2014-01-21 Regular - Laserfiche WebLink

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Espinoza, Danny Gomez, Noe Gonzalez, Steven Huezo, Ivan Lomeli, Martin Madrigal, Daniel Montezuma, David Molina, Nick Navarro, Fernando Navarro, Oscar Osario, Christian Palatto, Sol Silva, and Julian Tapia CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION presented by COUNCILMEMBER BENAVIDES to the Calacas and El Centro Cultural volunteers who helped organize Noche de Altares (Day of the Dead) celebration that was held on November 2, 2013. Volunteers included Rudy Cordova, Theresa Dang, Yenni Diaz, Maria Esquivel, Jose Gloria, Nes Medrano, Carolina Sarmiento, Socorro Sarmiento and Benjamin Vazquez CLOSED SESSION REPORT — City Attorney Carvalho reported that City Council approved a late add on to the Closed Session Agenda; City Council authorized the City Manager to offer a reward of up to $5,000 to find the assailants for the incident that occurred this past weekend. City Manager noted that it was a matching fund to the reward offered by the Downtown Santa Ana Association for a total of $10,000. Police Chief Rojas provided report on incident. Chief Rojas indicated that increased Police presence in the downtown; unfortunate incident was isolated; leveraging technology with surveillance equipment; security and safety paramount. Council discussion ensued, request staff review funds available from the PBID settlement agreement for security in the downtown area; combine efforts amongst two downtown associations. PUBLIC COMMENTS • George Estrada, opined that District Attorney or Attorney General should investigate Brown Act violations and City Council adopt strong ethics laws with penalties/disciplinary actions for violations; commented on Agenda Item 65A and modernization of Utility Users Tax "UUT", noted that surrounding cities do not have UUTs; no need to add matter to the General Election for voter consideration. • Steve Rocco, commented on various crimes that have occurred in the County. • Samuel Romero, opined that increased alcohol beverage control license approval lead to death of young victim over the weekend. • Ryan Chase, President of Dowtown Inc. saddened by tragic incident over the weekend; noted that security is top priority; dedicated patrol and increased video surveillance will help in the future; thanked City Council for matching fund of $5000 for arrest of perpetrators; some initiatives include new retailers and restaurants coming into Downtown; fruit and cinema festival debut next month — momentum building to have a vibrant and safe Downtown. • Jeannie Gillett, President of Old Orchard Conservancy, attended ribbon cutting today of Madison Park Garden — public/private venture; conservancy presented 50 — 50 plan to the City that includes education component, legal precedence to support their Plan; opined that City Council responsible for making policy decisions that benefit health and welfare of families in community. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5 JANUARY 21, 2014