HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06 - Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 15, 2025DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
April 15, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING — 4:00 P.M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING — 5:30 P.M.
(Immediately following the Closed Session Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:15 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor
Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza arrived during Closed
Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 15, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Closed Session Item No. 3,
pertaining to the Executive Management Team, was withdrawn.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed
Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS — City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting
regular City business.
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua recessed to considerthe Closed Session items at 4:16 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS — The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain
matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice
from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will
prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
TITLE: City Clerk
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Designated Representative: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of
Human Resources
Unrepresented Employee: City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEM NO. 3 WITHDRAWN
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Unrepresented Employee: Executive Management Team (EMT)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Share Our Selves Corporation v. City of Santa Ana, et al., United States
District Court (Central District of California), Case No. 8:23-CV-00504-DOC-DFM
B. Telesfora Mendoza de Ascension and Matilde Ascencio De Juarez v. City of
Santa Ana, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01371513
CITY COUNCIL 2 APRIL 15, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT — The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed
Session.
RECONVENE — City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 5:59 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tern
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
ROLL CALL
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Valerie Amezcua
Alvaro Nunez
Sonia R. Carvalho
Jennifer L. Hall
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez, Penaloza, Phan, Mayor Pro Tem
Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez
NATIONAL ANTHEM Orange County School of the Arts Students
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Darrell Durley, Brown Temple
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Item No. 6, Orange County
Transportation Authority presentation, was rescheduled to another date.
CITY COUNCIL 3 APRIL 15, 2025
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing the
2024 City of Santa Ana Historic Preservation Awards Recipients
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented certificates of recognition to the 2024 City of
Santa Ana Historic Preservation Awards Recipients.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to the
Orange County School of the Arts recognizing their 25t" Anniversary in Santa
Ana
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented a certificate of recognition to the
Orange County School of the Arts recognizing their 25th anniversary in Santa Ana.
3. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Hernandez to Dr.
Annebelle Nery for Outstanding Contributions to Education
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez presented a certificate of recognition to Dr.
Annebelle Nery for outstanding contributions to education.
4. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to the
LoverSonicos Cumbia Group for Outstanding Contributions to the
Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to the
LoverSonicos Cumbia Group for outstanding contributions to the community.
5. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Kim Nguyen-Penaloza
declaring April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Kim Nguyen-
Penaloza declaring April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
STAFF PRESENTATION
6. Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) — OC Streetcar Presentation
MINUTES: Item rescheduled to a later date; no action taken.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT — The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced that City Council approved a
settlement in the amount of $138,000 (VOTE: 7-0) for Closed Session Agenda Item
No. 4B.
CITY COUNCIL 4 APRIL 15, 2025
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reported that an ad hoc committee consisting of herself,
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez, and Councilmember Bacerra has been formed to address
public safety and the Police Oversight Commission ordinance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for ALL comments on agenda and non -agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced a brief recess to allow for a quorum
to reconvene. Councilmember Phan returned to the dais. The meeting reconvened at
7: 04 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments received: one
(1) Agenda Item No. 6, five (5) Agenda No. 23, one (1) Agenda Item No. 24, and three
(3) non -agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in -person:
1. Dan Escamilla spoke regarding pending litigation against the City and an incident he
experienced in the City.
2. Sue Palak spoke regarding driver safety, the budget, and the need for positive role
models.
3. Tony Carrillo, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), called for a moment of
silence in honor of Isidro "Sid" Pineda and spoke in favor of collaborative bargaining
discussions.
4. Nancy Robles, SEW Local 721 Chapter President, spoke regarding the union's
bargaining committee and their hopes for the next bargaining discussions.
5. Laura Morfin thanked City staff for their hard work and the completion of the
improvement project along the F02 garden channel.
6. Mike Tardif spoke in support of Item No. 10 and highlighted other areas within the
City that are also affected by the same issues.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
7. Nina Jirik thanked City staff for their hard work and requested a passive walkable
park in the Washington Square neighborhood.
CITY COUNCIL 5 APRIL 15, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 7 through 25 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7:23 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item No. 19 for separate discussion and
consideration and announced a recusal from Item No. 24 due to a potential financial
issue.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 19 as the listed entity,
Charitable Ventures, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
Councilmember Lopez pulled Agenda Item Nos. 10 and 24 for separate discussion and
consideration.
