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07/19/2022ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR AND REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF JULY 19, 2022 The regular meeting of July 19, 2022 was called to order at 3:00 P.M. and adjourned to 4:00 P.M. for lack of a quorum. The regular adjourned meeting was called to order at 4:10 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on July 14, 2022. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Jose Diaz, Jose F. Moreno, and Stephen Faessel. Council Members Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae and Avelino Valencia joined the meeting during Closed Session. [Mayoral vacancy] STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: None CLOSED SESSION: At 4:11 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil recessed to closed session for consideration of the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: Lomeli v. City of Anaheim, OCSC Case No. 30-2022-01248768-CU-OE-CJC 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: Anaheim Municipal Employees Association (Police Cadets); Anaheim Fire Association At 5:53 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil reconvened the Anaheim City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tern Trevor O'Neil and Council Members Jose Diaz, Gloria Sahagun Ma'ae, Jose F. Moreno, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel [Mayoral vacancy] INVOCATION: Pastor Abraham John, East West Community Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Avelino Valencia ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced staff requested to withdraw Item No. 08, consideration of a Design -Build agreement, land dedication, and a California Environmental Quality Act determination for the Fire Station 12 Project, to be brought back at a later date. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 2 of 18 PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 36 public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of 36 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council and made part of the official record]. — See Appendix. Mark Richard Daniels requested City Council pass Item No. 12 out of goodwill towards restoring public confidence in the City's government. He noted it is a tax but one not on the City's residents. He advised it would restore the City's coffers used to pay for things at the citizens' expense. He assured Council that voters would pass Item No. 12 if placed on the ballot and questioned the interests and honesty of the Council if it could not trust the will of the voters. Fred Sigala, Jr., Anaheim Democrats, requested City Council approve Item No. 12 so residents could decide for themselves on an entertainment tax. He urged City Council to put their interests on taxes and resort interests aside. He clarified the question of the tax is not up for a vote tonight but rather one for voters to decide. He advised it was a reasonable question to ask of residents given the City's current financial circumstances. He thanked Council Members Faessel, Valencia, and Moreno for their willingness to listen to and fight for the sake of residents' right to self -determine this matter. He explained it was a perfect opportunity for Council Member Ma'ae to show a balance between her resort interests and empowering constituents. Wes Jones reported the City recently agreed to open libraries five days a week but noted residents pay enough taxes for it to be open seven days a week. He disagreed with the reasoning being the reopening of the resort district, stating residents pay enough in taxes for libraries and youth programs but the money gets diverted to bonds paying for Disneyland parking. He called for money for the citizens' needs and advised this is what a 2% entertainment tax would do. He stated Disneyland needs to subsidize the City more than the City needs to be subsidized. He expressed hope that Council does the right thing. Vern Nelson stated Walt Disney would want residents to vote on a gate tax. He noted how the City only has one pool for 350,000 residents while it drowns in debt. He advised the City needs more cash and encouraged Council to let residents vote and handle their affairs. Charlotte Seidnematollah encouraged Council to approve Item No. 12 so residents could decide. She noted how much infrastructure the revenues could pay for. She expressed concern with how much the City relies on The Walt Disney Company (Disney). She noted crime in her neighborhood has skyrocketed and advised the gate tax could pay for more police officers. She stated the funds could be used to repay bond debt, create affordable housing, or help the homeless situation. She stated the City should stop giving subsidies to Disney. She advised the Council Members could also listen to fewer residential complaints at Council meetings and instead hear thank you from those currently feeling neglected. R. Joshua Collins encouraged everyone to give their lives to Jesus Christ. He expressed support for Item No. 12 so the people could vote. He disagreed with the Anaheim Police Department (APD) ticketing homeless people living in their cars for parking violations. He stated the City could do much more to help those in need and advised it leads to public disrespect for the APD. He stated the rich are too out of touch with the needs of the poor and called for it to change. He advised a gate tax could help the poor. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 3 of 18 Dr. Pat Adelekan related Item No. 12 to former President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address comments about the government by the people not perishing. She called to let the people vote on what they want. She stated it was important for residents to be able to trust their leaders and noted this trust has been broken in Anaheim. John Dunton reported Anaheim's citizens want to be heard and Item No. 12 is a good chance to let them be heard. He requested City Council listen to the people. He reported that 50 Pauline Street residents came to City Council for help with rat -infested Anaheim apartments and requested the Council Members enhance code enforcement and direct staff to speak with them. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted the City has a Quality Rental Housing Program to protect residents from subpar living conditions. He requested City staff connect with the residents in attendance. Marisol Ramirez requested Council approve Item No. 12 and let the residents practice their right to vote. She noted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Orange County Grand Jury have documented the lack of transparency in the City and called for letting the residents decide on the proposed tax because the community no longer trusts that City Council has its best interests at heart. She noted how the City is running a large deficit while Disney made record profits during the pandemic, adding the tax could generate $52,000,000-88,000,000 dollars annually for the City and its struggling residents. Dave Duran echoed Ms. Ramirez's comments about how much evidence the FBI and Grand Jury have documented against the City leading to a dissolution of public trust. He stated the taxpayers who elected the Council Members suffer from this lack of trust due to the Council Members' corruption. He noted that Council once again voted against campaign finance reform at the last meeting. He called for residents to spread the word about the Council's need to be voted out for lack of trust. Mike Robbins stated this was a democracy so the people should vote on Item No. 12. He stated the City is in a budget deficit to the point it has had to mortgage City Hall. He noted how the 25,000,000 annual visitors to the City wear on the infrastructure more than they pay for it. He advised the tax would help make the City prosperous like other Orange County cities that profit off vacationers. He stated Save Our Anaheim Resort (SOAR) and the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce should recognize the City's deficit and support the issue as well to make the City prosperous again. He stated Disney should not want to see protestors in front of Disneyland on any issue. He stated everybody is making money except for Anaheim and encouraged letting the people vote on a tax. Jeanine Robbins stated Item No. 12 allows the basic democratic right of the people to vote. She noted Council Member Diaz fled communism in his native Cuba yet the people have to beg him to let them vote. She spoke of the history of towns nationwide built to support a local business like a coal mine but noted Anaheim was already an established City when it was chosen to host Disneyland. She clarified Anaheim is a host City for Disneyland and not a company town and stated residents deserve more residential services. She noted the City is $2 billion in debt and has shamefully been forced to use almost all of its major buildings as collateral. She called for the ability for residents to vote on whether or not to levy a 2% tax on the tourists who stress the City's infrastructure. She clarified that Item No. 12 does not require the Council Members to go against Disney and SOAR, but rather to allow democracy to happen. She noted that SOAR Executive Director Jill Kanzler is not an Anaheim resident and could not vote on the City's November ballot. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 4 of 18 Steve White reported in the summer of 1974 the Council passed an ordinance almost identical to Item No. 12 but rescinded it after six (6) months under pressure from Disney. He encouraged City Council to let the people vote on the proposed tax. Bobby Donelson agreed with Mr. White's comments and noted how much money they could have made with a gate tax over the past 50 years. He decried the City's large debt. He reported on complications from the City of Stockton's bankruptcy and cautioned Anaheim could be heading this way. He stated that allowing the residents to vote on Item No. 12 was a simple matter and would not break Disneyland. He advised Disney itself would not pay the tax but rather tourists. He advised the additional $50,000,000-70,000,000 could do a lot for the children of Anaheim. Pam Donelson stated democracy is in crisis in Anaheim and approving Item No. 12 was a way to help restore it. Jorge Gavino, Budget, Investment, and Technology Commissioner, reported much of the City's funding is already tied up and any little issue could topple a house of cards. He encouraged City Council to allow the people to vote on a gate tax, noting it would not impact the City's small businesses in any way. He theorized a tourist buying Disneyland's recently announced $5,000 Kaiburr Crystal drink would not mind giving $2 to the City. He noted any opposition was likely coming from Disney but advised it was not up to City Council to decide how to best handle Disney's finances. Cheryl Moi encouraged City Council to do what was best for the residents and approve Item No. 12. She reported her husband and she recently left the City due to the nightmare John Saunders created at the Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park and lack of support from City Council aside from Council Member Moreno and former Council Member Denise Barnes. She stated that City Council has a responsibility to all residents and not just a select few. She prayed the FBI investigation would take down more than just former Mayor Harry Sidhu, including Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Mr. Saunders. Bryan Kaye stated residents have been asking for the right to vote and advised they have a right to ask. He advised there was only so much passion in this request because of City Council's past decision -making. He noted how Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's business petitions on behalf of senior citizens yet he ignored petitions from his constituents who died at Rancho La Paz. He advised the APD has killed 30 unarmed people while ignoring petitions. He stated the Council Members say they care but they do not care. He proposed a Council Chamber audience seat should be dedicated to the late Denis Fitzgerald. He noted Mr. Fitzgerald was vulgar but always encouraged City Council to do something nice so he would have something nice to say as opposed to inspiring him to be vulgar. Scarlette Almero criticized corrupt politicians cheating constituents. She stated the FBI investigation uncovered what has happened for too many years in Anaheim with constituents losing out over big business. She reported the entertainment tax concept has been before City Council in the past and noted no one would not go to an event because residents would get services out of a small tax. She called on City Council to let the people decide. She stated a good government could only lead by listening to its constituents and it was the residents' turn to win over big business. She encouraged the APD to train in preparation for a shooting scenario like in the City of Uvalde, Texas. She thanked the public speakers and encouraged residents to listen to their comments at the last meeting about campaign finance reform to see why residents get so frustrated. She called for more transparency and expressed disappointment with City Council's corruption. Leonard Lahtinen encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 12 and give the City's voters a voice. He stated the only reason they would vote against Item No. 12 was if they were under the influence of Disneyland. He called for City Council to do what was right and make up for past transgressions. He City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 5 of 18 noted the FBI investigation in the happiest place on Earth. He spoke against the interpretation of the City Charter where City Council has not felt compelled to appoint a Mayor and stated that City Council has failed the citizens. He commended the work of the Orange County Grand Jury in its accusation that City Council has betrayed his constituents. He encouraged City Council to not betray its constituents tonight. He expressed shock that two (2) West Anaheim Council Members and one from Anaheim Hills could vote together every time to oppose any form of campaign reform at the last meeting. He called on Council Members Diaz and Ma'ae to bring reform to the City. He disagreed with City Attorney Robert Fabela's interpretation of the City's Charter in stating that Item No. 12 needs five (5) votes to pass. He advised if the Council Members love democracy, Item No. 12 should be a unanimous "yes" vote. Tony Bruno, Managing Director of the Anaheim / Orange County Hotel and Lodging Association, stated the City has been led by innovation, entrepreneurship, and community partnership. He commended the City's leaders' work to lead the City successfully through the pandemic. He applauded how 50% of the City's revenues come directly from the Anaheim Resort. He applauded the economic impact of the City's hotel industry and noted hotels pay the most taxes of anyone in Anaheim. He stated the tax increase in Item No. 12 would permanently alter how the City generates revenue for applying to any venue with a capacity of more than 15,000 and not just Disneyland. He advised residents and visitors would be paying the tax to attend concerts, sporting events, and other activities. He stated the applicability to conventions was unclear in the ordinance. He encouraged City Council to look at the full scope of the language and questioned if conventions would pick another destination. He stated voting on the item was irresponsible without the ordinance being better vetted. He applauded how well the City's balanced budget has functioned without these proposed tax revenues. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil granted Council Member Moreno a point of personal privilege. Council Member Moreno addressed the crowd by stating they could not ask for democracy while not allowing others to share their opinions. He encouraged the audience members to respect each other, even if they share a differing opinion, in the same consistent manner they are asking of City Council for themselves. Jill Kanzler, Executive Director of SOAR, thanked Council Member Moreno for his call for decorum in the audience. She stated SOAR's mission is to advocate for the Anaheim Resort District and its ability to generate revenue for the City. She expressed SOAR's concerns about the proposed tax, noting only 5% of the City's land generates almost 50% of the City's revenue. She advised the City anticipates a record $167,000,000 in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) while hotels are not operating at full capacity. She advised closing a loophole around online bookings would bring even more TOT annually. She advised the City's TOT is the highest of any urban city in California and among the nation's highest. She advised another tax on the tourism industry was unfair. She stated the City could not afford the damage the proposed tax would have on its economic engine and urged City Council to vote against Item No. 12. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for the audience to give speakers the same respect they received. Ross McCune, Chairman of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, stated business people do not like taxes, noting they tend to grow. He advised businesses are struggling with inflation and a $1.18 per gallon gasoline tax. He called for residents to think about the implications of a tax and ponder who was going to be paying it. He stated Disney would not be paying the tax but rather the people of City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 6 of 18 Anaheim. He stated, that if the tax does happen, there would need to be a discussion of what to do with the money. He encouraged City Council to vote against Item No. 12. Victoria Michaels stated Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil was not paying any attention to the speakers until Mr. McCune and Ms. Kanzler spoke. She advised the other Council Members did the same for those two (2) speakers but read their phones when other people express their concerns. She promised to use pictures of the Council Members reading their phones during campaign season in opposition. She stated Anaheim was going backward as people connected to the FBI investigation remain on the dais, along with senior City staff, trying to control things. She stated the proposed 2% tax was too small and should be 5%. She cited reports Disney has moved $1,300,000 into place for the City's fall election. She called upon the Council Members to vote 6-0 for the citizens' right to vote. She advised the City is $1.5 billion in debt so Item No. 12 should be on the ballot. She encouraged Council Members not to be cabal members. David Klawe reported the City decided in the 1960s to rely on tourism as a major economic engine and it has benefitted in many ways. He applauded the TOT as it is a tax collected on tourists not shared by other government agencies, unlike sales and property taxes. He advised once the bonds issued in the 1990s are paid off, over $100,000,000 a year would be deposited to the General Fund. He noted, at the last meeting, a ballot initiative was approved to address a loophole in the TOT around online bookings, bringing millions of dollars of additional annual revenue to the City in the future. He stated an entertainment tax would tax Anaheim residents anytime they went to a Los Angeles Angels game, concert, or Disneyland. He encouraged City Council to focus on TOT and taxing tourists as opposed to residents. Daisy Chavez encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 12 to empower the community and allow residents to have an opportunity to be involved in how the City gets revenue. She noted, as a District 5 resident, that it is citizens like herself who have to adjust their daily routines due to the impacts of event traffic at Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. She applauded City Council's recent decision to increase the libraries' operating hours. Kenneth Batiste expressed disappointment at the 3-3 tie for campaign reform at the last City Council meeting. He recalled Council Member Diaz's comments about being unable to win without extra money, noting if he could not win on an even plain, he does not deserve to sit in his seat in a democracy. He noted Council Member Ma'ae was appointed, not elected, and comes from within the cabal. He chastised her for being unelected yet voting against democracy. He criticized all the City has done for Disney in the past, including paying for parking structures from which Disney keeps the money, and noted Disney could afford these things without City subsidies. He stated the influence Disney has on the City Council would show tonight, stating his assumption that City Council would not approve Item No. 12. He noted theme parks pay workers minimum wage. He decried how the Chamber of Commerce gets donations from the APD and then uses what was the City's money to campaign for the City Council majority. He called on City Council to end its corruption and let residents vote. He stated he expects this not to happen and the decision on Item No. 12 to show what puppets the Council Members are. Vance Dizney proposed turning Disneyland into an adult theme park at night so children go to school in the morning. He proposed an adjustable center wall on the City's freeways and detailed his designs. He advised the wall would lead to an increase in even more efficient electrical vehicles than those currently in use. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated Mr. Dizney's transportation issues are not under the City's jurisdiction and encouraged him to approach the Orange County Transportation Authority. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 7 of 18 Mazatl Tepeholotzin expressed his support for Item No. 12. He spoke in Spanish against Anaheim High School's disrespectful nickname of "Colonists." He encouraged minority residents to follow a path to success like Council Member Moreno because those in authority are more likely to listen to their people. He called for a Latino Community Center. He thanked Council Member Ma'ae for attending Indigenous Peoples Day. He commended Council Member Faessel on his book and for exposing the Ku Klux Klan. He encouraged Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil to have a change of heart. Rosalinda Cardenas expressed appreciation for City Council's prompt response to the concerns of her and her neighbors voiced earlier by Mr. Dunton. Patty Gaby stated a gate tax was also discussed in 2018 with a decision made to protect the big wigs and ignore constituents. She noted in 2018 Disneyland increased ticket prices months after the City did not add a gate tax. She stated the City needs the money, particularly in light of the unfunded pension liability. She noted many of the Council Members had their campaigns funded by Disney but requested they listen to their constituents' request to vote for Item No. 12 and help regain the trust they have lost. T.K. encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 12. She noted Disney continues to make billions of dollars in profit and the citizens should have a say on how the tax dollars go into the community. She theorized that Council Members are getting kickbacks from Disney and the Los Angeles Angels. She noted the residents could vote them out if they do not work for the people. She stated there is no transparency or trust and encouraged City Council to build more affordable housing for those working at places like Disney and living paycheck -to -paycheck. She stated her students continue to get free meals over the summer because their families cannot feed them while living in hotels or cars. She noted that Council Member Ma'ae for appeared sleepy and in need of coffee. She stated shelters were not stable homes and encouraged City Council to prosecute the APD officers who killed Brandon Lopez. Sylvia disagreed with the disinterested body language of Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil, noting she resides in his district. She stated residents are watching who is and is not being attentive and shows residents which Council Members are interested. She lamented that it was Council Member Moreno's last term and that she does not live in his district. She stated as a long-time resident there have been whispers for years of backroom deals working against residents. She encouraged City Council to let residents vote on the gate tax, noting how many programs could be funded for residents of all ages as opposed to the greedy politicians and APD. She advised rising crime is directly related to a community's poverty and called for the City to invest in its struggling community. She encouraged City Council to prosecute the APD officers who murdered Brandon Lopez. Carlos Sanchez encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 12 so the people could vote. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Valencia thanked the Public Works Department for work being done on sidewalks and streets in District No. 4, which is appreciated by residents. He reported his participation at the Employee Appreciation luncheon and looked forward to future participation, further suggesting a departmental relay race. Council Member Faessel also reported his participation at the Employee Appreciation luncheon. He also reported his attendance, with Council Member Moreno, at a community meeting by the Anaheim Police Department at St. Anthony's related to the shooting of Juan Carlos Reynaga. He noted his City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 8 of 18 attendance at the Orange County Family Justice Center's Motown fundraiser at Pearson Park last Saturday. He thanked the Anaheim Public Utilities staff for conducting a tour of Anaheim's electric facilities for the Metropolitan Water District electrical engineers. Council Member Ma'ae noted her participation at the Employee Appreciation Day at Center Greens, appreciated the ability to listen to employees, and acknowledged the Spirit Award winners. She thought it was a great event and looked forward to the next one. Council Member Diaz showcased photos of Glee Donuts and Burgers, a family -owned, Southeast Asian immigrant -owned small business, and encouraged everyone to visit and support the restaurant. He also noted that all departments are working on the various factors surrounding homelessness at Ball Road and Beach Boulevard and Maxwell Park. Council Member Moreno reported there was a recent article stating that the Orange County Human Relations Council was addressing rising hate crimes in the county. He noted that Anaheim Union High School District Superintendent Mike Matsuda shared with him a video created by Anaheim High School dance instructor Oscar Gonzalez and the Anaheim High School dance students to welcome administrators and teachers back to work following the summer with a message to reflect upon. He showed the video entitled, "Everyday People." He expressed gratitude to the students for lifting everyone with their talents as well as to the school districts and schools for their efforts. CITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: None CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:47 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Moreno pulling Item No. 06 for separate discussion and consideration. MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the consent calendar in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Council Member Ma'ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D180 1. Accept the bid from 911 Vehicle, Inc., in the amount of $126,740 plus applicable tax, to perform upfitting services for eight (8) new ambulances being received in 2022 by Anaheim Fire & Rescue, in accordance with Bid #9602. D180 2. Accept the bid from FarrWest Environmental Supply, Inc., in the amount of $146,895 plus applicable tax, for the purchase of 100 Hazardous Materials Personal Protective Suits for use by Orange County Hazardous Material teams, in accordance with Bid #9592. D180 3. Accept the bid from TNVC dba Tactical Night Vision Company, in the amount of $1,755,776 plus applicable tax, for the purchase of 172 Binocular Night Vision Devices and the associated helmet mounts for use by several Orange County Joint Hazardous Assessment teams and Special Weapons and Tactics teams, in accordance with Bid #9597. AGR- 4. Approve the First Amendment to Agreement with American Guard Services, Inc., to increase 8877.A.1 the spending limit for the 2022-23 year by $54,240 increasing the original amount of $1,018,992 to $1,073,232 for school crossing guard services. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 9 of 18 AGR-13628, 5. Approve a General Services Agreement — Water Engineering (Agreement) for prequalified AGR-13629, professional engineering and consulting services, with a not to exceed award amount of AGR-13630, AGR-13631, $400,000 and up to a 15% contingency for extra work per work order package, with a limit per AGR-13632, consultant of $1,000,000 in total awards during each fiscal year of the Agreement term, AGR-13633, inclusive of extra work, for a three year term, with up to two one-year extensions as needed to AGR-13634, AGR-13635, complete ongoing projects; authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to AGR-13636, execute the Agreement separately with 23 consultants and such other professional AGR-13637, engineering consultants as may be prequalified during the three year term of the Agreement AGR-13638, AGR-13639, and to take the necessary or advisable actions implement ang dvisabltito im lt d administer the Agreement; AGR-13640, and authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions AGR-13641, of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney (AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; AGR-13642, AESCO, Inc.; Anser Advisory Management, LLC; Ardurra Group Inc.; Cannon Corporation; AGR-13643, AGR-13644, DRP Engineering, Inc.; Geo-Advantec, Inc.; Harris & Associates, Inc.; JIG Consultants; KOA AGR-13645, Corporation; Lee + Ro, Inc.; Michael K. Nunley & Associates, Inc.; NV5, Inc.; Pacific AGR-13646, Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc.; PARIKH Consultants, Incorporated; Psomas; SA AGR-13647, AGR-13648, Associates; Stantec Consulting Services Inc.; Tesco Controls, LLC; Tetra Tech, Inc.; Ulteig AGR-13649, Engineers, Inc.; Wood Rodgers, Inc.; Yao Engineering, Inc.). AGR-13650 AGR- 7. Approve a First Amendment to Agreement with Gary D. Nelson Associates dba Nelson, 11785.1 increasing the annual not to exceed amount from $400,000 to $800,000, for temporary employment services on an as needed basis for a term through December 31, 2023; and authorize the Human Resources Director to execute the amendment and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended agreement. R100 8. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving Addendum No. 12 to the Revised Platinum Triangle Expansion Project Final Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 339 and the Mitigation and Monitoring and Reporting Plan No. 353 for the Orangewood Avenue Improvements Project and determining its adequacy to serve as the required environmental documentation for the proposed project. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM dedicating certain city -owned property for City of Anaheim Fire Station 12 (generally located adjacent to 1900 South State College Blvd.). Determine the proposal submitted by Soltek—ECC A Joint Venture, in response to the request for proposal dated October 13, 2021, is the most advantageous to the City for completion of the Fire Station 12 (Platinum Triangle) Project; award a Design -Build Agreement, in the amount of $13,733,658, to Soltek—ECC A Joint Venture to provide design -build services for the project and waive any irregularities in any of the proposal documents; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary, required, or advisable actions to implement and administer the agreement; and authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions. Item No. 08 withdrawn by staff; no action taken. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 10 of 18 M142 9. ORDINANCE NO. 6532 (INTRODUCTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending Section 1.12.060 (Claims for Money or Damages) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to incorporate claims presentation requirements previously set forth in the Anaheim City Charter. Determine that this ordinance relates to organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment, and therefore is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b). D114 10. Approve minutes of the City Council special meeting of April 26, 2022. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR: AGR-13651 6. Waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve an Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, in the amount of $5,000 per month, for supplemental state advocacy services for a six month term; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to administer the Agreement. DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno stated Townsend Public Affairs advocates for the City to obtain State grants and other funding. He expressed concerns about the timing of the renewal as Townsend has also provided thousands of dollars in campaign donations to Council Members. He reported speaking with Chief Executive Officer Chris Townsend but advised he remains uncomfortable due to pending investigations. He reported in June he agreed to a month -to -month extension of the contract to complete the State's financial cycle and Mr. Townsend had worked diligently with staff throughout the year. He stated it is a new year and he does not see the need to approve a six-month extension now until the City is assured there are no conflicts of interest leading to this extension. In response to Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil's inquiry, Deputy City Manager Greg Garcia stated the agreement was amended so it could be terminated at any time by either party with a seven-day notice. MOTION: Council Member Diaz moved to waive Council Policy 4.1 and approve an Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, in the amount of $5,000 per month, for supplemental state advocacy services for a six month term; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to administer the Agreement, seconded by Council Member Valencia. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried. D106 11. Amend the Planning and Building Department's General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23, in the amount of $375,000, to provide for the hiring of two Full -Time Code Enforcement Officers, one Part -Time Code Enforcement Officer, and the purchase of two associated vehicles, to support pro -active code enforcement efforts on commercial corridors. City Manager Jim Vanderpool announced a recent promotion for Community Preservation Manager Brittney Malenofski. Ms. Malenofski reported the item is a request by Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil to increase the General Fund budget for additional code enforcement officers and associated vehicles to the Planning and Building departmental budget to support proactive code enforcement measures on commercial corridors. She reported on enhanced code enforcement efforts on Beach Blvd. using existing staff and advised additional staffing would help the efforts citywide. She stated staff recommends the addition of two (2) full-time code enforcement officers, one (1) part-time code enforcement officer, and two (2) vehicles, City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 11 of 18 with an estimated cost of $375,000, $275,000 of which would be for salaries and $100,000 for the one-time vehicle purchases. DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Faessel's inquiries, Ms. Malenofski confirmed the Quality Rental Housing Program falls under her jurisdiction and it is still offered for residents like those from Pauline St. who came out to the meeting to share about their living conditions. She confirmed the proposed new officers could also assist the Quality Rental Housing Program team's efforts. She agreed there is a nexus between the proposed commercial enforcement and residential code enforcement. Council Member Diaz stated Beach Blvd. is one of the biggest issues in west Anaheim and advised proactive code enforcement is necessary there. Council Member Diaz inquired if there is flexibility between the full-time and part-time status of the additional staff. Council Member Moreno interjected and advised he may be supportive of this idea based on the staff's response. Ms. Malenofski stated additional staffing could be considered if the goal is an even more robust program. She advised that proactive enforcement is a pilot program staff was in favor of reevaluating after 12 months based on its level of success. Council Member Ma'ae expressed her support for the program, noting a high level of feedback at Anaheim First town hall meetings where commercial corridor concerns were expressed in every district. Council Member Moreno stated he supports the concept and is surprised it is not already done. He noted commercial corridors away from the Resort area are worse because the Resort funds area maintenance. He thanked Council Member Faessel for connecting the issue to the Pauline St. residents and noted it is not the first time those residents have come to a Council meeting as a large group but their previous appearance was shortly before the pandemic and staff's ability to act was diminished. He expressed hope that staff could be helpful and supportive of residents through proactive code enforcement in addition to commercial properties. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Ms. Malenofski clarified if a commercial property is cited the property owner is held liable for violations and not a renter. She advised the City works with the tenants on how to correct the violations but stated ultimately it is the property owner's responsibility. Council Member Moreno stated he appreciates this proactive code enforcement so renters do not have to fear negative repercussions from their property owner for reporting code violations to the City. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Deputy Director of Planning and Building Niki Wetzel stated monitoring how rental rates change is a matter for the Economic Development Department. She advised the code enforcement staff is never heavy-handed unless a public health and safety emergency arises, otherwise working collaboratively with property owners maintaining sensitivity to tenants. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiries, Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez confirmed staff has $500,000 approved for a commercial rehabilitation program to help small business owners through grants. He clarified staff is considering issuing grants in the range of $8- 10,000 focused on paint, lighting, and landscaping improvements. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 12 of 18 Council Member Valencia expressed excitement at the plan coming to fruition and thanked staff. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil thanked his colleagues for their support. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiries, Ms. Malenofski stated staff would like to advertise the new positions as soon as possible. She confirmed the budgeted amount is for 12 months' worth of staff salary and the City would not spend the full amount in Fiscal Year 2022-23 because of the window until the positions are filled. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Ms. Malenofski clarified the recommendation for a 12- month review is to allow time to better assess the actual impacts. She advised staff would be constantly monitoring the program's success but a full year is required to provide a clear picture. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Ms. Malenofski confirmed that additional code enforcement officers could also assist with illegal street vendors. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiry, Mr. Ramirez confirmed the City has been working on an educational program for street vendors so they are aware of what is and is not legal and how to potentially take their business to a brick -and -mortar setting. In response to Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil's inquiries, Mr. Vanderpool stated this was not in the adopted budget but would be funded out of the unallocated $10,000,000 budget bucket for community services. He advised the $1,500,000 for expanded library and senior services is also coming out of this bucket, leaving the City with over $8,000,000 left to spend from this bucket. Council Member Moreno stated the discussions Mayor Prop Tern O'Neil mentioned with Council Member Diaz about illegal street vending should have been done with the entire City Council since it is a citywide concern. He stated proactive enforcement of street vendors goes against State law and he would like to have a future conversation about street vendors to better protect mom-and-pop vendors and clarify areas where they can set up shop so as not to hurt established small businesses. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Vanderpool confirmed the $10,000,000 bucket is ideally intended for one-time expenditures and not ongoing obligations. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil moved to amend the Planning and Building Department's General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2022/23, in the amount of $375,000, to provide for the hiring of two Full - Time Code Enforcement Officers, one Part -Time Code Enforcement Officer, and the purchase of two associated vehicles, to support pro -active code enforcement efforts on commercial corridors, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma'ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES — 0. Motion carried. E127 12. RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA ordering the submission, at the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 as called by City Resolution No. 2022-057, to the qualified voters of the City of Anaheim of a General Tax Measure set forth in a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 2.15 (Admissions Tax) to Title 2 (Taxes) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to establish a two percent admissions tax on attendees of entertainment and sporting events at privately operated or managed facilities with a capacity of over 15,000 people; requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to include the General Tax Measure in the Consolidated Statewide General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022; setting priorities and deadlines for the filing of arguments and rebuttal arguments; and City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 13 of 18 directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis [includes determination that the Measure is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)]. City Attorney Robert Fabela reported the item asks City Council to approve a resolution placing on the November 8, 2022 ballot a 2% admission tax on attendees of entertainment and sporting events at privately operated or managed facilities with a capacity of over 15,000 people. He advised it would currently apply to attendees of events at Honda Center, Angel Stadium, and Disneyland. Mr. Fabela reported there is a provision in the Angels' 1996 lease stating the revenue from the tax would go to the team so Angels games are not included in the revenue projection of $55,000,000- $82,000,000. Mr. Fabela stated the item requires a two-thirds vote of the entire body or five (5) votes to pass. DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno expressed his hope that his colleagues have brought an open mind to the dais. Council Member Moreno noted any tax must be approved by a vote of the people per State laws and cannot be created by City Council. He stated that residents should have the right to vote on whether or not to establish a modest 2% gate tax and discussion should focus on this right of residents and not their personal views about a tax. He presented the ballot language for the proposed measure. He listed multiple potential benefits to the City from the additional $55,000,000-$82,000,000 in annual revenue, including needed swimming pools, community centers, senior centers, increasing City staff, and funding rental relief programs. He noted a substantial percentage of Anaheim residents in all six (6) districts have household incomes below $50,000 and rely on City services for survival. Council Member Moreno noted there have been substantial increases in tickets for Disneyland, Los Angeles Angels baseball games, and Anaheim Ducks games even during the last two (2) recessions, contradicting talking points about hurting those businesses. He noted Disney is not concerned if people will no longer come because of constantly rising admission prices, noting the prices have quadrupled since 2000, yet Disney seems highly concerned about losing business over $2 potentially going to the City. He stated the argument is hollow as Disneyland prices have been raised even since the pandemic. Council Member Moreno reported the City has over $1.5 billion in unfunded liabilities, leading the City to borrow to balance last year's budget. He advised staffing levels are stagnant. He noted voting is a basic function of democracy and an opportunity for City Council to regain public trust. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Mr. Fabela confirmed the City's only three (3) venues with a capacity of over 15,000 are Angel Stadium, Honda Center, and Disneyland. He advised the Anaheim Convention Center also has a capacity of over 15,000 but the proposed measure only applies to privately owned or managed facilities. He stated publicly owned and operated facilities were omitted due to instruction from Council Member Moreno. Council Member Moreno reported he had not originally considered the Convention Center so he asked for an opinion from Executive Director of Convention, Sports, and Entertainment Tom Morton. He reported Mr. Morton stated he was unaware of convention centers being included in any cities with a similar admission tax policy. He stated admissions taxes are not a new idea, adding other cities set theirs at 5%, so he chose not to include the convention center based upon both Mr. Morton's feedback and knowing convention center users are already paying a fee to the City to use the facility. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 14 of 18 He stated it would be unfair to vendors to charge them both to use the Convention Center and also for admission to their events. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Council Member Moreno stated he is open to amending the proposed measure to include the Convention Center. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Mr. Fabela stated conventions likely would not fall under the gate tax, contrary to what was said by public speakers because the Convention Center is publicly owned and managed. He confirmed it would be a continuous revenue stream because there is no sunset clause in the proposed measure. He advised the number of attendees is always subject to fluctuation. He confirmed patrons would be paying the tax, collected by a third party like how hotels collect transient occupancy tax (TOT) from guests and pass it along to the City. He stated the proposed measure does not have an exception for non -profits or charitable events held at these venues. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiries, Mr. Fabela clarified the Angels' 1996 lease, which is still in operation, stated if there is an admissions tax based on the revenues of the Angels then the team is entitled to the return of the tax by the City. He advised it is unclear whether or not it would apply to the proposed tax so it is not included in the revenue estimate. He stated options include the Angels agreeing it does not apply, agreeing to amend the lease so it does not apply, or a court ruling on the matter. He advised there is a risk that the team would keep whatever is charged at Angel Stadium. In response to Council Member Valencia's inquiry, Finance Director Debbie Moreno stated the Angels could potentially receive $1,000,00041,500,000. Mr. Fabela reiterated the word "potentially." Council Member Valencia noted his challenge with the resolution is unintended shortcomings in the language. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted the City is fortunate to have a vibrant tourism economy where the tax burden on residents is low because visitors offset the cost of City services. He advised the City should be encouraging growth in the tourism sector and not making it more difficult by adding costs. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for better decorum from the audience in the name of respect for the meeting. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted visitors to Anaheim are already paying a 15% TOT and 2% tourism fee in addition to 7.75% sales tax. He advised increasing the tax burden on visitors creates a risk of negatively impacting tourism. He theorized that potential tourists could reconsider their vacation destination due to high taxes. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called again for better decorum from the audience in the name of respect for the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil reported the City of Monterrey has a 10% TOT and its neighboring City of Pacific Grove has a 12% TOT along with a tourism district fee of $1-2 per night. He noted a 2016 ballot measure to add a 5% admissions tax in the City of Pacific Grove was soundly defeated. At 8:47 P.M., Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil recessed the City Council and reconvened at 8:54 P.M. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 15 of 18 Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted that City Council does not have the same policy opinions as the public but they respect everyone's view. He explained this City Council discussion is a deliberative process where everyone should be allowed to speak. In response to an audience member's call stating that City Council works for the residents, Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil stated they do and they are being prevented from doing so by the audience's noise. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil called for a motion on the item so they could move on. Council Member Moreno requested audience members respect the democratic process. He stated that he would like to hear his colleagues' perspectives so he could attempt to address them. He advised the Council would vote and the community could then do what it feels it needs to do in response. He stated in a democracy the people should respect the process and allow the perspectives of the City Council Members to be heard. He stated it is important for the public to be able to hear clearly why a Council Member does or does not vote for the proposed ballot measure and put their opinion on the record. He stated he would like to hear the perspectives of all of his colleagues on the item. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil restated the tourist tax and fee situation in the cities of Monterrey and Pacific Grove. He advised the City of Pasadena has a 12.11 % TOT, a 2.89% Tourism Assessment (TID), and a tax on admissions to Rose Bowl Stadium. He reported on double-digit TOTs in the City of Avalon where a proposed increase failed in the June 2022 election, while maintaining a $4 amusement tax but no TID. He reported the City of Santa Cruz has an 11% TOT, a $1.75 to $3 TID, and a 5% admissions tax. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil noted Anaheim has a 15% TOT, ranking among the highest in the State, while visitors also pay a 2% TID. He noted the 17% total is higher than any other City he just cited. He believed that raising this to 19% with an admissions tax would lead people to reconsider Anaheim vacations. He advised the City's TOT collections continue to exceed estimates since the reopening of the resort, noting this money is already being reinvested in the community through measures like Item No. 11 tonight. He stated the City should focus on growing the pie and not taking a bigger bite out of the pie. He advised the 1996 Anaheim Resort bonds would be paid off sooner than expected, adding even more revenue than the proposed gate tax while not adding a burden to guests. Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil stated the people did vote and they voted for the Council Members to be their representatives. He stated voters can hold them accountable in the next election. He stated that City Council has a responsibility to vote on issues and not pass tough decisions onto the voters, similar to how the previous City Council did not send the cannabis imitative to the ballot. He stated he does not support the proposed tax and that the City does not need it because there are other ways to generate revenue. Council Member Moreno responded to Council Member Valencia's previous comments by expressing his willingness to amend the item to exempt charitable non -profits. He apologized for their omission from the current document, adding it was not his intent. He expressed appreciation to Council Member Valencia for catching this mistake. Council Member Moreno stated he did not know about the Angels' clause until this resolution and echoed concerns that the team could gain from the City's proposed tax. He advised this makes the 2019 reinstatement of the 1996 lease even worse than it already was for the City. He stated he was willing to live with the possibility of the Angels gaining some money so the City could gain even more money. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 16 of 18 Council Member Moreno acknowledged he would no longer be on the Council when this tax would be approved but encouraged those who are to direct the City Attorney to investigate why the rebate would not go back to the customer instead of the collector. City Member Moreno stated Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil laid out many fine examples from other cities where tourist taxes were rebuffed by voters but advised they do not know the full context of each City's financial situation like they do Anaheim's. He stated that 2% would not make Disneyland too expensive because Disney is constantly raising prices on its own. He stated if the voters vote down a tax it sends a signal that residents are content with the City's resources, but residents from all districts constantly ask why the City does not have more community policing, firefighters, paramedics, community services, a swimming pool, seven -day -a -week libraries, code enforcement, and other amenities. He advised the City is also in significant debt. Council Member Moreno stated if Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil is confident the measure would not pass because voters feel the City has enough revenues as in his examples, then he should trust the voters will vote no. He advised this denial of the tax would make it a decision of the people where they could not point to corruption, bureaucracy, and other concerns. Council Member Moreno stated State law would not allow the revenues to go into a restricted fund unless it was classified as a special tax requiring 66% of voters to approve it as opposed to a simple majority. He advised there are great needs in all areas of the General Fund. He encouraged his colleagues to allow the people to vote just like the cities cited by Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed Anaheim residents could be exempted from the tax because there could be different standards for residents and non-residents with recreational activities. He advised he has generally seen this for things like park fees, but he does not think there would be a distinction between a fee and a tax like this one. He clarified this was not a confirmation of legality, but advised it was something staff could look into deeper. Council Member Moreno stated he would like to amend the verbiage to include exemptions for Anaheim residents along with charitable and non-profit events. He advised he would also like to see more analysis done on whether or not the Convention Center should be included. He advised that if Council Members were supportive of these changes, he would support continuing the item to the August 9, 2022 meeting so a better resolution could be presented. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, Council Member Valencia expressed appreciation for the amendments but clarified his concerns were that the ideas have not been sufficiently vetted. He stated there was no guarantee that the resolution could be sufficiently revised in time for the next meeting. Council Member Diaz stated California has the second -highest taxes of any state, leading to a loss of population due to high taxes. He noted the State has a $100 billion surplus signaling how overtaxed residents are. He stated promoting investment is a better way to increase the City's revenues. Council Member Valencia stated it is a challenging topic and he is having difficulty because inflation and the cost of living are at historical highs. He stated a majority of residents who have reached out to him have expressed disapproval of the proposed tax. He stated residents should not have to consider taxing themselves during economically challenging times because the taxes would come directly from Anaheim residents. He stated he could not support the item. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 17 of 18 Council Member Moreno stated he would like to amend the resolution to exempt the Anaheim families that Council Member Valencia is concerned about so this sticking point should not be an issue. He stated the proposed amendments to make exemptions are important but the work is 98% there for the document as a whole. He disagreed with Council Member Valencia's assessment of public sentiment noting the City received 39 emails in support of a gate tax and the overwhelming majority of public speakers earlier in the meeting. In response to Council Member Moreno's inquiry, City Clerk Theresa Bass confirmed the August 9 meeting is the last one where a ballot measure could be approved for the November election. MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to continue Item No. 12 to August 9, 2022, to incorporate amendments to exempt charitable and non-profit organization events held at affected facilities and Anaheim residents and to allow for additional public and City Council review of the amendments. The motion failed for lack of a second. MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA ordering the submission, at the General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 as called by City Resolution No. 2022-057, to the qualified voters of the City of Anaheim of a General Tax Measure set forth in a proposed ordinance adding Chapter 2.15 (Admissions Tax) to Title 2 (Taxes) of the Anaheim Municipal Code to establish a two percent admissions tax on attendees of entertainment and sporting events at privately operated or managed facilities with a capacity of over 15,000 people; requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to include the General Tax Measure in the Consolidated Statewide General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022; setting priorities and deadlines for the filing of arguments and rebuttal arguments; and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis [includes determination that the Measure is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15378(b)], as amended to exempt charitable and non-profit organization events held at affected facilities and Anaheim residents. The motion failed for lack of a second. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): None COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Moreno provided his thoughts on the votes tonight and last week and struggled to see how the City would find options for resources to support staff, services, and the fiscal health of the City. He felt that the Resort area appeared untouchable regarding campaign finance reform and proposed taxes but believed ideas should be brought forward, debated, and discussed through the democratic process. He hoped the people of Anaheim were paying attention and would exercise their right to vote. He expressed his gratitude to the staff for their work regarding street vendors and finding a balance. Council Member Ma'ae expressed frustration and disappointment with the noise and conversations throughout the meeting and hoped there could be dialogue that is more respectful in the future. Council Member Valencia encouraged all to enjoy the remainder of the summer. City Council Minutes of July 19, 2022 Page 18 of 18 COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: Mayor Pro Tem O'Neil requested an agenda item at the August 9, 2022, City Council meeting to consider placing a Charter Amendment on the November 8, 2022, ballot to strengthen private property rights in Anaheim, while promoting the goal of accommodating the housing needs of all residents, to allow property owners to establish over the price for which their property is sold, leased, rented, transferred, or exchanged. ADJOURNMENT: At 9:29 P.M., with no further business to conduct, Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil adjourned the City Council. ctfully submitted, Werela Bass, CIVIC City Clerk Public Comment From: Teresa Fitzpatrick Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2022 9:15 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Pass Item #12 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. Anaheim City Council. I am writing to urge you to please pass item #12 and allow Anaheim voters the chance to vote on a small venue tax that would greatly benefit our city. We the tax payers have paid the bill for many of the costs of private business such as the Mickey and friends parking structure. It's time for the venue users to pay a fair share of the costs as well as provide for the upkeep or our city. For the sake of our residents and strengthening our say in our city please pass Item #12. Thankyou Teresa Fitzpatrick 35 year Anaheim resident and avid voter. Public Comment From: libbyvince Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2022 10:43 AM To: Public Comment; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Diaz; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Jose Moreno; Avelino Valencia Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item #12 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. I strongly urge the Anaheim City Council to pass Item #12 on July 19. A 2% gate tax is tiny in relation to all of the benefits and improvements to the quality of life for Anaheim residents that could be funded. I am especially concerned about homelessness and senior services and this modest gate tax would go a long way to improving those situations. Unlike surrounding cities, Anaheim has many large venues which gives it the opportunity to raise this revenue. It is the Council's responsibility to work for the benefit of the residents of this city. I believe it would be a huge mistake to let this opportunity pass by. Thank you, Libby Frolichman Public Comment From: LTORGERSON Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2022 3:41 PM To: Avelino Valencia; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Jennifer Diaz; Jose Moreno; Public Comment; Stephen Faessel; Trevor O'Neil Subject: [EXTERNAL] Gate Tax 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. Hello All, I would like to register my opposition to a gate tax. Thank you. Dinah Torgerson Anaheim CA 92805 Public Comment From: Vern Nelson Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2022 5:34 PM To: Public Comment; Loretta Day; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Moreno; Jose Diaz; Stephen Faessel; Avelino Valencia; Gloria S. Ma'ae Subject: [EXTERNAL] YES ON ITEM 12 - Please allow Anaheim voters to decide whether to tax tourists! 