Ashleigh Aitken

The Planning Commission meeting addressed two primary development applications. Item 1 involved a request for a conditional use permit to allow a banquet hall within an existing large commercial retail center located at 3150 West Lincoln Avenue, which was found to be Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Item 2 requested entitlements for an automobile sales dealership at 1221 South Auto Center Drive, including variances for an electronic readerboard sign and building wall signs, also determined to be Categorically Exempt. The commission noted that the next meeting would feature a Workshop on 'Know Your Way,' the comprehensive evacuation strategy for emergencies in East Anaheim.

The agenda for the meeting included public comments, action items, and informational items. The primary action item involved a recommendation for the Governing Board of the Anaheim Housing Authority to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 PHA Annual Plan and the corresponding Administrative Plan. The Administrative Plan revisions discussed include the incorporation of an Emergency Housing Voucher preference structure, the discontinuation of using Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) data during interim re-examinations, policy updates to align with state law regarding appliance provisions (refrigerators and stoves), and a change allowing Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program participants to request interim reexaminations upon income increases. Input was gathered from the Resident Advisory Board (RAB) regarding the plans, and no objections were raised. Public notices for the plans commenced in December 2025.

The meeting commenced with standard procedures, including the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on sub-committee updates. The Center Gallery update reviewed the current City of Anaheim Employee Art exhibit and announced the upcoming exhibition, To the Waters & the Wilds. The Heritage Sub-Committee proposal outlined plans to provide public access to the Heritage Marker Program via the Library's website, detailing the nomination process and estimated costs, noting the first two markers are in progress. The Poet Laureate Sub-Committee recommended Camille Hernandez for the 2026-2028 term. Informational items included updates on the Victorian Christmas attendance and the existing Common Ground exhibit at the Muzeo, as well as a mention of the Chance Theater's upcoming production.

Key discussions included administering the Oath of Office to a newly appointed member and recognizing an employee for community safety assistance and another for retirement after 33 years of service. The Board received a presentation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the North Basin Groundwater Cleanup interim remedy, which includes groundwater extraction, treatment, and injection back into the basin, noting public comments are open until February 19, 2026. The Board recommended approval for two Renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for wind-generated energy from the Cameron Ridge and Zephyr Park/Oak Creek projects, which will complement solar energy production and meet state mandates. An agreement was also approved with Eagle Systems International, Inc. (Synergy Companies) for energy and water efficiency residential programs. Updates were provided on proposed modifications to Electric and Water Rates, Rules and Regulations, focusing on cross-connection control, infrastructure access clarification, and metering design for various housing configurations; no fee increases are associated with these proposed rule changes. Quarterly status reports covered progress on Electric and Water Capital Improvement Plans, noting ongoing transformer replacement and delays in large substation transformer procurement. System updates highlighted streetlight replacement, response to a cable failure power outage, and increased wire theft incidents. Financial reports indicated electric revenue exceeded expectations while water revenue was below projections due to reduced outdoor usage from a wet winter. Notably, coal is no longer part of the power portfolio. Administration and Risk Services reviewed legislative monitoring and safety metrics.

The agenda for the meeting included a call to order, the pledge of allegiance, and unscheduled public communication, featuring comments from a resident regarding reserved seating at a holiday event and the introduction of a new Commissioner. Scheduled communication involved an update from Orange County Aging Services. New business covered a discussion on Earthquake Program & Supplies, while unfinished business focused on the status of 'Focus Posts for Social Media.' Informational items addressed updates on the senior boutique and ongoing efforts to organize daily food distribution at the Senior Center, including coordination with the USDA on boxed food distribution.