HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-15 Regular Adjourned, Special HAMinutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
July 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: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:07 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 Nunez
City Attorney
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk
Jennifer L. Hall
Pr)l I rAl I
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were
present. Councilmembers Hernandez and Penaloza arrived during Closed Session.
Councilmember Lopez was absent
CITY COUNCIL 1 JULY 15, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: Norse.
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 consider the Closed Session items at 4:08 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. City of Santa Ana v Orange County Association for Mental Health, et al.,
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2020-01124174
B. Arch Insurance Company v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior
Court, Case No. 30-2024-01436141
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 Manage ment/Admin istrative
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: Service Employees International Union Full -Time
Employees Unit (SEIU)
5.
CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Employee Organization: Service Employees International Union Local 721, Part -
Time Non -Civil Service Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS)
CITY COUNCIL 2 JULY 15, 2025
6. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — POTENTIAL INITIATION OF
LITIGATION pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code
Section 54956.9: One (1) case
CLOSED SESSION REPORT —The City Attorney will report on any actions) 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 6:08 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, Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez,
and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmember Lopez was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
WORDS OF INSPIRATION
Public Works Executive Director Nabii Saba
Pastor Angie Aparicio
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced Agenda Item No. 9, Agreements with
Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. and Oracle Corp. for Enterprise Resource Planning
(ERP) System Software and Implementation Services, has been removed from
consideration per staff recommendation.
CITY COUNCIL 3 JULY 15, 2025
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation presented by Mayor Amezcua proclaiming July as Parks and
Recreation Month
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented a proclamation proclaiming July as Parks
and Recreation Month.
2. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez recognizing
Chicanxs Unidxs for Exceptional Service to the Community
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez presented certificates of recognition
recognizing Chicanxs Unidxs for exceptional services to the community.
3. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra
recognizing Orange County Fire Authority's Best and Bravest Outstanding
Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented certificates of recognition
recognizing Orange County Fire Authority's Best and Bravest for outstanding
contributions to the community.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan honoring Nabil Saba in
Recognition of his Retirement and 25 Years of Dedicated Service to the City
of Santa Ana
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation honoring Nabil Saba in
recognition of his retirement and 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Santa
Ana.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT —The City Attorney will reporton anyaction(s)from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported that for Item No. 1A, City of Santa
Ana v. Orange County Association for Mental Health, et al., the City Council voted 4-
0 (Councilmembers Hernandez, Lopez, and Penaloza absent) to enter an agreement
to resolve the case without cost to the City. For Item No. 1B, Arch Insurance Company
v. City of Santa Ana, she reported the Council voted 4-0 (Councilmembers
Hernandez, Lopez, and Penaloza absent) to settle the case for $340, 000.
City Attorney Carvalho reported that for Item N
6-0 (Councilmember Lopez absent) to join the
Angeles, and nine other cities that intervened
Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem case.
RECESS
o
. 6, City Council voted unanimously
City of Los Angeles, County of Los
on behalf of their residents in the
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed the City Council meeting and convened the
Housing Authority meeting to order at 7: 06 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 4 JULY 15, 2025
RECONVENE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council meeting to order at 7:08 P.M.
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: (15) Agenda Item No. 15 and five (5) non -agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed the City Council in -person:
1. Quinn Tran spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
2. Jaydelyn Verdin spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
3. Jadeley Verdin spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
4. Jaime Fernandez spoke regarding giving affordable dental care to the community..
5. Amalia Mejia requested clarification and expressed concern regarding the proposed
amendments related to the Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item
No. 15).
6. Joe Saladino spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
7. David Pulido spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15) and requested justice for
Noe Rodriguez.
B. Kayla Asato spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
9. Isuri Ramos, Chispa, spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to
the Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
10. Emma Gottfried spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15) and requested justice
for Noe Rodriguez.
11. Matthew Compton spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15) and requested justice
for Noe Rodriguez.
CITY COUNCIL 5 JULY 15, 2025
12. Vincent spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15) and requested justice for
Noe Rodriguez.
13. Erika Armenta (translation: Spanish) requested justice for Noe Rodriguez and spoke
in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police Oversight
Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
14. Abraham Quintana spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15) and requested justice
for Noe Rodriguez.
15. Carl Benninger spoke regarding potential solutions and streamlining the process to
citizenship and spoke regarding the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
16. Andrea Meza spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
17. Danielle Cano spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda item No. 15).
18. Carlos Perea commended the Council regarding Closed Session Item No. 6 and
spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police Oversight
Commission ordinance (Agenda item No. 15).
