HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 07 - Minutes from the Regular Meeting of May 6, 2025CITY COUNCIL 1 MAY 06, 2025
DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
May 6, 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: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:16
P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez
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, and Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez were
present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza, and Mayor Amezcua arrived during Closed
Session.
CITY COUNCIL 2 MAY 06, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho announced additional information was received
for Closed Session Item No. 1, pertaining to Anchor Stone Christian Church, and the item
has been withdrawn from consideration tonight.
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: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez recessed to consider the Closed Session items at
4:17 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. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana, et al., United States
District Court Case No. 8:25-cv-00215-JWH-DFM
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Employee Organization: Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Employee Organization: Santa Ana Middle Management / Administrative
Management Association (SAMA)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Employee Organization: Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA)
CITY COUNCIL 3 MAY 06, 2025
5. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
TITLE: City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager
6. 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 Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager
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: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6:19 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tem
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Alvaro Nuñez
Sonia R. Carvalho
Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
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 Victor Perez
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Community Development Director Michael
Garcia
CITY COUNCIL 4 MAY 06, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez requested Public Hearing Agenda Item No. 21
be postponed to the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting.
Mayor Amezcua asked the City Attorney whether the council has the ability to postpone
Item No. 21.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated council has the ability to postpone Item No. 21 by
either opening the public hearing to continue it or choose not to open the public hearing
which would require republishing the item.
Mayor Amezcua asked City Attorney Carvalho to confirm whether there was a response
from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) regarding Councilmember
Penaloza and Councilmember Lopez.
City Attorney Carvalho confirmed correspondence was received from the Fair Political
Practices Commission (FPPC) for both Councilmember Penaloza and Councilmember
Lopez, stated Councilmember Lopez will continue efforts to resolve the conflict, and
recommended council open the public hearing and continue it to the meeting of June 3,
2025.
Mayor Amezcua stated the importance of the item and would like all council members
who are able to participate to have the opportunity to provide input.
Councilmember Phan recused herself as her employer Rutan and Tucker represents
some property owners in the area and left the dais at 6:24 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez recused herself per the Levine Act.
Councilmember Penaloza requested the name of the donors in conflict for transparency
purposes.
Discussion ensued regarding campaign contribution transparency, the Levine Act, and
the review process by FPPC.
Councilmember Lopez left the dais at 6:30 P.M.
City Attorney Carvalho clarified the requirement to publicly state the conflict at the dais
once a decision is made based on the determination of the FPPC and provided
additional clarification on the Levine Act.
Councilmember Penaloza stated his request for conflict review has been cleared by
the FPPC.
CITY COUNCIL 5 MAY 06, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 21 MOVED OUT OF ORDER
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to continue Public Hearing Item No. 21
to the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR
PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ (recusal), COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 5 – 0 – 2 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmembers Lopez and Phan returned to the dais at 6:36 P.M.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing
Reimagine for 75-years of Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented a certificate of recognition to Reimagine for
75-years of outstanding contributions to the community.
2. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Hernandez to Mark and James
Vahradian in Honor of the Late Jack Vahradian
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez presented a proclamation to Mark and
James Vahradian in honor of the late Jack Vahradian.
3. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez recognizing
The Center for Teacher Education on their 25-Year Anniversary
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to The
Center for Teacher Education on their 25-Year Anniversary.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Santa Ana’s Parks,
Recreation, and Community Services Aquatics Team declaring May 2025 as
Water Safety Drowning Prevention Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Santa Ana’s Parks,
Recreation, and Community Services Aquatics Team declaring May 2025 as Water
Safety Drowning Prevention Month.
CITY COUNCIL 6 MAY 06, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT – The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
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 reported out the summary of email comments
received: one (1) Agenda Item No. 17, two (2) Agenda Item No. 20, two (2) Agenda No.
23, two (2) Agenda Item No. 24, four (4) Agenda Item No. 25, and (15) non-agenda
comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Cherie Kerr spoke regarding the parking situation at the Orange County School of
the Arts and her organization, the Orange County Crazies. She expressed concern
regarding public safety and possible code violations.
2. Dan Robinson expressed concern regarding public safety in the City related to
Alejandro Acosta Oliveros.
3. Sandra DeAnda expressed concern regarding information being withheld by the City
and the Police Department related to ICE activity in the community and spoke
regarding ICE activity within the City.
4. Casey Conway spoke regarding data released from a public records request related
to ICE activity within the community.
5. Oscar Torres expressed concern regarding short-term rentals and Airbnbs and
addressed gaps in the ordinance related to short-term rentals.
