Loading...
AHPIA - 2025/05/13ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 13, 2025 The Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority regular meeting of May 13, 2025 was called to order at 5:38 p.m. in the Council Chamber located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the Anaheim Public Financing Authority, Anaheim Housing Authority, and Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on May 8, 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 and Public Improvements Authority agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): No in -person speakers or electronically submitted public comments related to the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority agenda. 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 23rd. 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 placement for special education students transitioning from school to work, giving them skills for independent living and post -secondary education or training. On April 25th 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 251 she attended a program by the Anaheim Historical Society in honor of Coach Van (Clare Van Hoorebeke), a beloved Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 2 of 5 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 301h, 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 3rd, District 5 staff attended the Miraloma Family Resource Center's 10th 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. They are located on Brookhurst Street, just south of Interstate 5. They serve black mole, "chapulines" 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. Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 3 of 5 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 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 Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 4 of 5 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 6:57 p.m., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken reconvened the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 6:58 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered. MOTION: 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. HP1188 3. Approve minutes of the Housing and Public Improvements Authority meeting of October 29, 2024. BUSINESS CALENDAR: R100 4. RESOLUTION NO. AHPIA-2025-001 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2025 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHPIA-2024-005 (rescheduling the meeting of May 20 to May 27, 2025). Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority Minutes of May 13, 2025 Page 5 of 5 MOTION: Authority Member Balius moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. _ AHPIA-2025-001 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2025 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHPIA-2024-005, as amended, rescheduling the meeting of May 20 to Thursday, May 29, 2025, seconded by Authority Member Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority at 6:58 p.m. R4p ctfully submitted, Theresa Bass, CMC Secretary, Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority