HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-07 Regular Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
April 7, 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: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:06 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tern David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
CITY COUNCIL 1 APRIL 7, 2026
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Phan, and Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
Councilmembers Hernandez and Lopez and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza 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: (2) Closed Session Agenda Item No. 3 and there were no in person or
teleconference speakers.
RECESS — City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting
regular City business.
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua recessed to considerthe Closed Session items at 4:07P.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 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)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of the subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government
Code:
A: Michael Gonzalez v. City of Santa Ana, WCAB Case No.: ADJ15896066
CITY COUNCIL 2 APRIL 7, 2026
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Clean Path Recovery, LLC v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior
Court, Case No. 30-2023-01324566-CU-WM-CJC
B. Kenneth Kropidlowski, et al. v. City of Santa Ana, et al., Orange County
Superior Court Case No.: 30-2025-01515789-CU-PO-CJC
C. Anthony Cardenal v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court
Case No. 30-2022-01293127
D. Nelson Menendez v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2023-01339637
4. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE - PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1):
TITLE: City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney
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 6:15 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
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, Phan, and Vazquez, Mayor Pro Tem
Penaloza, and MayorAmezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Police Chaplain Bob Barnett
CITY COUNCIL 3 APRIL 7, 2026
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation presented by Mayor Amezcua in recognition of Toyama Karate-
Do Academy's 35 years of Dedicated Service
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented a proclamation in recognition of Toyama
Karate-Do Academy's 35 years of dedicated service.
2. Proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza and Councilmember
Phan to SAV Waymakers declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness
Month
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza and Councilmember Phan presented a
proclamation to SAV Waymakers declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault
Awareness Month. Councilmember Phan reminded everyone April 29 is Denim Day
and encouraged all to participate.
3. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Lopez to Arab American Civic
Council declaring April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a proclamation to Arab American
Civic Council declaring April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month.
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
4. Orange County Fire Authority Quarterly Briefing
MINUTES: Division Chief James Henery provided a presentation regarding the
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) quarterly briefing.
Mayor Amezcua thanked the Chief for joining Coffee with the Mayor.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked the Chief for all work completed in Ward 5.
Councilmember Vazquez thanked OCFA for their help with an incident at his home,
the thorough job and professionalism with which they worked.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked Chief Henery for presenting the Fire Station
Master Plan.
CITY COUNCIL 4 APRIL 7, 2026
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 and
Closed Session Agenda Item No. 4 was continued to the next meeting.
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: (12) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Robert Flournoy spoke regarding his mother's dental procedure, expressed concern
regarding the prescribed antibiotic, and urged the Council to bring awareness to the
issue.
2. Giovanni Chavez spoke regarding Cesar Chavez and in support of Agenda item No.
20.
3. Velma de la Rosa spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 23.
4. Michael Valentine spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 23.
5. Johan Lopez spoke regarding critical and preventable public health issue in the City,
affordable dental care, and a partnership with the City.
6. Victor Mendez spoke regarding Measure X and the City being cost efficient.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference.
7. Karla Alvarado requested an update regarding the Coach Royal Mobile Home Park
at the municipal level.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 5 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 7:34 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Bacerra recused himself from Agenda Item No. 14 due to financial
interest.
CITY COUNCIL 5 APRIL 7, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 5 through 19, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza.
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
5. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
6. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 17, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
7. Appropriation Adjustment Recognizing $8,171 in California State Library
Funding (General Fund)
Department(s): Library
Recommended Action: Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $8,171
in California State Library California Library Services Act funds in the Library
Miscellaneous Income revenue account and appropriate the same into the Library
Tech & Support Services, Computer Software Subscriptions expenditure account,
to apply toward Library e-resources. (Requires five affirmative votes)
8. Approve Lease Agreement with the Orange County Flood Control District for
River View Golf Course Property Located at 1800 W. Santa Clara Avenue
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a 25-year lease
agreement with the Orange County Flood Control District for the River View Golf
Course, located at 1800 W. Santa Clara Avenue (Santa Ana River Channel Facility
Nos. E01-1008, 1008.1, 1051.01, 1052.01 and 1053), beginning May 1, 2026, with
provisions for five optional five-year extensions, with an annual lease payment of
$200,000, increasing by GPI capped at 3% per year (Agreement No. A-2026-034).
