HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-20 Regular, Special HA, & Special SA Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
January 20, 2026
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 orderat 4.12 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
CITY COUNCIL 1 JANUARY 20, 2026
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Lopez, Phan, and Penaloza (arrived at 4:14 P.M.), Mayor Pro
Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmember Hernandez joined
during Closed Session_
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed
Session items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received: fifteen (15) closed session comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Luis Sarmiento spoke regarding Closed Session Item No. 1 and asked Council for
their support.
2. Ricardo Muniz spoke regarding Closed Session Item No. 1 regarding the community
engagement component of Thrive.
3. Cynthia Perez spoke regarding Closed Session Item No. 1, community assistance,
and in favor of the item.
4. Patricia Vazquez (translation: Spanish) spoke in favor of Closed Session Item
No. 1.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
5. Ana Charco spoke in favor of Closed Session Item No. 1.
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 4:31 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:
CITY COUNCIL 2 JANUARY 20, 2026
1. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursualnt to
Government Code Section 54956.8:
Property: 1901 West Walnut, APN 007-332-08
Agency Negotiator. Michael L. Garcia, Executive Director of Community
Development
Negotiating Parties: THRIVE Santa Ana Inc.
Under Negotiation: Purchase Price and Terms of Payment
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself from Closed Session Item No. 1
as the party is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker. She left the Closed
Session room at 4:31 P.M. and returned at 4:35 P.M., having confirmed that she did
not have a conflict.
2. 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. Rose Marie Bizarro; and Does 1 to 10, OCSC Case No.:
30-2025-01522368-CU-PA-WJC
b. Irma De La Cruz v City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court, Case
No. 30-2023-01333642
c. AnthonyCardenal v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court
Case No. 30-2022-01293127
d. John Kachirisky v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2023-01348299
e. Nelson Menendez v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court
Case No. 30-2023-01339637
f. Manuel Moreno v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2024-01372127
g. Rita Ramirez v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case No.
30-2022-01287702
h. Judith Valdez v. City_of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2023-01359457
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Employee Organizations:
1. Service Employees International Union, Full-Time Employees Unit (SEIU-
FT)
2. Service Employees International Union, Part-Time Non-Civil Service
Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS)
3. Service Employees International Union, Part-Time Civil Service Employees
Unit(SEIU-PTCS)
4. Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA)
CITY COUNCIL 3 JANUARY 20, 2026
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider
Employee Organizations:
1. Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
2. Santa Ana Middle Management Association (SAMA)
3. Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA)
4. Unrepresented Seasonal Employees
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 orderat 6:28 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers 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, Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tern
Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Daniel Diaz
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Bob Barnett, Police Chaplain
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES:None
CITY COUNCIL 4 JANUARY 20, 2026
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
I. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to
Otoniel Gomez for Acts of Bravery
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented a certificate of recognition to Otoniel
Gomez for acts of bravery.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Francis Co
for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to Francis
Co for outstanding contribution to the community.
3. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Penaloza to the United States
Postal Workers in Santa Ana for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza presented a certificate of recognition to the
United States Postal Workers in Santa Ana for outstanding contributions to the
community.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT—The City Attorney will report on any action(s)from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported for Closed Session Item No. 2B,
Irma De La Cruz v City of Santa Ana, the City Council voted 6-0-1 (Councilmember
Hernandez absent) to settle the case for$135,000, and for Item No. 2G, Rita Ramirez
v. City of Santa Ana, the City Council voted 6-1 (Councilmember Hernandez voted
"no') to appeal the verdict of the case.
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: (31) Agenda Item No. 16 and (12) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Patricia Huerta introduced Cory Vigil and spoke regarding veteran services within
the community.
2. Bruce Senator spoke regarding the submittal of his initiative, functional auditing
within the City, and requested support for immigrant communities.
3. Roberto Herrera stated the City has stripped the Parks and Recreation logo from
use, spoke regarding the loss of$7 million dollars, and requested the City Manager
explain at the next Commission meeting the loss of monies.
CITY COUNCIL 5 JANUARY 20, 2026
4. Daniel Shimell spoke regarding the death of Renee Good and requested Council set
a policy on how to respond to unlaw enforcement actions by ICE and other federal
agencies.
5. Victor Payan spoke regarding the United Artists of Santa Ana (UASA) proposal to
the California Arts Council Cultural Districts program for the historic Main Street
submission for designation as a State cultural district.
