HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-02 Regular, Special HA Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
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Iry
June 2, 2026
REGULAR OPEN MEETING - 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua called the City Council meeting to orderat 5:40 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 JUNE 2, 2026
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez (arrived at 5:42 P.M.) Lopez, Phan, and
Vazquez, Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza (arrived at 5:50 P.M.) and Mayor Amezcua were
present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
WORDS OF INSPIRATION City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
9. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to the Orange
County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding
Contributions to the Iranian American Professionals and Businesses
Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to the
Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding
Contributions to the Iranian American Professionals and Businesses Community.
2. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Vazquez to Carr
Intermediate School Track Team for Outstanding Athletic Achievements and
Championship Titles
MINUTES: Councilmember Vazquez presented a certificate of recognition to Carr
Intermediate School Track Team for Outstanding Athletic Achievements and
Championship Titles.
STAFF PRESENTATION
3. Garden Grove Unified School District Update on the Rosita Elementary
Renaming to Palomino Elementary and the Opportunity for the City of Santa
Ana to Align and Rename Rosita Park
MINUTES: Walter Muneton, Garden Grove Unified School District Trustee,
provided an update on the Rosita Elementary renaming to Palomino Elementary
and the opportunity for the City of Santa Ana to align and rename Rosita Park in
honor of the Palomino Family and their historical contributions.
CITY COUNCIL 2 JUNE 2, 2026
Andrew Palomino spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to Palomino
Elementary and thanked the Garden Grove Unified School District and the City of
Santa Ana for their consideration.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to
Palomino Elementary.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to Palomino
Elementary.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to
Palomino Elementary.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to
Palomino Elementary and thanked the Palomino family, Trustee Muneton, and
Councilmember Phan for their efforts.
Councilmember Lopez thanked the Palomino family and partners for their efforts.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to
Palomino Elementary and thanked the Palomino family and Trustee Muneton for
their efforts.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza thanked the Palomino family and Trustee Muneton for
their efforts and spoke in support of renaming Rosita Elementary to Palomino
Elementary.
Mayor Amezcua thanked the Palomino family, Trustee Muneton, and
Councilmember Phan for their efforts and spoke in support of renaming Rosita
Elementary to Palomino Elementary.
PUBLIC COMMENTS— Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received: one (1) Agenda Item No. 3, one (1) Agenda Item No. 7, one (1) Agenda Item
No. 16, and (3) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Lance Corporal Thomas and Private First Class Key spoke regarding the MCAS
Tustin Young Marines program collaborating with the City.
2. Victor Mendez spoke in support of an Apprentice Engineering Program for
graduating high school seniors and discussed concerns regarding the cannabis
industry and the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
CITY COUNCIL 3 JUNE 2, 2026
3. Anthony Polizzi spoke in support of an Apprentice Engineering Program for
graduating high school seniors.
4. Dylan Almendral spoke regarding concerns with Resolution No. 2022-039 and the
City's Chinatown.
The following speakers addressed City Council via teleconference:
5. Dr. Matt Malkan spoke in support of an Apprentice Engineering Program for
graduating high school seniors.
6. Ramiro Tavares spoke regarding the benefits of the Santa Ana Police Athletic and
Activity League (PAAL) program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 4 through 20 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 6:28 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 4 through 20, 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
4. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
5. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of May 5, 2026 and May 19, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CITY COUNCIL 4 JUNE 2, 2026
6. Appoint Kimberly Sanchez Flores Nominated by Councilmember Bacerra as
the Ward 4 Representative to the Measure X Oversight Committee for a Partial
Term Expiring December 8, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action. Appoint Kimberly Sanchez Flores to the Measure X
Oversight Committee as the Ward 4 representative and administer the Oath of
Office. (Pursuant to SAMC Sec. 2-326(a), requires five affirmative votes)
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced the appointee, Kimberly Sanchez
Flores, will be sworn in before the next Measure X Oversight Committee meeting.
7. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Budget Report and Proposed Appropriation
Adjustments
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Third Quarter Budget Update.
2. Approve the recommended appropriation adjustments. (Requires five
affirmative votes)
8. Recognition of $47,374.75 of Revenue for Certain Unclaimed Monies from
Various City Funds (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Approve the recognition of $47,374.75 of revenue in the
General Fund for certain unclaimed deposits, as allowed by state law.
9. Citywide Purchase Order Contract with Grainger, Inc. for Maintenance,
Repair, and Operational Supplies (Specification No. 20-001) (Specification No.
25-048) (General Fund and Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Amend the Citywide purchase order contract with
Grainger, Inc. for maintenance, repair, and operational supplied by increasing the
contract amount by $475,000, for a revised estimated annual amount of $500,000
for the remaining contract term expiring March 31, 2029, for a revised total amount
not to exceed $2,075,000.
