Loading...
AHA - 2025/05/13ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 73, 2025 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of May 13, 2025 was called to order at 5:38 p.m. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. in joint session with the Anaheim City Council, Anaheim Public Financing Authority, and Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on May 8, 2025. MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Natalie Meeks, Ryan Balius, Carlos A. Leon, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, and Kristen M. Maahs. City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and Secretary Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS: Secretary Theresa Bass announced that public hearing Item No. 09 was withdrawn at the request of staff. PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): R. Joshua Collins emphasized the importance of housing vouchers and affordable housing. He shared that the California Department of Housing and Community Development has encouraged the City to have public participation in the development and adoption of the Housing Element. He recommended that the City hold a moderated meeting with a Council Member to discuss the issues and create solutions. He highlighted Marc Herbert for his efforts to raise awareness on public engagement and encouraged the City Council to speak with him. One (1) public comment was received electronically prior to 5:00 p.m. related to Housing Authority agenda items. [A final total of one (1) public comment was received electronically, distributed to the Housing Authority, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz highlighted and shared a photograph of members of IBEW Locals 441 and 47, thanking them for their community service, including electrical work and cleaning of a veteran's facility. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz stated there is a need for a senior center in Anaheim and mentioned that she will be hosting a series of meetings in May to gather input from seniors and active older adults. She shared she has received suggestions to include a kitchen, pickleball court, dance room, and computer room. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz invited interested seniors to contact her office to be included in the meetings. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Career Connections Unlimited graduation on April 231. The program is funded through the California Department of Education and the California Department of Rehabilitation. She noted that Anaheim Public Utilities collaborates with the Anaheim Union High School District to provide paid work experience, job skills training, and employment Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 2 of 6 placement for special education students transitioning from school to work, giving them skills for independent living and post -secondary education or training. On April 251h she attended the Meeting of the Minds Mental Health Conference that took place at the Anaheim Marriott. The conference showcased resources and education workshops. She noted that May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and she highlighted the County of Orange's OC Links crisis support services which offers trained navigators who can provide crisis support or who can dispatch crisis teams. OC Links phone number is (855) 625-4657. On April 25th she attended a program by the Anaheim Historical Society in honor of Coach Van (Clare Van Hoorebeke), a beloved head football coach at Anaheim High School. Coach Van led Colonist football teams to repeated victories from 1950 to 1972. Author Dennis Bateman recently wrote a book about Coach Van's life and the impact that he had on Anaheim and football programs in Orange County. The event featured alumni from Anaheim High School's Class of 1952, including great memorabilia. On April 30th, she attended the grand opening of Higher Ground's Central Anaheim Bodega Market in District 5. Higher Ground is an organization that supports youth and families by providing access to fresh food and other services. On May 31, District 5 staff attended the Miraloma Family Resource Center's 101h Anniversary celebration. She thanked staff at the Center for providing a vibrant event for the community around Miraloma. On May 7, she toured the CalOptima PACE center in Garden Grove which serves many Anaheim seniors and frail older adults. The center provides comprehensive care and services for older adults and serves more than 990,000 members in Orange County. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs thanked Community Services Senior Librarian Lucky Duran for creating the library's first ever dedicated space for older adults. She shared that Ms. Duran also created messages of hope and inspiration in Easter eggs for the residents of assisted living communities. She stated that Lucky Duran is very dedicated to older adults in the City. Authority Member/Council Member Leon highlighted and shared photographs of events he attended including an Arbor Day event at Juliette Low School of the Arts. He thanked the Public Works team for assisting the students with planting trees for the future of the community and environment. Authority Member/Council Member Leon stated that his office partnered with the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana to host a mobile consulate event in District 2, providing essential services like passport renewals and other support. He thanked Villages of California for hosting a Mental Health and Resource Fair in partnership with local providers and nonprofits in District 2, featuring a new unofficial District 2 office mascot, a pup named Obi. The event provided direct access to mental health resources, housing information, and community support services. He thanked Mondragon Family Market/Tacos Mondragon for supporting the event. Authority Member/Council Member Leon thanked everyone who attended the Knafeh with Carlos event, including the Chief of Police Rick Armendariz, Fire Chief Pat Russell, and Public Works Director Rudy Emami. The event addressed ongoing community and cultural engagement in Little Arabia as well as resident and business owner concerns. He also thanked Knafeh Cafe for hosting the event. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated the Community Services team for organizing a vibrant Cinco de Mayo festival, which included music, food, dancing, and unity. He highlighted the strength of Anaheim's diversity and the power of public places to bring people together. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated Anaheim Auto Repair and Muffler Care, the April Business of the Month. Anaheim Auto Repair and Muffler Care is located off Magnolia Avenue and Ball Road and is known for their excellent service, community ties, honest service, fair prices, and the extra time they take to make sure that every customer feels taken care of. Not only do they keep Anaheim moving, but they also give back to the community by supporting the Magnolia High School baseball team. He wished Anaheim Auto Repair and Muffler Care continued success. Authority Member/Council Member Leon congratulated Arbol Del Tule, the April Restaurant of the Month. Arbol Del Tule is a hidden gem, bringing authentic Oaxacan cuisine to the heart of Anaheim. