Level II, Recreation Leader II]. 16. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-108 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM declaring its official intent to reimburse certain Water Utility Fund B130 expenditures from the proceeds of bonds or other obligations [in an amount not expected to exceed $60,000,000]. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 15 of 29 M142 18. ORDINANCE NO. _.._ 6564 _(INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM repealing Sections 1.04.970 of Chapter 1.04 of Title 1 relating to the Anaheim Youth Commission. D116 19. Receive and file the list of Professional Services Agreements signed by the City Manager in November 2023. BUSINESS CALENDAR: AGR-1516 5. Determine, on the basis of the evidence submitted by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., that the property owner has complied in good faith with the terms and conditions of Development Agreement No. 96-01 for the 2022-2023 review period for The Disneyland Resort Project located in the Anaheim Resort. Director of Planning and Building Ted White stated the item is the annual review of the Development Agreement (DA) between the City and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. (Disney). He added the DA has a 40-year term from beginning in 1996 and terminating in 2036. He reported five of the seven community benefits have already been fulfilled dating back to 2006. Director White reported one ongoing component is the ongoing development and added in the past calendar year, Disney completed improvements and attractions such as Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railroad and others showing a continued expansion and investment. He added the Anaheim Jobs Program is the second ongoing component, reporting Disney completed 23 on -site job fairs and 100 outreach items. DISCUSSION: In response to Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, Director White confirmed the City is staying on track with its expectations of Disney, adding there is a lot of latitude in the DA's framing. He stated the jobs program changes over time, based on Disney's needs, and noted childcare for employees is a recent addition and a sign of Disney looking out for the needs of its employees. He also cited the recently added and successful Disney Aspire program providing college tuition for Disney employees. He reported the DA allows Disney to evolve over time to react to market conditions and employee needs. He stated Disney is meeting the obligations of the DA. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava stated expectations for delivery should be more clearly defined in the future. She noted there is nothing in the DA about creating housing for the low -paying jobs created by the Resort and stated she would like to see programs for first-time home buyers or gap funding for affordable housing as specific reportable examples. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to determine, on the basis of the evidence submitted by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., that the property owner has complied in good faith with the terms and conditions of Development Agreement No. 96-01 for the 2022-2023 review period for The Disneyland Resort Project located in the Anaheim Resort, 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 8. Approve the termination for convenience of the agreement with Torres Sanitation Systems for the construction of the Magnolia and Broadway Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project and AGR-14028 authorize the Director of Public Works to issue a written notice of termination to Torres Sanitation Systems. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz thanked staff for recognizing this project can be bundled with others to reduce costs. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 16 of 29 MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve the termination for convenience of the agreement with Torres Sanitation Systems for the construction of the Magnolia and Broadway Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project and authorize the Director of Public Works to issue a written notice of termination to Torres Sanitation Systems, 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 9. Approve the Termination for Convenience Settlement Agreement (agreement), with Soltek- AGR-13685 ECC, a Joint Venture/Jeff Katz Architecture (Soltek-ECC) for the construction of the Design- AGR-14471 Build Fire Station 12 (Platinum Triangle) Project and authorize the Director of Public Works to implement and administer the agreement; and authorize the Finance Director to release the contract escrow retention funds in the amount of $57,989.92 and process a final settlement payment to Soltek-ECC, in the amount of $154,010.07. Approve a Design Agreement with COAR Design Group, in an amount not to exceed $385,000, to complete the design documents to permit -ready status and provide construction support services for Fire Station 12 and authorize the Director of Public Works, 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 requested clarification on the action for the item. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director of Public Works Rudy Emami clarified the City entered into a Design -Build Agreement for Fire Station 12 with Soltek-ECC like with previous fire station constructions but built in an out -clause foreseeing potential difficulties with the site. He reported the City exercised the termination clause of the agreement. He clarified staff uncoupled the construction portion of the Agreement and that the previously -contracted designer is moving forward with a design contract ensuring construction documents will be ready for the future builder when the construction portion is ready to bid. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Emami clarified a typical Design -Build Agreement is often a joint venture partnership between a construction contractor and a designer or architect. He added this is being unbundled here as the City is only moving forward with the design portion. He confirmed the $385,000 is only for design completion. He clarified the previous construction company is no longer guaranteed to be the construction contractor when work commences. He added construction of the station will go through the regular competitive bidding process. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to approve the Termination for Convenience Settlement Agreement (agreement), with Soltek-ECC, a Joint Venture/Jeff Katz Architecture (Soltek-ECC) for the construction of the Design -Build Fire Station 12 (Platinum Triangle) Project and authorize the Director of Public Works to implement and administer the agreement; and authorize the Finance Director to release the contract escrow retention funds in the amount of $57,989.92 and process a final settlement payment to Soltek-ECC, in the amount of $154,010.07 and approve a Design Agreement with COAR Design Group, in an amount not to exceed $385,000, to complete the design documents to permit -ready status and provide construction support services for Fire Station 12 and authorize the Director of Public Works, 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 Faessel. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 17 of 29 11. Approve the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and AGR-14472 Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net, in the maximum compensation amount of $8,354,857.11, to provide street outreach and services to individuals experiencing homelessness for a two year term commencing January 1, 2024, ending on December 31, 2025; and authorize the Housing & Community Development Department Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and other documents necessary to implement and administer the program, provided the maximum compensation authority is not increased. Director of Housing and Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter reported staff seeks Council approval for an agreement between the City and City Net to provide outreach and related homeless services. She added it would be a two-year contract beginning on January 1, 2024, for an amount not to exceed approximately $8.3 million. She reported homeless services were consolidated two years ago under the Housing and Community Development Department, allowing for a review of programs and funding to help build a comprehensive system of care, along with a recognition of gaps in the system. She acknowledged homeless outreach was a gap that needed to be addressed. Director Ruiz-Stepter outlined the City's homeless system of care from the initial prevention of homelessness to the ultimate goal of permanent housing for the unhoused. She noted the outreach and emergency shelter steps in the process are the additions to what falls under the City's system following the consolidation. Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development Sandra Lozeau reported the CCRT is a professional social services team originating as an improved method of handling non -criminal and non -emergency homeless to Dispatch. She explained the services provided by CCRT are transport and connection to shelter, healthcare facilities, and appointments; immediate would and comfort care; Housing assessment and navigation; and ongoing case management. She reported the CCRT has received 47,605 calls for service since January 1, 2021, of those calls 32,050 interactions are for client interactions which may include duplicate interactions. She detailed the CCRT's impact on neighborhoods including 29,222 referrals to services and resources, 11,858 assessments into the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), and ultimately leading to 485 City Net -served clients placed into permanent housing off of the streets. She reported a 30% decline in unsheltered homeless residents since the creation of the CCRT and an 11 % decrease in overall homelessness. She added there have been about 34,000 calls for service to either Anaheim Anytime or the CCRT, diverting all of those calls away from the APD. Deputy Director Lozeau reported on the CCRT's community outreach including park outreach conducted four times a month at different parks and educational awareness at community meetings and events. Shre added CCRT has expanded services into other previously unserved properties through agreements with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Union Pacific Railroad. She reported on CCRT's efforts to relocate homeless residents into interim housing units into recently purchased facilities like Studio 6 and the Covered Wagon Motel. She noted 63 individuals were placed into the Studio 6 interim housing units before the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday. She highlighted the work of the CCRT during the extreme weather conditions brought on by cold weather and recently Hurricane Hillary in August. She discussed the new ACCESS Collaborative Court Program for homeless residents facing legal troubles and the shared success stories of its first few graduates. She added the program involves the County Courts which provides case management, resource connection, transportation, and housing navigation into temporary and permanent housing. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 18 of 29 Anaheim Police Chief Rick P. Armendariz reported the CCRT was created to be an alternative response to non -criminal situations frequently prompting a call to the APD with the ability to provide more proper services for the situation. He noted APD received 25,663 calls for service related to homelessness. He noted there are situations where law enforcement does need to be involved due to certain behaviors causing a safety issue, but it is imperative to have resources like CCRT available with them to better address some of those issues. He confirmed homeless calls for service to the APD have decreased in 2023 compared to 2022 and the calls have been served more effectively with the CCRT's assistance. He noted it can take time to build trust to where homeless residents are willing to accept civil services. He highlighted a couple assisted with permanent housing with assistance from APD HALO Officers and CCRT. Director Ruiz-Stepter reported the CCRT was initially funded by federal grants related to the COVID- 19 pandemic. She proposed funding for an expanded CCRT moving forward will come from the State's Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Grants (HHAP), noting the FY 2023/24 budget for Housing and Community Development includes $3,700,000 million of HHAP funding. She expected the balance of this proposed contract will come from the next round of HHAP funds. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated it is a significant amount of money invested in Anaheim and thanked those involved. She inquired about a pilot program that would follow unhoused individuals and if it would be included as part of CCRT. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava's inquiry, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed staff began a pilot program over the summer to better track the results of homeless residents through this process using data and metrics to help find the high-risk/high-need individuals who cause the most calls for service and focus on them. She cited the increase from 25 people in the ACCESS program to 51 as evidence of the pilot program working. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava highlighted areas where there are high populations of homeless individuals and requested proactivity with the new investment. Chief Armendariz noted homelessness by itself is not a crime and the unhoused have rights in public spaces. He stated this is why the outreach and engagement portions of the process are essential because some individuals are resistant to receiving services. He added it can take multiple contacts to build trust with some individuals until they are willing to receive services. He stated they would continue undeterred to make those contacts. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava encouraged Chief Armendariz to enforce laws the City does have relative to public intoxication or drug usage. In response to Council Member Leon's inquiry, Deputy Director Lozeau stated City Net was the lead for this first year of the ACCESS pilot program. She added City Net will continue to be involved in the program, however, the program has shifted to Be Well Orange County which will now have a dedicated ACCESS coordinator. She stated City Net will continue to be helpful with the program's logistics and case management while Be Well will take the lead with mental health and care plans. Council Member Meeks clarified Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava's comments by requesting the contacts are a proactive engagement without requiring residents to report homeless concerns. She inquired about the 19-minute response time for CCRT. In response to Council Member Meeks' inquiries, Deputy Director Lozeau clarified Anaheim Anytime is online reporting with reports triaged depending on the personnel required to respond to a report and this can lead to longer response times. She added the 19-minute response time noted is City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 19 of 29 for CCRT or APD-dispatched calls. She confirmed she encourages the public to call the hotline if there is an issue but added Anaheim Anytime is also a viable method of contacting the City. Council Member Meeks encouraged engaging with homeless residents as soon as possible after being unhoused so they do not become jaded and service -resistant. Director Ruiz-Stepter agreed with this concept but added staff has had difficulty due to a scarcity of funds dedicated to homeless prevention. She noted even the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State have not regularly brought such funding sources forth. She reported staff does fund an eviction prevention program using remaining funds from the pandemic -driven federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. She added State and federal officials are being encouraged to put more funds towards this purpose. She added those funds did not exist before the pandemic. In response to Council Member Meeks, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed there are opioid settlement funds utilized by ACCESS and the CCRT to help combat drug addiction. She added treatment beds like the one provided by Anaheim Lighthouse are scarce, so the settlement money has been helpful. Director Ruiz-Stepter added the City works proactively with the Salvation Army, CalOptima Health, and Be Well OC to help find additional treatment beds, noting their scarcity. Council Member Diaz stated there are several State laws restricting what the APD can do to help individuals get off the streets. He cited Proposition 57 for adding to the number of homeless and referenced laws restricting how long individuals are required to stay in certain facilities as a detriment. In response to Council Member Diaz, Deputy Director Lozeau clarified a team oversees the contract looking for specific outcomes but there is flexibility for what they colloquially term "whatever it takes" at certain times. She said a team goes through all of the invoicing because there are restricted funds involved which must meet State requirements. She added there is also a team entering everyone into the Homeless Management Information System creating data that staff can see through the County's system. She reported staff has many checks and balances to ensure the success of the program. Director Ruiz-Stepter added that outside consultant Michael Baker and Associates in addition to staff auditing because it was at its inception funded by emergency grant dollars with a requirement to monitor the City's sub -recipients. She noted many of the City's pandemic funds have also been independently audited providing multiple layers of supervision before any invoices are paid. Council Member Diaz applauded the City's multiple approaches to addressing homelessness. Council Member Faessel cited State College Boulevard's many homeless -occupied bus shelters as a route staff could drive daily and proactively provide outreach. He expressed concerns about the timeliness of Anaheim Anytime responses regarding homeless -related calls. In response to Council Member Faessel, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed the CCRT does do proactive work, adding there are weekly proactive park outreaches, in addition to monthly meetings discussing top locations and individuals to focus upon. She added when the staff sees upticks in activity along a corridor like Beach Boulevard or State