CITY COUNCIL 6 APRIL 7, 2026
9. Purchase Order to River View Golf, LLC for Existing River View Golf Course
Equipment in Connection with the River View Golf Course Management
Transition (General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to River View Golf, LLC for
the existing River View Golf Course equipment in an amount not to exceed
$154,825.
10.Facility Use Agreement with Orange County Gold for Competitive Youth Swim
Team Programming at Designated City Aquatics Facilities
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a facility use
agreement with Orange County Gold ("OC Gold") for aquatics programming at
designated City aquatic facilities, for a term beginning May 1, 2026, and expiring
April 30, 2027, with provisions for two (2), one-year extensions (Agreement A-
2026-035).
11.Revised Memorandum of Understanding Establishing the Terms and
Conditions of Employment for Classifications Represented by the Santa Ana
Police Officers Association (POA)
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a revised
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Santa Ana and the
Santa Ana Police Officers Association (POA) for the period of January 1, 2024
through June 30, 2027, modifying and delineating specific articles of the MOU
(Agreement No. 2026-036).
12.Agreement with CivicPlus, LLC for DocAccess Software Subscription (Non-
General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
CivicPlus, LLC for a DocAccess software license subscription for a one-year term,
beginning April 7, 2026 through April 6, 2027, in an amount of$49,618, with two (2)
optional one (1) year extensions for a total not to exceed amount of $169,621
(Agreement No. A-2026-037).
13.Historic Property Preservation Agreements for the Properties Located at 1402
S. Birch Street and 2424 N. Oakmont Avenue
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
CITY COUNCIL 7 APRIL 7, 2026
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the
attached Mills Act agreements with the below-referenced property owners for the
identified structures (Agreement Nos. A-2026-038 and A-202E-039). Includes
determination that the proposed projects are exempt from further review in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act as Categorical
Exemption/Environmental Review Nos. 2025-114 and 2024-86 will be filed for the
project.
Table 1: Mills Act Agreements Approved by the Historic Resources
Commission HRC
Historic
Property Owner Property Address/House Vote by HRC
Preservation
Agreement No.
Nicholas Steven
Timmons and Laura
Michelle Trudeau, 1402 S. Birch 7:0:0:1
Husband and Wife as 2025-12 Street (Commissioner
Community Property Christy absent)
with Right of
Survivorship,
Lance Uradomo and Tilly
Gurman, husband and 7:0:0:1
wife as community 2024-13 2424 N. (Commissioner
property with right of Oakmont Avenue Christy absent)
survivorship,
14.Agreements for On-Call Building Safety Division Services (Specification No.
25-130) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with
the fifteen (15) firms listed below to provide On-Call Building Safety Division
Services in a total amount not to exceed $1,900,000 for an initial term beginning
May 17, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027, with provisions for two (2), one-year
extensions for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $4,900,000 (Core
Agreement No. A-2026-040).
Consultant Location
LEAF, Inc. Pleasanton, CA
BPR Consulting Group Granite Bay, CA
Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. Costa Mesa, CA
CSG Consultants, Inc. Orange, CA
Interwest Consulting Group San Diego, CA
JAS Pacific Upland, CA
JLee Engineering, Inc. Alhambra, CA
CITY COUNCIL 8 APRIL 7, 2026
Scott Fazekas & Associates Irvine, CA
Shums Coda Associates, Inc, Pleasanton, CA
The Code Group, Inc. (VCA Code e, CA
Transtech Engineers, Inc. Chino, CA
TRB & Associates, Inc. Long Beach, CA
True North Compliance Services, Inc. Long Beach, CA
West Coast Code Consultants, Inc. Oceanside, CA
Willdan Engineering naheim, CA
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra recused himself from Item No. 14 due to a
financial conflict of interest.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Item No. 14 as part
of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR
AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6—0 — 1 —Pass
15.Purchase Order to Foster + Freeman for DISCOVER Imaging System with
Included Crime-lite AUTO Kit and Accessories (Specification No. 26-038)
(Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Foster + Freeman for
DISCOVER imaging system with included Crime-lite AUTO Kit and accessories in
an amount not to exceed $99,177.
16.Amendment to Supplemental Agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management,
Inc. for Leased Vehicles
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to
the supplemental agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. to exercise a
one-year extension from April 19, 2026 through April 18, 2027 for leased vehicles
and maintenance management services for an annual amount not to exceed
$520,536 (Agreement No. A-2026-041).
