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AHA - 2024/05/21ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 21, 2024 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of May 21, 2024 was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. in joint session with the Successor Agency to the Anaheim Redevelopment Agency, Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, and Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on May 16, 2024, with a revised agenda subsequently posted on May 17, 2024. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Norma Campos Kurtz, Jose Diaz, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Stephen Faessel, and Natalie Meeks STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and Secretary Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: No additions/deletions related to the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS all agenda items, except public hearing): No in -person or electronic public comments were received related to the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz stated that at the Council meeting of May 7, there was a public comment regarding a meeting on April 13 with Disney consultant Joe Haupt that she did not add to her public calendar. She clarified that she attended a Disneyland Forward community meeting at Walnut Village and Mr. Haupt was in attendance, but she did not have a scheduled meeting with him. She highlighted the Ice Cream with a Cop event that she attended at Tocumbo Ice Cream and shared a photograph of the event. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz thanked the Anaheim Police Department and volunteers who took the time to provide information to residents in attendance. She noted that Anaheim Police Department volunteers spend hundreds of hours visiting residents who are homebound, provide house checks for individuals on vacation, and provide information to residents regarding how to contact the Police Department or other City departments. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Kurtz thanked all the children and parents who participated in the event. Authority Member/Council Member Diaz shared that his office will be hosting a Beach Boulevard Business Assistance Community meeting on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the West Anaheim Youth Center. On Wednesday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m. the District 1 and District 2 Offices will be hosting a District Community Meeting at the Brookhurst Community Center. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel requested adjourning the City Council meeting in memory of three individuals. He shared that "Speed" Castillo was an Anaheim High School District administrator, teacher, coach, and counselor. He was the Orange County liaison of Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 2 of 7 officials for the CIF Southern Section. Speed Castillo will be fondly remembered by many Anaheim High School graduates. Jon Urbanchek was a longtime swimming coach at Anaheim High School, and then went on to become an Olympic swim coach. He was 87. Lastly, Marie Santangelo, a 50-year resident of District 5, was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who recently passed away. Her husband Ray, daughter Stephanie, and grandson Luke will miss her. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended including the Mexico en el Corazon event at Pearson Park. He shared that Mexico's finest musical groups performed at the event at no cost to residents. He attended the Gun Buyback event at the Brookhurst Community Center. His wife Susan attended the Disney VoluntEARS book giveaway at Sunkist Elementary School. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel shared that he joined Congressman Lou Correa and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia at South Junior High School to celebrate all the community and parent volunteers. Authority Member/Council Member Faessel attended the Community Development Block Grant 5011 Anniversary event at the Downtown Community Center. He thanked Executive Director/Housing and Community Development Director Grace Ruiz-Stepter and Deputy Director Sandra Lozeau for organizing the event. He also thanked all the non-profit organizations who were in attendance and do remarkable work in the community. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked everyone who participated in the public comment process. She highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended in District 3 including the Children's Festival at Pearson Park hosted by Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center. There were a lot of groups who participated including Vibrant Minds, Green Bird, Anaheim Beautiful Teen Ambassadors, members of the Halloween Parade team, and the SWAT team. Her office hosted and funded a Teacher Appreciation Lunch at Anaheim High School. Lunch was served to over 300 teachers by El Pollo Fino. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked community leader Sofia Romero for hosting a community walk at Bush Street and Rose Street. She thanked Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee and Anaheim's Community Police Team including Sergeant Lopez and Officer Avila, for attending the event. Some of the issues discussed were graffiti, gang activity, and infrastructure challenges that will be fixed. She stated that a playground was built at Little People's Park, and she was grateful to work alongside so many people who truly love the City including City staff, Parks Commissioners and District 3 Representative Carlotta Rhea Clark, Authority Member/Council Member Meeks, Police Chief Armendariz, Community Police Team, and hundreds of volunteers who came together to create a safe space for kids to play, socialize and thrive. The playground features a zipline, two slides, swings, a climbing wall, see -saw, drums and chimes, and an educational panel where kids can learn sign language. Little People's Park was the site where the Chicano riots of 1978 occurred between the Anaheim Police Department and Mexican American residents. This conflict helped improve ties between the police and the neighborhood's Mexican American community. Since then, the City has come a long way and continues to celebrate Chicano history and value the relationship with law enforcement. She mentioned that last year the Anaheim City Council adopted August as Chicano Heritage Month. She noted that the Little People's Park playground sits alongside two iconic art murals including the 300-foot Chicano mural created in 2023 along the park's south edge and Emilio Vasquez's historic Chicano mural across the street at Sohan American Market. The playground is located at 220 West Elm Street and will officially open May 17. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked Director of Community Services Sjany Larson -Cash and her team, CarMax Foundation, KABOOM!, and Anaheim Family YMCA because they were instrumental in ensuring that the playground was built in two days. She stated she would like to pause and honor a great life that was recently lost. Mr. Espiridion Castillo was best known by his nickname "Speed." He earned the name in high school when he ran the 400-yard dash in 50 seconds and 800 yards in two minutes and 10 seconds. Speed was born in New Mexico and grew up in Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 3 of 7 Arizona, but he was a big part of Anaheim. Speed was best known as a longtime referee for Anaheim High School sports and as a security officer at Disneyland. He also served as a Personnel Commissioner with the Anaheim Union High School District. Speed was often there to help students who couldn't afford graduation expenses or with other help. He was recently inducted into the Anaheim High School Hall of Fame. He was a proud Air Force veteran who also served in the Korean War and with the Strategic Air Command. She requested adjourning the City Council meeting in memory of Speed Castillo. Authority Member/Council Member Leon shared that throughout the month of May, he has been recognizing graduating seniors across District 2 from Magnolia High School, Loara High School, Savanna High School, as well as the Brookhurst Project S.A.Y Program. He congratulated the 2024 graduating class for their exceptional dedication, hard work and perseverance throughout their academic journey. For District 2 residents living near Nutwood, he shared that he is continuing to meet with various stakeholders and trying to find a long-term solution for securing that area, especially by the railroad tracks between Crescent Avenue and Katella Avenue. He attended the Anaheim Car Club's Second Annual Car Show and presented the club with a certificate of recognition in honor of their events and hard work. He thanked the Anaheim Car Club for making the event possible and for bringing Chicano pride to the City of Anaheim. He also attended the Children's Art Festival at Pearson Park. He thanked the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center as well as the City's Community Services team for organizing the event. He also thanked all the organizers, volunteers, performers, and attendees. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated Bowl and Plate Eatery, the May Restaurant of the Month. They are located off Magnolia Avenue and Ball Road. Every dish tells a story of a 10-year friendship and love for Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. This is a great spot to indulge in a celebration of multicultural Asian food that will tantalize taste buds and leave individuals craving for more. He invited everyone to visit Bowl and Plate Eatery. He stated that he joins his colleagues in remembering Speed Castillo. He sent his thoughts and prayers to his daughter, family, and all who knew him. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken thanked Attorney General Rob Bonta and Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Vicente Sarmiento for hosting the Gun Buyback Program in the City of Anaheim. She noted that 337 firearms were voluntarily turned in by community members in exchange for gift cards. Firearms turned in included assault rifles, handguns, and homemade 3D-printed weapons. She thanked the Anaheim Police Department for leading the event with the help of other local Police Departments. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken stated that seeing so many community members turn in firearms to make their communities safer was a great way to start Mother's Day. She joined Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Kurtz and Authority Member/Council Member Leon in welcoming Mobility 21 at a reception honoring members of the California Transportation Commission, which was hosted at ARTIC. The group is dedicated to finding transportation solutions in Southern California and as the Mayor of Anaheim, member of SCAG, and OCTA Board Member, it was nice to welcome the California Transportation Commission to Anaheim. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool noted that the Anaheim Public Library will be launching this year's Summer Reading Program for all ages, "The Adventure Begins at Your Library," from May 28, 2024 to August 4, 2024. He invited everyone to join the fun. He shared that the Anaheim Public Library Communications Team beat out over 334 entries from across the country to receive the ALA PR Xchange Award in the External Communications category for their monthly Anaheim Public Library e-Newsletter. He shared that Anaheim Public Utilities is hosting their annual OC Green Expo on June 8, 2024 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. along Center Street Promenade. Residents are invited to learn how to be more Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 4 of 7 sustainable by reducing energy and water use, planting a shade tree, test driving a zero -emission vehicle, and recycling a -waste and organics. Join city departments, non -profits, and eco-friendly organizations at this free event. Please visit anaheim.net/:._:reenex _o to register. At 7:03 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim Housing Authority to address the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency, Public Financing Authority, and Housing and Public Improvements Authority agendas and reconvened at 7:15 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:15 p.m., Vice -Chairperson Kurtz moved to approve the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Authority Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Kurtz, Diaz, Leon, Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. R100 9. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2024-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2024 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2024-001 [rescheduling the meeting of August 6 to August 13, 2024; and the meeting of July 2 to July 23, 2024). 