19. Zury spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the Police
Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
20. Dylan Thompson spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda item No. 15).
21. Adriana Alvarez spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
22. America Najera spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
23. Francisco Gomez expressed gratitude to Mayor Amezcua for her continued efforts
within the community and extended heartfelt sentiments to the Santa Ana Police
Department for their service.
The following speakers addressed the City Council via teleconference:
24. Nina Jirik spoke regarding the proclamation proclaiming July as Parks and
Recreation Month and Washington Square Park.
25. Tiffany Bailey, ACLU SoCal, spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments
related to the Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
CITY COUNCIL 6 JULY 15, 2025
26. Marlenne Ortega spoke in opposition to the proposed amendments related to the
Police Oversight Commission ordinance (Agenda Item No. 15).
27. Dale Helvig expressed gratitude to Councilmember Phan's comments honoring
Nabil Saba and appreciation for Carl Benninger's public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 5 through 14 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES: At 8:18 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 12 as the listed entity,
Olive Crest, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker, and left the dais at 8: 20 P.M.,
returning at 8:21 P.M.
Councilmember Hernandez briefly spoke in support of Agenda item No. 12,
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 5 through 24, with the exception of Item No. 9 removed by staff, seconded by
Councilmember Penaloza.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6-0-0— 1 —Pass
5. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of June 17, 2025 and July 1, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:. Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 7 JULY 15, 2025
7. Memorandums of Understanding with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act Partners
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve Memorandums of Understanding with the Santa Ana WORK Center,
Rancho Santiago Community College District, Employment Development
Department, Department of Rehabilitation, SER Jobs for Progress, United
American Indian Involvement, Inc., Long Beach Job Corps, Community Action
Partnership of Orange County, and City of Santa Ana Housing Authority (Family
Self -Sufficiency Program) setting the terms for the sharing of resources and
expenses associated with the operations of a comprehensive One -Stop center,
for a three-year term expiring June 30, 2028, and authorize the City Manager to
execute amendments during the term that adjust shared operational expenses
and make non -substantive changes to comply with changes in federal or state
law; provided all other terms and conditions of the MOU remain the same and
approved by the City Attorney (Core Agreement No. A-2025-116).
2. Approve a second amendment to Sub -Lease Agreement and Memorandum of
Understanding with the County of Orange, Social Services Agency to extend the
term through June 30, 2028 and authorize the City Manager to execute
amendments during the term that adjust shared operational expenses and make
non -substantive changes to comply with changes in federal or state law,
provided all other terms and conditions of the MOU remain the same and
approved by the City Attorney (Agreement No. A-2025-117).
8. Agreement with PlanetBids, LLC for eProcurement Bidding Platform Module
Services (Specification No. 25-045) (General Fund and Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
PlanetBids, LLC to provide eProcurement Bidding Platform Module Services in an
amount not to exceed $159,635, for a term beginning July 15, 2025 and expiring
June 30, 2028, with provisions for one (1), one-year extension (Agreement No. A-
2025-118).
9. Agreements with Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. and Oracle Corp. for
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Software and Implementation
Services (Specification No. 23-132) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action:
1. Approve agreement with Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. for the purchase of
Oracle Cloud ERP subscription licensing, for an initial three-year term beginning
September 1, 2025, with seven optional one-year renewals, in an aggregate
CITY COUNCIL 8 JULY 15, 2025
amount not to exceed $5,026,843; and authorize the City Manager, or their
designee, to execute future ordering documents as necessary, provided the total
cost does not exceed the approved aggregate amount (Agreement No. A-2025-
XXX).
2. Approve an agreement with Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. for Oracle ERP
implementation services, in an amount not to exceed $4,798,915, fora 35-month
term beginning August 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028 (Agreement No. A-
2025-XXX).
3. Approve agreement with Oracle America, Inc. for Public Sector Oracle Cloud
Services, to govern the terms and conditions of the Oracle Cloud ERP services
(Agreement No. A-2025-XXX).
MINUTES: Item No. 9 removed by staff. No action taken.
10. Historic Property Preservation Agreements for the Properties Located at 1001
N. Olive Street and 1011 N. Olive Street
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the
attached Mills Act agreement with the below -referenced property owners for the
identified structure(s) (Agreement Nos. A-2025-119 and A-2025-120). [Includes
determination that the proposed projects are exempt from further review in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act as Categorical
Exemption(s)/Environmental Review Nos. 2025-28 and 2025-30 will be filed for the
project.]
Table 1: Mills Act Agreements Approved by the Historic Resources
Commission (HRC)
Property Owner(s)
Historic Property
PreservationAddress/House
Agreement No.