6. Ruben Salazar spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 16.
7. Dale Helvig spoke regarding the City's sponsorship policy.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
8. Sandra Pocha Pena Sarmiento spoke regarding the proposal for historic Main Street
as a State Cultural District.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 4 through 25 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 7:19 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez announced a "No" vote on Agenda Item No. 13.
Councilmember Penaloza announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item No. 8.
Councilmember Bacerra announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item No. 8.
Mayor Amezcua pulled Item No. 16 for separate discussion and consideration and
announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item No. 8.
Councilmember Hernandez announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item Nos. 13 and 15.
CITY COUNCIL 6 JANUARY 20, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4
through 25 with the exception of Agenda Item No. 16 pulled for separate
discussion and consideration, 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
4. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
5. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of December 2, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of the Parks, Recreation, and Community
Services Commission on May 22, 2025, July 24, 2025, August 28, 2025, and
September 25, 2025; the Regular Meetings of the Youth Commission on May
19, 2025, July 21, 2025, August 18, 2025, and October 20, 2025; the Regular
Meeting of Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee on March 12, 2025;
and the Regular Meetings of the Police Oversight Commission on May 8,
2025, July 10, 2025, August 14, 2025, September 11, 2025, October 9, 2025,
November 12, 2025, and December 11, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
7. Appoint Members to the Santa Ana Workforce Development Board
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Appoint the following individuals to the Santa Ana
Workforce Development Board: Kathy Jumper (replacing Darren Rutledge) for a
partial four-year term expiring May 31, 2028, Christine Martinez (replacing Maria
Rosa Lopez) for a partial four-year term expiring May 31, 2028, and Dr. Lorraine
CITY COUNCIL 7 JANUARY 20, 2026
Perez for a partial four-year term expiring May 31, 2026.
8. Authorize Staff to Prepare Documents for Water and Sewer Rate Adjustments
(Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize and direct staff to prepare all required
documents necessary to proceed with notification of proposed water and sewer rate
adjustments in compliance with Proposition 218 requirements, including, but not
limited to, the following:
a) Prepare and mail proposed rate adjustment notices to all Santa Ana property
owners in compliance with Proposition 218 requirements;
b) Schedule a public hearing at a future City Council meeting, on or after March
17, 20261
c) Prepare all other documents required to proceed with water and sewer rate
adjustments.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Agenda Item No. 8 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 4-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 4—3 -- Pass
9. Fiscal Year 2024-25 General Fund Results
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file this informational report.
10.Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Related Audit
Reports, and Measure X Agreed-Upon-Procedures Report
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file the following audited and separately
issued reports for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025:
CITY COUNCIL. 8 JANUARY 20, 2026
1. The Auditor's unmodified "clean" opinion letter for the fiscal year 2024-25
Audited Financial Statements included in the Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report (ACFR)
2. Government Auditing Standards (GAS) Letter
3. Governance Letter
4. Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Audited Financial Statements
5. The Auditor's report on the Appropriations Limit (GANN Limit)
6. The Auditor's report on compliance with the Statement of Investment Policy
7. Measure X Agreed-Upon-Procedures Report
11.Purchase Order Contracts to Bilan J Investment, Bright Event Rentals, and
Cosmos Event Rentals for Event Equipment Rental Services (Specification
No. 25-123) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Award Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts to vendors
listed below for event equipment rental services on an as-needed basis, in a total
aggregate amount not to exceed $145,000 for a one-year term beginning January
20, 2026 through January 19, 2027, with provisions for four one-year renewal
options for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $725,000 over a five-year period.
Vendor Location
Bilan J Investment Tukwila, WA
Bright Event Rentals Los Angeles, CA
Cosmos Event Rentals Anaheim, CA
12.Purchase Order Contracts to Dooley Enterprises, Inc., Miwall Corporation,
and San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc. for Ammunition (Specification No.
25-117) (General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Award aggregate purchase order contracts to vendors
listed below for ammunition on an as-needed basis in a total aggregate amount not
to exceed $825,000, for an initial one-year term expiring January 19, 2027, with
provisions for four, one-year renewal options.