CITY COUNCIL 5 JUNE 2, 2026
10.Purchase Order Contract with Veritiv Operating Company for Reprographic
Paper and Envelopes (Specification No. 26-062) (General Fund and Non-
General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Award purchase order contract to Veritiv Operating
Company for reprographic paper and envelopes for a one (1)-year term in an
amount of $107,000 beginning June 2, 2026 and expiring June 1, 2027, with
provisions for three (3), one (1)-year renewal options, in a total amount not to
exceed $428,000.
11.Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company for an HPE Server
and Controllers (Specification No. 26-071) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Hewlett Packard
Enterprise Company for an HPE Server and Controllers in an amount not to exceed
$139,585.
12.Purchase Order Contract to CDW Government LLC for VMware Subscription
(Specification No. 26-070) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Award purchase order contract to CDW Government LLC
for VMware Subscription for a three-year term in an annual amount of $51,952, for
a term beginning April 20, 2026 and expiring April 19, 2029, in a total amount not to
exceed $155,856.
13.Agreement with Community SeniorServ, Inc. dba Meals on Wheels Orange
County for the Senior Meals Program (Specification No. 26-072) (General
Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Community Senior5erv, Inc. dba Meals on Wheels Orange County for the Senior
Meals Program in an amount of$90,300 for base services (Home Delivered Meals
and Lunch Cafe Programs) and $9,700 for additional as needed services, in an
amount not to exceed $100,000, for a term beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring
June 30, 2027 (Agreement No. A-2026-076).
CITY COUNCIL 6 JUNE 2, 2026
14.Agreement with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. for a Pyrotechnics and Fireworks
Show for the 4th of July Celebration Event (Specification No. 26-069) (General
Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. to provide a pyrotechnics and fireworks show for the 4th of
July Celebration Event, in an amount not to exceed $34,815 for a term beginning
June 2, 2026 and expiring July 30, 2026 (Agreement No. 2026-077).
15.Agreement with County of Orange for Animal Care Services
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
the County of Orange for animal care services for a five-year term beginning May
31, 2026 through May 30, 2031 in an estimated total amount not to exceed
$21,193,695 (Agreement No. A-2026-078).
16.Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC for Parking Enforcement
Services (Specification No. 26-022) (General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
LAZ Parking California, LLC to provide parking enforcement services in an amount
not to exceed $980,000 for a term beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30,
2027, with provisions for four, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-079).
17.Award of a One-Year Service Agreement to Ocean Blue Environmental
Services, Inc. and to United Storm Water, Inc. for Spill Response, Hazardous
Waste Disposal, and Storm Drain Facility Maintenance Services for an Annual
Amount Not to Exceed $550,000 per Agreement with Provisions for Four (4)
One-Year Extensions of each Agreement for a total amount of $5,500,000
(Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Ocean
Blue Environmental Services, Inc. to provide Spill Response, Hazardous Waste
Disposal, and Storm Drain Facility Maintenance Services for an annual amount
not to exceed $550,000 for a one-year term beginning June 2, 2026, and
expiring on June 1, 2027, with provisions for four (4) one-year extensions for a
total amount of$2,750,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-080).
CITY COUNCIL 7 JUNE 2, 2026
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with United
Storm Water, Inc. to provide Spill Response, Hazardous Waste Disposal, and
Storm Drain Facility Maintenance Services for an annual amount not to exceed
$550,000 for a one-year term beginning June 2, 2026, and expiring on June 1,
2027, with provisions for four (4) one-year extensions for a total amount of
$2,750,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-081).
18.Resolutions to Maintain Measure M2 Funding for the FY 2026-27 Eligibility
Cycle Per the Orange County Transportation Authority Measure M2 Eligibility
Guidelines (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a Resolution confirming the status and update of the Pavement
Management Plan per Orange County Transportation Authority 2026-27
Measure M2 eligibility requirements.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-018 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA CONCERNING THE STATUS AND
UPDATE OF THE PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE MEASURE
M2 PROGRAM
2. Adopt a Resolution confirming the status and update of the City's 2026 Local
Signal Synchronization Plan to maintain eligibility for Measure M2 Program
funding.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-019 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA CONCERNING THE UPDATE OF
THE LOCAL SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PLAN FOR THE MEASURE M
(M2) PROGRAM
19.Resolution to Maintain Eligibility for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Senate Bill 1
Local Streets and Roads, Road Repair and Accountability Act Funding
Program (Non-General Fundy
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution affirming the Fiscal Year 2026-27
Senate Bill 1 projects list and anticipated Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Account funding in the amount of $8,847,550, to be submitted to the California
Transportation Commission for budgeting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital
Improvement Program and maintaining eligibility for Road Repair and Accountability
Act funding.