Vote by HRC
Kevin Shuler and Brian
5:0:0:2
Stoddart representing
2025-03
1001 N. Olive
(Commissioner
Palm Springs Deepwell
Street
Escamilla and
Modern, LLC
Padilla absent)
Robert James Manson
5.0.0.2
and Alma Cristina
2025-04
1011 N. Olive
(Commissioner
Manson
Street
Escamilla and
Padilla absent
CITY COUNCIL 9 JULY 15, 2025
11.Authorize the Planning Division to Prepare and Provide Notice to the County
of Orange Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) in Accordance with Public
Utilities Code Section 21676(b) for The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan
Located at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue Currently Undergoing Public Review
and Entitlements Processing with the City.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the Planning Division to
initiate the preparation and drafting of findings and determination overruling the
County of Orange Airport Land Use Commission's Determination of Inconsistency
associated with the proposed The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan located at 1561
W. Sunflower Avenue and to provide notice in accordance with Section 21676(b) of
the Public Utilities Code to the County of Orange Airport Land Use Commission and
the State of California Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-033 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING THE PLANNING DIVISION TO
INITIATE THE PREPARATION AND DRAFTING OF FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF
OVERRULLING THE ORANGE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION'S
DETERMINATION OF INCONSISTENCY ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPOSED
THE VILLAGE SANTA ANA SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT LOCATED AT 1561
WEST SUNFLOWER AVENUE AND TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF INTENT TO
OVERRULE THE AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION'S DETERMINATION IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 21676(B) OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE TO
THE COUNTY OF ORANGE AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION AND THE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S DIVISION OF
AERONAUTICS AT LEAST 45 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FUTURE PUBLIC HEARING
DATE FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT AND PROPOSED OVERRULING
ACTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL [includes determination that this action is not
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections
15060(c)(2) and 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it has no potential
for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.]
12. Density Bonus Agreement No. 2025-03 to Facilitate the Construction of a
Fifteen -Unit Multi -Family Residential Development, Including Three Units
Proposed as Affordable to Very Low -Income Households
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action (below) is exempt from
further review under Section 15168 (Program EIR); and
2. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus Agreement No. 2025-03,
CITY COUNCIL 10 JULY 15, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-034 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 2025-03 TO ALLOW A FIFTEEN -UNIT MULTI -FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING THREE UNITS PROPOSED AS
AFFORDABLE TO VERY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, AT THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 2130 E. FOURTH STREET (APN: 400-091-23); and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Density Bonus Agreement with Olive
Crest, with a 55-year covenant term, for a rental residential development
consisting of a fifteen -unit multi -family residential development, including three
units proposed as affordable to very low-income households, at the property
located at 2130 E. Fourth Street (Agreement No. A-2025-121).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar
Item No. 12, as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember
Penaloza.
The motion carried, 5-0-1-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO
TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 5-0-1 — 1 —Pass
13. Resolution Supporting Assembly Bill 1303 — Lifeline Program: Customer Data
Privacy
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution supporting Assembly Bill 1303, which
strengthens privacy protections for applicants and subscribers of the California
Lifeline Program by prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive customer
data and eliminating unnecessary documentation requirements that create barriers
for vulnerable and immigrant communities.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-035 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING ASSEMBLY BILL 1303 — LIFELINE
PROGRAM: CUSTOMER DATA PRIVACY BY ASSEMBLYMEMBER AVELINO
VALENCIA
CITY COUNCIL 11 JULY 15, 2025
14.Resolution Supporting Senate Bill 627 (Wiener, Arreguin, Perez), Senate Bill
805 (Perez), and H.R. 4176 (Correa) — the No Secret Police Act
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution supporting Senate Bill 627, Senate Bill
805, and H.R. 4176, the No Secret Police Act, to promote law enforcement
transparency and accountability by requiring officers to display visible identification
and limiting the use of face coverings that obscure identity, except under narrowly
defined safety circumstances.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-036 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA SENATE BILLS 627
(WIENER, PEREZ, ARREGUIN), AND 805 (PEREZ, WIENER) AND H.R. 4176
(CORREA), TO PROMOTE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRANSPARENCY AND
ACCOUNTABILITY
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 8:21 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
15.Ordinance Amending Article IV to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
Police Oversight Commission to Align with State Law, Enhance
Transparency, and Improve Operational Efficiency and Best Practices in Law
Enforcement Accountability (Continued from the City Council meeting of July 1,
2025, Item No. 29)
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Conduct a first reading of an ordinance amending Article
IV to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Police Oversight Commission to
align with state law, enhance transparency, and improve operational efficiency and
best practices in law enforcement accountability.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING SECTIONS 2-660-2-669 OF
CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION), ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 16 OF THE SANTA
ANA MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A POLICE COMMISSION
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez and Senior Assistant City Attorney
Tamara Bogosian gave a presentation regarding the Police Oversight Commission
ordinance proposed amendments.