Councilmember Penaloza pulled Agenda Item No. 23 for separate discussion and
consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 7 through 25 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 10, 19, 23, and 24 pulled
for separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0 — Pass
7. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
8. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 1, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 6 APRIL 15, 2025
9. Appoint Ruth Cossio-Muniz Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the
Ward 6 Representative to the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee for a
Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Ruth Cossio-Muniz to the Measure X Citizen
Oversight Committee as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of
Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Ruth
Cossio-Muniz.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 10 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
10.Authorization for City Attorney to File Drug Den Abatement Actions
Department(s): City Attorney's Office
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Attorney's Office to file nuisance
abatement actions in the Orange County Superior Court against the property and
business owners of El Tapatio Restaurant, Royal Roman Motel, and Royal Grand
Inn.
1502 E. 1st St., Santa Ana ("El Tapatio Restaurant")
• 1504 E. 1st St., Santa Ana ("Royal Roman Motel")
1519 E. 1st St., Santa Ana ("Royal Grand Inn")
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item, the need to ensure
the safety of the City's residents, holding businesses that allow illegal activities
accountable for their actions, and hopes property owners can work with the city to
resolve issues. She requested City Attorney Sonia Carvalho clarify the steps taken
to ensure due process.
City Attorney Carvalho reported the steps the City has taken to ensure due process
pertaining to the properties.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item and thanked City staff for
their efforts and hard work. He stated that the situation should serve as an example
to other businesses in the city, that permitting comparable neglect will lead to a
similar action.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item and cited the large number of
calls for service and crimes connected to the properties and requested more
enforcement in the affected area.
CITY COUNCIL 7 APRIL 15, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item, thanked staff for their hard
work, and highlighted the numerous code violations the properties have received.
He spoke regarding businesses improving their practices and addressing potential
code violations.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item, thanked staff for their hard work, and
emphasized the inequity between Santa Ana and other Orange County cities.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 10, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0 — Pass
11.Automated License Plate Recognition System
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
12.Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 2024.
13. Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for Support Services for
Servers and Storage Systems (Specification No. 25-052) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard Enterprise
(HPE) for Support Services for Servers and Storage Systems, for a three-year period
beginning May 15, 2025 through May 14, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $90,492.
CITY COUNCIL 8 APRIL 15, 2025
14. Purchase Order to Advanced Personal Computing, Inc., DBA Liquid Networx
for Network Access Control (NAC) System (Specification No. 25-051) (Non -
General Fund).
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a one-time purchase and payment of a
Purchase Order to Advanced Personal Computing, Inc., DBA Liquid Networx, for
Network Access Control (NAC) System in an amount not to exceed $110,674.
15.Agreement with eSentire, Inc. for Managed Detection and Response (MDR)
Services (Specification No. 25-028) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
eSentire, Inc. to provide Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services in an
amount not to exceed $592,433, plus a 10% contingency of $59,243 totaling
$651,676, for a term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2028 (Agreement
No. A-2025-040).
16.Agreements with ARAS Enterprises, Inc., and GTE Agency, LLC dba Global
Talent Entertainment for Entertainment Promoter Services (Specification No.
24-102) (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute aggregate
agreements with ARAS Enterprises, Inc. and GTE Agency, LLC dba Global Talent
Entertainment to provide entertainment promoter services for an aggregate amount
not -to -exceed $300,000 annually for a three-year term beginning April 15, 2025
through April 14, 2028, and an additional $600,000 for two, 1-year extensions, for a
total aggregate agreement amount not to exceed $1,500,000 (Agreement Nos. A-
2025-041 and A-2025-042).
Vendor
Location
ARAS Enterprises, Inc.
Whittier, CA
Global Talent Entertainment
Long Beach, CA
17.Agreements with CWF Inc., DBA Al Event and Party Rental, and Cook Event
Services, Inc., DBA Baker Party Rentals, for Rental Equipment Services
(Specification No. 25-004) (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
CITY COUNCIL 9 APRIL 15, 2025
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
CWF Inc., DBA Al Event and Party Rental, and Cook Event Services, Inc., DBA
Baker Party Rentals, to provide rental equipment services in an amount not to
exceed $1,250,000, for a term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2028,
with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement Nos. A-2025-043 and A-
2025-044).
18.Agreements with Stage Plus Inc. and Advantage Event Solutions, LLC for
Stage Services (Specification No. 25-008) (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
Stage Plus Inc. and Advantage Event Solutions, LLC to provide stage services in
an amount not to exceed $750,000 for a term beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring
April 14, 2028, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement Nos. A-
2025-045 and A-2025-046).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 19 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
19. Memorandum of Understanding with the Southern California Association of
Governments, Charitable Ventures, and The Kennedy Commission for a
Sustainable Communities Program — Civic Engagement, Equity, and
Environmental Justice Grant to Fund Supplemental Community Engagement
for the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to make all conforming edits
and execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG), Charitable Ventures, and The Kennedy
Commission for a Sustainable Communities Program — Civic Engagement, Equity,
and Environmental Justice Grant to fund supplemental community engagement for
the comprehensive Zoning Code Update for a term ending June 30, 2026
(Agreement No. A-2025-XXX).