6. Victor Mendez spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 23, expressing concern regarding
communication efforts related to the East First Rehab Project.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
7. Patricia DeSantos spoke regarding community oversight for monies related to the
Bristol Related Project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 5 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES: At 7:28 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 7 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez announced a “No” vote on Agenda Item No. 14.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item Nos. 7 and 8 for separate discussion and
consideration.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item Nos. 10 and 19 as the listed
entities, Falck Mobile Health Corporation and City Ventures Homebuilding, LLC, are
clients of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from Agenda Item No. 8 as the listed entity,
Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc., has made contributions to his campaign within the
past 12 months.
Councilmember Lopez pulled Agenda Item No. 15 for separate discussion and
consideration.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez pulled Agenda Item No. 15 for separate discussion and
consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 5 through 19 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 7, 8, and 15 pulled for
separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
5. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 15, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 8 MAY 06, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
7. City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual Progress
Report; and
2. Authorize staff to submit the City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual
Progress Report to the State of California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) and the Office of Planning and Research
(OPR).
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff and highlighted the launch of
same-day express permit services (PBX) for certain residential and commercial
projects, completion of the first round of stakeholder engagement for the
comprehensive zoning code update, formation of the Environmental Justice Action
Committee, the opening of Gerardo Mouet Park, and housing production allocations
included in the General Plan update, and spoke in support of the item.
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 7, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
8. Purchase Order Contracts to Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc. for Nine (9)
Chevrolet Vehicles and Selman Chevrolet Company for Seven (7) Chevrolet
Vehicles (Spec No. 25-017) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
CITY COUNCIL 9 MAY 06, 2025
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize a purchase order to Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc. for nine new
2025 Chevrolet Colorado Trucks, in an amount of $360,093, plus a contingency
amount of $45,000, for a total amount not to exceed $405,093.
2. Authorize a purchase order to Selman Chevrolet Company for six new 2025
Chevrolet Equinox EVs, and one new or unused 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, in
an amount of $299,229, plus a contingency amount of $35,000, for a total
amount not to exceed $334,229.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza recused himself from Agenda Item No. 8 as
the listed entity, Guaranty Chevrolet Motors, Inc., has made a campaign contribution
within the past 12 months, and left the dais at 7:35 P.M.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed concern regarding the proposed 12%
contingency listed and expressed support for the item without the contingency
amount.
Public Works Director Nabil Saba explained the 12% contingency.
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez addressed Council’s concerns regarding the 12%
contingency and explained the reasoning behind the contingency process.
Mayor Amezcua expressed concern regarding the proposed 12% contingency and
spoke in opposition to the item with the 12% contingency.
Councilmember Phan inquired regarding the frequency a contingency amount has
been expended and spoke in support of the item.
Director Saba confirmed the contingencies are rarely used.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua asked how many times contingency amounts have been used.
Director Saba explained he needs to check with his staff to confirm exact number.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested a report of the number of the times a
contingency amount has been spent and how much was spent.
MOTION: Councilmember Phan moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 8, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-1-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 10 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA (recusal)
NONE
Status: 5 – 1 – 1 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza returned to the dais at 7:53 P.M.
9. Agreement with Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates (“HdL”) for Business
License Tax and Fee Software Services (Specification No. 23-165) (General
Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Hinderliter, de Llamas and Associates (“HdL”) to provide business license tax and
fee software services in an amount not to exceed $1,557,525, for a five-year term
beginning April 15, 2025 and expiring April 14, 2030, with provisions for one 2-year
extension, followed by two 1-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-053).
10. First Amendment to Agreement with Falck Mobile Health Corporation dba
CARE Ambulance Service to Provide Expanded Ground Non-Emergency
Medical Transportation Services for the Santa Ana Police Department and
Provision of Ambulance Compliance Data to Orange County Emergency
Medical Services
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment to
the Agreement with Falck Mobile Health Corporation dba CARE to add on the
contract’s Scope of Work for Santa Ana Police Department ground non-emergency
medical transportation services and monthly provision of Ambulance Compliance
Data to Orange County Emergency Medical Services (Agreement No. A-2025-
054).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 10 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 11 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
11. First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of
Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Management Association
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a First
Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of
Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA) for the
period of January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, modifying and delineating
specific articles of the MOU (Agreement No. A-2025-055).