Vendor Location
Dooley Enterprises, Inc. Anaheim, CA
Miwall Cor oration Grass Valley, CA
San Diego Police Equipment Co. Inc. San Diego, CA
CITY COUNCIL 9 JANUARY 20, 2026
13.Appropriation Adjustment Accepting FY2024 Urban Area Security Initiative
Grant Program Funds (Non-General Fund - UASI)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Approve an Appropriation Adjustment recognizing
$1,655,974 in grant revenue from the FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative
funding program revenue account and appropriate same to the FY 2024 Urban Area
Security Initiative Program Grant expenditures accounts. (Requires five affirmative
votes)
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Agenda Item No. 13 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by
Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5 —2—Pass
14.Agreementwith Turbo Data Systems, Inc. for Automated Parking Citation and
Processing Services (Specification No. 25-114) (General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Turbo Data Systems, Inc. to provide automated parking citation and processing
services in an amount not to exceed $2,657,098, for a term beginning February 15,
2026 and expiring February 14, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions
(Agreement No. A-2026-001).
15.Agreement with Utility Response Training Associates, LLC to Provide
Training Services for the Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program FY2024
- FY2028 (Specification No. 25-118A) (Non-General Fund - UASI)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Utility Response Training Associates, LLC to provide on-going training deliverables
to the Anaheim/Santa Ana Urban Area on an as-needed basis in an aggregate
amount not to exceed $99,500, for the period of January 20, 2026 through January
19, 2029 with two, one-year renewal options (Agreement No. A-2026-002).
CITY COUNCIL 10 JANUARY 20, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for Agenda
Item No. 15 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember
Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6-- 1 -- Pass
16.Agreement with DTSA Services for Downtown Santa Ana Clean & Safe
Program (Specification No. 25-097) (Parking Enterprise Funds)
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Romo Enterprises Inc. DBA DTSA Services for the Downtown Santa Ana Clean &
Safe Program in an amount not-to-exceed $1,110,764 for a term beginning March
1, 2026 and expiring February 28, 2027, with provisions for two, one-year
extensions for a total agreement amount not-to-exceed $3,501,682 (Agreement
No. A-2026-003).
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua thanked Romo Enterprises for their services and spoke in
support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez echoed Mayor Amezcua's comments and requested
clarification on the contract and long-term success for the program.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained the contract and expressed revenue is rising each
year within DTSA.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked Romo Enterprises for their efforts and spoke in support
of the item.
Councilmember Lopez thanked those who work in DTSA and spoke in support of the
item.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Romo Enterprises, expressed support for the item,
and clarified parking rates contribute to the Clean and Safe Program services.
CITY COUNCIL 11 JANUARY 20, 2026
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 — Pass
17.Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the Terms and Conditions of
Employment for Classifications Represented by the Service Employees
International Union Local 721
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Service Employees International Union Local 721 ("SEIU")
regarding wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment effective
July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 and authorize non-substantive changes
which may be necessary to implement the agreement (Agreement No. A-2026-
004).
18.Agreement with Insight Public Sector, Inc. for Volume Licensing and
Maintenance for Microsoft Software and Products (Specification No. 26-005)
(Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Insight Public Sector, Inc. to provide volume licensing and maintenance for
Microsoft software and products in an amount not to exceed $2,900,000, for a term
beginning February 1, 2026 and expiring January 31, 2029. (Agreement No. A-
2026-005)
19.Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Property Located at 1218 N.
French 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 owner for the
identified structure (Agreement No. A-2026-006) [Includes determination that the
proposed project is exempt from further review in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act as Categorical Exemption/Environmental Review No.
2025-95 will be filed for the project].
CITY COUNCIL 12 JANUARY 20, 2026
Table 1: Mills Act Agreement Approved by the Historic Resources
Commission HRC
Property Historic Property
Owner Preservation Agreement Address/House Vote by HRC
No.
Anna 1218 N. French 6:0:0:2 (Commissioners
Lozano 2025-11 Street imendral and Rincon
absent
20.Relocation and Quitclaim of Easements within 3100 West lake Center Drive
for the South Coast Technology Center Project(Applicant: C.J. Segerstrom &
Sons, a California General Partnership)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute quitclaim deeds
relinquishing the City's interest in the existing easements at 3100 West Lake Center
Drive.
21.Award of a Construction Contract to Cali State Paving, Inc., for the
Construction of the Alley Improvements Project (Project No. 26-6910)
(General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of$765,625, which includes $612,500 for the construction contract, $91,875 for
contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $61,250 for unanticipated
or unforeseen work.