College Boulevard, the CCRT will be dispatched to perform proactive work. In response to Council Member Faessel, Deputy Director Lozeau clarified the City does not have staff working on Anaheim Anytime at all times, but staff does monitor it. She added some Anaheim Anytime requests are duplicates of what City Net has already received and staff is aware City Net is already dispatched. She added the longest gaps in full service are over weekends when Anaheim Anytime is not fully staffed like it is on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 20 of 29 Council Member Faessel expressed his frustration at how well Anaheim Anytime is promoted but it is not the ideal place to report homeless issues requiring a faster response than something like a request for graffiti removal. In response to Mayor Aitken, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed staff works to promote awareness of the CCRT hotline and added this area can always be improved. She noted homeless issues are more complicated than graffiti removal with Director Ruiz-Stepter interjecting people may or may not be at the reported location once City Net arrives. Director Ruiz-Stepter cited the volume of almost 50,000 annual calls compared to the annual projection of just 15,000 annually as evidence residents know to use the hotline. She added the response time is often a bandwidth issue based on available personnel. City Manager Vanderpool stated he understands the City Council's concerns about response times and noted the City Council doubled the expenditure for homeless matters in the last budget. He echoed Director Ruiz-Stepter's bandwidth comment by stating it comes down to resources and it is a budget issue. He added staff wants to be both proactive and responsive, but it comes down to the number of people available. He stated this can be addressed in the FY 2024/25 budgeting process. He noted partnerships with groups like CalTrans and Union Pacific to have access to their properties also consume their resources servicing those spaces. He defended the team's proactivity and responsiveness regarding bandwidth capacity and encouraged putting more resources into the program during budgeting discussions to help alleviate the City Council's frustration. City Manager Vanderpool stressed that homeless -related calls are exponentially the most common call for service the City receives from the public. Mayor Aitken recognized the hard work that City staff has dedicated to homeless matters. She added the item brings up questions the Council would like to address. She reiterated the need to advertise CCRT's contact information, such as freeway signage. In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Deputy Director Lozeau reported typically between 23-25% of all contacts are moved into a sheltered environment with an 89-90% retention rate once they get to a shelter. She noted many residents fall into homelessness at a time through events like the recent surge in gas prices, forcing the City to quickly expand its Senior Safety Net. She noted they also have to get people out of the shelters partly to accommodate inflow and noted the City has been adding more housing. Mayor Aitken reported other municipalities present a ratio stating for every person they house there are three or four more on the streets. Director Stepter confirmed staff can track inflow information in this way. She added the HHAP application required a five-year plan for inflow and outflow so they have this data available but not at the moment. In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed Public Works employees have personal protection equipment when they clean up an encampment along with specialized training. Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed staff can work with the Public Information Office to put City Net's regular reports on a public system. She added City Net is monitored daily, monthly, quarterly, and annually. Mayor Aitken stated for the public there are accountability measures in their City Net contract and added they can be more transparent with the information. She thanked staff for the information regularly provided to the City Council. She commended Deputy Director Lozeau on her responses to Council Member Diaz on the auditing process and strict restrictions placed on the acceptance of HHAP and similar grants. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 21 of 29 In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Director Stepter confirmed these grant funds are audited up front, in the middle, and at the end. She added the retention policy for documents also provides the ability to look back if there are any concerns from years past. In response to Mayor Aitken, City Manager Vanderpool confirmed the Finance Department has a complete and thorough audit of the City's entire budget. He confirmed staff is tracking the homeless funds. In response to Mayor Aitken, Deputy Director Lozeau stated every morning they take a shelter capacity attendance measurement. She confirmed per the legal precedent set nationally in Martin v. Boise the City must have an available bed if it intends to enforce anti -camping measures including specific subcategories of beds such as gender, ADA, and couples. She added staff has to maintain a waiting list for a bed from time to time based on shelter capacity. She noted there are bridge housing options for situations such as domestic violence. In response to Council Member Leon's inquiries, Deputy Director Lozeau confirmed staff has to coordinate with Union Pacific when working around their tracks to ensure the tracks are inactive when staff enters the area. She stated the agreement with Union Pacific has been beneficial. She added the City can also issue trespassing warnings because it is private property while noting the dangers of staying along live rails. Council Member Leon requested that staff explore a fiscal relationship with Union Pacific regarding encampment enforcement. She confirmed staff can discuss the fiscal end relationship with Union Pacific to build upon what has been created so far and the service the City is providing by keeping their property clear of people. In response to Council Member Leon, Chief Armendariz clarified the second team is up and running but on an overtime basis because officers are still in training and the APD has several priorities. He reported he expects the second team to be off of this overtime situation in January or February. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava stated oversight of contractors is important to her, noting the current problems with Republic's trash collections. She encouraged proactivity to help keep the problem from continuing to grow. She stated she would want measurements of City Net's success when this contract is up for renewal. She clarified her intention is not to compare the unhoused to graffiti but rather how to best inform the residents of ideal reporting methods. She called for clarity so residents can feel part of the process. Council Member Diaz called for budgeting more money for this area in the next year. He stated Anaheim will not fix its homeless problem until the State fixes many of its policies and laws. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava moved to approve the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net, in the maximum compensation amount of $8,354,857.11, to provide street outreach and services to individuals experiencing homelessness for a two year term commencing January 1, 2024, ending on December 31, 2025; and authorize the Housing & Community Development Department Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and other documents necessary to implement and administer the program, provided the maximum compensation authority is not increased, 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. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 22 of 29 12. Waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve a Service Agreement Proposal (agreement) with AGR-14473 Fusus, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $800,000, for a video and data collaboration platform to integrate and view public and community video sources for real time incident situational awareness and investigations for a three year term; and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement. Chief Armendariz reported the item is a request for the City Council to waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve a Service Agreement Proposal with Fusus, Inc. for a video and data collaboration platform to integrate and view public and community video sources for real-time incident situational awareness and investigations. He added it is a three-year Agreement for a sum not to exceed $800,000. He stated it is the platform APD will use for its real-time crime center with software designed to allow the APD to access security and other cameras Citywide (with owners' consent) wherever a situation may occur. Chief Armendariz stated it is a game -changer to be able to utilize technology to maximize APD resources, better direct officers to unfolding situations, and enhance the APD's ability to assess and respond to an active situation. He added it will lead to quicker apprehension of suspects to have information such as a get -away vehicle's description immediately as opposed to getting the video from the camera's owner days later when the car may be far away. He noted it can incorporate currently existing public and private cameras along with any added in the future. Chief Armendariz confirmed there are available restricted funds in the APD's FY 2023/24 grant budget for the Agreement. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Kurtz's inquiry, Chief Armendariz reported a unique element to Fusus is they will partner to help the APD with community awareness and operate a website for residents to either sign up to allow APD access to their cameras in case of an emergency or merely to register their cameras with the APD. He noted even having cameras registered is a benefit to the APD because it provides real time access to cameras compared to going door to door to request footage. In response to Council Member Kurtz's inquiries, APD Lieutenant Richard LaRochelle reported the Fusus implementation process typically takes 6-9 weeks for software installation and training. He added that Fusus would activate its public awareness staff's outreach efforts after this step's completion. Chief Armendariz confirmed the APD can notify the City Council when the outreach is about to begin. Council Member Diaz stated this has the potential to save lives through the futuristic policing ability to even use the City's traffic cameras in real-time. In response to Council Member Diaz's inquiry, Chief Armendariz confirmed the APD would adhere to privacy rights. He added the cameras will be primarily focused on public access areas while situations are unfolding. He noted it would be impossible to monitor every camera in the City at all times so the camera usage would be incident -driven. In response to Council Member Diaz, Chief Armendariz stated the public's participation in this program will be on a volunteer basis with access authorization granted from the camera owners. He added there will be restrictions, guidelines, and waivers. He noted cameras being just registered benefits the APD by knowing where cameras are in the event they can help a future investigation. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 23 of 29 MOTION: Council Member Diaz moved to waive Council Policy 4.0 and approve a Service Agreement Proposal (agreement) with Fusus, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $800,000, for a video and data collaboration platform to integrate and view public and community video sources for real time incident situational awareness and investigations for a three year term; and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement and 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 D150 17. Report on Establishment of the Anaheim Youth Advisory Council [Informational item]. Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava expressed her excitement for this item and commended Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash. Director Larson -Cash reported the item is an informational item about the establishment of the Anaheim Youth Advisory Council, coming on the heels of the 2017 establishment of the Anaheim Youth Commission. She noted the Commission is appointed by the City Council and thus subject to the Brown Act's attendance requirement of a quorum to conduct a meeting. She reported the Commission had regular attendance issues due to school commitments, outside employment, sports schedules, and other commitments. She reported this issue, among others, has led to the Commission having difficulty completing any significant work. Director Larson -Cash stated the Community Services Department firmly believes in youth service and due to the Commission's ongoing difficulties, has opted to establish the Anaheim Youth Advisory Council featuring 18 members — three from each Council District — appointed by the Community Services Department. She reported members between the ages of 14 and 18 years old and in High School will be selected each February with monthly meetings from February through November. An established eligibility list would be used to select new members as needed. Director Larson -Cash reported the Youth Advisory Council will continue to provide perspective, advocacy, and advisement to the City while participating in and contributing to City programs such as Youth In Government Day. She stated staff aims to cultivate a more resilient and impactful Youth Advisory Council by removing the formal restraints of an official Commission. DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava commended staff for bringing this item before the end of the year on behalf of eager youth. She noted the Youth Council will be less political than the Commission because its members are not being appointed by elected officials and thus subject to the Brown Act. Council Member Kurtz also thanked staff for its work in fixing the problem of the Commission set up and providing kids a comparable chance to be involved. In response to Council Member Leon's inquiry, Director Larson -Cash clarified the Council format will provide the group with more flexibility in what it can do. She noted there was not much of an opportunity for the Commission to complete projects or have lengthy discussions. She added the Youth Council format will allow staff to include the group in many more Community Services programs. Council Member Leon echoed his colleague's comments and appreciated staff's work. City Clerk Bass clarified this is an informational item and the City Council cannot take any action. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 24 of 29 Mayor Aitken and Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava noted the Council took action to establish the Youth Council with the introduction of the Ordinance presented in Item No. 18. Director Larson -Cash stated staff values the Youth Commissioners who tried to participate and will open this opportunity first to them for participation. Informational item; no formal action taken by the City Council. 20. Authorize the City Manager to conduct a job classification study for the Ethics Officer position to be D116 brought back to City Council at a later date for approval of the creation of this position. Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia reported the item is to seek authorization for City staff to conduct a job classification study for the Ethics Officer position, adding the specifications will be presented to the City Council after it has been reviewed by Human Resources. He reported staff thinks the position is a great addition and has discussed potential job functions. Assistant City Manager Garcia stated the position would assist the City Attorney and City Clerk with public records requests, be the City's expert on campaign finance laws and the lobbying ordinance, along with overseeing the fraud hotline and other duties. He reported staff has researched the duties of similar positions in other cities including training, a Citywide ethics program, and proposing improvements to laws and policies related to ethics and conflicts and interests. Assistant City Manager Garcia stated if the position is authorized, the next step will be creating a classification through Human Resources to determine a salary range and other specifications. He reported the position will be housed under the City Attorney's Office. He added the Ethics Officer position was discussed as part of four positions to implement additional changes proposed by the City Council. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to authorize the City Manager to conduct a job classification study for the Ethics Officer position to be brought back to City Council at a later date for approval of the creation of this position, 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. 21. Receive an overview on the implementation of Chapter 6.101 (Hotel Worker Protections) of the D116 Anaheim Municipal Code to provide safety and security measures for hotel workers in Anaheim [Informational Item]. Assistant to the City Manager Brittney Malenofski introduced Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster and stated the item is in response to a request made by Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava during the previous City Council meeting. She reported the City Council adopted the Ordinance on June 271h, establishing consistent safety and security standards to help safeguard hotel, motel, and timeshare workers. She added the ordinance requires hotels and motels to implement security devices, staff available for immediate response, 24-hour monitoring, mandated training outlining employee rights, paid time to report incidents, retaliation clauses, and mandating hotels to inform guests that hotel workers are protected. She noted several hotels have implemented the policy and the City is actively engaged in education and outreach efforts. She added the code becomes effective on January 1, 2024. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 25 of 29 Chief Communications Officer Lyster reported the City has created a website for employers to find all of the information needed to comply with the law and also resources to help implement the law's provisions, anah(_ net/hof,1worker. He noted the City has provided an example sign for guest notification which includes the specific language included in the ordinance. He added the website also includes an extension request form if hotels are unable to meet the requirements by January 11 He reported the City has conducted industry outreach through the Anaheim / Orange County Hotel & Lodging Association, Visit Anaheim, and the California Hotel & Lodging Association, along with many local hotels on an individual basis. He added the City is ready to assist any hotel/motel that Assistant to the City Manager Malenofski reported Code Enforcement will be hand -delivering fact sheets to many of the smaller hotels on Beach Boulevard while an email will be sent to all hotels, motels, and timeshares in Anaheim including the fact sheet and educational workshops. Chief Communications Officer Lyster reported staff has been issuing a series of press releases since September, information is prominently displayed on the City's website, and several social media posts have been made targeted specifically to either employers or employees with the latter posts being bilingual. DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz reported that employee abuse issues are occurring outside of the Resort area in areas like Beach Boulevard. In response to Council Member Diaz's inquiry, Assistant to the City Manager Malenofski reported there are civil remedies built into the Anaheim Municipal Code so employees can file action against their employer if they are not being treated properly. Chief Communications Officer Lyster added education will be critical because civil litigation is the' primary means for employees to address issues. He acknowledged the City has some less -than -reputable operators and added staff intended to make extra efforts to educate workers and employers outside of the Resort area. Council Member Diaz requested more employee outreach noting many may not be aware their employers are treating them unfairly. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Assistant to the City Manager Malenofski noted the employee may seek civil remedies for violations. She confirmed the City can enforce the ordinance if needed. She clarified employees can report the property to the City if they are not following the ordinance. She added there would also be communication with the employer and an educational process if needed to help gain compliance. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava, Assistant to the City Manager Malenofski agreed staff can be proactively enforcing the ordinance. She added the guidelines will be available on the front counter when hotels come to City Hall to pay their monthly Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava thanked staff for a comprehensive outreach to hoteliers today, particularly the hand delivery flyers to Beach Boulevard hotels. Informational item; no formal action taken by the City Council. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 26 of 29 22. Review the list of regional agency appointments and appoint or reappoint representatives to serve on B105 the following regional agencies. Council Member Leon reported he inadvertently discussed some of these appointments with more than a majority of the City Council. He reported he discussed this with the City Attorney and City Attorney Fabela informed him this needs to be stated for the record but will not preclude his participation in this item. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: (RE) APPOINTMENT: Council Member Stephen Faessel (currently held by Council Member Stephen Faessel) In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Faessel confirmed he would like to continue to serve in this capacity. Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Faessel for reappointment. In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, City Clerk Bass confirmed the City Council needs to take a vote. NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Faessel for reappointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. North Net Fire Training Joint Powers Authority: APPOINTMENT: Council Member Jose Diaz (currently held by Council Member Stephen Faessel) ALTERNATE: Council Member Stephen Faessel , (currently held by Council Member Jose Diaz) NOMINATION: Council Member Faessel nominated Council Member Diaz for appointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. NOMINATION: Council Member Diaz nominated Council Member Faessel as the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Orange County -City Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Authority: (RE) APPOINTMENT: Mayor Pro Tern Natalie Rubalcava (currently held by Mayor Pro Tern Natalie Rubalcava) In response to Mayor Aitken, Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava confirmed she would like to continue to serve in this capacity City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 27 of 29 NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Mayor Pro Tern Rubalcava for reappointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Orange County Housing Finance Trust: APPOINTMENT:......,., Council Member Norma Cam)os Kurtz (2-year term ending December 2025) (currently held by Council Member Stephen Faessel) NOMINATION: Council Member Faessel nominated Council Member Kurtz for appointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District: APPOINTMENT: ° Council Member Carlos Leon (2 or 4-year term; Council discretion) (currently held by Lucile Kring) NOMINATION: Council Member Leon nominated himself for a four-year appointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Orange County Sanitation District: (RE) APPOINTMENT: Council Member Stephen Faessel (currently held by Council Member Stephen Faessel) ALTERNATE: Council Member Carlos Leon (currently held by Council Member Natalie Meeks) In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Meeks requested a new alternate because, on the nights when Council Member Faessel cannot attend, she often has a conflict with Orange County Water District meetings. In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Faessel confirmed he would like to continue to serve. In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Faessel confirmed the meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 5:00 p.m. NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Faessel for reappointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. NOMINATION: Council Member Kurtz nominated Council Member Leon as the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 28 of 29 Orange County Water District, District 9: (RE) APPOINTMENT:_ _Council Member Natalie Meeks (currently held by Council Member Natalie Meeks) In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Meeks confirmed she would like to continue to serve in this capacity. NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Meeks for reappointment. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency: (RE) APPOINTMENT: Council Member Natalie Meeks (currently held by Council Member Natalie Meeks) ALTERNATE: Public Works Director Rud_v Emami (currently held by Public Works Director Rudy Emami) In response to Mayor Aitken's inquiry, Council Member Meeks confirmed she would like to continue to serve in this capacity. NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Meeks for reappointment and Public Works Director Rudy Emami for the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nomination approved. Southern California Association of Governments (and Orange County Council of Governments): APPOINTMENT: Council Member Carlos Leon (current term ending May 2025) (currently held by Mayor Ashleigh Aitken) ALTERNATE: Council Member Norma Cameos Kurtz__ (currently held by Council Member Carlos Leon) NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Leon for appointment and Council Member Leon nominated Council Member Kurtz as the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nominations approved. Transportation Corridor Agency, Foothill/Eastern: APPOINTMENT: Council Member Natalie Meeks (currently held by Mayor Ashleigh Aitken) ALTERNATE: Manor Ashleigh Aitken (currently held by Council Member Natalie Meeks) Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Meeks for appointment. City Council Minutes of December 12, 2023 Page 29 of 29 Council Member Meeks reported this Agency meets on Thursday mornings. Council Member Kurtz nominated Mayor Aitken as the alternate. Mayor Aitken disclosed she will be joining the OCTA Board in January in the event there is a potential conflict of interest. NOMINATION: Mayor Aitken nominated Council Member Meeks for appointment and Council Member Kurtz nominated Mayor Aitken for the alternate. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Rubalcava, Diaz, Leon, Kurtz, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Nominations approved. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: City Attorney Fabela reported Closed Session Item Nos. 01 and 05 were withdrawn from the agenda. There were no reportable actions for Item Nos. 02 through 04. PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): None COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING - Council Member Faessel requested to recognize Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Downing for being awarded the Quantum 10 Courageous Leadership Award. He shared that Dr. Downing is the first black male to serve as Superintendent in Orange County. Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava requested an update on Republic Services and the issuance of penalties for resident service disruptions. She requested an update on holding all Boards and Commission meetings in the City Council Chamber or in an area that is more accessible to the public. Council Member Diaz wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Council Member Leon requested to agendize the CalTrans application for the Little Arabia freeway sign. Mayor Aitken thanked Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava for her service and the extra work it entails being Mayor Pro Tem. She stated she looks forward to working with Council Member Kurtz in the new year. Mayor Aitken wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the City Council and without objection, Mayor Aitken adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, h r a Bass, CMC City Jerk Susana Barrios From: Gloria SMaae Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 11:08 PM To: Brenda Ceja <BCeja@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Brookhurst Corridor Study December 12, 2023 PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important 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, Mayor Protem, and Councilmembers, I look forward to hearing your comments on the Brookhurst Corridor Study. When I considered submitting my name for the appointment of District Two's Council seat, the Brookhurst Corridor was my #2 reason why I felt I needed to do so. (The first being revitalizing our neighborhoods in all of West Anaheim.) As most of you know, I have been active in trying to bring attention to the needs of West Anaheim for over 20 years. It brings me great joy to know I achieved bringing this study forward with the support of my council colleagues. I have said that the Brookhurst Corridor has the potential to be another "Destination" such as the resort, Angels stadium, or the future OCVibe. Little Arabia is the jewel at the center of it. Little Arabia is positioned to be a world class destination. In addition, we have a thriving multi -cultural community within and around it. Before we can start polishing that jewel, we need to work on the basic infrastructure. My original request was to focus on studying the entire corridor to find where the infrastructure needed improvement and what zoning recommendations could be made to make the corridor a more cohesive live, work, play, environment. That being said, it is clear the first phase has focused heavily on Little Arabia. The findings from the study speak for themselves, for the most part. would ask that you consider there are some recommendations that are concerning. 1. Reducing the number of lanes to make way for bicyclists or pedestrians on a permanent basis is not logical. Monday through Friday traffic flow during peak time commutes should have priority. One possible solution is signage that eliminates the outer lanes during specific times throughout the weekend. Being a tourist destination means higher foot traffic on the weekends. 2. Guidelines need to be set that clarify what costs are the responsibility of the business and property owner and what is the responsibility of the city. How will the funds be generated to cover the cost of the city's expenditures? The Little Arabia businesses need to establish a BID or develop an outline on how they will fund the improvements that are their responsibility. 3. Events such as a night market or food festival should highlight the cultural diversity of the corridor. For example: "International Taste of Brookhurst". I have heard repeatedly from the Little Arabia community that inclusivity is important. Cortina's, In-n-Out, Honey -baked Ham, Casa Gamino, and Mama Cozza's all reside within Little Arabia. 4. Extending Little Arabia beyond Broadway is notjustified. Beyond Broadway is majority residential. It also includes Linbrook Bowl (65 years at this location). 5. 1 do agree with extending the boundary to the south to include the Altayebat market. It is the oldest Arab business on Brookhurst. The improvements to Brookhurst should be well thought out and planned. Whatever is decided, the residents will live with for decades. Please be extremely thoughtful about your decisions. I respectfully ask that you consider my comments. I met several times with the leaders of Little Arabia. If you would like to hear more about our conversations, please feel free to contact me. With much gratitude, Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae Susana Barrios From: KATHY CHANCE Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2023 10:49 AM To: Public Comment Cc: Council; Berenice Ballinas Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #11 - TUE 12-12-2023: Vote NO! You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Anaheim Mayor and City council: urge you to vote NO on agenda item #11 below. As you are aware, I have spent the past 7+ years out on Anaheim streets trying to correct this homeless situation. I have THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS of videos and still photos to prove this, along with hundreds, if not thousands, of emails from city staff with their lies. Most recently, at this writing, I just completed Day 14 of my 12 Nights of Christmas trying to get homeless off our streets. You have all been copied on my photos, so you have no EXCUSES as to why people are still living in encampments on our streets! CityNet and these other "helpful" organizations are doing nothing more than taking advantage of those in need and us taxpayers, while lining their own pockets with MILLIONS OF OUR DOLLARS! I believe I have already proven that to you COUNTLESS times already! Are you serious... paying them over $330K a MONTH for doing nothing? According to Ms "Sandy," they only work until 9 pm each evening. Well, as you know, the encampments typically don't start setting up until after 9 pm. Paying them over $4 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR and they don't work past 9 PM? You need to get City Manager SCAMderpool to renegotiate this contract! The City of Anaheim, along with CityNet, is on the verge of receiving a class-action lawsuit by the residents of Anaheim. Here again Anaheim is WASTING TAXPAYER MONIES on an organization which provides nothing to the homeless or the taxpayers. I urge all of you to VOTE NO, and re -think /re -negotiate this contract to get this worthless CityNet on the streets on THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT, at the bare minimum! 8 MILLION DOLLARS ....ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!!!! Perhaps you also need to re -think your choice of city manager: SCAMderpool! I personally have done more work, and FAR BETTER WORK, than any of these clowns in the past 7 years! VOTE NO on Item #11. Kathy 11. Approve the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net, in the maximum compensation amount of $8,354,857.11, to provide street outreach and services to individuals experiencing homelessness for a two year term commencing January 1, 2024, ending on December 31, 2025; and authorize the Housing & Community Development Department Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and other documents necessary to implement and administer the program, provided the maximum compensation authority is not increased. Susana Barrios From: Tamara Jimenez<Tjimenez@LIGHTHOUSETREATMENT.COM> Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 11:44 AM To: Ashleigh Aitken; Stephen Faessel; Natalie Rubalcava; Jose Diaz; Carlos A. Leon; Norma C. Kurtz; Natalie Meeks Cc: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item #11-Strong Support (12/12/23) Attachments: City council 12.12.23.pdf You don't often get email from tjimenez@lighthousetreatment.com. Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good morning, Please see the attached letter in support of agenda item #11. Thank you. Have a great day, CADC II, ICADC Community/Government Relations Manager Anaheim Lighthouse CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is protected under the Federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records, 42 C.F.R. Part 2, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA"), 45 C.F.R. Pts. 160 & 164 and cannot be disclosed without written consent unless otherwise provided for in the regulations. The Federal rules prohibit any further disclosure of this information unless a written consent is obtained from the person to whom it pertains. The Federal rules restrict any use of this information to criminally investigate or prosecute any alcohol or drug abuse patient. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ANAHEIM LIGHTHOUSE December 11, 2023 Anaheim City Council 200 S Anaheim Blvd 71h Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 Re: Item #11 Approve the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net, in the maximum compensation amount of $8,354,857.11, to provide street outreach and services to individuals experiencing homelessness for a two year term commencing January 1, 2024, ending on December 31, 2025; and authorize the Housing & Community Development Department Director, or designee, to execute the agreement and other documents necessary to implement and administer the program, provided the maximum compensation authority is not increased. Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I am writing today to express our strong support and agreement with the staff report recommendation to approve the Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net. Anaheim Lighthouse has collaborated not only with the City of Anaheim for years, but also City Net to provide substance use treatment at no cost to the homeless individuals they refer to us. Since CCRT was created, the number of people we have been able to help for the city has increased exponentially. Anaheim Lighthouse is a residential dual -diagnosis drug and alcohol treatment center with detox services. We are licensed and certified by the Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS). I have personally been out many times over the years with City Net and more recently, CCRT to see them at work on the ground. The outreach work they do is amazing and critically needed not only to reduce homelessness, but to reduce the number of overdose deaths that are increasing across the nation. The work they do is vital to the community. They do it with professionalism, compassion, and dedication. If you have not been out with them, I highly recommend you join them to see the comprehensive job they do. It is lined out briefly in the staff report as well as some of the results, but it doesn't compare to seeing it in person. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me at Sincerely, Tamara Jim?nez CADJII, ICADC Credential #A060491021 Community/Government Relations Manager 1320 W Pearl Street • Anaheim, CA 92801 • Phone: (714) 780-1174 • Fax: (714) 844-2068 Susana Barrios From: Ken Lee <ken@kenleeconsulting.com> Sent: Monday, December 11, 2023 4:44 PM To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net>; Public Comment <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Cc: Ashleigh Aitken <AAitken@anaheim.net>; Natalie Rubalcava <NRubalcava@anaheim.net>; Jose Diaz <JoDiaz@anaheim.net>; Carlos A. Leon <CLeon@anaheim.net>; Norma C. Kurtz <NKurtz@anaheim.net>; Stephen Faessel <SFaessel@anaheim.net>; Natalie Meeks <NMeeks@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] 12/12/2023 City Council Meeting Agenda Item No. 11 - CCRT Agreement with City Net You don't often get email from ken@kenleeconsulting.com. Learn why this is important 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- Please find attached a comment letter for Agenda Item No. 11 for tomorrow evening's City Council agenda urging support and approval of the proposed Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net. Thank you for your consideration. Ken Lee I Principal KEN LEE CONSULTING LLC T: 949.529.0915 1 C: ken@kenleeconsulting.com I www.kenleeconsulting.com Via E-mail December 11, 2023 Members of the City Council CITY OF ANAHEIM 200 S Anaheim Boulevard 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 SUBJECT: December 12, 2023 City Council Meeting Agenda Item No. 11 - Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net Dear Honorable Mayor Aitken, Mayor Pro Tem Rubalcava, and Members of the City Council: I am submitting this written public comment to respectfully urge you to approve Agenda Item No. 11 on the December 12, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Agenda. Approval of this item would continue the successful Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net. I first encountered City Net in Anaheim nearly ten years ago when I was part of the leadership team at Sa-Rang Community Church ("SRCC"), located at 1111 N. Brookhurst St., Anaheim, CA 92801. SRCC was looking to connect our congregation's desire to engage homelessness in the city with real solutions that would end homelessness. We began to trust City Net as a leading voice in mobilizing compassion and care in the city, and in channeling efforts from city and county agencies, the business community, volunteers, non-profit organizations, and the faith community into common conversation around ending homelessness in Anaheim. For years I and other members of the SRCC team enthusiastically participated in the Anaheim Homeless Collaborative meetings convened by City Net in partnership with the City, to work together across sectors to coordinate care. Over time, I learned more about City Net and their great work in the city and grew to admire their work so much that I accepted an invitation to join the City Net Board of Directors in 2021. 1 was eager to learn how they had grown as an agency to rapidly institute high -quality programs and services to meet such profound needs across the region. What I have learned as a Board Member has confirmed what I saw from a distance —that City Net is not only filled with professional staff who are compassionate, knowledgeable, and committed to solutions, but that as an agency, City Net operates with the highest level of accountability and professionalism. City Net has achieved a long organizational history of excellence, efficiency, and integrity in administrating complicated homeless services programs like CCRT in Anaheim. To manage the complexity of more than 50 contracts, which together exceed $35 million annually, City Net has a robust system of financial management guided by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). City Net has achieved a Platinum Level Seal of Transparency (the highest rating possible) with GuideStar for the past five years, including 2023. City Net is also a Four - Star ranked nonprofit organization with Charity Navigator (also the highest rank). Page 2 Anaheim 12/12/2023 City Council Meeting — Agenda Item No. 11 Since City Net has received ESG funding in Anaheim, each year since 2016, City Net has completed third -party monitoring visits through the City of Anaheim by the City's contracted monitoring agency, Michael Baker International. These seven monitoring visits (annually from 2016 through 2022) have included thorough reviews of all financial and programmatic systems, policies, and procedures to ensure strict adherence to HUD standards. Michael Baker International has reported no findings on City Net's financial or programmatic systems in any of these seven these monitoring visits. In fact, they have been so impressed with City Net that they have referred other cities they work with to City Net to engage City Net's homeless services. Additionally, since 2020 City Net has undergone annual financial audits for both internal and external accountability, including a mandated audit for receiving over $750K in federal funding. Evidence and reports of City Net's clean audits from 2020, 2021 and 2022 can be produced upon request. City Net operates in the black, has never declared bankruptcy, has no outstanding litigations or claims, and has no impending office closures, mergers, or acquisitions. To conclude, again, I respectfully urge you to vote yes on Item No. 11, to continue City Net's longstanding service to neighbors experiencing homelessness in the City of Anaheim. Sincerely, Ken Lee Board Member Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net Susana Barrios From: Theresa Bass Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 12:43 AM To: Public Comment Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] CityNet Recommendation Letter Attachments: CityNet Recommendation Letter .pdf From: Benjamin Hurst <Benjamin. Hurst@usw.salvationarmy.org> Sent: Thursday, December 7, 2023 4:40 PM To: Grace Stepter <GStepter@anaheim.net>; Sandra Lozeau <SLozeau@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] CityNet Recommendation Letter 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. Hi Friends... please see attached. Thank you. Dr. Ben Hurst Managing Director The Salvation Army Center for Applied Research and Innovation Project Lead, The Center of Hope www.carioc.com The Salvation Army California South Division Orange County 10200 Pioneer Road, Tustin, CA 92782 0: 714-210-6037 C: - F: 714-832-2361 www.salvationarmVoc.org Facebook I Twitter . Orange County Serving Orange County Since 1887 December 7, 2023 Grace Ruiz-Stepter Director, Housing and Community Development Department The City of Anaheim (714)765-4315 Dear Grace, I am writing to personally commend the efforts and tremendous community -wide impact of CityNet's work in Anaheim. I have had the great opportunity to get to know the leadership team at CityNet well. Their professionalism, missional commitment, creativity, and resilience have impressed me on many occasions. CityNet has been and continues to be an important partner with The Salvation Army and the Center of Hope in Anaheim. They are a key component of the City's comprehensive system of care for the unhoused. I also regard them to be some of the foremost experts in the homeless street outreach space today. Thank you for the continued great opportunity to serve the City of Anaheim. Sincerely, Dr. Ben Hurst Director, The Center of Hope Anaheim, CA 10200 Pioneer Road • Tustin, CA • 92782 • Office (714) 832-7100 • Fax (714) 832-2361 • www.orangecounty.solvationarmy.org WILLIAM BOOTH PRIP- N PFDDL� DOUG RILEY JOHN CHAMNESS NIFSAN & CHERYL KISTAN Founder Intoinational Gor ral Territorial Commander Divisional Commander P;,, o; :_il _;etary Orange County Susana Barrios From: Love Anaheim Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 6:44 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment for Anaheim City Council Meeting of 12/12/23, in Support of Item Number 11 You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor and Honorable City Council Members: I am Nathan Zug, the