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. Hello everybody. I really think you all should vote yes on item 12, to allow the REST OF US TO DECIDE whether or not to charge a 2% entertainment tax. You may or may not favor this tax yourselves, but it would be wrong to deny Anaheim's citizens a vote on such an important matter. Voting no (as I hope none of you do) would mean protecting multi -billion dollar corporations like Disney - and protecting such a TINY FRACTION of their profitability! - over the people of Anaheim, our right to vote, and fiscal sanity as well. That's the main message, LET THE PEOPLE VOTE. I could go on, if you feel like reading on, and say why this 2% gate tax is fair and necessary. Our $1.6 billion debt is going to force us, soon, to choose between a Gate Tax and Declaring Bankruptcy. I know Trevor doesn't believe this, but the little bit of revenue we're currently getting from our very profitable tourism industry is not going to make much of a dent in that debt. 2% is HELL OF REASONABLE. Most other tourist -dependent towns have 5% entertainment taxes or more. And it would get us from $55 to 82 million a year. THIS WILL NOT HURT DISNEY. We're not trying to hurt or punish Disney. We just want them to be good corporate citizens. Thru 2019-21, as Covid came and went, they made PROFITS of $27.5 billion, $21.5 billion, and $22.2 billion. We're always warned, every time this comes up (for decades now) that if we pass a Gate Tax Disney and the Angels etc. will have to raise their ticket prices. And then every year they do anyway. That argument is limp. We could be paying off our debt a LOT quicker, and also getting things that Anaheim can't afford right now - more swimming pools, citywide WiFi, lighting for parks, a city gym or two ... hell, if you guys vote the right way we could name them the Faessel Gym, the Ma'ae Pool, the Diaz Senior Center, the O'Neil Dog Park, the Valencia Community Center! What do you say guys!? See you Tuesday and we all hope you vote the right way! Public Comment From: Fred Sigala Jr Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2022 9:17 PM To: Public Comment; Loretta Day; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Moreno; Jose Diaz; Stephen Faessel; Avelino Valencia; Gloria S. Ma'ae Subject: [EXTERNAL] YES ON ITEM 12 - Please allow Anaheim voters to decide! 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. Hello Council. Please vote YES on item 12 in order to allow the residents to decide whether or not to charge a 2% entertainment tax on their November ballot. If our $1.6 billion debt continues to worsen, it could force us into bankruptcy. A Gate Tax would serve to supplement the relatively tiny actual amount of revenue we currently generate from our very profitable tourism industry and could generate from $55 to 82 million a year. 2% is reasonable compared to what other municipalities require. Most other tourist -dependent towns have 5% entertainment taxes or more. We're not trying to hurt or punish Disney, just asking that they act equitably and as good corporate citizens. 2019-2021, even during Covid, they made PROFITS of $27.5 billion, $21.5 billion, and $22.2 billion. We've understood, (for decades now), the argument that if we pass a Gate Tax, Disney and the Angels etc. will have to raise their ticket prices. But every year they do anyway without consideration for our city. This item is not about whether or not you favor this tax yourselves, but about allowing Anaheim's citizens to vote on this important matter for OURSELVES. By voting no, you'd be protecting a tiny fraction of multi -billion dollar corporation profits, over doing the right thing for the people of Anaheim by granting us the ability to vote on this in November. Please LET THE PEOPLE VOTE. Thank you. Public Comment From: Mike Greenfield Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 7:32 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ticket taxes 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. I have lived in Anaheim since 1986 and have owned my current home in what is now council district 4 since 1989. Some reports show a likely budget deficit for the city of Anaheim. As has become even more obvious in recent months, the city has a history of appearing to favor the interests of entities such as Disney above those of residents. A ballot measure imposing ticket and other taxes on tourism -centric businesses who benefit from city services would be a very reasonable approach. I urge the Anaheim City Council to place such a measure on the ballot for the November 2022 election so the voters may speak. Thank you. Michael Greenfield Anaheim, CA 92805 Public Comment From: Mike Lyster Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 8:49 AM To: Public Comment Subject: Item 12 This was received via city social media over the weekend and appears to be a public comment. myf'avestorefirnds PLEASE I O IT IRAIII&IE THE TA. 1111�I,,, ui°yid I�w�,so.! rnyf'avestorefinds PLEASE I ONT IRAIIISIE THE TA. 2: e, „r, r-yid Il iww, s g4i;;w rnyf'avestorefinds DOI IT RAISE THE TAX D]I -I IIE LAI IID IIIS ALREADY EXPENSIVE AS IT IS PILE Mike Lyster Chief Communications Officer City of Anaheim (714) 765-4497 mlyster(a-)anaheim. net www.anaheim.net 1 Public Comment From: Kenneth Piguee Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:26 AM To: Public Comment Cc: Trevor O'Neil; Cameron Wessel Subject: [EXTERNAL] 7/19 Agenda Item #12 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. Hello, I am a resident of District 5 at I am supportive of item 12 on the 7/19 agenda. However, I would suggest that two additional items be considered: 1. Supplemental item be included to show what the City's fiscal outlook looks like over the next 5-10 years, and how these funds would be used to address any structural budget issues. 2. Create an exemption for Anaheim residents for this tax so it's truly a tourist tax not a resident tax. Kenneth Piguee Public Comment From: Natalie Meeks Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 5:51 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Entertainment Tax Proposal Attachments: Entertainment Tax Oppose Letter.pdf 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. Natalie Meeks Anaheim CA 92807 Dear Mayor Pro Tern and Councilmembers, I am opposed to the creation of a ticket tax that would adversely and unnecessarily impact the residents of Anaheim. It would also go against the commitments we made to the residents when the Transit Occupancy Tax (TOT) was increased so that visitors to Anaheim, not residents, would generate General Fund revenue to fund city services. It is clear the strategy is working. TOT has been a tremendous source of income to the General Fund and has funded vital City services including police, fire and community services. This revenue is realized without cost to Anaheim residents, it is paid by visitors. A ticket tax would be a direct financial impact to visitors AND residents that visit our popular destinations. Whether it is tickets for a baseball game or a trip to Disneyland, our local families don't need another unnecessary tax burdening them. The current TOT revenue shows a ticket tax is unnecessary. The pandemic had a devastating impact on TOT and a ticket tax would not have prevented our financial losses during this time. Fortunately, Anaheim's established financial strategy is strong and resilient. The TOT recovery has been remarkable. It is now your job to protect the financial strategy and protect the future of TOT. Many travelers discovered new destinations during the pandemic and California's associated stringent policies. California and Anaheim need to encourage visitors to return and adopt policies that welcome them. A ticket tax will steer some visitors away from Anaheim. In addition, policies like this will steer some conventions away from Anaheim which will have an immense negative impact on our long term TOT. I am asking the Councilmembers to protect Anaheim's successful financial strategy, to support the Anaheim Resort to ensure high -yielding TOT revenues, and to protect our residents from unnecessary financial burden. Do not support a ticket tax. Thank you, Natalie Meeks Public Comment From: davidklawei Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 11:17 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] July 19th, 2022 City Council Meeting - Item #12 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. Good Day, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmembers and City Staff. As a commissioner of the Budget, Information and Technology commission, I personally oppose Item #12. Back in the mid-1960's, The City Leaders decided, based on how well Disneyland, and surrounding area was doing, to rely on Tourism as a major economic engine. The council, along with the Anaheim Union High School District, built the original Anaheim Arena and Convention Center, which became an instant hit, hosting major concerts, professional Basketball and other events. The city went on to build Angel Stadium and the second Anaheim Arena, now known as the Honda Center. Plus multiple expansions of the Convention Center. The city benefitted in multiple ways, including creating jobs, plus additional Sales and Property Taxes. But the main ways the city benefitted by its investments in Tourism was in rents and other revenue from city owned facilities, plus the Transit Occupancy Tax (T.O.T.). The T.O.T. is a great Tax designed to Tax Tourists, as it is a Tax collected on Short Term Stays of 30 Days or less. It is also a Tax that is not shared with other Governmental Agencies, unlike Sales and Property Taxes. In May of 2022, the city collected $16.3 Million, a record amount. Year to Date, the city has collected $157.6 Million in T.O.T., 61% over budget! A Tax that is forecasted to pay off our Bonds issued in the mid-1990's in less than 10 years, creating over an extra $100 Million a year for our General Fund. So the T.O.T. can easily pay off the recent bonds that covered the COVID related spending without impacting the General Fund. At the last council meeting, a new Ballot Initiative was approved to address a major loophole in the T.O.T„ to bring millions more a year to the city. It is one that makes sense and should be the focus for the November election. An "Entertainment" Tax would tax Anaheim Residents, along with others living in the region. California Laws and Tax Codes prevent you from Taxing just a single business, such as Disneyland. You have to tax things like Lodging Stays or Entertainment. Since residents spend much more money on various forms of Entertainment locally as compared to Hotel/Motel stays, the city decided to use the T.O.T. tax to be the primary source to fund the General Fund. A decision that has helped the city for over 50 years, and will continue to do so. Taxing entertainment would punish residents. Residents who currently are struggling to buy gasoline, something heavily taxed, along with groceries and other items due to inflation. Please protect Anaheim Residents from additional costs and taxes by voting No to Item #12. Thank You, David Klawe. Public Comment From: Tamara Jimenez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 11:42 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 12 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. Dear Anaheim City Council Members: The residents of Anaheim urge you to vote YES on Item 12 at the next city council meeting to place the proposed "Admissions Tax" on the November ballot. There is a crisis of transparency and democracy in the city, and it has been like that for quite some time due to the role of corporate money in local elections. The recent news of the ongoing FBI Investigation of our resigned Mayor Sidhu and Chamber of Commerce has eroded the trust of the community because we believe the majority of you do not have our best interests when you are voting up in the dais. We know you have advocated in favor of corporate interests, instead of the people you were elected to represent. This is why we urge you to allow the residents of Anaheim to decide on the tax by placing it on the November General Election Ballot. Now more than ever must we practice the values of democracy, because when our local government is not for the people, us, the residents of Anaheim must raise our voices and have a say into what is best for Anaheim. It is imprinted in our constitution the right to address our grievances when we feel our representatives no longer are voting for the people. You must restore the trust that has been broken with the residents of Anaheim, and you can start by placing the proposed "Admissions Tax" on the November ballot and allowing democracy to play its course here in Anaheim. Let the People Decide! Sincerely, Tamara Jimenez & Amber Moonier Anaheim, CA 92805 Residents of Anaheim Sent from Yahoo for iPhone Public Comment From: Renato Jimenez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 11:43 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment 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. Hello, I would like to fully support including the 'Gate Tax' measure on the November ballot. Thank you. Public Comment From: John Sinambal Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 11:44 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 12 Gate Tax 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. Hello I would like to urge the City Council to pass item 12 in the council meeting today. This Gate Tax can be very helpful to the residents of Anaheim and I would like the opportunity to vote on it later this year. Thanks John Sinambal Anaheim resident Jennifer L. Hall Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Resort User Fee Attachments: Anaheim Resort User Fee.pdf From: William Taormina Date: July 19, 2022 at 11:59:15 AM PDT To: Jim Vanderpool <IVander ool &anapteim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Resort User Fee 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. Dear Jim, Please ask Maggie to give a copy of this to the City Council from me. We cannot tax our resort businesses, we must only use them to collect a user fee that will be put in a separate bucket for community benefits, not for the general fund. Thank you sir. Bill Taormina Sent from my iPhone 1 Q ZTMIII ;I i Anaheim Resort User Fee (ARUF) Mission Statement: Via the voluntary collection of a small one time percentage -based user fee on a combination of hotel guest headcount, sports venue tickets, and special parking fees, the ARUF will generate a sustainable income stream separate from the Anaheim General Fund to be invested and disbursed by a self-appointed group of stakeholders to directly benefit the resort businesses, resort worker community, enhance the quality of life for all Anaheim citizens, support our first responders, fund permanent solutions for affordable workforce housing and establish a sustainable solution for homelessness in and around the City of Anaheim. Aspects of the ARUF: 1) This is not a "tax" and will absolutely not impact the profitability. of any resort -related business. 2) Resort and entertainment stakeholders will collect these funds on behalf of a self-appointed Quality of Life Commission (QOLC) composed of a diverse cross section of Anaheim citizens and business owners. 3) The ARUF would be based on a small percentage charge against each hotel stay, sports ticket, or parking fee depending upon the source. No stakeholder will be charged for more than one source. E 4) ARUF funds will be electronically deposited into a secured trustee account that would NOT be a part of the City's General Fund. These funds will be held in trust and dispersed via a formal protocol of the privately controlled Quality of Life Commission (QOLC). 5) To cover any cost of administration and oversight, stakeholders will retain 5 % of the funds they collect. 6) The QOLC members must reside in, own property in, or be employed by a business in Anaheim. Appointees will be chosen from the following: a) Walt Disney Company - Parks b) Major Resort Hotelier c) Major Resort Hotelier d) Mid -sized Resort Hotelier e) Mid -sized Resort Hotelier f) Small -sized Resort Hotelier g) Small -sized Resort Hotelier h) Angels Baseball i) Ducks Hockey j) Anaheim Arena Management k) Faith Based 1) Education Based m)Anaheim Community Foundation n) OC Vibe - Samueli Family Holdings o) At Large p) At Large 3 7) The QOLC will initially have one full time Executive Director and one full time Assistant Director. Staff salaries and headcount will grow at a pace tied to the demand for services. All staff costs and other overhead will be funded from the revenues received from the ARUF via an annual budget. 