CITY COUNCIL 8 JUNE 2, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-020 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2026-27 FUNDED BY SB 1: THE ROAD REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY
ACT OF 2017
20.November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Approve resolution calling and giving notice of the November 3, 2026 General
Municipal Election to be held in the City of Santa Ana for the election of certain
officers;
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-021 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA CALLING FOR AND GIVING
NOTICE OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN
OFFICERS AS PROVIDED BY THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE XII OF THE
CHARTER OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
2. Approve resolution requesting the Orange County Board of Supervisors to
consolidate the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election with the
Statewide General Election; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-022 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO CONSOLIDATE A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026,
WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 10403 AND 10418 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE
3. Approve a resolution adopting regulations for candidate statements.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-023 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE
STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
CITY COUNCIL 9 JUNE 2, 2026
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 6:30 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
21.Implementation of Brown Act Changes Pursuant to SB 707 Including
Adoption of a Disruption Policy for Telephonic or Internet Service, Proposed
Changes to the City Council's Rules and Procedures Resolution and
Teleconferencing Policy, and Outreach Efforts to Encourage Participation in
City Council Meetings
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file information on Senate Bill (SB) 707 regarding changes to the
Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act); and
2. Adopt a resolution amending the Council Rules and Procedures to add
provisions addressing disruptions to telephonic or internet service and use of
signs at City Council meetings, as well as clarifying public comment,
presentation, and translation procedures; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-024 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING THE COUNCIL RULES
AND PROCEDURES TO ADD PROVISIONS ADDRESSING DISRUPTIONS
TO TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE CONSISTENT WITH SENATE
BILL 707 ("SB 707") AND RULES FOR SIGNS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS,
CLARIFY PUBLIC COMMENT, PRESENTATION, AND TRANSLATION
PROCEDURES, AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 2025-004
3. Adopt a resolution approving a revised Teleconferencing Policy; and
RESOLUTION NO. 202E-025 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADOPTING A REVISED
TELECONFERENCING POLICY
4. Approve outreach efforts to encourage participation in City Council meetings
pursuant to Government Code §54953.4.
CITY COUNCIL 10 JUNE 2, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Business Calendar Item No. 21, 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
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MINUTES:At 6:31 P.M., the Public Hearing was considered.
22.Public Hearing — Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act Hearing for Orange
County School of the Arts and The Legacy Fund
Legal Notice published in the OC Register on May 22, 2026.
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct a Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act Resolution Hearing in
consideration of the issuance of tax-exempt bond financing ("Bonds") by the
California Enterprise Development Authority ("CEDA") for Orange County
School of the Arts ("OCSA") and The Legacy Fund (together the "Borrower"),
both California nonprofit public benefit corporation and organizations described
in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to loan
the proceeds of the Bonds to Legacy and OCSA pursuant to one or more loan
agreements to: (a) refinance the outstanding amount of the CEDA 2016 Tax-
Exempt Loan in an amount not expected to exceed $31,000,000 (as defined
below); (b) refinance a taxable loan in an amount not expected to exceed
$9,000,000, the proceeds of which were utilized to finance a working capital
deficit of OCSA (occurring at the OCSA Locations as detailed below); and (c)
finance capital educational facilities including equipment to be located at the
OCSA Locations in an amount not expected to exceed $6,000,000.
2. Adopt a resolution approving the issuance of revenue bonds by the CEDA in an
amount not to exceed $46,000,000.
CITY COUNCIL 11 JUNE 2, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-026 entitled RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE
CALIFORNIA ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF TAX EXEMPT
OBLIGATIONS IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$46,000,000 FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING AND REFINANCING THE
ACQUISITION OF LAND AND IMPROVEMENTS, CONSTRUCTION, AND
ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT FOR ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF ARTS
AND THE LEGACY FUND
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 6:32 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no email comments received and
no speakers.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 6:32 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action
for Public Hearing 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
MINUTES: At 6:33 P.M., the next Public Hearing was considered.
23.Public Hearing - Ordinance to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget,
Resolution for Changes to the City's Basic Classification and Compensation
Plan, Uniform Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees, Seven-Year Capital
Improvement Program, and the City's Annual Update to Comply with AB2561
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on May 20 and May 27, 2026.
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action:
1. Approve the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance to adopt the budget
for Fiscal Year 2026-27, which begins on July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30,
2027. (Requires five affirmative votes)
CITY COUNCIL 12 JUNE 2, 2026
UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE NO. NS-3096 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROPRIATING MONIES
TO THE SEVERAL OFFICES, AGENCIES, AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE
CITY FOR FISCAL YEAR BUDGET PERIOD COMMENCING JULY 1, 2026
2. Adopt a Resolution to effect certain changes to the City's basic classification and
compensation plan.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-027 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO EFFECT CERTAIN CHANGES
TO THE CITY'S CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION PLAN
3. Adopt a resolution establishing a Uniform Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees for
Fiscal Year 2026-27.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-028 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ESTABLISHING A UNIFORM
SCHEDULE OF MISCELLANEOUS FEES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
4. Adopt the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) beginning FY2026-
27 through FY2032-33, as required by the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA) for Measure M2 eligibility.