CITY COUNCIL 9 APRIL 7, 2026
17.Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts to Herc Rentals, Inc., Sunbelt Rentals,
and United Rentals for Equipment Rentals and Related Products and Services
(Specification No. 26-014) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Award aggregate purchase order contracts to Herc
Rentals, Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, and United Rentals for equipment rentals and related
products and services on an as-needed basis, in a total aggregate amount not to
exceed $720,000, for a term beginning April 7, 2026 and expiring October 31, 2027.
18.Amended and Restated Agreement to Fund National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System Permit Implementation (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Cooperative
Agreement with the County of Orange and Orange County Cities to fund National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Implementation
(Agreement No. A-2026-042).
19.First Amendment to the Agreement with E Source Companies, LLC for
Automated Metering Infrastructure Implementation Support Services (Project
No. `f 6-6460) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment
to the agreement with E Source Companies, LLC to continue Automated Metering
Infrastructure implementation support services, in an additional amount of
$125,000, for a total revised agreement amount not to exceed $575,000
(Agreement No. A-2026-043).
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR"
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7:36 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered
20.Rename Cesar Chavez Campesino Park to Campesino Park, Remove the
Name and Likeness of Cesar Chavez from All City-Owned Assets, and
Negotiate Amendments to Labor Agreements to Modify the Cesar Chavez Day
Holiday Designation
Department(s): City Manager's Office
CITY COUNCIL 10 APRIL 7, 2026
Recommended Action:
1. Direct the City Manager to initiate the renaming of Cesar Chavez Campesino
Park back to its original name of Campesino Park.
2. Direct staff to remove the name and likeness of Cesar Chavez from all City-
owned public assets, including, but not limited to, murals, signage, facilities, and
commemorative displays.
3. Direct the City Manager to meet and confer with applicable bargaining units to
amend labor agreements to rename the observance of Cesar Chavez Day with
Farmworkers Day, or replace with a floating holiday for City employees, as
appropriate.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item and spoke regarding the
importance of the Farmworkers Day movement.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Mayor Amezcua and Councilmember Lopez
for bringing the item forward and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Lopez thanked for the public for their proactive actions, addressed
the importance of the community's input in the renaming of facilities, and spoke in
support of the item.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and renaming the Cesar Chavez
Campesino Park to Campesino Park and making the necessary changes as quickly
and efficiently as possible.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke of the importance of being inclusive to everyone
who was involved in the farmworker movement and in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke in support of the item, requested the City send
letters to private property owners who have Cesar Chavez namesakes or murals
and make them aware of the changes the City is making, and noted that
Farmworkers Day is currently celebrated on Chavez's birthday.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 20, 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
CITY COUNCIL 11 APRIL 7, 2026
21.Early Direction for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff for the preparation of the
proposed FY 2026-27 budget.
MINUTES: Finance and Management Services Executive Director Alex Trinidad
provided and presentation regarding Early Direction for Fiscal Year 2026-27
Budget.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the credit card processing fee,
onetime investment in City-owned facilities, requested Eddie West Stadium be
prioritized, continuing to fund arts programs, partnering with City based companies,
immigration services, and prioritizing crossing guards.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in favor of prioritizing and investing in increasing the
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), credit card fees, a longterm vision for the
stadium, requested an economic development presentation, capitalizing on the train
station and being the County seat, a transport vehicle for the Quality of Life Team
(QOLT), requested lights at Lillie King Park cul-de-sacs, and fencing around
Segerstrom Triangle Park.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the credit card processing fee,
technology cost recovery, and in support of a transportation vehicle for the QOLT.
He noted the importance of funding one-time expenditures proactively,
recommended privatizing some events to save funds, and increasing immigration
services to $500,000 and more funding for the Police Oversight Commission.
Councilmember Lopez spoke of the potential$19 million deficit, in favor of the 2.5%
credit card fee, looking into cost saving measures regarding Cultura Magazine,
sister city partnership travel, potential disbanding of certain boards and
commissions with low attendance rates, and generating revenue from unused land.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of a QOLT vehicle, senior activities, sharing the
crossing guard responsibilities with the school districts, requested more public
outreach for the community survey, spoke regarding street sweeping, immigration
services, animal care services, homeless services, and inquired about the
responding agency for any OC Street Car incidents.