2. Award a construction contract to Cali State Paving, Inc., the lowest responsible
bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $612,500, subject to
change orders, for the construction of the Alley Improvements Program Project
(Project No. 26-6910), for a term beginning January 20, 2026 and authorize the
City Manager to execute the contract.
3. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER-2025-8 will be filed for Project No. 26-6910.
CITY COUNCIL 13 JANUARY 20, 2026
22.Award of a Construction Contract to GEMS Environmental Management
Services, Inc. to Construct the Fire Station 74 Fuel Station Replacement
Project (Project No. 24-6053) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $842,630 in construction funds for the Fire
Station 74 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6053).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $842,630, which includes $674,104 for the construction contract, $101,115
for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $67,411 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to GEMS Environmental Management Services,
Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the
amount of $674,104, subject to change orders, for construction of the Fire
Station 74 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6053), for a term
beginning January 20, 2026 and authorize the City Manager to execute the
contract.
4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER-2025-116 will be filed for Project No. 24-6053.
23.Award of a Construction Contract to Golden Gate Steel, Inc., to Construct the
Portola Splash Pad Project (Project No. 25-2401) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional$2,467,500 in construction funds for the Portola
Splash Pad Project (Project No. 25-2401).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $2,467,500, which includes $1,974,000 for the construction contract,
$296,100 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $197,400 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to Golden Gate Steel, Inc., the lowest responsible
bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $1,974,000, subject to
change orders, for construction of the Portola Splash Pad Project (Project No.
25-2401), for a term beginning January 20, 2026 and authorize the City Manager
to execute the contract.
CITY COUNCIL 14 JANUARY 20, 2026
4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER-2025-118 will be filed for Project No. 25-2401.
24.First Amendment to the Agreementwith Musco Sports Lighting, LLC to Install
Additional LED Lighting at Centennial Park Playground (Project No. 26-6007)
(General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $186,978 in construction funds for the
Centennial Park Lighting Project (Project No. 26-6007).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the agreement
with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC to add playground LED sports lighting at
Centennial Park, in an additional amount of$208,585, which includes $189,622
for construction and $18,963 for unanticipated or unforeseen work, for a total
revised estimated project delivery cost of$1,516,978 (Agreement No. A-2026-
007).
25.Agreement with 1st Choice Pool & Spa Solutions for Pools, Outdoor
Fountains, and Splash Pads Maintenance and Repair Services (Specification
No. 25-120) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
1st Choice Pool & Spa Solutions to provide pools, fountains, and splash pads
maintenance and repair services in an amount not-to-exceed $553,030, for a term
beginning February 1, 2026 and expiring January 31, 2027, with provisions for four,
one-year extensions for a total agreement amount not-to-exceed $2,009,618
(Agreement No. A-2026-008).
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7:28 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
26.Selection of Mayor Pro Tern for 2026 Pursuant to Santa Ana City Charter
Section 405
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
CITY COUNCIL 15 JANUARY 20, 2026
Recommended Action: Nominate and elect one Councilmember to serve as
Mayor Pro Tem for calendar year 2026.
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra thanked Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez for his
services and nominated Councilmember Penaloza for Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez nominated Councilmember Hernandez for Mayor Pro
Tem.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to appoint Councilmember
Penaloza as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 4-3, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 4- 3-Pass
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez moved to appoint Councilmember
Hernandez as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026, seconded by Councilmember
Hernandez.
The motion failed, 3-4, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ
NOES, COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 3--4 - Fail
27.Nominate and Appoint an Alternate Representative to the Southern California
Association of Governments General Assembly Business Meeting
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Nominate and appoint an alternate for purposes of the
Southern California Association of Governments General Assembly Business
Meeting.
CITY COUNCIL 16 JANUARY 20, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to appoint Councilmember Lopez as
Alternate Representative to the Southern California Association of
Governments General Assembly Business Meeting, seconded by
Councilmember Lopez,
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 —Pass
28.Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code As To
Section 2-748 Specifying the Procurement and Contracting Procedure for
Vehicle and Vehicle Related Equipment Purchases
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve the first reading of an ordinance amending
Section 2-748 of Article VII, of Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC)
specifying the procurement and contracting procedure for vehicle and vehicle
related equipment purchases.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX 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 2-748 SPECIFYING THE PROCUREMENT
AND CONTRACTING PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLE AND VEHICLE RELATED
EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Item No. 28, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 —Pass
CITY COUNCIL 17 JANUARY 20, 2026
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR"
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES:At 7:33 P.M., the Public Hearing was considered.