5:00 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING: At 7:16 p.m., Authority Member Diaz recused himself from participating in the public hearing (Agenda Item No. 10) due to a conflict of real property interest as his residence is within 500 feet from the subject property and left the dais. P121 10. Public hearing to consider a resolution of public interest, convenience and necessity for the acquisition of property located at 831 S. Beach Boulevard (APN 079-164-13). RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2024-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY finding and determining that the public interest, convenience and necessity require the acquisition of certain real property located at 831 S. Beach Boulevard for public purposes (APN 079-164-13). Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter stated this item is to request consideration of a resolution of necessity for property acquisition for a site located at 831 South Beach Boulevard and is privately owned by Dhanuba Hospitality, Inc. She added'the property is located within the Beach Boulevard Specific plan and is designated as Residential Medium. She reported the location has recently become blighted and declined over the decades and has become a magnet for criminal activity, including human trafficking, prostitution, illegal gambling, drug use and distribution, thefts, and other violent criminal activities. The City proactively has worked with the community and property owners to establish a new vision for Beach Boulevard, resulting in the adoption of the Beach Boulevard Specific Plan in 2019, with goals and objectives including the need to reduce the oversupply of motel rooms by approximately 50% and to increase the availability of housing to meet regional housing needs, while also supporting the addition of commercial and businesses uses along that corridor. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter noted in 2021, there was a renewed effort to address day to day public safety and quality of life issues, while promoting the long term redevelopment of the area, Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 5 of 7 that was launched through an effort called Rebuild Beach. Staff has worked on a multitude of enforcement efforts, long term redevelopment, branding and more. Rebuild Beach is an interdepartmental effort comprised of staff from Planning and Building, Code Enforcement, City Administration, the City Attorney's Office, Public Works, the Housing Authority, and the Economic Development Department, to contribute to the removal of blight and improve the impact of quality of life for the residents along that corridor. The Anaheim Housing Authority negotiated the purchase of the Covered Wagon and the Anaheim Lodge in 2022. The subject property in question is between the two properties and is known as the Rainbow Inn. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter continued by noting Authority staff recommends the Authority begin eminent domain procedures for the acquisition of the Rainbow Inn property to combine it with the Authority's adjacent properties to provide for a viable housing development site. The proposed future development would consist of mixed income development on approximately 2.22 acres, with up to 135 housing units, of which 120 would be affordable rentals, and 15, or potentially more, would be townhomes for sale. In order to condemn the property, the Authority must first make an offer to purchase the property, which must be transmitted in writing and based upon an appraisal. On December 5, 2023, the Authority tendered a statutory offer of purchase to the owners, as required by law, based on an approved appraisal. She continued efforts ensued following the transmittal of the offer to negotiate a voluntary purchase and sale of the property with the owner's representative. Unfortunately, to date, the offer has not been accepted. She noted at the time of the meetings, conversations are now on a positive course, to the point where there is an agreement with the owner. To ensure there is no loss of momentum on the issue and that the necessary documents are in place to move forward with the purchase, Authority action on the resolution is requested. She reported after conducting a public hearing, if the Authority finds that the public necessity is so required, the Authority should adopt the resolution of necessity authorizing condemnation proceedings for the purposes of acquiring the subject property. She emphasized the Authority must find that the public interest and necessity require the acquisition of the proposed project, that the project as planned is located in the manner that is most compatible with the greatest public good and the least public injury, and that the property is necessary for the proposed project. The Authority made the offer to purchase as required by Section 7267 of the California Government Code and Section 1245.235 of the Code of Civil Procedure and the Authority has complied with related CEQA requirements. She noted questions relating to value are not relevant to the proceedings, however, that does not mean that negotiations for the acquisition of the property interests are at an end if the Authority adopts the resolution of necessity. Following the public hearing, negotiations for the acquisition of the property interests will continue. She concluded that action requires an affirmative two-thirds majority vote of the Authority membership in order to proceed. City Attorney Fabela noted that the two-thirds requirement is pursuant to State law and clarified the vote is two-thirds of the entire body regardless of the recusal by Authority Member Diaz. DISCUSSION: Authority Member Rubalcava expressed concerns about eminent domain and requested staff elaborate on some of the reasons the owners do not want to sell the property to the City or if they have not been responsive to the City. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter responded that several discussions with the property owner seem to have focused on the price and terms for purchase, as they have changed over time, even though staff had believed there was an imminent deal. She added staff is confident in their diligence to achieve a deal without having to move forward with eminent domain proceedings. She explained staff determined that the proposed action before the Authority is necessary to move the project forward. Staff is hopeful the project will move forward as a voluntary sale. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 6 of 7 In response to Authority Member Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela stated if the resolution of necessity is approved, that during continued negotiations with the property owner, staff would have the authority to file a complaint in eminent domain, and deposit an amount of probable compensation with the Court, which would give the City the ability to seek, if it wishes, within 60 or 90 days, possession prior to the amount of compensation being determined. He noted there would be some area of expert discovery, and in exchange for appraisal information, some limited number of depositions, and then a court trial, if there is no resolution before that. He concluded there will be opportunities along the way, to statutorily impose opportunities for the parties to exchange final offers and demands for the Council's consideration. Authority Member Rubalcava inquired as to when the City last acquired property using eminent domain proceedings. City Attorney Fabela clarified there was a case involving an overpass in the Resort District that was long pending. He noted it was settled within about six months after his arrival six years ago Authority Member Rubalcava stated if this item was approved, the last resort would be eminent domain, but staff would continue to negotiate with the current owner to see if the parties might be able to come to terms with the price. She stated her discomfort with eminent domain as a solution for acquiring a property. In response to Authority Member Rubalcava's concerns, Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter stated there are fact patterns in terms of why the particular property, along with the other conditions on the adjacent area of Beach Boulevard have become sources of significant calls for service and other nefarious activity. In addition to needing the property for the advancement of affordable housing, there was a significant revitalization attempt and an attempt to address some significant police issues that were happening along that quarter. She stated that the conditions at that point in time and the conditions of the property make the site a viable option to advance affordable housing efforts. Authority Member Rubalcava affirmed the current owner was not properly maintaining the property, which created a public safety concern. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter reported the issues are a result of long-standing issues. She noted the subject property sits right in the middle of two pieces acquired, and it is needed to advance efforts to develop a 2.2-acre site into what will be a blended product, a combination of affordable housing and homeownership product, well -managed and well -maintained that will enhance the value of property in that community, as opposed to the asset that is currently there. Authority Member Rubalcava highlighted Authority Member Diaz's efforts to enhance the community within his district. She thanked staff for providing the reasoning for pursuing eminent domain and attributed it as the last resort. At 7:32 p.m., Chairperson Aitken opened the public hearing. Mark Richard Daniels provided his recollection of the West Anaheim area and requested whether State or Federal funding could be acquired to assist with this process. He supported the revitalization of Beach Boulevard and the previous related work conducted by former Council Member Denise Barnes. He requested additional meetings for the Rebuild Beach efforts Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 21, 2024 Page 7 of 7 to discuss further improvements. He expressed his continued concerns related to homelessness in the subject area. He supported the acquisition of the property to address the housing crisis. Marc Herbert requested the City promote better efforts on improving public engagement and public hearings, especially as related to the upcoming Housing Element process and to learn from the Disneyland Forward process. He requested a public apology from the City Council to a recent public speaker from the April 16th meeting. He referenced a video that was displayed during the May 7th City Council meeting. He requested the City Council adopt time restrictions on Council Communications. He expressed concerns regarding the lack of consistency in publicizing the Wi-Fi password during public meetings. No electronic public comments were received related to the public hearing. At 7:41 p.m., Chairperson Aitken closed the public hearing. Vice -Chairperson Kurtz thanked staff for acknowledging eminent domain as their last resort and affirmed their actions to continue negotiations with the property owner. She offered her support of staff's recommendation and looks forward to bringing additional housing to the Beach Boulevard location. In response to Vice -Chairperson Kurtz, Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter responded the subject property is currently being utilized as a motel. Authority Member Meeks noted eminent domain proceedings are not taken lightly by the City and Governing Board and expressed appreciation that it is a last resort. She noted the property owner has had an opportunity to improve the property, to bring it to a state where it is not a drain on police resources. She noted that acquisition is necessary since properties adjacent have been acquired. She emphasized it is important to move forward on the resolution of necessity which will help facilitate the process of a fairly negotiated settlement or a court - ordered settlement that will be fair to all parties. MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2024-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY finding and determining that the public interest, convenience and necessity require the acquisition of certain real property located at 831 S. Beach Boulevard for public purposes (APN 079-164-13), seconded by Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Kurtz, Leon Rubalcava, Faessel, and Meeks); NOES — 0; ABSTAIN (recusal) — 1 (Council Member Diaz). Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 7:45 p.m. ctf�lly submitted, *hre Bass, CMC Sep retary, Anaheim Housing Authority