Waldo Barela

The meeting included public comment sessions addressing several municipal concerns. Topics raised included procedures for police officers regarding business cards and supervisor requests, the need for written procedures for the courtyard opening for the homeless, and suggestions regarding illegal marijuana dispensaries, proposing a time limit for implementation of lottery winners. Discussions also touched upon police body camera implementation and coordinating information sharing with the Sheriff's Department. Community members voiced concerns about customer service quality from the police dispatch, citing specific issues with responding to parking violations near fire hydrants and handling reports of intruders, leading to a request for improved dispatch training and quality assurance via customer surveys. Further discussion covered community-oriented policing efforts, specifically delays in follow-up interviews with residents concerning a partnership with Chapman University, and inquiries regarding the hiring of full-time park rangers following incidents in public parks. A significant portion of the meeting involved a review of city surplus budget projections for Fiscal Year 2015-2016, with anticipated surplus funds of $7.88 million, impacted by the conclusion of the State of California's 'triple flip' bond true-up. Recommended allocations for surplus funds included $1.4 million for police overtime and hiring, funding for capital projects such as the 800 megahertz radio system and the animal shelter component, funding for civic center security enhancements, and backfilling appropriations for water transfer and graffiti abatement.

The meeting commenced with the Mayor calling the regular session to order. Housekeeping involved instructions for public comment via teleconference or in-person, including procedures for requesting to speak. A moment of silence was observed for those suffering in Ukraine, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Words of inspiration were provided by Dr. Bernice Ramallah, discussing themes of equity, human dignity, and transforming systems by including marginalized voices in decision-making. The meeting included a ceremonial presentation recognizing Mr. Ron Ono for his 52 years of service to the City of Santa Ana, particularly highlighting his instrumental role in the Parks and Recreation department, overseeing the acquisition of 34 parks and securing $60 million in grant funding. Mr. Ono shared reflections on his career, naming Pacific Electric Park as a favorite project due to high community usage. A presentation to the Orange County Soccer Club was also scheduled.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of officers, though specific outcomes for the Chairperson position were not fully resolved based on the provided transcript segment. A significant portion of the meeting focused on approving an agreement for housing equity management software (Yardi), involving a refresher proposal review, evaluation by a panel, and discussion regarding the associated costs and a $26,000 buffer for customizations and technical assistance, such as incorporating new HUD forms or modifying the applicant portal. Staff updates covered recent actions by the City Council, including budget approvals, funding allocations for specific organizations (like Nathan's House, Santa Extreme, and Wise Place) via general funds, and developments concerning CDBG program funding inadequacies for those three organizations. Furthermore, staff reported on sub-recipient training for CDBG grantees, the issuance of a NOFA for the Mainstream Voucher Program, and the exciting news that the jurisdiction was recognized as one of 16 cities in California on track to meet state-mandated affordable housing requirements. Updates were also provided on pre-applications for First Street Apartments and the Santa Ana Arts Collective, and the allocation of additional rental assistance funds.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of consent calendar items, which covered excusing absences. The agenda also addressed the election of officers for the Santa Ana Youth Council for the 2023-2024 term, including the nomination and vote for chairperson and vice chairperson. Reports were provided, notably an update from YSPN concerning technical assistance to external providers like the Orange County Conservation Corps and the Orange County Therapeutic Arts Center, as well as details on their current program enrollments and follow-up processes. A significant focus was placed on launching an in-house program to serve 20 participants with wraparound services, including paid work experience at $17 per hour for up to 500 hours, with logistics concerning assessments and potential co-enrollment with adult programs discussed. Updates detailed high enrollment and successful employment transitions from the State Employment Program and California For All program, including participants gaining full-time employment and enrolling in higher education institutions. Barriers faced by youth, such as low income, homelessness, and disability status, were reviewed, alongside success stories detailing individual employment and educational achievements.

The meeting commenced with technical difficulties affecting public access via YouTube, requiring reliance on Zoom and TV. Key discussion points included the acknowledgement of a local poet, Gustavo Hernandez, who shared poetry related to labor, education, immigration, and the legacy of a departed loved one in the city. The council also presented a certificate of recognition to Bux Financial Group for their 30-year anniversary. Proclamations were read recognizing May 9th through May 15th as National Police Week and the month of May as Drowning Prevention Awareness Month. The City Manager provided an update on COVID-19 recovery efforts, detailing anticipated American Rescue Plan Act funding (approximately $142.9 million) to be allocated via the 'Revive Santa Ana' initiative, focusing on areas like financial assistance, public health, and infrastructure. The presentation also covered updated CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals and detailed local vaccination progress, noting that 50.4% of the eligible population had received a dose, along with ongoing efforts via a dedicated hotline.