Independent Oversight Director T. Jack Morse spoke regarding his previous
experience with an audit vs. an investigatory model.
CITY COUNCIL 12 JULY 15, 2025
Mayor Amezcua inquired why the AdHoc Committee was formed and who was part
and present at the AdHoc Committee meetings.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho spoke regarding new staff exploring the issues in the
ordinance, and stated the AdHoc Committee was formed per staffs request not at
the direction of the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez inquired regarding potential litigation.
Independent Oversight Director Morse clarified his role regarding litigation.
City Attorney Carvalho spoke regarding the Culichi Town incident and potential
misinformation.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the City's Citizen Police Academy.
Police Chief Robert .Rodriguez provided information regarding the Police
Department's divisions, programs, facilities, and the importance of building a
positive relationship with the community.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding police oversight, an officer involved
shooting of his family member, police brutality, and a potential conflict of interest.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to leave the ordinance as is,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan inquired regarding internal affairs investigation
protocols, dual track investigations, differentiating which provisions are required by
federal and state law and City policies, and the number of complaints received
annually.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Bogosian confirmed that state law dictates each
jurisdiction must have a complaint policy in place and the City's municipal code
dictates that the Internal Affairs division investigates the complaints.
Chief Rodriguez clarified that three concurrent investigations are required when an
officer involved shooting occurs.
Mayor Amezcua inquired regarding the three oversight models and which exposes
the City to the most liability and confidentiality.
Independent Oversight Director Morse spoke regarding the three oversight models:
investigatory model, audit model, and the hybrid, and the confidentiality clause in
the ordinance.
CITY COUNCIL 13 JULY 15, 2025
Senior Assistant City Attorney Bogosian spoke regarding the eight categories of
records that would be subject to disclosure circumstances which would allow officer
personnel records to be disclosable under the California Public Records Act: Officer
involved shooting resulting in death, use of force resulting in great bodily injury,
sustained finding of dishonesty, sexual assault, unlawful arrest or search, failure to
intervene against another officer that is clearly using excessive force, in custody
deaths, and unlawful activities that interfere with First Amendment Assemblies.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding a conflict within the ordinance and the
Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (POBR), his preference of the
auditor monitor model, the importance of due process, and training for
commissioners.
City Attorney Carvalho spoke regarding staff turnover since the original ordinance
was drafted.
Mayor Amezcua commented on how the City operates under a City Manager form
of government and that the original ordinance language granted the Police
Oversight Director authority that conflicted with the City Manager's authority under
the City Charter.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez inquired regarding a pending case out of Los Angeles
County and requested to postpone the item and direct staff to return in 60 days with
a revised version of the ordinance, drafted in partnership with the Police Oversight
Commission, Police Oversight Director, City Staff, and community stakeholders, in
an open forum.
Mayor Amezcua inquired regarding input at public community meetings and
meetings with staff regarding the drafting of the initial ordinance and expressed
hesitation to a joint meeting due to commissioners' previous comments about filing
complaints.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez spoke regarding a memo he drafted to the Police
Oversight Commissioners reminding them of the importance of impartiality.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez moved to push the item for
60 days and direct staff to return in 60 days with a revised version of the
ordinance, drafted in partnership with the Police Oversight Commission,
Police Oversight Director, City Staff, and community stakeholders, in an open
forum, seconded by Mayor Amzzcua.
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke of the importance of interagency
collaboration and reported the special joint meeting could be held in the City Council
chamber.
Councilmember Bacerra requested clarification regarding what amendments were
being recommended by the Council.
CITY COUNCIL 14 JULY 15, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding a June 9th mutual aid incident
involving various law enforcement agencies including the Santa Ana Police
Department, and noted that the nonprofit policescorecard. orq reports that from 2013
to 2023 the Santa Ana Police Department has had 20 officer involved deaths, 268
misconduct complaints, and he spoke of the importance of accountability.
Councilmember Phan inquired regarding any legal restriction preventing the City
from following both the auditing and investigative model, POBR's one-year statute
of limitations, ramifications of a potential POBR violation, and the importance of due
process. She stated that there is no state law preventing the Council from having
authority over the oversight director if the Charter were amended and she asked for
the reason staff recommended to strike Section 2-665(a). She inquired regarding
limitations the commission might have towards educating the public about the
complaint process.
City Manager Nunez stated the strike out allows administrative authority to return to
the City Manager to ensure proper policies are implemented within the department.
City Attorney Carvalho spoke regarding the difference between a legislative body
providing the public information versus aggressive advocacy.