8) The formal structure of the ARUF entity may be a Joint Powers Authority formed as a public/private partnership or some other similar type of entity to be determined by the nature of potential projects that may come before the stakeholders. An example might include the development of a large scale parking structure that generates revenues net of operating costs and debt service directly to ARUF uses. This enterprise type approach could apply to numerous resort -related business opportunities wherein the "profits" would accrue to the ARUF. 9) Distribution of the ARUF funds will be done via a formal application process. Applications will be accepted from pre -approved 501 C-3 organizations that are based in and around Anaheim. 10) Where possible, the ARUF funds will be matched with funding from other sources in order to increase the impact of our involvement. ARUF funds may be used for the following types of need fulfillment: a) Capital Projects that require "seed funding" wherein the ARUF funds would be used as short term loans, bridge financing, etc. all to be paid back over an agreed upon period of time. b) Loans for housing rental deposits to enable families to move out of motels and/or overcrowded, unsafe living conditions and into more dignified and permanent housing alternatives. E c) Loans for Continuing Education, or Job Skills Enhancement. d) Grants for Non -Profit organizations to establish and operate Continuing Technical Education and Job Skills Enhancement Programs. e) Grants for Non -Profit organizations to establish and operate Neighborhood Clean-up Programs. f) Grants for Non -Profit organizations to establish and operate Drug Treatment programs. g) Grants for Non -Profit organizations to establish and operate both Youth and Adult Recreational and After School Programs. h) Grants or Loans for Non -Profit organizations to establish and operate sustainable solutions for Homelessness with a special focus on funding the development and operation of: i) Emergency Shelters ii) Transitional Housing iii) Permanent Supportive Housing iv) Affordable Housing 11) The QOLC will meet monthly. Meetings will feature atypical agenda along with guest speakers and reports from experts in the relevant field of interest. 5 12) No funding of any political candidate or political initiative will be paid from ARUF funds. These funds will remain absolutely non -political. However, without political overtones, the QOLC may use ARUF funds to issue direct mail or other forms of advertising/promotion in order to educate the general public about the QOLC and the important projects and organizations it is funding. For More Information Please Contact: Bill Taormina CEO - Clean City, Inc. Cell/Text Public Comment From: Debby Romero Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:31 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item #12 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. (Add whatever you'd like and revise as you see fit!) Hello, My name is Debby and I was born and raised in Anaheim. I am writing in support of agenda item 412, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I support this intiative, proposed by Council member Moreno, because it will greatly benefit residents. Revenue will go to much needed services such especially street maintenance, youth services, senior services, and parks. The city was identified as high risk for financial distress the California state auditor office in 2021. In order to balance the City budget the City needs to find additional sources of revenue beyond the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and property tax. It is the common sense decision. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item 412 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax in the November 2022 ballot. Let us, the people, decide for ourselves. Debby Romero, MA I ELL Coordinator "Yo no estudio Para saber mas sino ignorar menos ' Public Comment From: Karen Rodriguez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:41 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote yes on item 12 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. Hello, My name is Karen Rodriguez I am writing in support of agenda item 412, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I support this intiative, proposed by Council member Moreno, because it will greatly benefit residents. Revenue will go to much needed services such especially street maintenance, youth services, senior services, and parks. The city was identified as high risk for financial distress the California state auditor office in 2021. In order to balance the City budget the City needs to find additional sources of revenue beyond the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and property tax. It is the common sense decision. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item 412 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax in the November 2022 ballot. Let us, the people, decide for ourselves. Public Comment From: Jennifer L. Hall Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 1:23 PM To: Public Comment Cc: Lauren Torres Subject: Voicemail for Council Re: Gate Tax Attachments: voice OOO.wav Mayor Pro Tern and Council Members, The attached voicemail is from Steve Acterman, longtime resident and registered voter, wherein he expresses strong support for some form of entertainment venue gate tax to help support the City's ongoing budgetary needs, both short and long-term, and asks to please support any efforts to create any opportunity for a gate tax at large entertainment venues. Assistant City Clerk Office of the City Clerk City of Anaheim 714-765-5166 Public Comment From: susan gerakos Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 9:52 PM To: Public Comment; Loretta Day; Trevor O'Neil; Jose Moreno; Jose Diaz; Stephen Faessel; Avelino Valencia; Gloria S. Ma'ae Subject: [EXTERNAL] Yes on Item 12 - Please allow Anaheim voter to decide 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. Hello Council. Please vote YES on item 12 in order to allow the residents to decide whether or not to charge a 2% entertainment tax on their November ballot. If our $1.6 Billion debt continues to worsen, it could force us into bankruptcy. A Gate Tax would serve to supplement the relatively tiny actual amount of revenue we currently generate from our very profitable tourism industry and could generate from $55 to $82 million a year. 2% is reasonable compared to what other municipalities require. Most other tourist dependent towns have 5% entertainment taxes or more. We're not trying to hurt or punish Disney, just asking that they act equitably and as good corporate citizens. 2019-2021, even during Covid, they made PROFITS of $27.5 billion, $21.5 billion, and $22.2 billion. We've understood, (for decades now), the argument that if we pass a Gate Tax, Disney and the Angels etc. will have to raise their ticket prices. But every year they do anyway without consideration for our city. This item is not about whether or not you favor this tax yourselves, but about allowing Anaheim's citizens to vote on this important matter for OURSELVES. By voting no, you'd be protecting a tiny fraction of multi -billion dollar corporation profits, over doing the right thing for the people of Anaheim by granting us the ability to vote on this in November. Please LET THE PEOPLE VOTE, Thank you, Susan Gerakos Public Comment From: gabler Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 10:59 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Gate Tax support 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. Hello I am an Anaheim resident and Chapman university student in the school of law. I have lived in OC the last 12 years of my life since I moved out to go to college. It is very clear which parts of OC are funded more appropriately by taxing and which are not. Anaheim can use a lot of improvements. There needs to be huge checks on these corporations and a 2% tax is no where significant enough and is honestly a slap in the face to citizens. With how much Disney makes and the scandal with angels Stradium. Anaheim local govt are honestly disgusting ppl to have let that deal go through. I can't believe this is even a question of whether or not this needs to be put on the ballot. Of course we need to tax corporations and y'all better put a cap on the amount of money these shady billionaire companies can spend lying to voters in ads. Personally, I lived in Irvine for 6 years as I played division 1 soccer at UCL I never had trouble finding a safe, nice grass field to go play on all around the city. Here in Anaheim a lot of the fields are okay, but not as nice as Irvine, and there's never any goals to play on!! If these things were provided more regularly they would become a part of the community and people will take care of them. That's just one example. Another example is gyms to play basketball, or public gyms!! And I looked in the Anaheim like brochure for summer classes and a lot of the stuff is super corny and clearly planned by and for white people. Anaheim is super diverse so we need to be hiring people from all communtities and creating activities that cater to all interests! But honestly whatever you do please do not give anymore money to police!!! I see police at the motel next to my apartment harassing the residents almost weekly. Policing doesn't reduce crime and doesn't increase safety. Providing safe, affordable housing, health care, education and activities for kids does. So please if this ends up bringing in more funding please fund those things and not the police!!!! Feel free to reach out to me for further comment. Obtener Outlook para iOS Public Comment From: Ricky Yang Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:12 PM To: Public Comment Cc: Trevor O'Neil; jodiza@anaheim.net; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Jose Moreno; avalencia@ahaheim.net; Stephen Faessel Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #12 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. Hello all, my name is Ricky, I am writing in support of agenda item 412, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I believe the residents of Anaheim should be given the opportunity to vote on this proposal councilman Moreno put forth. I think it's a very fair bill to tax Disneyland for much -needed services such as public safety, emergency services, street maintenance, youth/senior services & parks. Disneyland year after year raises their prices on admission so it's only fair this city receives 2% of the revenue made to support the local community. Lastly, this proposal will balance the city's budget & add an additional source of revenue beyond the TOT and property tax. This is a common-sense decision that will have a positive impact on the community's future. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item 412 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax on November 2022 ballot. Let the people decide for themselves. Best Regards Public Comment From: Pat D Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 11:48 PM To: Public Comment; Jose Diaz; Jose Moreno; Trevor O'Neil; Gloria S. Ma'ae; Stephen Faessel; Avelino Valencia Subject: [EXTERNAL] Item 12 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. Council member Diaz As your constituent, I have written you on several occasions. Often related to transparency and creating a virtual option for your constituents to participate in real time at City Council. The technology is there and not all have the privilege of time to sit in chambers with personal responsibilities at home during those hours. This needs to happen, especially if you are so interested in your district! Unfortunately I have received few responses. I am writing today to urge you and other majority members of the Council to allow the citizens of Anaheim to decide in their ballot votes on the proposed 2% modest gate tax on large venues (that seats over 15,000) which includes Disney, Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Of course our arrangement with the Angels has other limits due to bad past agreements, but the other venues income would have a huge impact on our city and the many needs of so many neighborhoods and community members. The $ numbers are out there. The net income to the city is very significant and will not impact those venues at all. Disneyland has already raised their prices, this is a pittance of that. My personal priority for these resources is housing and subsidies for the housing and food insecure. Maybe you can give greater input to meeting our city's RHNA numbers in our Housing Element response. Last meeting I was pleased you at least spoke of the unhoused in a more humane manner. (Maxwell Park efforts are looking a lot like harassment with nuisance citations!) Counsel may have guided you in your comments on the unhoused so there is hope you understand the unhoused have rights! Your comments and votes on the need for finance reform were very disappointing though predictable. Voting yes on moving this ballot initiative in Item 12 forward could give me hope you are not totally paid for! And whatever were you saying about George Soros? You could build some greater support by voting yes on Item 412 and give we the citizens the option to vote in November 2022! For review, in case you missed it, key points in staff report: "The proceeds of the admissions tax would go to the general fund and be used to provide general City services, such as police, fire and emergency response, street maintenance, and community services. The revenues from the admissions tax are estimated to be in the approximately $55 to $82 million range (not including any tax revenues from Angel Stadium ticket sales for the reasons stated above). The attached Resolution and Ordinance outline the proposed changes to the City's tax code as well as provide ballot language that would be presented to the voters should this item be approved. IMPACT ON BUDGET: Submission of the ordinance/tax measure to the voters at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 8, 2022 will cost approximately $8,500. If the measure passes, it is anticipated that it will generate approximately $55 to $82 million in annual tax revenues." Sound approach at minimal cost to help your city! Vote yes on Item 12! Thank you Pat Davis Sent from my phone. Please excuse brevity and typos. Public Comment From: Nikki Klein Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 8:39 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Gate Tax 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. Hello, I am writing in support of giving Anaheim residents like myself the opportunity to vote on adding a 2% gate tax to venues that hold 15,000+ People. -Nicole Klein Public Comment From: Stephanie Krystal Palomare� Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 9:25 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item #12 (Admission Tax) 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. Hello Council Members, I am urging the council to stand up for the residents of Anaheim and vote in favor of agenda item 412 (the admission/gate tax on the November ballot) tonight at the city council meeting. As you all know, there is a loss of trust between the people of Anaheim and the council due to corporate money's role in local elections. The residents of this city no longer feel we can trust the council on this matter because many members of the city council are funded by the resort district and have repeatedly valued Disney's, Angel's, and the Honda Center's interests over the people's. For this reason, I think it is important that the council members recognize the difficult situation the city has been put in and allow the citizens of Anaheim to have some control over their own city once again. The council members' votes on this agenda item (the admission tax) will reveal who recognizes the importance of democracy and who is willing to listen to their residents over their donors. Thank you for your time, Stephanie Public Comment From: Carolyn Cavecche <carolyn@octax.org> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 10:02 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter in Opposition to Entertainment Tax Attachments: Oppose Entertainement Tax.pdf 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. Please