Executive Director of JMh — Anaheim / Love Anaheim. I am in support of Item 11 on the December 12, 2023 City Council Meeting Agenda. This item would continue the successful Community Care Response Team (CCRT) Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program Subrecipient Agreement with Kingdom Causes, Inc., dba City Net. I met the City Net leadership in 2013, and for the past ten years, I have partnered with them closely to address homelessness in Anaheim. City Net has grown to become a valuable partner in the city's efforts to address homelessness. Their work in engaging homeless neighbors where they are living unsheltered is a critical component to the overall system of care which is working so well in the city. JMh / Love Anaheim has partnered with City Net on multiple projects and programs including the "Better Way Anaheim" Program launched in 2017, which is still going strong. In 2021 during the Pandemic JMh / Love Anaheim partnered formally with City Net at one of the emergency quarantine facilities the city established in a resort district hotel, to house our most vulnerable homeless neighbors. These partnership opportunities have given me an insider's look at City Net as an overall organization, and I believe them to be committed to solutions, collaborative, compassionate, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. I believe City Net operates with integrity and holds themselves to the highest standards - I support them both personally and professionally. I respectfully support item 11 to continue the City Net CCRT program. Sincerely, Nathan Zug JMh — Anaheim / Love Anaheim Executive Director " —together we will change the culture of Anaheim by spreading goodness, meeting needs and demonstrating kindness." Nathan Zug JMh - Anaheim Executive Director Love Anaheim Leadership Team Susana Barrios From: Sent: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:40 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Submitted for Public Comment: Please Support Ceasefire You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Members of the City Council: I am an Anaheim resident, but wish to remain anonymous due to fear of the current political climate. I ask that you respect this request as my intent is foremost centered in compassion. Please address the concerns of citizens by proposing a resolution for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. This conflict has led to a surge in hate crimes against both the Jewish and Muslim communities in Orange County. It is crucial to protect these communities, as hate crimes have increased by 7% overall in 2022, with over half targeting Jews. Furthermore, there has been a 216% increase in Islamophobia and a 400% increase in Antisemitism reported since October. It is a tragedy that 1,200 Israelis and foreigners were attacked and killed, with over 230 taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th. Additionally, over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 10,000 children, due to IDF bombardment, resulting in 1.7 million displaced persons within Gaza. Reports suggest that Israel Defense Forces are using Al to target individuals and calculate if civilian casualties from a missle strike are acceptable, removing a human aspect of decisions made in war. The collapse of the health structure in Gaza is causing disease to become a leading cause of death, according to the WHO. By prolonging this war and neglecting basic infrastructure needed to support life in Gaza and the West Bank (i.e., shelter, clean water, food, medical care, etc.), Isreal and we, the United States as an ally of Isreal, risk fueling future extremism and terrorism. It is essential to acknowledge that American Jews and Muslims have led protests for human rights and peace, and it is necessary to differentiate between religion and politics or government actions. It is crucial to recognize that this conflict is between two military entities, with the majority of casualties being civilians and children. Our Jewish and Muslim communities are being impacted by this violence. I strongly urge you to support an immediate and indefinite ceasefire by passing a resolution or making an official statement. Thank you for your consideration. Yours truly, An Anaheim Resident Susana Barrios From: Bob Olea Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 6:01 PM To: Audrey Lujan; Julie Conn; Stephen Faessel; Norma C. Kurtz; Jim Vanderpool; Daniel Hernandez; Natalie Meeks; Jose Diaz; Carlos A. Leon; Natalie Rubalcava; April Ray Cc: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] appears similar to someone who previously sent you email, but may not be that person. Learn why this could be a risk at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderidentification ] 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 everyone, it's time to go to eliminate overdue fees at the library. A lot of the libraries in the area have no overdue fees and it's time for Anaheim to have permanent no overdue fees. God bless you both. Sent from my iPhone Susana Barrios From: Sent: To: Subject: You don't often get email from Nancy Mendez Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9:49 PM Public Comment [EXTERNAL] Public Comment Learn whV this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear City Council Members, I submitted this letter to you all on Thursday of last week and did not see it addressed at your meeting this past Tuesday. I also do not see it on the archive of this past meeting on the city website. Please let me know why and what I should do to get your attention on this matter. Thank you, Nancy ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Nancy Mendez To: publiccomment@anaheim.net <publiccomment@anaheim.net> Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 09:51:16 PM PST Subject: Anaheim City Council (Nancy Mendez) Dear City Council Members, I am a U.S. citizen and have been a resident of Anaheim almost all of my life. I love my city. I believe it is time for our city to stand up for humanity and pass a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Our resolution should demand the release of all hostages (Palestinian and Israeli), it should call for unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. It should demand the restoration of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies to Gaza. Our resolution should demand for the respect of international law, and it should call for a resolution that protects the security of all innocent civilians in Gaza. The veil has been lifted and like me the majority of the world will never be the same after witnessing mass murder, crimes against humanity, and international laws and Geneva Convention accords being violated by the Government of Israel. As stated by the United Nations Secretary -General Antonio Guterres, the attacks by Hamas on October 7th did not happen in a vacuum. Palestinians have been living under oppression for 75 years. Their homes literally stolen at gunpoint by settlers that were not even born in Palestine. If you don't know the history, please do your research and learn factual historical events. It's come to light that the Israeli Government never wanted to live in peace with Palestinians because their intentions were always to seize all of Palestine to call it Israel. Please do not fall into the false narrative that Palestinians want to destroy all jews. That is a false pretext put in place to justify the killing and land theft of Palestinians. I hope and will be demanding that our city do the right thing. The moral thing. Stand up for humanity. Enough is enough. No more killing babies, kids, children, women and men who are all innocent and are civilians. Thank you for reading my message. I do expect it to be present at the next City Council Meeting I look forward to your response. Best, Nancy Mendez Susana Barrios From: jodiemosley Sent: Friday, December 8, 2023 8:46 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] District 1 You don't often get email from Learn why this is important 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. Consistently every week, not one item regarding the improvement of district 1. Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device Susana Barrios From: Michael Wauschek Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 7:50 AM To: City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Today meeting at 5pm You don't often get email from Learn why this is important 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. Goodmorning my name is Michael Wauschek I am a concern citizen we need to protect each especially in these times. There is so much hate especially to our fellow Arabic community. They been increasing racial attacks on for no good reason all because they look middle eastern. That the mainstream media, iseral have so much self hate that they are willing to whatever it take to crush Palestine. They willing to play the lowest of balls. They claim that all Arabic but especially fellow Palestines brother & sisters that they support hamas. Which is false because not all support them. For the ones I have entered their homes. I felt so welcome. They always that your comfortable as feed such delicious food. see someone being attack or even been harassing someone I am standing up. Happy holidays. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android