Councilmember Phan suggested the joint meeting be a study session, so the entire
Council can provide input.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding section 2-665(B)4 and the ramifications
of potentially striking "sustained findings" from the section.
SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION. Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve
the ordinance as presented with the following amendments, Section 2-665(a)
add back in stricken language up to "City Manager," Section 2-665(b)(3) strike
"results in death," and Section 2-665(b)(4) strike "with sustained findings."
Councilmember Penaloza spoke regarding the importance of training for the
oversight commissioners and inquired how changes to the confidentially section 2-
663 would affect the information being provided to the commissioners and the
public.
MOTION: At 11:04 P.M., Mayor Amezcua moved to continue the meeting until
11:30 P.M., seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to continue the
meeting until Item No. 15 is concluded, seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
Councilmember Penaloza withdrew his second from Mayor Amezcua's motion to
continue the meeting until 11:30 P.M. Councilmember Phan seconded Mayor
Amezcua's motion.
CITY COUNCIL 15 JULY 15, 2025
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to continue the
meeting until Item No. 15 is concluded, seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
The substitute motion carried, 4-2-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 4-2 — 0 — 1 —Pass
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the importance that the City maintain
a positive relationship with the City's police officers and how the oversight
commission would be affected if an officer were to file a lawsuit against the City.
Senior Assistant City Attorney Bogosian spoke regarding the ongoing litigation
between the City of Los Angeles and one of their officers.
SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve
the ordinance as presented with the following amendments, Section 2-665(a)
add back in stricken language up to "City Manager," Section 2-665(b)(3)
strike "results in death," and Section 2-665(b)(4) strike "with sustained
findings," seconded by Mayor Amezcua,
The second substitute motion failed, 3-3-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 3-3-0— 1 — Fail
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez moved to review the
ordinance at a joint special meeting with the Police Oversight Commission,
Police Oversight Director, and the City Council, in 60 days before which all
members shall have met with the City Manager, City Attorney, Police
Oversight Director, and Police Chief, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The substitute motion passed, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 16 JULY 15, 2025
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6-0 — 0 — 1 —Pass
**END OF BUSINES CALENDAR*
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding the sympathy strike with the
City's waste collector company that affected residents' trash pick-up and disclosed that
all waste would be picked up by the end of the week.
Mayor Amezcua requested reimbursement to constituents for the delay in waste
collection.
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: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez expressed pride in the City's decision to join the
City of Los Angeles in its litigation against the U.S. President and ICE raids. He
acknowledged the strength and unity of the community during this time and extended
an invitation to the public to attend Musica Migra on July 24, 2025 at La Santa Park.
He highlighted the upcoming openings of the Delhi Library and Jerome Park and
offered an apology on behalf of guests at the meeting for their behavior.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked city staff for their efforts in tonight's meeting, echoed
Mayor Amezcua's comments on reimbursements to constituents, and reminded the
community about Movies in the Park for the summer and National Night Out, and
wished his wife a happy birthday.
Councilmember Phan thanked staff and the community for participating in the 4th of
July event at Centennial Park, congratulated Director Nabil Saba on his retirement, and
invited the community to Memorial Park for National Night Out.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed remarks regarding reimbursement to constituents
affected by waste collection delays. He announced upcoming community office hours
on August 2, 2025, at Adams Park. He thanked the Parks and Recreation Department
for organizing the Movies in the Park events, inquired whether officers are currently
under investigation in connection with the death of Noe Rodriguez, and requested an
update on the status of the investigation.
CITY COUNCIL 17 JULY 15, 2025
Councilmember Hernandez thanked City staff for their work in organizing the meeting,
echoed Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez's remarks regarding constituents' behaviors, and
recognized resident Eileen Constance Marcel Falkner in celebration of her 99th
birthday.
Mayor Amezcua thanked City Attorney Carvalho for her continued efforts in engaging
with the community and upholding the City's charter, announced Coffee with the Mayor
scheduled for August 2, 2025, at the Santa Ana Zoo, and extended early birthday
wishes to Parks and Recreation Director Hawk Scott. She expressed concern to the
City Attorney and City Manager regarding three hostile work environment complaints
filed against Councilmember Hernandez and formally requested the matter be
investigated and addressed in accordance with the City's Code of Ethics.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez confirmed the officers in regards to Noe Rodriguez's
death are under investigation by the Attorney General's Office in accordance with
Assembly Bill 1506 and clarified the Attorney General does not provide case updates
during ongoing investigations.
ADJOURNMENT —Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting at 11:37 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
nifer la) CMC
City Cler J
CITY COUNCIL 18 JULY 15, 2025