5. Deposit$1,500,000 into the Section 115 Pension Trust Fund as part of the City's
Pension Debt Strategy.
MINUTES:Finance Director Alex Trinidad gave a presentation regarding the ordinance
to adopt the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, resolution for changes to the City's Basic
Classification and Compensation Plan, Uniform Schedule of Miscellaneous Fees,
Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program, and the City's Annual Update to Comply
with AB2561.
Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for their work on upcoming and completed projects
throughout the City and spoke in opposition to cutting the Santa Ana Police Athletic
and Activity League (PAAL) program.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for their work on capital improvement
projects, expressed support for upcoming projects and Washington Square Park
negotiations, and requested a 90-day update on the park negotiations and related
developments.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for their work on the budget, expressed support
for the Washington Square Park negotiations, and requested a 90-day update on the
park progress.
Councilmember Vazquez thanked staff for their work on the budget and spoke in
support of the budget.
CITY COUNCIL 13 JUNE 2, 2026
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for their work on the budget, spoke in opposition to
moving forward with the Washington Square Park development, spoke in support of
removing the PAAL program, and suggested looking into resources to allocate the $1.5
million if not used for Washington Square Park development.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez stated staff will provide a 90-day update regarding
Washington Square Park negotiations.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the PAAL program, expressed support for
Washington Square Park, and suggested exploring alternative funding sources for park
development and programming.
Councilmember Lopez requested clarification regarding park security resources and
emphasized the importance of maintaining park security funding to support public
safety.
City Manager Nunez stated park security is being maintained at contract levels.
MayorAmezcua opened the Public Hearing at 740 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were (8) eight email comments received.
The following individuals addressed the City Council in person.
1. Nina Jirik thanked City Council for their support on the Washington Square Park
development.
2. Ginelle Hardy spoke regarding the proposed elimination of the Historic
Resources Commission.
3. Victor Bermejo spoke in opposition to eliminating the PAAL Program, Youth
Commission, and Arts and Culture Commission, and thanked Councilmember
Hernandez for appointing a new commissioner.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 7.-17 P.M.
Councilmember Lopez noted that eliminated programs could return in the future.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in opposition to eliminating programs and
commissions and appreciated the balanced budget.
City Manager Nunez explained the PAAL Program is not being eliminated, but its
funding is being adjusted, and noted budget reductions are being implemented across
all departments to address fiscal constraints.
Mayor Amezcua echoed Councilmember Lopez's comments regarding park security.
CiTY COUNCIL 14 JUNE 2, 2026
Councilmember Hernandez inquired about the proposed consolidation of commissions
into a single commission and whether their duties, responsibilities, and decision-
making authority would remain unchanged, and spoke in support of Washington
Square Park development and increasing youth services such as the PAAL program.
City Manager Nunez stated duties, responsibilities, and decision-making functions
would be realigned under the consolidated commission structure.
Mayor Amezuca requested quarterly reports regarding youth programs and suggested
partnering with nonprofit organizations for possible playground sets for Washington
Square Park.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action
for Public Hearing Item No. 23, 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
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES:None.
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 encouraged the community to vote during the Primary
Election, emphasized safety with students off for the summer, and looked forward to the
upcoming events taking place during the summer
Councilmember Lopez wished everyone a Happy Pride Month, thanked staff for raising the
Pride Flag, and congratulated the Class of 2026 graduates.
Councilmember Phan encouraged the community to vote during the Primary Election,
CITY COUNCIL 15 JUNE 2, 2026
Councilmember Bacerra announced his office hours at Bomo Koral Park on June 6, 2026,
congratulated the Santa Ana College Baseball team on their state championship, and
encouraged the community to vote during the Primary Election.
Councilmember Hernandez reported construction has begun for the Santa Ana Sewer
Trunk Rehabilitation Project and encouraged the community to vote during the Primary
Election.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza thanked staff for their efforts in organizing and hosting the
Memorial Day event and encouraged the community to vote during the Primary Election.
Mayor Amezcua congratulated the Class of 2026 graduates, announced her attendance at
the upcoming U.S. Conference of Mayors, encouraged the community to visit the butterflies
at the Santa Ana Zoo, thanked the MCAS Tustin Young Marines for their participation,
encouraged the community to vote during the Primary Election, and adjourned the meeting
in honor of Armando Nunez.
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:38 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
J
er II, C Cler
CITY COUNCIL 16 JUNE 2, 2026