Deputy Police Chief Roland Andrade spoke regarding the Orange County
Transportation officers and stated that OCTA would be responsible for incidents on
the car and the City would handle incidents on a case by case basis.
CITY COUNCIL 12 APRIL 7, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza inquired regarding the Historic Resources Commission
expenses being higher than other commissions and whether the Planning
Commission could take over the work to relieve these expenses. He spoke in
support of investments in the Santa Ana Stadium and Civic Center area. He
suggested revisiting the Mills Act fees, raising fees for events such as the Santa
Ana Fun Run, and increasing TOT, reviewing the Council's budget, and revitalizing
the Willowick Golf Course.
Planning and Building Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour explained the differences
between the Historic Resources Commission expenses and the Planning
Commission expenses.
Mayor Amezcua inquired regarding the City's proactiveness on debt collection and
requested a list of debts owed to the City.
Assistant City Manager Kathryn Downs explained how much is received if TOT
were to increase and the City is actively collecting debt from individuals.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated she will provide an update regarding the debt
collection owed to the City.
Councilmember Phan spoke in opposition to Fiestas Patrias becoming a private
event,. requested a report of full-cost recovery regarding the Mills Act applications,
spoke on the Santa Ana stadium, suggested creating a strategic plan for economic
development, addressing storefronts and their business hours, focusing on
industrial development, and combining the Historic Resources Commission into the
Planning Commission. She expressed opposition to the removal of Council Aides
and support for implementing a credit card fee. She thanked staff for their
maintenance efforts in Ward 9 and requested increased patrols by the Santa Ana
Police Department and after-school programming in regards to gang activity.
MayorAmezcua echoed CouncilmemberPhan's comments relating to gang activity.
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES:At 0:30 P.M., the Public Hearing was considered.
22.Public Hearing - Amendment Application No. 2026-02 for the Santa Clara
Avenue Zone Change (2101 and 2109 East Santa Clara Avenue)
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on March 20, 2026 and notices mailed
on the March 26, 2026.
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
CITY COUNCIL 13 APRIL 7, 2026
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the environmental determination for Amendment Application (Zone
Change) No. 2026-02, finding that the Project is within the scope of the 2022
Santa Ana General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH No.
2020029087) and is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15061(b)(3); and
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application (Zone Change) No.
2026-02.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3093 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO.
2026-02 AMENDING THE ZONING FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT
2101 AND 2109 EAST SANTA CLARA AVENUE (APNS: 396-261-26 AND 396-
261-38) FROM GENERAL AGRICULTURAL (Al) TO ARTERIAL
COMMERCIAL (C5); read by title only and waive further reading.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 9:32 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there was (1) one email comment received.
The following individual addressed the City Council via teleconference:
1. Miguel De Dios spoke in opposition to the item.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 9.-35 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez requested a presentation regarding the Public Hearing.
Planning and Building Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour clarified the action plan
regarding the Public Hearing.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended
action for Public Hearing Agenda Item No. 22, 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**
CITY COUNCIL 14 APRIL 7, 2026
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEM
23.Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager and
Community Development Agency to Conduct a Review of a Proposed Habitat
for Humanity Affordable Homeownership Project at 502 East Pine Street,
Including Evaluation of Potential Affordable Housing Funding to Support the
Project— Councilmember Vazquez
MINUTES: Councilmember Vazquez provided a brief report to have staff conduct
a review of a proposed Habitat for Humanity Affordable Homeownership Project at
502 East Pine Street, including evaluation of potential affordable housing funding
to support the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza thanked Habitat for Humanity for their efforts throughout
the City, inquired whether the item violated the City's Charter and how the
Affordable Housing Policy is adopted and re-adopted, and spoke in opposition to
the item due to the concerns of violating the Charter.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho explained how the item does not violate the City's
Charter by directing the City Manager, but recommended Council revisit the
Affordable Housing Funds Policies and Procedures Manual to review and clarify the
policy.
Mayor Amezcua echoed Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza's concerns regarding the policy
to ensure compliance within the Charter, voiced concerns regarding the City
analysis funding rather than developers, and spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza's concerns regarding
the policy, thanked Councilmember Vazquez for bringing forth the item, suggested
following the General Plan and Zoning Code before making recommendations
regarding the item, and spoke in support of bringing back the policy for discussion
and to allow staff review.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of working with staff to bring back the
item for discussion.