12. Third Amendment to City Clerk Employment Agreement
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Approve a third amendment to the City Clerk
Employment Agreement reflecting the positive City Clerk performance evaluation
conducted on April 15, 2025 and approving an increase to the City Clerk in the
amount of deferred compensation provided by the City (Agreement No. A-2025-
056).
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced that Item No. 12 included an
increase to the City provided deferred compensation for the City Clerk, effective
April 15, 2025.
13. Agreement with Contemporary Services Corporation for Security Services
for City Special Events (Specification No. 24-138) (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Contemporary Services Corporation to provide security services for City special
events in an amount not to exceed $500,000, for a three-year term beginning May
6, 2025 and expiring May 5, 2028, with provisions for two, one-year extensions
(Agreement No. A-2025-057).
CITY COUNCIL 12 MAY 06, 2025
14. Agreement with SenseMakers, LLC to Provide Training Exercise Services for
the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program FY2023 - FY2027
(Specification No. 25-024A) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year
agreement, with two, one-year renewal options, with SenseMakers, LLC to provide
on-going training deliverables to the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area on an as-
needed basis, for the period of May 6, 2025 through May 5, 2028 in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $433,619 (Agreement No. A-2025-058).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 14 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
NONE
NONE
Status: 6 – 1 – Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
15. Agreements with Flock Group, Inc. and Motorola Solutions, Inc. for
Automated License Plate Recognition Camera Installation and Maintenance
Services (Specification No. 25-034) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year agreement with Flock
Group, Inc. to provide automated license plate recognition camera installation
and maintenance services, for the estimated period of May 6, 2025 through
May 5, 2028, with provision for one, two-year extension, for an amount of
$196,560 plus a contingency amount of $15,000, for a total amount not to
exceed $211,560. (Agreement No. A-2025-059).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a five-year agreement with Motorola
Solutions, Inc. to provide automated license plate recognition camera
installation and maintenance services, for the estimated period of May 6, 2025
through May 5, 2030, for an amount of $454,099 plus a contingency amount of
$40,000, for a total amount not to exceed $494,099. (Agreement No. A-2025-
060).
CITY COUNCIL 13 MAY 06, 2025
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez expressed concern with the third-party vendor
data sharing, records retention, and personal identifying information collected by the
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed concern regarding third-party data sharing and
spoke regarding the importance of having safeguards in place related to data
sharing.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the positive impacts of the automated license plate
recognition system to the community and spoke in support of the item.
Deputy Police Chief Julian Rodriguez spoke regarding the ALPR system.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding privacy versus policing, ALPR
systems’ history, and misuse of the system, echoed Councilmember Lopez’s
concerns, inquired about potential public records request and data retention, and
spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Phan asked who within the Police Department would have access
to ALPR system data, spoke regarding auditing data retrieval logs, asked for
clarification regarding the records retention, and recommended adopting a policy for
a one-year retention.
Deputy Chief Rodriguez addressed concerns regarding the system’s data
accessibility, records retention, and facial recognition.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item and suggested a policy in the event of
willful misuse of the ALPR system.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to reject the recommended
action for Item No. 15, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding the importance of
collaborating with surrounding Orange County agencies and spoke in support of the
item.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke regarding the system’s beneficial impacts to the
community and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua supported the item.
Councilmember Lopez stated her opposition to the item and reiterated her concern
regarding the data sharing stipulated in the proposed contract.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez clarified specifications of the contract related to data
sharing.
CITY COUNCIL 14 MAY 06, 2025
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Phan moved to approve the
recommended action for Item No. 15, as amended with a one year update from
staff, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The substitute motion carried, 4-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR AMEZCUA
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
NONE
NONE
Status: 4 – 3 – Pass
16. Service Agreement with Siemens Industry, Inc. for HVAC and Lighting
Control Systems Maintenance (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Siemens Industry, Inc., for HVAC and Lighting Control System maintenance
services in the amount of $705,649, plus a contingency amount of $70,565, for a
total amount not to exceed $776,214 for a term beginning July 1, 2025 and expiring
June 30, 2026, with provisions for four, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-
2025-061).
17. Agreements with Transportation Studies, Inc. and National Data & Surveying
Services for Traffic Counting Services (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
Transportation Studies, Inc. and National Data & Surveying Services for traffic
counting services, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000, for a term
beginning May 6, 2025 and ending on May 5, 2028, with the option for two, one-
year extensions (Agreement Nos. A-2025-062 and A-2025-063).