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 19 as
one of the listed entities, Charitable Ventures, is a client of her employer, Rutan
and Tucker and left the dais at 7:43 P.M.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in opposition to the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to not approve the
recommended action for Item No. 19.
MINUTES: Motion died due to lack of a second.
CITY COUNCIL 10 APRIL 15, 2025
Mayor Amezcua expressed concern regarding the organizations involved and
the political nature and requested additional information within 30 days.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 19, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra stated the organizations are not well -versed with the
zoning code.
Mayor Amezcua asked how staff selected the organizations for this project,
stated the Council will be closely monitoring how the funding will be used, and
asked how much HUD funding the City receives. She requested clarification
regarding the impacts of losing HUD funding.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez reported the City receives approximately $54 million
in HUD funding and discussed the consequences of its potential loss.
Acting Executive Director of Planning and Building Ali Pezeshkpour spoke
regarding the background and selection process of the organizations and stated
there is negligible impact on City staff.
Councilmember Lopez spoke of the positive impacts to the community and
thanked staff for their hard work.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 19, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion failed, 3-3-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
NOES:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN:
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT:
NONE
Status: 3 — 3
— 1 - Fail
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 8:07 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 11 APRIL 15, 2025
20.Agreements with Abajian Enterprise DBA SoCal Removal, Integrated
Demolition and Remediation, Inc., Interior Demolition, Inc., and J&G
Industries Inc. for Citywide On -Call Demolition Services for Abatement
(Specification No. 25-027) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
Abajian Enterprise DBA SoCal Removal, Integrated Demolition and Remediation
Inc., Interior Demolition, Inc., and J&G Industries Inc. to provide citywide on -call
demolition services for abatement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $600,000,
for a term beginning April 16, 2025 and expiring April 15, 2028, with provisions for
two, one-year extensions (Core Agreement No. A-2025-047).
21.Approve Memorandum of Understanding Accepting the FY 2024 Edward
Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager and the Chief of Police to
execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Orange, Sheriff's
Department accepting the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
in the amount of $89,555 (Agreement No. A-2025-048).
22. License Agreement Amendment with ProCore Technologies, Inc. for
Construction Project Management Software (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a first amendment
to license agreement with ProCore Technologies, Inc., increasing the compensation
by $55,000, including a $12,928 contingency, for a total amount not to exceed
$305,000 for the entire length of the agreement, and extend the agreement term
until September 16, 2025 (Agreement No. A-2025-049).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 23 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
23. Resolution of Intention to Renew the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: 1. Adopt a Resolution of Intention to renew the Santa Ana
Tourism Marketing District (SATMD) and the levy of assessments on lodging
businesses.
CITY COUNCIL 12 APRIL 15, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-011 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO RENEW THE
SANTA ANA TOURISM MARKETING DISTRICT ("SATMD") AND FIXING THE
TIME AND PLACE OF A PUBLIC MEETING AND A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON
AND GIVING NOTICE THEREOF
2. Establish a time and place for a public meeting to be held by the City Council on
June 3, 2025 to hear and consider all protests.
3. Establish a time and place for a Public Hearing to be held by the City Council on
July 1, 2025 regarding the proposed renewal of the Santa Ana Tourism Marketing
District.
4. Receive and File 2024 Travel Santa Ana Annual Report.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item and inquired
about future amendments to the renewal.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez answered the councilmember's questions
and provide clarification.
Mayor Amezcua requested City Manager staff provide clarification regarding the
Santa Ana Tourism Marketing District renewal of 10 years instead of five years.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item and stated the industry
standard for similar programs renewals is 10 years.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez clarified that although the 10 year renewal is the
industry standard, the first five years are proof of concept and the other years allow
for growth.
