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AHA - 2025/04/08ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 8, 2025 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of April 8, 2025 was called to order at 5:12 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on April 3, 2025. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs. 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): No in -person or electronic public comments were received related to the Housing Authority agenda. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz highlighted the resolution approved at the last Council meeting regarding the City providing supplemental wage and benefits to city employees called to involuntary active -duty military service with the United States Armed Forces. She stated she is proud of the City of Anaheim's commitment to military reservists, and she thanked staff for their initiative. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz shared photographs of the Olive Elementary School Resource Fair she attended. She thanked all the nonprofits, City departments, students, and residents who attended the event. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked Public Works and Public Utilities for participating in the event and for being good neighbors as both departments have City service yards in the neighborhood. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz expressed pride in the City of Anaheim employees who participated in the Big Give Day of Service highlighting the positive impact on residents. She thanked the Anaheim Police Department's non -sworn personnel who provided haircuts and manicures for residents at Tyrol Plaza Senior Apartments. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended, including the grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the Hyundai Dealership on March 27. She thanked Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez, Senior Project Manager Darrell Chin and the Economic Development team for addressing problems along the way. On March 27, she also attended the Anaheim Police Department's promotional ceremony. She congratulated Police Investigation Technician Ashley Nelson, Senior Secretary Melissa Schindler, and Records Specialist Jolyn Vaicaro. On March 28 she attended the VFW Award Ceremony celebrating Anaheim Firefighter of the Year, Francisco Mora and Police Officer of the Year, Matthew Stachowiak. Elliott Yi wrote an essay called the Voice of Democracy and Bill Le wrote and essay called My Voice in America's Democracy. Teacher of the Year, Lori Ruger and Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 2025 Page 2 of 6 Eagle Scout Robert McPhie were also celebrated. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs thanked City employees for volunteering their time during the Big Give event since everyone's time is their most precious resource. She also thanked Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (AMEA) and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for providing the food and refreshments for everyone who volunteered at the event. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs also attended The Big Compost Giveaway event at Angel Stadium on March 29. The event was started in 2015 in collaboration with Republic Services and it was great to see City employees out there for a good cause. She stated that as of April 3rd, there is a new crossing guard at South Junior High School. She thanked Assistant to the City Manager Brittney Malenofski, Public Works, and Police Traffic Office Administrator Suzanne Heath for their efforts. On April 5m she hosted Coffee with Council Member Maahs at Pioneer Park. She thanked the engaged residents who shared their concerns and ideas, and she stated that she looks forward to working with them over the next few years. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs attended STEAM-A-Palooza at Katella High School. She recognized Alexander and Dylan Terrones, two brothers who tied for first place in the solar car competition. She thanked Anaheim Public Utilities for attending the event. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs announced that there will be an Easter Eggstravaganza at Maxwell Park on April 12cn Authority Member/Council Member Balius thanked the Fire Department for containing a fire within 20 minutes at a senior living facility. They rescued three residents through their balconies and brought them down to safety. He also thanked the Police Department for their role in evacuating the facility. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Meeks stated that Chairperson/Mayor Aitken sent a letter to Arte Moreno and Angels Baseball, expressing her desire to keep Angels Baseball in Anaheim, a goal shared by herself and the majority of Anaheim residents. However, the letter also outlined very specific deal points for future negotiations regarding the stadium and the team. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks stated she was disappointed that the letter was sent without the input or concurrence of her Council colleagues. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Meeks stated that the go it alone approach did not prove successful, as evidenced by the previous failed stadium deal. She stated that the City Council today is very different than the previous Council. Time after time, the current Council has proven to be very collaborative, working as a team for the betterment and the success of Anaheim. Although often sharing different points of view, everyone has respectfully disagreed and moved forward in service to Anaheim. She stated that this Council has collaborated and approved big projects together including OCVIBE which is rapidly coming out of the ground, the fruits of Disneyland Forward which will generate some exciting announcements in the very near future, and a new agreement with the Angels could be the next big project, but it must be done with thoughtful collaboration. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Meeks stated that so many are quick to be critical of this current state of affairs surrounding Angel Stadium including Sacramento, media, even former Council Members, and others but they are forgetting where Anaheim was and what this Council has addressed. The last several years, Council settled the lawsuit breaking ground on a new fire station, the state audit was completed, one stadium condition assessment was completed, and Council is directing a second comprehensive stadium assessment. All these issues were inherited by the current Council, but they are moving forward through collaboration with solutions and together they can do hard things. She stated that moving forward, the negotiation process is very important to her, and she looks forward to working with her Council colleagues, the City Manager and his team, and the Angels to develop a framework and advance negotiations. She stated that some work like completing the stadium assessment must be completed prior to that. Mayor Pro Tem Meeks stated that more importantly, Council must have dialogue and engage Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 2025 Page 3 of 6 the public to determine the City's goals and priorities regarding any future agreement. This includes dialogue with the community, staff, the State, and Council regarding the Surplus Land Act. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Meeks stated she wanted to make it clear where she stands on this. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken stated that the City's charter makes her the spokesperson for the City, and she worked with both the City Attorney's Office and the City Manager's Office, as well as the City's Public Information Officer to let them know what she was doing. She stated she is very hesitant to ever speak on behalf of her Council colleagues. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken shared that in her statements she is very specific to use the word "I" when it is her opinion, as opposed to "we", when it is a vote or an action by the City Council. Mayor Aitken stated that given the parameters of the Brown Act, she is not allowed to talk to her Council colleagues about her personal opinions, but she is certainly allowed to voice her opinion on what she thinks is one of the biggest issues that Council is going to be confronting in the next couple of years. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken stated that if there is any concern by her Council colleagues, or if there is any concern by the public about her opinions, she is forthright about them, and she is happy to speak with anyone about her personal opinions at any point. Authority Member/Council Member Leon highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended, including the VFW Award Ceremony honoring individuals who go above and beyond to keep the community safe and strong. He congratulated all the awardees, including Teacher of the Year Lori Ruger, Police Officer of the Year Matthew Stachowiak, and Firefighter of the Year Francisco Mora. Authority Member/Council Member Leon thanked all the students, educators, families, and community partners who helped make this year's STEAM-A-Palooza event a success. The event filled the Magnolia High School campus with a lot of energy and innovation. He stated that it was great to be able to go back to his alma mater and see the campus being used in such an open and welcoming way for everyone. He congratulated everyone who helped make the event possible. Authority Member/Council Member Leon recognized the cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy's Class 35 Color Guard who recently presented the colors at a Ducks hockey game. The young leaders represented their academy and the community with pride and professionalism. He stated that the work that Sunburst Youth Academy does for students across the region is truly inspiring, and this moment was a great reminder of their impact. Authority Member/Council Member Leon thanked City employees who participated in projects across the City for the Big Give event, including great work that was done in District 2's ABC neighborhood. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated Little Arabia Restaurant, the March Restaurant of the Month. The Little Arabia Restaurant serves rich and authentic flavors of Lebanon in the heart of Little Arabia on Brookhurst Street. They serve juicy chicken kebabs, fresh salads, and offer a welcoming space where culture and cuisine come together. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated Gamboa Berry Farms, the March Business of the Month. Gamboa Berry Farms is located off Euclid Street just south of Cerritos Avenue. Manuel Gamboa continues his father's legacy, growing some of the sweetest strawberries in Anaheim. Authority Member/Council Member Leon shared that he is not a big fan of strawberries, but the strawberries at Gamboa Berry Farms are good. He stated that as the City has grown and changed, Gamboa Berry Farms remains a connection to Anaheim's agricultural roots and a symbol of tradition, resilience and local pride. Authority Member/Council Member Leon invited everyone to the 3rd Annual Children's Day Fun Fair on Sunday, April 13, at Barton Park from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be games, prizes, arts and crafts, and plenty of family friendly fun. He stated that it will be a great way to spend the day outdoors with neighbors and to celebrate the community's youngest members. Authority Member/Council Member Leon shared that his office will be hosting Knafeh with Carlos on April 29 at Knafeh Cafe in Little Arabia. He shared that Knafeh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded pastry dough, Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 2025 Page 4 of 6 sweet cheese syrup, and topped with pistachios. Fire Chief Russell and Police Chief Armendariz will be attending as well. He invited all District 2 residents and business owners to stop by for a sweet treat, a conversation, to provide feedback, and to ask questions. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended. She congratulated the Anaheim Police Department teams who participated in the Baker to Vegas race for their outstanding performance and making Anaheim proud once again. Out of 258 teams, the Anaheim Elite placed 5th overall, maintaining the title of fastest team in Orange County, and the Anaheim SLUGS placed 58th overall. She explained that the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay is 120 miles, 20 stage foot relay race for law enforcement teams, starting in Baker, California and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava congratulated Officer Castro in attendance at the Council meeting for representing not only the females at the Anaheim Police Department, but also the department. She requested to recognize participants at a future Council meeting. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted the Big Give. She stated that her husband is an Anaheim employee, her dad was a City employee for 40 years, and it was an honor to work alongside many City employees in recognition of Cesar Chavez Day. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava participated in a cleanup at Higher Ground, and she assisted with power washing a sidewalk. She worked alongside Anaheim Fire & Rescue, Public Utilities, and adorable kids that were there with their parents. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava stated that women initiatives and making sure that women are represented in Anaheim as employees or in positions that are high ranking in the City is important to her. She stated that this is her third year hosting a Women in Leadership Summit, and she noted that it was a sold -out event bringing together many elected females from across the county. She thanked the Anaheim Police Association and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs for sponsoring the event. Both the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's Department had an all -female color guard there. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava noted that the objective of the event is to ensure that women continue to reach across the aisle on strategic initiatives that strengthen communities and create opportunities for future collaboration. She noted that Mayor Aitken was one of the speakers the first year. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted a local entrepreneur, Little Chef, a baked goods business of a wrestler who wrestles with her daughters. She noted that Little Chef participates in the Fullerton Farmers Market, and she asked everyone to purchase their baked goods from Little Chef. Little Chef recently provided, at no charge, all baked goods for a wrestling banquet. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted Emerald Pointe, a new housing development in Anaheim. She stated that District 3 is one of the most diverse districts in the City with a Historic District, very low income and working-class areas, and newer development that is arising in commercial areas. Emerald Pointe is located off Lincoln Avenue and Euclid Street. They have had some growing pains in the area with a significant number of unhoused individuals unfortunately residing in and impacting on the quality of life for residents. She thanked the Anaheim Police Department, Public Utilities, the Housing and Community Development Department and Deputy Director, and Code Enforcement for working alongside the developer to ensure that the residents who have invested in the City are comfortable where they live. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava stated that Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Sandra Lozeau has been part of the initiative that has been going on for quite some time, but the City is making progress. She was happy to report that staff were there this past weekend to help address some additional issues. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava congratulated Anaheim residents who were part of the Girl Scouts of Orange County Cookie Entrepreneur 1000+ Club. Council Members donated their suite tickets and hosted the young ladies for their effort. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Virginia Caroline Wilcox -Spence who worked as Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 2025 Page 5 of 6 a teacher in the Anaheim Elementary School District for 43 years. She turned 101 on September 30, 2024 and unfortunately, she passed away. 1111edd ,F_1►/_[c]4;4411;2B1_tid=F City Manager Vanderpool highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended, including serving on the panel at the Orange County Council of Governments Conference to share the amazing work that Anaheim does in restoring public spaces. He stated that the theme was Collaboration and Innovative Problem Solving and he shared insight on the citywide initiative to address homelessness called Restoring Our Public Spaces. City Manager Vanderpool shared that it has truly been a joint effort, including almost every City department, county and state agencies, nonprofits, and service providers. The collaboration has been critical in addressing homelessness from every angle, with compassion first, enforcement last. He shared that the City's public safety teams continue to support the community and kids. Anaheim Fire & Rescue and the Anaheim Police Department joined the Team Kids Program. It helps empower kids, helping them discover their capabilities and power to be leaders. The kids held a charity carnival at Maxwell Elementary School to raise money for Orange County Animal Care. City Manager Vanderpool shared that the Big Give was recently held in Anaheim. He stated that he appreciates all the positive comments from the dais regarding City employees. The event also marked the end.of the Annual Giving Campaign where City employees donate financially to local nonprofits. City Manager Vanderpool shared that the Emprendedor@s program is back. The free eight -week class is for Spanish speaking entrepreneurs in Anaheim. They will gain business skills and expert knowledge on how to start, market, and grow their business. Whether someone is starting out or looking to level up, this is an opportunity they will not want to miss. Classes are every Monday, from April 21 through June 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Spots are limited and anyone who is interested in more details can visit Anaheim.net/emnrendedc . At 6:51 P.M., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim City Council to address the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:51 P.M., Authority Member 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 Vice - Chairperson Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D155 1. Approve the Annual Public Housing Agency Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the Five - Year Public Housing Agency Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029, and the Administrative Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, and authorize the Executive Director, or designee, to execute required certifications and related documents. AHA177 2. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of March 4, 2025. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 6:51 P.M. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of April 8, 2025 Page 6 of 6 Respectfully submitted, Thersa ass, CMC Secretary, Anaheim Housing Authority