18. First Amendment with California Barricade Rentals, Inc. dba California
Barricade and Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs dba AWP Safety for On-Call
Traffic Control Services
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first
amendment to the standard agreements with California Barricade Rentals, Inc. and
Statewide Traffic Safety and Signs to provide On-Call Traffic Control Services and
update rates based on Consumer Price Index and/or Prevailing Wages as set by
the California Department of Industrial Relations, for the remaining term of the
agreement, and increase the contract amount by $510,000, for a total amount not
to exceed $1,010,000 (Agreement Nos. A-2025-064 and A-2025-065).
CITY COUNCIL 15 MAY 06, 2025
19. Resolution and Density Bonus Agreement No. 2024-02 Property Located at
510 and 520 N Harbor Boulevard in Specific Plan No. 2
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus No. 2024-02 as conditioned;
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-013 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 2024-02 FOR A FORTY-FIVE UNIT SINGLE-FAMILY
ATTACHED TOWNHOME DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 510 AND 520
NORTH HARBOR BOULEVARD (APN: 100-631-05 & 100-631-04)
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 15195 (Residential Infill Exemption), as this project meets
all the threshold criteria set forth in Section 15192 (Threshold Requirements for
Exemption); and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Density Bonus Agreement with
Alminlo Properties, LLC, for a 55-year term, for a for-sale residential
development consisting of forty-five (45) attached for-sale townhomes, which
includes five (5) units designated as affordable to moderate-income households
at 510 and 520 N. Harbor Boulevard (Agreement No. A-2025-066).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 19, as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
CITY COUNCIL 16 MAY 06, 2025
MINUTES: At 8:05 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20. Ordinance Adding Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law
Enforcement Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Prohibiting the
Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Conduct a first reading and adopt an ordinance adding
Article XIV to Chapter 10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions)
of the Santa Ana Municipal Code prohibiting the sale or distribution of nitrous oxide:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3079 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XIV TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE (CRIMES AND MISCELLANEOUS LAW
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS) PROHIBITING THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION
OF NITROUS OXIDE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua thanked Orange County Board of Supervisor Katrina
Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors Vicente
Sarmiento and Katrina Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested a public heath campaign to educate the youth,
proposed a restorative justice program, require demographic reporting on citations,
and requested a change to the age provision to 21.
Mayor Amezcua requested the age limit be 18.
Councilmember Lopez thanked Orange County Board of Supervisors Vicente
Sarmiento and Katrina Foley and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Orange County Board of Supervisor Katrina
Foley and city staff and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of age provision being 18.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 20, as amended to include a public heath campaign,
demographic reporting on citations, and limiting sales to those over the age
of 18, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
BUSINESS CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 17 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public may address the City Council on each of
the Public Hearing items.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 21 WAS CONTINUED TO THE JUNE 3, 2025 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING (see page 4-5)
21. Resolution to Make Findings and Adopt Addendum to the Transit Zoning
Code Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse Number No.
2006071100), Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2024-02 and
Amendment Application (AA) No. 2024-03 Amending Certain Sections of
Article XIX (The Transit Zoning Code, Specific Development No. 84) of
Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC) Addressing
Industrial Land Uses, Nonconformities, and Operating Standards, and
Amending the City of Santa Ana Zoning Map to Remove the Light Industrial
(M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) Suffixes from Certain Properties Within the
SD-84 District Boundary
Public Hearing continued from April 1, 2025 City Council meeting and notice was
posted on April 2, 2025.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution to make findings pursuant to Public Resources Code and to
adopt the Addendum to the Transit Zoning Code Environmental Impact Report
(State Clearinghouse Number No. 2006071100). Pursuant to the California
Environment Quality Act (CEQA), and based on independent review and
analysis, and the administrative record as a whole, that, in exercising its
independent judgement, amend TZC SD-84 Final EIR with an addendum that
the City Council find that pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no
subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required for the adoption of
the proposed Ordinances; and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, an
addendum to the Transit Zoning Code EIR was accordingly prepared.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY COUNCIL 18 MAY 06, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO MAKE FINDINGS PURSUANT
TO PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21166 AND TO ADOPT THE
ADDENDUM TO THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NUMBER NO. 2006071100)
2. Adopt an ordinance to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2024-
02 amending certain sections of Article XIX (The Transit Zoning Code, Specific
Development No. 84 (SD-84)) of Chapter 41 (Zoning) of the Santa Ana
Municipal Code including amendments to the regulations, overlay districts and
maps in the zoning district; modifying the authorized land uses and permit types;
establishing revised non-conforming use regulations, including the addition of
an amortization/termination of use process and adding operational standards for
certain permitted and non-conforming uses.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT NO. 2024-02, AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CHAPTER
41 (ZONING) OF ARTICLE XIX OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATED TO THE REGULATIONS, OVERLAY DISTRICTS AND MAPS IN
THE TRANSIT ZONING CODE/SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT (SD) NO. 84
ZONING DISTRICT; MODIFYING THE AUTHORIZED LAND USES AND
PERMIT TYPES; ESTABLISHING REVISED NONCONFORMING USE
REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE ADDITION OF AN
AMORTIZATION/TERMINATION OF USE PROCESS AND ADDING
OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN PERMITTED AND
NONCONFORMING USES
3. Adopt an ordinance to approve Amendment Application (AA) No. 2024-03
amending the zoning by removing the M1(Light Industrial) and M2 (Heavy
Industrial) suffixes from certain properties within the SD-84 zoning district
boundary as designated on the City of Santa Ana Zoning Map.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO.