29.Public Hearing - Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-3088
Adopting the Updated California and International Building and Fire Codes
with Local Conditions Amendments
First reading December 2, 2025 City Council meeting and approved by a vote of 7-
0. Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on December 19 and December 26,
2025.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency, Orange County Fire Authority
Recommended Action:
1. Find that the proposed Ordinance is exempt under the provision of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section
15061(b)(3).
2. Conduct a public hearing and approve second reading and adoption of
ordinance amending Chapters 8 and 14 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
adopting the State Building Regulations, including the 2024 International
Property Maintenance Code, and certain modifications and changes with
respect to local climatic, geographical and topographical conditions with the City
of Santa Ana to the California Building, Existing Building, Residential, Green
Standards, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Historical Building, and
Fire Codes as amended by the State of California.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3088 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTERS 8 AND 14 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT AND AMEND THE MOST
RECENTLY ENACTED CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE,
CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE,
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE,
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE,
CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND INTERNATIONAL
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 7:34 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no email comments received
and there were no speakers.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 7:35 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL 18 JANUARY 20, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No, 29, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7-- 0—Pass
**END OF PUBLIC HEARING**
RECESS
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed the City Council meeting to address the Housing
Authority and Successor Agency agendas at 7:36 P.M.
RECONVENE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council at 7:38 P.M.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced a Special City Council Meeting on
January 23, 2026 for goal setting, and asked the community to look out for new openings
and additions within the City.
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 Phan wished everyone a Happy New Year, and expressed
gratitude to the City Manager, Director of Public Works, Rudy Rosas, engineering team,
and Public Works team for receiving a grant to redesign and repair Euclid Street within
Ward 1.
Councilmember Vazquez congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza on his new appointment,
thanked Councilmember Bacerra for his presentation, recognized Firehouse 73 and 75 for
their work, and discussed ongoing efforts to assist and support the community regarding
reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) sightings.
CITY COUNCIL 19 JANUARY 20, 2026
Councilmember Lopez announced her upcoming office hours at Santiago Park, invited the
public to join a partnership with Orange County Habitats to clean debris within the creek
and park on January 24, 2026, and spoke in memory of Jesus Alejandro Valdez and his
impact within the community.
Councilmember Hernandez expressed sentiments for Renee Nicole Good, Jesus
Alejandro Valdez, and Keith Porter, and their families, and expressed concern with ICE and
the Santa Ana Police Department.
Councilmember Bacerra requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Steve Cate,
thanked City staff for posting calls for service on the Ci'ty's website, announced his
upcoming office hours at Lillie King Park on February 7, 2026, and encouraged the
community to stay safe amid current events involving ICE. He wished everyone a good
night and a Happy New Year.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza echoed Councilmember Bacerra's comments on staying safe
amid current events involving ICE, expressed sentiments to Renee Nicole Good, thanked
Public Works staff on their construction efforts throughout the City and Parks and
Recreation staff for their efforts within the Santa Ana Zoo, and wished his daughter a Happy
2nd Birthday and his mother a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Amezcua echoed Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza's and Councilmember Bacerra's
comments regarding ICE, urged the community to look at resources to help those affected
by ICE, thanked the City Manager and staff for putting together the upcoming Goal Setting
City Council Meeting on January 23, 2026, and requested data regarding drug analysis
testing and comprehensive services to those living at the City's shelter to provide better
shelter assistance. She announced the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce will be hosting
the Mayors Prayer Breakfast at Templo Calvario Church on February 5, 2026, Coffee with
the Mayor, Faith-Based meetings, and Neighborhood Associations will restart during
January, and thanked staff and Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez for their work with
families and Ayudas Sin Fronteras, and wished everyone a Happy New Year. She spoke
in memory of Doris Ann (Derleth) Hirota.
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Renee
Nicole Good, Jesus Alejandro Valdez, Keith Porter, Steve Cate, and Doris Ann (Derleth)
Hirota at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
=nnile
CITY COUNCIL 20 JANUARY 20, 2026