Loading...
AHA - 2025/11/04ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2025 The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of November 4, 2025 was called to order at 5:23 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the 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 October 30, 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 ac;enda items): No in -person or electronic public comments were received related to the Housing Authority agenda. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Authority Member/Council Member Maahs thanked the Rotary Club of Greater Anaheim for their biannual neighborhood cleanup in District 5. She shared that she was joined with Neighborhood Services, the Anaheim Police Department, and volunteers from Bikers Against Child Abuse. She reported that the Rotary Club has been organizing the cleanups for more than 10 years and highlighted the difference they make in the community. She shared an image of a father and daughter who participated in the cleanup and highlighted the daughter's anticipation of helping the community. She thanked staff for their work, including Jason Perez, who works with neighborhood families and identifies neighborhoods in need. She reported that on Saturday, she attended the Naranjeros Car Club's La Cuadra Dia de Los Muertos celebration at St. Anthony Claret Church. She shared that the event hosted local vendors, small businesses, car clubs, and families for an afternoon of music, food and community. Father Bill, Pastor at St. Anthony, provided blessings over the cars. She shared that District 5 Cultural and Heritage Commissioner Richard Romeros displayed one of his art pieces along with his father's car, which was featured in the show. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs announced that Saturday, November 15, South Junior High will host the annual Run4Sharks & Ocean Health Fair, to support the school's ongoing Ocean Academy. She welcomed everyone to participate in the one -mile run or to learn about ocean conservation and the community. She shared that the Ocean Academy has provided a meaningful way for students to stay engaged in school by connecting the school curriculum to the real world and inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and pride. She encouraged the public to visit runforsharks.org to learn more about the run. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs invited caregivers from across the community to Caregiver Appreciation Day at St. Anthony Claret on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 2 p.m. She shared that the event is for anyone who provides care to connect with others and learn about local resources. She Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 4, 2025 Page 2 of 4 requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of retired Anaheim Firefighter James "Huck" Fenn. She highlighted his service on Engine 26 out of Station No. 10 and her work with Mr. Fenn during her time at Ganahl Lumber Company. She added that his humble nature would live on through his sons Steve and Chris. She shared that the meeting would close with gratitude for Mr. Fenn's dedication to the City and in appreciation of the dedication and sacrifices made by all of the City's first responder families. Authority Member/Council Member Leon reported that his office hosted its third annual Trunk or Treat event at the Anaheim Elementary School District's Key Campus. He thanked Superintendent Jesse Chavarria for permitting the event. He shared that families and local car clubs, including Naranjeros, Brown Descents Car Club Association, and Anaheim Car Club, attended the event with incredible themed displays. He thanked the Public Works and Public Utilities Departments and Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee for attending. He added that Anaheim Fire & Rescue and the Police Department connected with residents and ensured smooth operations. He highlighted Kellie Tran with his office for taking the lead on the event, and Angie, Maggie, Richard, Jeanne, and all of the volunteers who dedicated their time to a safe and fun Halloween experience. Authority Member/Council Member Leon recognized Jem Enterprises, a local family -owned company based in District 2, as the September Business of the Month. He shared that they specialize in custom ornamental iron and structural steel. He highlighted their attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to customers. He recognized YoYo Burgers and Chicken, located on Brookhurst Street, south of Crescent, as the September Restaurant of the Month. He shared that the restaurant is family -owned and takes a fun spin on burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, and more. Authority Member/Council Member Leon announced Candy4Less as the October Business of the Month. He mentioned that the business recently opened on Katella Avenue, offering candy and party supplies. He noted that the team worked hard to make it a welcoming spot for families and neighbors. He recognized Ph& GA Hai Van 2, located on Magnolia Avenue, south of Ball Road, as the October Restaurant of the Month. He shared that the restaurant is run by a proud brother and sister team. He added that they serve beef ph&, filet mignon noodles, and chicken wings. He congratulated everyone who was recognized, noting that the recognitions highlight the pride and care that residents and small businesses take in bringing joy and pride to Anaheim. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava expressed her gratitude to serve the 50,000 residents of District 3, and share updates on her role as a policymaker, and ensure that the community is represented. She shared that she serves on the North Net Joint Powers Authority, the fire training center in the City, in collaboration with the City of Orange. She shared that the Joint Powers Authority voted on its strategic plan for 2025-2027. She explained that the training center serves as a training facility for other fire departments across the State. She commended the work of the City's firefighters and the Training Center. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked Chief Communications Officer Mike Lyster and his team, who joined her at St. Boniface Catholic Church, for an immigration resource fair. She shared that the event collaborated with Catholic Charities of Orange County, the Mexican Consul, Anaheim High School, and Mental Health Resources and Care California. She added that they met with parishioners who were attending church and provided them with resources. She shared that a majority of the questions were related to public safety compared to immigration. She noted that the church serves Catholics across Orange County, including residents in other districts within the City who shared public safety concerns. She reported that she would follow up with them and work with the Police Department to ensure additional patrols in the neighborhood. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of retired Correctional Sergeant Patrick Putman, who served with the Anaheim Police Department for 31 Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 4, 2025 Page 3 of 4 years before his retirement in July 2024, and former City Council Member and Anaheim Police Department employee, Louis "Lou" Lopez. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tern Meeks announced upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies for veterans across Anaheim. She shared that Saturday, November 8t" at 10:00 a.m., the Anaheim Hills Rotary will hold a flags of honor ceremony. She reported that on November 11t" at 11 a.m., an event will be held at the Veterans Monument across from City Hall. She invited the public to attend the ceremonies to remember the occasion. Authority Member/Council Member Balius announced an upcoming tree lighting event held by the West Anaheim Organization at Twila Reid Park on Friday, December 5th. He shared that the show would begin at 6 p.m. with performances by local elementary school students and a visit from Santa. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: City Manager Vanderpool shared the monthly update on Angel Stadium, noting that there are no long-term discussions taking place with none imminent. He reported that the City remains in the second phase of the ongoing stadium assessment, and engineering consultants have completed testing the concrete and metal columns in the stadium. The testing samples have been sent to a lab for processing with results expected in four to six weeks. He added that once processed, the findings would be reviewed and analyzed as standard procedure. He reported that the last step would be to hire an engineering firm for a final assessment based on the testing and results, which is expected in mid-2026. City Manager Vanderpool reported that the State has officially certified the City's Housing Element. He shared that it is a milestone that marks more than four years of work by City staff, the community, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. He added that with a certified Housing Element, the City is better positioned for grant funding, as many grants look at Housing Element compliance for eligibility or ranking. He noted that with the certification, the City is protected from future development applications that may circumvent the City's zoning or General Plan. He concluded that with the certification, the City continues its commitment to enhancing housing opportunities in Anaheim. At 6:16 P.M., Mayor/Chairperson Aitken recessed the Anaheim Housing Authority to address the Anaheim Public Financing Authority and Housing and Public Improvements Authority agendas, and reconvened at 6:17 P.M. CONSENT CALENDAR: MOTION: Vice -Chairperson Meeks 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 Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Meeks, Balius, Leon, Rubalcava, Kurtz, and Maahs); NOES — 0. Motion carried. R100 5. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2025-008 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY establishing the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year. Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes of November 4, 2025 Page 4 of 4 AHA177 6. Approve minutes of the Housing Authority meeting of October 14, 2025. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 6:18 P.M. Respectfully submitted, �I 4�es, CMC,naheim Housing Authority