2024-03 – AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
BY REMOVING THE M1 (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) AND M2 (HEAVY
INDUSTRIAL) SUFFIXES FROM CERTAIN PROPERTIES WITHIN THE SD-84
ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARY
22. Approve the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Resolution
Hearing for North Harbor Housing Partners LP (the “Borrower”) a
Partnership of which Jamboree Housing Corporation (the “Developer”),
Consisting at Least the Developer or a Related Person to the Developer and
One or More Limited Partners
Legal Notice published in the OC Reporter on April 25, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL 19 MAY 06, 2025
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct a Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Hearing in
consideration of the issuance of tax exempt bond financing by the California
Municipal Finance Authority (the “CMFA”) on behalf of North Harbor Housing
Partners LP (or the “Borrower”), for the benefit of Estrella Springs Apartment,
FKA North Harbor Village Apartments (the “Project”) to finance or refinance the
acquisition, construction, improvement and equipping of Estrella Springs, a
multifamily rental housing project located at 1108 North Harbor Boulevard,
Santa Ana (the “Project”).
2. Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the CMFA in
an amount not to exceed $30,000,000 to finance or refinance the acquisition,
construction, improvement and equipping of a multifamily rental housing project
located at 1108 North Harbor Boulevard, Santa Ana, California (the “Project”).
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-014 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY
THE CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FINANCE AUTHORITY OF EXEMPT
FACILITY BONDS FOR ESTRELLA SPRINGS
3. Preauthorize the City Manager to execute a future Subordination Agreement
with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. for the City’s Community Development Block
Grant loan agreement with North Harbor Housing Partners LP.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan announced her recusal as the listed entity is a
client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker, and left the dais at 9:04 P.M.
Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 9:05 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall stated there were no comments.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 9:05 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Public Hearing Item No. 22, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 20 MAY 06, 2025
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 9:06 P.M.
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
23. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct City Staff to Draft
and Bring Back an Ordinance for Council Consideration That Would Require
Monthly City Inspections of Permanent Supportive Housing Communities
Within the City of Santa Ana and the Posting of the Results of Those Inspections
on the City of Santa Ana’s Website – Councilmember Bacerra
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra gave a brief report regarding an ordinance that
would require monthly City inspections of permanent supportive housing communities
and posting of the results on the city website. He requested the item come forward at
the August 5, 2025 City Council meeting.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item and requested when then item comes
back that it does not put the City in violation of the government code or HUD services.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated she will work with staff and carefully review any
potential legal issues.
Councilmember Phan requested additional information regarding potential ligation
risks and associated fees related to process and data from the Police Department
before requesting staff draft an ordinance.
Councilmembers Penaloza and Lopez echoed previous comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of additional information and addressing
the issue.
24. Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager and City Attorney to Direct
Staff to Prepare an Ordinance Amending the Sign Code to Allow the Use of an
A-Frame in Designated Commercial Areas– Councilmember Lopez
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez gave a brief report regarding drafting an ordinance
amending the sign code to allow the use of A-Frames for small business owners in
designated commercial areas.
CITY COUNCIL 21 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item and the beneficial impacts to
the community.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding ADA concerns, designated commercial
areas, and parkways.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding ADA concerns and compliance.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the item, however expressed ADA
concerns.
Councilmember Phan requested design guidelines.