Wendy Haase, Travel Santa Ana, provided a brief description as to why tourism
renewals are 10 years and various examples.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 23, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 13 APRIL 15, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 24 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
24. Density Bonus Agreement No. 2025-01 to Facilitate the Construction of a
Multi -Family Residential Development, Which Includes 80 Townhome Units
and Six Duplexes (86 Total Units), With Five Units Designated as Affordable
to Very Low -Income Households
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus No. 2025-01 as conditioned;
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-012 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 2025-01 FOR AN EIGHTY-SIX UNIT MULTI -FAMILY
DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 2020 EAST FIRST STREET (APN: 402-191-
03)
2. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further
review under Section 15168 (Program EIR); and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Density Bonus Agreement with MLC
Holdings Inc./Meritage Homes, for a 55-year term, for a for -sale residential
development consisting of an 86 unit multi -family development, with five units
designated as affordable to very low-income households at 2020 E. First Street
(Agreement No. A-2025-050).
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra announced a recusal from Item No. 24 due to
a potential financial issue and left the dais at 8:14 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item and thanked the applicant and
staff for their hard work. She highlighted the importance of onsite affordable
housing.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and the importance of onsite
affordable housing.
CITY COUNCIL 14 APRIL 15, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Lopez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 24, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 — 0 — 1 — Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra returned to the dais at 8:16 P.M.
25.Second Reading of the Omnibus Amendments to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code Including Meeting Frequency for the Personnel Board,
Contracting Authority for the City Clerk and City Attorney, and Relying on
State Law Regarding Campaign Contributions Effect on Proceedings
Involving a License, Permit, or other Entitlement for Use
First Reading at the April 1, 2025, City Council meeting and approved by a vote of
6-0-0-1 (Councilmember Phan absent). Published in the OC Reporter on April 2,
2025.
Department(s): City Attorney's Office
Recommended Action: Approve the Second reading and adopt an Ordinance of
the City Council of the City of Santa Ana amending Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code as to Section 2-328 Regarding Meetings; Chairperson and
Recording Secretary of Appointive Boards and Commissions, Adding Section 2-
331.5 Regarding Meetings of the Personnel Board, Amending the Title of Article VII
of Chapter 2, Amending Section 2-748 Regarding City Manager Contracting
Authority, Adding Section 2-748 Regarding City Attorney and City Clerk Contracting
Authority, and Repealing Section 2-107 Regarding Prohibited Campaign
Contributions.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3078 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE AS TO SECTION 2-328 REGARDING MEETINGS;
CHAIRPERSON AND RECORDING SECRETARY OF APPOINTIVE BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS, ADDING SECTION 2-331.5 ENTITLED MEETINGS,
AMENDING THE TITLE OF ARTICLE VII OF CHAPTER 2, AMENDING SECTION
2-748 REGARDING CITY MANAGER CONTRACTING AUTHORITY, ADDING
SECTION 2-749 REGARDING CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY CLERK
CONTRACTING AUTHORITY, AND REPEALING SECTION 2-107 REGARDING
PROHIBITED CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
CITY COUNCIL 15 APRIL 15, 2025
*END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Members of the public may address the City Council on each of
the Public Hearing items.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 26 WAS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 6, 2025 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING
26. Final Extension of Moratorium on the Approval, Commencement,
Establishment, Relocation, or Expansion of Industrial Uses in Specific
Development No. 84 (SD-84), Also Known as the Transit Zoning Code ("TZC")
for Up To One Year (12 Months) Pursuant to Government Code Section
65858(a)
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on March 19, 2025.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: 1. Adopt an urgency ordinance approving a final extension
of a moratorium for a period of up to one year on the approval, commencement,
establishment, relocation, or expansion of industrial uses within SD-84, by four -fifths
(4/5) vote, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65858(a), for up to one
year (12 months), unless automatically repealed upon the adoption and
effectiveness of a City -Council adopted ordinance to address the land use conflicts
presented by industrial uses in the TZC.
UNCODIFIED URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN UNCODIFIED
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA,
EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON THE APPROVAL, COMMENCEMENT,
ESTABLISHMENT, RELOCATION OR EXPANSION OF INDUSTRIAL USES
WITHIN SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 84 ZONING DISTRICT FOR AN
ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
65858
2. Find that, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
the proposed action is not subject to the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to (Guidelines) Section 15060(c)(2) because
the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change in the environment and 15060(c)(3) because the activity is not a project as
defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations,
Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to
the environment, directly or indirectly and so is not a project.
CITY COUNCIL 16 APRIL 15, 2025
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself on the advice of counsel and left
the dais at 8:17 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez recused herself from the item, pending the receipt of a
clearance letter from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) and left the
dais at 8:18 P.M.
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from the item due to a potential conflict
of interest related to a residential lease, pending a clearance letter from the FPPC
at 8:18 P.M.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated that the FPPC letters are expected to be
received by April 30, 2025 and announced that the item requires a four -fifths vote.
Mayor Amezcua announced that the item would be continued.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced Item No. 26 would not be considered or heard
due to a lack of qualified voters.
City Attorney Carvalho stated that without Council action the moratorium will expire
until the overall ordinance is brought back.
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
MINUTES: Councilmembers Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan returned to the dais at 8:21
P. M.
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
27. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Prepare an Ordinance to
Address Challenges Associated with Sober Living Homes in Santa Ana — Mayor
Amezcua, Councilmember Penaloza, Councilmember Bacerra
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the impacts of sober living homes to the
community and in support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of sober living homes, spoke regarding the
sober living task force, and thanked those who have been fighting the battle over the
years.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked those who have been fighting the battle over the
years, spoke regarding the impacts to cities and the sober living task force, and
spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and requested a cost recovery
and associated fines with the item.
CITY COUNCIL 17 APRIL 15, 2025
Councilmember Lopez expressed support for the item.
Councilmember Hernandez expressed support for the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed support for the item and spoke regarding the
impacts to the community.
28. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Prepare a Resolution in
Support of Senate Bill 569 (Blakespear) — Councilmember Lopez
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez provided a brief summary of the item and spoke in
support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding the role and duties of CalTrans regarding
debris and encampments and state legislators, and spoke in opposition to the item.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding SB569.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke regarding having a joint action plan and in support of
the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and requested a letter be submitted
for amendments in section 14193 subdivision A.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed support for the item with recommended
amendments.
Councilmember Penaloza expressed support for the submittal of the letter and spoke
regarding addressing potential homelessness bills.
29. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Prepare a Resolution in
Support of Senate Bill 28-The Proposition 36 Treatment Court Implementation
Act and Senate Bill 38-Funding for Diversion Treatment — Councilmember
Bacerra, Mayor Amezcua, Councilmember Penaloza
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra provided a brief summary of the item and spoke
in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item. She requested the City Manager's
Office provide a package of the upcoming Senate Bills.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL 18 APRIL 15, 2025
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez left the meeting at 8:56 P.M.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced the Arbor Day tree planting event on April 19,
2025 at various City parks; a job fair hosted by the Santa Ana Work Center in partnership
with Santa Ana College on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.; a
second job fair hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department on Thursday, April 24,
2025, at City Hall, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.; the Dia de Los Ninos event on Saturday,
April 26, 2025, at the Plaza of the Sun near City Hall; a free compost giveaway event
hosted by the Public Works Agency on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 7:00 A.M. to 12:00
P.M. at Centennial Park; and the Brew at the Zoo fundraiser hosted by the Parks and
Recreation Department on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. He
reminded everyone to register for the Fun Run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 8:00 A.M.
and to participate in the budget survey.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE — If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for
members of the Council to provide a brief oral report on attendance of any regional board
or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez announced the tree planting event on Saturday,
April 19, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Cabrillo Park and the Dia de Los Ninos event on
Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Plaza of the Sun near City Hall. She wished everyone
a Happy Easter.
Councilmember Phan congratulated Parks and Recreation Employee of the Year,
Corilyn Lantz; invited everyone to attend Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 10, 2025,
from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.; spoke regarding Black April, the 50t" Anniversary of the
Fall of Saigon; encouraged everyone to participate in Denim Day on April 30, 2025;
and wished everyone a Happy Easter.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked the Santa Ana Police Department and Orange
County Fire Authority dispatchers in honor of National Safety and Telecommunicators
Week. He announced his community office hours on May 3, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Lillie
King Park; and a tree planting event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Thornton Park. He
expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the recent car
accident. He spoke of the loss and legacy of Ed Arnold and requested that the meeting
be adjourned in honor of the five car accident victims and Ed Arnold.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Councilmember Bacerra for his kind words and
expressed condolences to the families affected by the tragic car accident.
CITY COUNCIL 19 APRIL 15, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed condolences to the families affected by the recent
car accident and thanked the first responders who assisted at the accident scene. He
thanked the Valley High School administration and staff for their support.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding Senate Bill 634. She expressed her condolences to
the families of the accident victims and provided fundraising information for the families.
She thanked the first responders in the City.
ADJOURNMENT — Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in honor of Arely
Robles, Natalia Vidal Zarate, Jacqueline Torres Zarate, Cynthia Torres Zarate, Emanuel
Gonzalez Martinez, and Ed Arnold, at 9:24 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Jennifer L. Hall, CMC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 20 APRIL 15, 2025