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 3 of 6 They are located on Brookhurst Street, just south of Interstate 5. They serve black mole, 11chapulines" which are toasted grasshoppers, and handmade tortillas. They offer warm hospitality and vibrant dishes. Authority Member/Council Member Balius highlighted and shared photographs of events. He recognized Sergeant Chris Cooper for completing the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and his dedication to professional growth. It is an intensive eight -month program designed to strengthen leadership and supervisory skills among law enforcement professionals. Sergeant Cooper pursued and completed the rigorous course on his own initiative. Authority Member/Council Member Balius shared that Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez and Deputy City Manager Ted White were speakers at the Orange County Commercial Real Estate State of the Market event. Since joining the City of Anaheim in 2021, Economic Development Director Ramirez has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives that are reshaping the future of Anaheim. His leadership has driven major investment efforts in and around key areas such as the Honda Center and Disneyland Resort, while advancing critical revitalization projects among important corridors like Beach Boulevard in District 1. Deputy City Manager White brings a wealth of knowledge and over 27 years of experience in municipal planning, land use, and public administration. His steady leadership has guided numerous people that have significantly enhanced Anaheim's built in environment. Through his work in planning, economic development, and housing, Deputy City Manager White has helped shape a more dynamic, livable, and forward -thinking city. Together, Director Ramirez and Deputy City Manager White represent dedication, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to Anaheim's economic growth. Authority Member/Council Member Balius shared that he is proud that they represented Anaheim as respected subject matter experts in the recent Orange County Commercial Real Estate State of the Market event. Authority Member/Council Member Balius highlighted the upcoming Summer Concert Series at Maxwell Park, starting June 12th at 6:30 p.m. with Pop Vision, a Top 40 hit band. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted and shared photographs of events she attended including the Gift of History event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum. She and Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Meeks were able to share Anaheim's history with third graders as well as history regarding sewage lines, and how Anaheim received its name. The event was broadcasted to over 100 schools across Orange County. They were joined by former Orange County Transportation Authority CEO, Stan Oftelie, who wrote a book about Orange County, and City of Yorba Linda Chief of Police DeAnn Wigginton. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava attended the La Palma Park improvements ribbon cutting ceremony. She thanked Community Services Director Sjany Larson -Cash for her leadership and shared that there are a lot of different areas for relaxation and beautification. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava shared that Anaheim Police, Public Works, Community Services, and Housing are working collectively to help address homelessness in the park. She highlighted the new mural in District 3 by Damin Lujan, who also painted the mural at Little People's Park. She thanked her Council colleagues and Caltrans partners who attended the grand reopening. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava participated in the March for Babies event, raising awareness for March of Dimes and supporting families impacted by loss and premature births. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted the infrastructure investments in the Sabina neighborhood. She stated that since 2021, there have been street, alley, water, sewer and electrical improvements from Harbor Boulevard to East Street in District 3. The Sabina improvements have made a significant impact on the lives of the families who work and live in the area. She noted that the area received $20 million in improvements, and she thanked Public Utilities and Public Works for all their support. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted the California Peace Officers' Memorial Day Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 4 of 6 Ceremony, honoring deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the officers who have sacrificed their lives to protect and serve our state. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken attended the retirement party for Michelle Richards, the CEO of the Orange County Fair, wishing her a happy retirement and reflecting on her impact. She shared that prior to being Mayor, she was a Fair Board Member for over 10 years. She attended Cal State University Fullerton's Oral and Public History Project, honoring former District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, Veteran Advocate Nick Berardino, and former Supervisor and State Senator Pat Bates. They provided history on how they got involved in politics and what they are most proud of. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken attended the Anaheim Rotary's Grapes and Grains event and noted that funds are raised for the organization at the annual event. She attended and provided the welcome remarks at the International Elks Convention in Anaheim, highlighting the organization's commitment to service projects and community improvement. Chapters from California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona attended the conference. She noted that the Grand Exalted Ruler is the national president of the International Elks. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken attended the Santa Ana College Foundation Ed Arnold Golf Classic Tournament. She shared that it was hard to emcee the auction without Ed Arnold. She shared that Santa Ana College is dear to her heart because it is where her parents met over 60 years ago, and she thanked the Santa Ana College Foundation for all they do in the community. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken congratulated Authority Member/Council Member Maahs on her new position on the Older Adults Commission for the county. She thanked the communications team for their hard work on the State of the City event and their efforts in promoting Anaheim and its initiatives. She also expressed gratitude for the Communication team's dedication and sleepless nights in preparing for the State of the City event. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: None At 6:53 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, and Anaheim Housing Authority to address City Council Agenda Item No. 31. At 6:58 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken reconvened the Anaheim Housing Authority. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Consent Calendar was considered with Authority Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 6 for separate discussion and consideration. Authority Member Leon moved to approve the balance of 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 Balius. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. AGR-15333 5. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with AMA Consulting Group, LLC, in an amount not to exceed $300,000, for process documentation and training development for the Housing Choice Voucher program, for a two year term ending May 31, 2027 with two one-year optional renewals, and authorize the Executive Director to execute and administer the agreement. AHA177 7 Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of April 22, 2025. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 5 of 6 BUSINESS CALENDAR: R100 6. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY declaring certain Authority -owned real property located at 1301 North Anaheim Boulevard and 401 West Carl Karcher Way (APN 073-083-34, -38, -41, and -42), as exempt surplus land; directing the Executive Director to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Sections 54220, et seq.; making certain findings under the California Environmental Quality Act; and authorizing certain other actions. Authority Member Kurtz requested information on how exempt surplus land helps the housing crisis. Executive Director of the Anaheim Housing Authority Grace Ruiz-Stepter explained that the declaration of exempt surplus land allows the City to find a developer to help master plan the site as an affordable housing development property. She noted that the proposed site is approximately six acres which would allow at least 300 units with a minimum of 25% of the units designated for stricter affordability. She added that there will be a blend of incomes due to the size of the property. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY declaring certain Authority -owned real property located at 1301 North Anaheim Boulevard and 401 West Carl Karcher Way (APN 073-083-34, -38, -41, and -42), as exempt surplus land; directing the Executive Director to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Sections 54220, et seq.; making certain findings under the California Environmental Quality Act; and authorizing certain other actions, seconded by Vice - Chairperson Meeks. DISCUSSION: Authority Member Maahs inquired if any of the 25% affordable units could be designated for older adults. Executive Director Ruiz-Stepter noted that staff's goal for the site was to capitalize on the proximity to AltaMed's PACE Center, which includes an all-inclusive senior medical day center and medical services. MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY declaring certain Authority -owned real property located at 1301 North Anaheim Boulevard and 401 West Carl Karcher Way (APN 073-083-34, -38, -41, and -42), as exempt surplus land; directing the Executive Director to follow the procedures set forth in the Surplus Land Act, California Government Code Sections 54220, et seq.; making certain findings under the California Environmental Quality Act; and authorizing certain other actions, 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. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 6 of 6 R100 8. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2025 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2024-008 (rescheduling the meeting of May 20 to May 27, 2025). MOTION: Authority Member Kurtz moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-003 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2025 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2024-008, as amended, rescheduling the meeting of May 20 to Thursday, May 29, 2025. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING: Chairperson Aitken announced that Item No. 9 was withdrawn by staff. D155 9• A Public Hearing of the Anaheim Housing Authority regarding an option agreement for ground lease, preliminary award letter, an inducement resolution related to the Authority's issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds for real property generally located at 1515 S. Calle del Mar in the City of Anaheim for the re -syndication and operation of the Hermosa Village Phase III Affordable Rental Housing Project. Item No. 09 Item withdrawn by staff; no action taken. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 7:03 p.m. ctfully submitted, Bass, CMC 1, Anaheim Housing Authority From: Alejandra Perez Matus<aleiandrap@kennedycommission.org> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 5:18 PM To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] You don't often get email from alelandrap@kennedycommission.org. 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. Hi, am writing on behalf of the Kennedy Commission to submit a public comment letter regarding Item number 6 for tonight's City Council Meeting Agenda. Thanks, Alejandra Perez Matus Pro ect Manager .'-Kenn-d May 13, 2025 Mayor Ashleigh Aitken Members of the Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 WW1A'.keMRNJY00MMib ,iM.0tJg, 17701 Cowan Arc_, Suitc 20D Irvine. CA 92b 14 949 250 0909 RE: Agenda Item #6 — Declaration of Exempt Surplus Land at 1301 N. Anaheim Blvd. & 401 W. Carl Karcher Way Dear Mayor Aitken and Honorable Members of the City Council, The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad -based coalition of residents and community organizations advocating for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $30,000 annually in Orange County. Since 2001, we have successfully partnered with jurisdictions across the county to create housing and land -use policies that increase affordable housing opportunities for lower -income working families. We are writing regarding the City's proposal to declare approximately six acres of city -owned land as exempt surplus land, pursuant to the Surplus Land Act. We support the City of Anaheim's efforts to advance the development of affordable housing on publicly owned land and encourage the City to maximize affordability on this site as a public asset. City -owned properties offer a unique and powerful opportunity to directly address the housing needs of lower -income residents and to ensure long-term affordability by retaining land control and leveraging public investment. While we appreciate that the exemption category requires 25% affordability, we respectfully ask the City to go beyond the minimum threshold and increase the required percentage of affordable housing on this site. This site's location —adjacent to community -serving institutions, medical services, and transit access —makes it especially well suited for deeply affordable, multigenerational, and inclusive housing. Increasing affordability here would not only support Anaheim's Housing Element goals, but also strengthen the City's leadership in meeting urgent housing needs in a high -opportunity area. We look forward to continuing to work with the City of Anaheim to ensure that affordable housing is prioritized on public land and that future development serves the residents who need it most. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (949) 250-0909 or cesarc@kennedycommission.org. Sincerely, Cesar Covarrubias Executive Director