find attached letter in opposition to tonight's proposed entertainment tax. Carolyn Cavecche Orange County Taxpayers Association PO Box 5881 - Orange, CA 92863 Office Tel: 949-215-5539 Email: carol n(coctaxeorct or,geCounrt T&Va+yecsAssodation P.O. Box 5881, Orange, CA 92863 July 19,2022 Dear Mayor Pro Tern O'Neil and City Council Members, I am writing in opposition to the proposed entertainment tax on tonight's agenda The Anaheim entertainment tax unfairly targets our community's tourism industry and specifically the Disneyland Resort, which is the largest employer in Orange County. I am keenly aware of the importance of the tourism industry as a source of jobs, tax revenue and overall economic impact in our community. As you know in Anaheim, tourism -related businesses already make a significant contribution to local tax revenue through the Tourism Occupancy Tax (TOT). In fact, Anaheim has the highest TOT tax of any urban city in California and among the highest in the nation. The new entertainment tax is an attack on the Anaheim Resort District that is responsible for generating the city's largest source of general fund tax revenue. Now more than ever, creating lasting stability in Anaheim is crucial, but that will not come from encouraging a new tax, it will come from encouraging new investments in the city. Investments like Disneyland Resort's more than $1 billion it recently spent on new attractions and lands. Securing investments from businesses in the city not only brings in new tax revenue, it creates jobs and ensures the longevity of Anaheim's economy. Tourism is a vital part of Anaheim's economy, and providing stability for the tourism industry will prove to be more effective than another tax on it. I urge the city council to oppose this proposed tax increase as it will drive investment and visitors away from Anaheim. Sincerely, epg rw&x C. Carolyn Cavecche Orange County Taxpayers Association CSC Fax: Fightinq to make tuxes fair, understandable, cost-effective and goad for the economy! Public Comment From: Brianna C Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 10:04 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] General Public Comment/Agenda #12 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. Hello Council, My name is Brianna Cazeau and I have been a lifelong resident of Anaheim. I ask the council to allow us, the residents of Anaheim, to practice a fair democracy and pass agenda item 12. The proposal of a gate tax has been long overdue because amusement and tourist attractions is the number one source of revenue for the city. A gate tax is not a loss for residents, it allows the city to have even greater resources to address issues outside of the Disney resort. For example, affordable housing and meeting the RHNA for this housing cycle can be a great way to use extra tax revenue in the city. In light of recent events with council, I hope that you all would take this opportunity to give residents a chance to vote on this matter. I appreciate you all taking the time to read my comment. Thank you, Brianna C Public Comment From: Daisy Chavez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:35 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Gate Tax - Item 12 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. Hello, My name is Daisy Chavez. I am a resident of Anaheim's 5th District. I am writing in support of agenda item #12, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I support this initiative, proposed by Council member Moreno because it will greatly benefit residents. Revenue will go to much -needed services such especially street maintenance, youth services, senior services, and parks. The city was identified as high risk for financial distress by the California state auditor's office in 2021. In order to balance the City budget, the City needs to find additional sources of revenue beyond the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and property tax. It is a common sense decision. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item #12 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax on the November 2022 ballot. Let us, the people, decide for ourselves. Kindest Regards, Daisy Chavez Public Comment From: Penelope Lopez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:38 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item #12 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. My name is Penelope Lopez. I am a resident of Anaheim, district two. I am writing in support of agenda item 412, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I support this initiative, proposed by Council member Moreno, because it will greatly benefit residents. Revenue will go to much needed services such especially street maintenance, youth services, senior services, and parks. The city was identified as high risk for financial distress by the California state auditor office in 2021. In order to balance the City budget the City needs to find additional sources of revenue beyond the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and property tax. It is the common sense decision. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item 412 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax in the November 2022 ballot. Let us, the people, decide for ourselves. Public Comment From: Mabel Salgado Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:58 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Possible fees for large gatherings 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. Hello, I would like to voice my support of the proposed fees for large gatherings to create additional revenue needed for funding or our Anaheim community services. I am currently living in district 6. Thank you Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: kevda rkwiz Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:59 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 12 support 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. Hello, My name is Kevin De La Rosa. I am a resident of Anaheim. I am writing in support of agenda item 412, a gate tax for venues of 15,000+ capacity in the City of Anaheim. I support this intiative, proposed by Council member Moreno, because it will greatly benefit residents. Revenue will go to much needed services such especially street maintenance, youth services, senior services, and parks. The city was identified as high risk for financial distress the California state auditor office in 2021. In order to balance the City budget the City needs to find additional sources of revenue beyond the TOT (transient occupancy tax) and property tax. It is the common sense decision. I urge the City Council to vote yes on item 412 to allow the people of Anaheim to vote on a Gate Tax in the November 2022 ballot. Disney has raised prices right after the quarantine and has reached record profits because of this. A two percent tax would make no impact to Disney and consumers but it will help our community. Public Comment From: Jessica Guerrero Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 2:59 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment - Agenda Item #12 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. Dear Anaheim City Council, My name is Jessica Guerrero and I was born and raised in Anaheim, graduate of Anaheim public schools, and an active community member. Growing up in Anaheim, I took swimming lessons at the one public pool in Pearson Park, participated in after school programs at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, and before getting internet in my home completed my homework at the Anaheim Central Public Library. Without the access to these resources, I wouldn't be where I am today. However, as a resident of Anaheim District 5, none of these resources were located in Anaheim District 5. They were far from my residence and distant from the public schools I attended, including Sycamore Junior High School. Anaheim residents should have more access to these resources ,and tonight, agenda item #12, is about the residents of Anaheim and the need for resources for Anaheim. I humbly ask you give Anaheim residents and families the opportunity to vote on revenue for our City and bring resources into our communities; by allowing allow the 2% ticket tax measure on the November ballot for the voters to decide. Thank you, Jessica Guerrero Jessica Guerrero Candidate for Anaheim Union High School District Trustee - Area Website: voteguerrero.com Public Comment From: Jennifer L. Hall Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 3:15 PM To: Public Comment Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Letter to Anaheim City Council; Item #12 Attachments: Letter to Anaheim City Council on behalf of OCCORD; Let the People Vote.pdf From: Fernando Delgado <.d_ .I.gado@occord.org> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 3:05 PM To: Lauren Torres <ILTaarrs_("__n_h_._E1_:_n_.t> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter to Anaheim City Council; Item #12 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. Please see our attached letter regarding Item *12 on today's council meeting agenda. Fernando Delgado Campaigns Manager OCCORD July 18, 2022 RE: Community Organizations Supporting Item #12-Resolution No. 2022-057 - Let the People of Anaheim Vote Dear Anaheim City Council Members, We at Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development respectfully request that you support Item #12-Resolution No. 2022-057 on the council agenda for July 19, 2022. District 3 Councilmember Dr. Moreno has proposed a ballot measure to be placed on the November 2022 ballot that would allow residents to vote on a modest 2% gate tax on large venues with a capacity over 15,000 people; This would include Disney, Honda Center, Angel Stadium and Anaheim Ducks. As major entities in the city of Anaheim, they need to do more for the city that houses their occupancy. This proposed tax is estimated to generate $55 to $82 million for the city's general fund annually. We endorse this resolution on behalf of the Anaheim residents we represent. These funds will go straight into our general fund, providing us with the means to invest more in our city youth and senior services, public safety, emergency response services, street and park maintenance, and more, ensuring that we create a happy, safe, healthy and thriving city for residents. The City of Anaheim is currently in a $715 Million unrestricted net deficit and obtained $138 Million in bonds last year to cover for its deficits over the next few years. Meanwhile, corporations like Disney have continued to thrive, even amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Disney's estimated revenue in 2021 was $22.2 Billion. It is the responsibility of our corporate tenants to pay their fair share and invest in the city that houses their business. While the FBI proceeds with their investigation into the deep-rooted corruption of our council, the residents are left to look for ways to restore that trust that was broken. On July 12th, we filled the council chambers and called for campaign finance reform to hold councilmembers accountable to the residents and not their donors. That call was shot down by the council majority who was reluctant to lose their cash flow, and the trust remained broken. Now, we are presented with yet another opportunity to restore that trust with a ballot measure, putting the power of governance back into the hands of the people. We urge you to vote in favor of Item #12-Resolution No. 2022-057, to place the proposed admissions/gate tax on the Nov 8, 2022 ballot. It is in the city council's best interest to begin rebuilding trust with its constituents. Put this measure on the ballot and let the residents of Anaheim decide! Signed, Ely Flores Executive Director AOCCORD strong voice for a fair economy Public Comment From: Alexis Teodoro <ateodoro@occord.org> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 3:37 PM To: Public Comment; City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] Submitting 100 petitions In Support of Agenda Item 12 Attachments: Agenda Item 12 Petition and Signatures.pdf 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. Dear Clerk for the City of Anaheim, Orange County Communities Organizing for Responsible Development collected 100 petitions signed by Anaheim residents in favor of Agenda item 12 at tonight's city council meeting. I have attached the file containing the petitions for public record. Thank you for reading and accepting. For your own reference, here is the link to our online petition: occord.or /g thepoepledecide If you have any questions or concerns please let me know. Alexis Teodoro Online Organizer OCCORD ateodorogoccord.org Dear Anaheim City Council Members: The residents of Anaheim urge you to vote YES on Item 12 at the next city council meeting to place the proposed "Admissions Tax" on the November ballot. There is a crisis of transparency and democracy in the city, and it has been like that for quite some time due to the role of corporate money in local elections. The recent news of the ongoing FBI Investigation of our resigned Mayor Sidhu and Chamber of Commerce has eroded the trust of the community because we believe the majority of you do not have our best interests when you are voting up in the dais. We know you have advocated in favor of corporate interests, instead of the people you were elected to represent. This is why we urge you to allow the residents of Anaheim to decide on the tax by placing it on the November General Election Ballot. Now more than ever, we must embrace the values of democracy. If the local government is not using its power to serve the best interests of the people, then we, the residents of Anaheim, must raise our voices and take the power back for ourselves. It is imprinted in our constitution the right to address our grievances when we feel our representatives are no longer working for the people. You must restore the trust that has been broken with the residents of Anaheim, and you can start by placing the proposed "Admissions Tax" on the November ballot and allowing democracy to play its course here in Anaheim. Let the People Decide! Sincerely, The Residents of Anaheim f 100 Signatures in Support 1. Alexis Nava Teodoro 2. Cindy Salgado Ochoa 3. Marisol Ramirez 4. Lizzette Barrios Rivera 109. Osvaldo Sosa Jennifer L. Hall From: Jennifer L. Hall Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 5:04 PM To: Public Comment Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to Admissions Tax Ballot Measure Attachments: image001.png; image002.png; image003.png; image004.png; image005.png; image006.png; image007.png; D00071922[25][1].pdf, D00071922[27][1].pdf, D00071922[29][1].pdf, D00071922[26][1].pdf, D00071922[28][1].pdf; D00071922 [30] [ 1 ]. pdf Begin forwarded message: From: Jay Burress <IburressC)visitanaheim.org> Date: July 19, 2022 at 4:34:17 PM PDT To: Greg Blodgett <greg_ (gq den-gE yg.e_c rg>, Fred Brown <IF_r d (h ns`i� corn>, Ian Gee <i. ee@sheraton arkanaheim.com>, D Harrison <diharrison( greatwolf.com> Clark Jones ... ......... ........................... ...._. <Clark.Jones( disn_e..y corn>, Tom Morton <TMorton(nhirn nit>, Kim Painter _. _ ................. <kpainter@majesticgardenhotel :cc rrr>, "Ajesh A. Patel" «gatel( pro sperahotels.com>, Bharat Patel <bhargl.CeL�sllginn..cco_ >, Shaun Robinson <shaun.robinson(2hil_ton_:_com> Paul Sanford _. ........... .............................................................................. ................. <ps nfc rd(2Ain_cc meUsa.cc�rrr.>, John Kalinski <iohn.kalinski(�marriott.com>, Karen Lorton -Vella <Karen.LortonC rnq_rriott.:_c m>, Brandon Garr <brandon( grandlegacyhotel.com>, Kevin Schjei ................................................................_. ......................................... <kevin.schiei@marriott.com>, Lynn Clark <lynn.c1ark(�disney.cc m>, Jim Vanderpool ... .._.... .... <JVanderpoolC)anaheim.net>, Meghan Shigc "Nomura, Greg" ...................................... < .:_n _ur C2.b. t.com>, iIli_a..mgco..nn l( stcy Ilshc�tels.com yvonne( khannahotels.com, "Paul E. Sanford" <ps nfc rd(2Ain_com_e_hos.pitaiity cc rrr> Cc: Jay Burress <IburressC)visitanaheim.org>, Kris Murray <kr%s( klmstr tggies.com>, Christina Dawson <cdawson.C2visitan_ahgi_m....Qrg> ..........................................._. . Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to Admissions Tax Ballot Measure 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. Hello, To keep everyone aware of our efforts, we have sent the following letters to Anaheim City council in opposition of agenda item number 12 in today's City Council Meeting. Jay Burress, CTA President & CEO p: 714.765.2840 1 m: 2099 S. State College Blvd. Suite 600 P.O. Box 4270 Anaheim, CA 92806 There's always something new to explore when you visit Anaheim. Here are .7 e.,x.cili .g_..Vrzc l.t.ons. to add to your must -visit list! This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please e-mail me immediately 20��9 S SLIT(, Clollr�go Eih,/d Si��Ic [,,(-'Io P(D, F'Sux V,7() HOT no TIAMI Mayor Pro Tern Anaheirn City Hall 200 S Anaheim, Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 Subject: Opposition to Admissions Tax Baillot Measure Dear Mayor Pro Tern O'Neill On behalf of the Visit Anaheim, I respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed Admission Tax Ballot Meaisuire, scheduled for consideration at t�onig,ht's City Council meeting. The proposed language is very broad in scope, and the carve out for city -owned facilities is still unclear whether it would apply to privately operated and managed conventions with a capacity of more than 15,0100 people, including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Natural Products, D23, WonderCon, and! others. All of these events are privately managed and operated, even, though they are held at the city - owned convention center. Given how quickly this item, was placed on the council's agenda, we've had no time to contact these exhibitors or to conduct industry research and to determine if this admiission tax would diminish Anaheim's ability to effectively compete for large, scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, convention, and hospitality industries were among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, As a destination, we are still in a recovery phase and any cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheim would make that recovery even more challenging. Please allow the time to conduct a thorough legal aniailysis and economic impact report for Anaheim before placing this tax increase on the ballot, l urge you to vote against this measure given the haste in which it was drafted and the unknown, economic impact to our destination, Sin , rely, JaY7` u . .... Pry ident and CEO Visit Anaheim IT, visit III rol IIIII, "AW M- 20,JYI S CoHcxp,` Blvd CA Council! Member Anaheim City Hall 200 S Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 offijl!!l I i,; i 111 1 il 1111 On behalf of the Visit Anaheim, l respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed Admission Tax Ballot Measure, scheduled for consideration at tonight's City Council meeting. Thie proposed language is very broad in scope, aind the carve out for cilty-owned facilities is still ff6-8 le mte" r&-1 fRge+l� ftm r3--Ovm ff�-�X-KAi of more than 15,000 people, includi:ng the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Natural Products, �D23, WonderCon, and others. All of these events are privately managed andl operated, even though they are held at the city_ owned convention center. Given how qluickly this item was placed on the council's agenda, we've had no time to contact these exhibitors or to conduct industry research and to determine if this admission tax Would diminish Anaheim's ability to effectively compete for large scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, convention, aind hospitaility industries were among thie hardest hit during the COVID-19 panden'lic. As a destination, we are stiill in a recovery phase aind any cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheim Would make that recovery even more challenging. Please allow the time to conduct a thorough legal analysis and economic impact report for Anaheim before placing this tax increase on the ballot. I urge you to vote against thiis measure given the haste in which it was drafted and the unknown economic impact to our destination. Since ely, \ Ja Burress Pre ident and CEO Visit Anaheim Blvd �Iit� C,,00 June 19, 20�22 Avelino Valencia Council Member Anaheim City Hall 200 S Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 Can behalf of the Visit Anaheim, I respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed Admission Tax Ballot Measure, scheduled for consideration at tonight's City Council meeting. "The proposed language is very broad in, scope, and the carve out for city -owned facilities is still unclear whether it would apply to privately operated anid managed conventions with a capacity of more than 15,000, people, including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)�, Naturall Products, D23, WonderCon, and others. All of these events are privately managed arid operated, even though they are held at thie city - owned convention, center. Given how quickly this item was placed on the council's agenda, we've hadl no time to contact these exhibitors or to conduct industry, research and to determine if this admission tax would diminish Anaheim's ability to effectively, compete for large scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, convention, and hospitality industries were among the hardest hilt during thie COVID-19 pandemic. As a destination, we are still in a recovery phase and any cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheim would make that recovery even more challenging. Please allow the time to conduct a thorough legal analysis and economic impact report for Anaheim before placing this tax increase on the ballot. I urge you to vote against this measure given the haste in which iit was drafted and the unknown economic impact to our destination. amm y purress Pf,egidenit and CEO Visit Anaheim ;,"P49 S �:It�llc� On I BIV(A Sol(? 600 P(), Box ,T Anand'llim, CA "' f 6, 7f1`� �- � -,F300 W r, RX, Vol 9 "M Jose Diaz Council Member Anaheim City Hall 200 S Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 912805 On behalf of the Visit Anaheim, I respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed Admiission Tax Balllot Measure, scheduled for consideration at tonight's City Council meeting. The proposed language is very broad in scope, and the carve out for city -owned facilities is still unclear whether it would apply to privately operated aind managed conventions with a capacity of more than 15,000 people, including the National Association, of Music Merchants (NAMM)�, Natural Products, D23, WonderCon, andl others. All of these events are privately managed and operated, even though they afire field at the city - owned convention center. Given how, quickly this item was placed on the council's agenda, we've had no time to contact these exhibitors or to conduct industry research aind to determine if this admission tax would diminish Anaheim's ability to effectively compete for, large scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, conventions, and hospitality industries were among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a destination, we are stilll in, a recovery phase and ainy cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheim would crake that recovery even more challenging. Please aillow the time to conduct a thorough (legal analysis and economic impact report for Anaheim before placing this tax increase on the ballot. l urge you to vote against thiis measure given the haste in which it was drafted and the unknown economic impact to our destination. Si c ely, Ir u orress President and CEO Visit Anaheim "'I rg A visit June 19, 2022 Jose F. Moreno Council Member Anaheim City Halll 200, Si Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 Dear Jose F. Moreno Crdh-�q! Blvd , mlu 6W z , I P0 Do", (-A On behalf of the Visit Anaheim, l respectfully urge you to vote against the proposed Admission Tax Ballot Measure, scheduled for consideration at tonight's City Council meeting. The proposed language is very broad in scope, and! the carve Out for city -owned facilities is still unclear whether it would apply to privately operated) and managed conventions with a capacity of rnore than 15,0100 people, including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Natural Products, D23, Wonder on, anid others. All of these events are privately managed and operated, even though they are held at the city - owned convention center. Given how quickly this item, was placed on the couincil's agenda, we've had no time to, contact these exhibitors or to conduct industry research and to determine if this admission tax would climinish Anaheim's ability to effectively compete for large scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, convention, aind hospitality industries were among the hardest hit during the COV0-19 pandemic. As a destiniatiion, we are still in, a recovery phase aind any cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheirn would nnake, that recovery even more challenging. Please allow the time to conduct a thorough legal analysis, and economic impact report for Anaheim Ibefore placing this tax increase on, the ballot, II urge you to vote againist this measure given, the haste in which it was drafted aind the unknown economic impact to our destination. S,incer ly, ,-4py BUrress President and CEO Visit Anaheim P0, (3o" An�flh� rn, CA 9�'��OC3 Stephen Faessel Council Mlember Anaheim City Hall! 200 S Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 Subject: Opposition to Admissions Tax Balllot Measure Dear Stephen Faessel On behalf of the Visiit Anaheim, 11 respectfullly urge you to vote against the proposed Admission "Tax Ballot Measure, scheduled for consideration, at tonight's City Council meeting. The proposed language is, very broad iin scope, and the carve out for city -owned facilities is still unclear whether it would apply to privately operated and mainaged conventions with a capacity of more than, 15,000 people, including the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), Natural Products, D23, WoniderCon, and others. All of these events are privately managed and operated, even though they are held at thie city - owned! convention center. Given how quickly this item was placed on the council's agenda, we've had no time to contact these exhiibitors or to conduct industry research and to determine if thus admission tax would diminish Anaheim's ability to effectively compete for large scale industry events. As you know, entertainment, convention, and hospitality industries were among the hardest hit during the COVIID-19 pandemic, As a destination, we are still in a recovery phase and any cost increases for those seeking to hold their events in Anaheim would make that recovery even more challenging. Please allow the time, to conduct a thorough legal analysis and economic impact report for Anaheim before placing this tax increase on the ballot. I urge you to vote against this measure given the haste iin which it was drafted arid the unknown economic impact to our destiinationi, Jla Burress sWent and CEO Visit Anaheim Public Comment From: leticia Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2022 7:42 AM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] District 5 issues 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. To whom it may concern: This will be my second email regarding the neighborhood where i live Park In, Terrace st, Lawrence st, fashion etc. There is a big issue with the parking there is no control, after 5pm people just park where ever they want even in the middle of the street, on red sidewalks, all over the alleys making it hard to get out in the morning for people that use their garage to park their cars. There is so little space to get out of the alleys because people use the alley to park. I sent emails the Anaheim parking enforcement they will only come for one day or two to issue some tickets and people do not car they keep on blocking the alleys entrances and exits. I have seen the police drive by park In and see cars parked in the middle of the streets , people make two lines of car on one side and the police does not do nothing about it. There is so many people living in one apartment and there is also no control over this living situation, 2-5 families living in a 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartment . Thats is the main reason why there is so much delinquency in the area, kids do not have their own privacy living with so many people in one apartment thats why they rather be on the streets doing drugs or getting in gangs, doing graffiti and so many bad things. I think is time for this neighborhood to stop having so many issues delinquency, crime, bad living condition apartments, apartment owners need to have some kind of control how many people lives in the apartments. But the Anaheim city says they have no control over that. I don't see why not. There is a lot more i can say but for now i will wait for a response and see if the city will pay some attention to this matter. Thank you. Sent from my iPhone Public Comment From: DAVID DURAN Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:34 PM To: Public Comment; Jennifer Diaz; Trevor O'Neil; Stephen Faessel; Jose Moreno; Avelino Valencia; Gloria S. Ma'ae Cc: PAT70AKS Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment (Anaheim City Council Meeting) 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. Mr. Diaz, As a constituent, I am very disappointed with your lack of knowledge, understanding, or concern for the most vulnerable trying to survive suffering from abject poverty within your district and surrounding communities. Never have you stated or recognized anyone or anything in a postivie light unless they are direct campaign supporters or potential donors to your campaign. This must stop and it must stop now! You can demonstrate your understanding and concern for your district and all of Anaheim by voting to support a 2% gate tax, true candidate finance reform, as presented by Councilmember Dr. Jose Moreno, and return any/all donations made by S.O.A.R. to your past and future campaign(s). Lastly, please give serious consideration to resigning your seat on the city council as you, like Sidhu and others on city council are corrupt, self serving, and grossly unqualified because of your lack of concern for your constituents. The residents in your district deserve better, they deserve a true leader that makes every effort to help make the district a better place to live by listening to the needs of the community, voting to support the needs of the community, and creating ways to serve "we the people" and not yourself. I'm confident a 5th or 6th grader would do a better job for his community than you have demonstrated during your challenging and unethical time on council. There is no need to reply to my statements as you are not trusted or ethical. David Duran District 1 constituant David L. Duran Orange County, California cell: email: Breach of confidentiality & accidental breach of confidentiality This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Jennifer L. Hall From: Dominic Lopez Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 4:53 PM To: Public Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] General Public Comment 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. Hello Anaheim City Council my name is Dominic Moonheart Lopez and I'm a resident of Los Angeles County and I am working with my supervisor to propose a light rail line from Union Station to Disneyland I have Contact it Avelino Valencia Office and Haven't gotten a response The benefits of the light rail line would provide easy access to Universal Studios from Disneyland and vice -versa for all the tourist visiting Los Angeles County and Orange Counties in particular Anaheim currently Tourists have to get on three different train the routes and a bus line to get to Disneyland from Universal Studios The new Light rail line proposal would shorten the proximity time to get from Universal Studios to Disneyland and would benefit District 4 Thank you for taking the time to read my public comment.