Councilmember Penaloza requested looking into the entire sign ordinance
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez stated he would bring back the item in August.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 25 WAS CONTINUED TO THE MAY 15, 2025 SPECIAL CITY
COUNCIL MEETING
25. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Work Study Session
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested the budget survey be extended.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced Public Service Recognition Week,
expressed gratitude to staff, spoke regarding National Business Week, and encouraged
all to support local businesses. He announced Asian-American and Pacific Islander
Month, Brew at the Zoo fundraiser at the Santa Ana Zoo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and
Santa Ana Fun Run on Saturday, May 17, 2025, and stated the budget survey deadline
will be extended to Thursday, May 15, 2025. He recognized the Planning and Building
Agency for assisting the City of Santa Ana in winning the Sustainability Award from the
Southern California Association of Governments.
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.
WORK STUDY SESSION
CITY COUNCIL 22 MAY 06, 2025
1. April 23, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – California Assembly Installation,
Sacramento, CA
2. April 26 – 29, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – 2025 Mayors and Police Chiefs Public
Safety Meeting in Chicago, IL
3. May 4 – 5, 2025 Mayor Amezcua – California Peace Officers’ Memorial
Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
4. April 23 – 25, 2025 Councilmember Bacerra – 2025 City Leader Summit
Hosted by the League of California Cities in Sacramento, CA
5. April 30 – May 2, 2025 Councilmember Bacerra – 2025 SCAG Regional
Conference & General Assembly in Palm Desert, CA
6. May 4 – 6, 2025 Councilmember Bacerra – California Peace Officers’ Memorial
Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
7. April 23 – 25, 2025 Councilmember Penaloza – 2025 City Leaders Summit
Hosted by the League of California Cities in Sacramento, CA
8. May 4 – 5, 2025 Councilmember Penaloza – California Peace Officers’
Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, CA
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez thanked staff for all their hard work and efforts,
announced a park clean-up on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with Orange County Habitat
Restoration, dumpster day at Cabrillo Park, and Wednesday, May 14, 2025 for creek
clean-up, and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff and the public for their participation. He
recognized the City Manager for completing bathroom modifications at El Salvador
Park, spoke regarding data shared by Ben Camacho via public records request–
DHS/ICE communications mandating automatic information release, expressed
concern over community impact, and requested a City Council agenda item for May
20, 2025, to propose a policy ensuring automatic disclosure of DHS/ICE presence.
Councilmember Phan thanked Public Works staff for their efforts on Arbor Day and
Earth Day, and emphasized the importance of protecting all community members in
light of recent information related to immigration.
Councilmember Bacerra addressed community concerns regarding funding for the
Related Bristol project in Ward 4 neighborhoods and discussion to be had at the May
15, 2025, City Council Meeting. He reported travel to Sacramento April 23 - 25, 2025,
for the Cal Cities Conference, SCAG Regional Conference and General Assembly in
Palm Desert, April 30 - May 2, 2025, and the Peace Officers Memorial. He noted his
attendance at Senior Day for Segerstrom High School baseball. He extended well
wishes to nurses in celebration of Nurses Week.
CITY COUNCIL 23 MAY 06, 2025
Councilmember Penaloza reported travel to Sacramento, April 23 - 25, 2025, for the
City Leaders Summit by the League of California Cities and attended the California
Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies on May 5, 2025, and expressed gratitude to the
Santa Ana Police Department for their service. He wished the community a Feliz Día
de las Madres and Mother’s Day, invited all to attend Brew at the Zoo on Saturday,
May 10, 2025, and thanked city staff for all the coordinated events.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked staff for their efforts, recognized Valley High School
softball team for their league win and counselor Mida Vazquez for helping 32 students
earn AA degrees, spoke regarding attending neighborhood meetings in Pacific Park
and Heninger Park to support watch programs, thanked Commissioner Joese
Hernández for displaying student art at Grand Central, urged residents to speak on
park funding, and wished all a Happy Mother’s Day.
Mayor Amezcua acknowledged teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, reported
travel to Sacramento on April, 23 2025 for the California Assembly Installtion and to
Chicago April 26-29, 2025 for the 2025 Mayors and Police Chiefs Public Safety
Meeting, and California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies in Sacramento, May 4-
5, 2025. She recognized SEVA Collective’s 5th anniversary. She spoke in support of
extending the budget survey, thanked Aker Reyes, Girl Scout Troops 3132 and 4289,
and the community for contributions to Arbor Day, welcomed Santa Ana Youth Soccer
Team to City Hall, and invited residents to Coffee with the Mayor on May 10, 2025 at
Salgado Recreation Center. She wished mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, thanked
meeting participants, and urged the community to seek out resources regarding those
affected by immigration.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:23 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
___________________________
Jennifer L. Hall, CMC
City Clerk