Councilmember Lopez inquired whether advancement of the requested item would
be in violation of the City's charter, when the policy was adopted, and whether there
is a way to meet in the middle among business relationships and the city.
City Attorney Carvalho clarified the policy, its adoption date in 2018, and revisited
in 2020.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding the policy.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for their input on items brought to their
attention by the Council.
CITY COUNCIL 15 APRIL 7, 2026
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of affordable housing and allowing staff to
review the proposal and bring it back for discussion.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of affordable housing and requested the item be
brought back to Council in 90 days for review.
City Manager Nunez stated he will work with staff, Community Development
Agency, and Habitat for Humanity regarding the policy to bring back to Council in
90 days.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza suggested bringing forth reports regarding the policy to
Council.
Councilmember Vazquez recommended cleaning up the policy language.
Councilmember Phan explained there are monthly development reports on the
City's website and suggested at/ to review.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced the the Parks and Recreation hiring fairs
for seasonal positrons on April 9, 2026 at Jerome Recreation Center, the Santa Ana Fun Run
and the quarterly bulky-item drop-off on April 11, 2026, the annual Community Tree Planting
to celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day on April 18, 2026, and Dia de Los Ninos, Dia de Los
Libros at Santa Ana Public Library on April 25, 2026. He thanked the Santa Ana Worts Center
and Community Development Agency for their work on the Apprenticeship Career Fair.
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 Vazquez suggested ways to improve Transient Occupancy
Tax (TOT) funds for the City, working with the Quality of Life Team, and reaching out to
families in need of housing to help with the homeless issue. He announced the bulky-item
drop-off at Jerome Parts on April 11, 2026, the Santa Ana Fun Run on April 11, 2026, the
Viet Book Fest at Bowers Museum on June 3, 2026, and thanked Pants and Recreation
Director Hawk Scott and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza for their collaborated work on the dog
park at Centennial Park.
Councilmember Lopez invited the public to join the Park Cleanup with OC Habitat on April
8, 2026, the Santa Ana Fun Run on April 11, 2026, and the Tree Planting Ceremony at
Edna Parts on April 18, 2026 to commemorate the recent passing of a constituent in the
community, and thanked staff for all their worts.
Councilmember Phan announced working with League of Califomia Cities Policy
Committee, the Sauahyo Expo being a success and shouted out the artists who attended,
CITY COUNCIL 16 APRIL 7, 2026
attending the Los Amigos High School Youth Forum, wished everyone luck on the Santa
Ana Fun Run, and reminded everyone of Denim Day forsexual assault awareness on April
29, 2026.
Councilmember Hernandez announced the Orange County Sanitization District is
beginning the Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project during the month of April within
the City, spoke regarding the mobile home concems from those on Sullivan Street, and
thanked the Parks and Recreation Department staff for their work on past events that took
place at the Santa Ana Stadium and looked forward to future events. He will be attending
the Tree Planting Ceremony at Campesino Park on April 18, 2026 forArborDay. He shared
his condolences and requested the meeting to be adjourned in memory of Marc Trejo
Saldivar, Jennifer Loera-Zarco, and their unbom child.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked the Asian American Senior Citizen Service Center for
their Naloxone presentation and wished Segerstrom High School a Happy 20r"Anniversary.
He congratulated staff and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza on the completion of the dog park at
Centennial Park and staff for their win in a case involving 2525 North Main Street, and
requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Helen Moraga.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza echoed Councilmember Bacerra's comment on the 2525 North
Main Street case, congratulated and thanked everyone who supported the Centennial Park
dog park, and requested upgrades in the future for the dog park.
Mayor Amezcua requested water and an agility course in the small and medium dog area
at the Centennial Park dog park, requested the City Manager and staff reach out to Legado
Siete and the OC Soccer Club to coordinate events at Eddie West Field, and expressed
gratitude for the success on the Apprenticeship Career Fair and thanked the Workforce
staff for their efforts. She thanked Congressman Correa for his check toward Chepa Park,
announced the Santa Ana Fun Run on April 112026, Coffee with the Mayor, Tree Planting
Ceremony, and Dia de Los Ninos with Mosaic at George Upton Park on April 18, 2026,
encouraged the public to take the budget survey, spoke on the budget, and requested a
presentation from the Economic Development Division.
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:52 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
r CMC
City Cler
CITY COUNCIL 17 APRIL 7, 2026