5May
2026
Regular City Council and Housing Authority Meeting · One key issue

The council chose the preferred design for rebuilding First Street, the corridor it had studied earlier in the year.

Check this moment · 4:34:33
7.3 hours 37 agenda items 32 located in video 42% attributed to a named speaker
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Brief

What happened

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

  1. 01

    It also approved pay changes for the city clerk, city manager and city attorney following positive performance reviews, six votes to one.

    4:51:29
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 25

    Consideration of the Positive Performance Evaluations for City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney, and Related Salary…

    Open agenda item →

    Member positions

    Phil Bacerra
    Phil BacerraVoted no

    Was the single no vote on the compensation changes for the clerk, manager and attorney.

    4:51:29
    David Penaloza
    David PenalozaVoted yes

    Asked for a round of applause for all three officers before the council voted.

    4:44:29
  2. 02

    Councilmember Bacerra was the only vote against.

    4:51:29
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 25

    Consideration of the Positive Performance Evaluations for City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney, and Related Salary…

    Open agenda item →

    Member positions

    Phil Bacerra
    Phil BacerraVoted no

    Was the single no vote on the compensation changes for the clerk, manager and attorney.

    4:51:29
    David Penaloza
    David PenalozaVoted yes

    Asked for a round of applause for all three officers before the council voted.

    4:44:29
  3. 03

    An ordinance was introduced to let permitted users serve and drink alcohol at city facilities and to raise the threshold at which a picnic needs a permit.

    5:08:42
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 28

    Ordinance Establishing Staffing and Operational Standards for Self-Service Checkout Stations in Drug and Food Retail Establishments

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    Jessie Lopez
    Jessie LopezCouncilmember

    to voting yes thank you councilmember Lopez yes thank you I want to thank everybody for being here in the chamber people that called in or sent an email I think it's really important that we recognize how much more now people are being asked to do and we…

    5:06:41
    Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
    Johnathan Ryan HernandezCouncilmember

    whether it was in Costa Mesa, whether it was here in Santa Ana, or whether it's in cities that are very similar to our size, workers in large numbers. Not only are they in favor of this, but they're the ones organizing these initiatives. I am supportive of…

    5:05:45
    Valerie Amezcua
    Valerie AmezcuaMayor

    Thank you, Madam Mayor. I want to thank you in particular, Madam Mayor, because you're the one that not only proposed this, but you've been championing this initiative. And when you came to me and mentioned what you were doing and you had done your homework…

    5:03:13
    Benjamin Vazquez
    Benjamin VazquezCouncilmember

    I LOVE IT. AND I DO APPRECIATE THIS. I DON'T LIKE DOING THE SELF CHECKOUT LINES. WHEN WE GO TO SPROUTS, WE We always go through the grocers checkout line and I'm looking forward for Warner and Bristol to come through and making sure we have enough people there…

    5:04:35
  4. 04

    The council heard presentations on economic development and on the city's tourism body.

    3:09:32
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 6

    Economic Development Presentation

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    Valerie Amezcua
    Valerie AmezcuaMayor

    Go ahead. I was, Mayor. Thank you. First of all, thank you, Director Garcia, for the presentation. I do appreciate one of the aspects of your presentation to talk about walking people through the public counter, because we do have some folks that come in. They…

    3:28:52
    Jennifer L. Hall
    Jennifer L. HallCity Clerk

    speakers. Thank you, Mayor. Pursuant to resolution number 2025-004, speakers are requested to address the City Council directly and to refrain from profane language, racial epitaphs, and libelous or slanderous statements that disturb the decorum of the…

    3:37:25
    Jessie Lopez
    Jessie LopezCouncilmember

    because we are the ones ultimately paying to ensure that there are no nuisances because of a lack of care and a lack of partnership with the city. So I hope that you're able to bring that sooner sooner rather than later because that is something that I hope…

    3:33:33
    Benjamin Vazquez
    Benjamin VazquezCouncilmember

    Thank you. And thank you to the staff and the vision of economic development that we've been calling out for. there was good work put in and i appreciate the development of different sections and the vision of not just one we're not going to rely on one area…

    3:35:02
  5. 05

    It ended with the budget work study for 2026-27.

    5:19:40
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 30

    Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Work Study Session

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
    Johnathan Ryan HernandezCouncilmember

    not without, I do not want to see any decrease of services for OCFA. I'm supportive of the Santa Ana Stadium rental fees and us doing our due diligence to generate revenue. I think it is important for our city manager's office to work with Parks and Recreation…

    6:05:37
    Jessie Lopez
    Jessie LopezCouncilmember

    preparation of the trees, digging up the spots of the trees, and helping us finish the planting of the trees and ultimately helping us maintain the trees because they also need support not just it's not just about planting them I also want to recognize that…

    6:58:23
    Thai Viet Phan
    Thai Viet PhanCouncilmember

    anything really, and I know that we have members of the public who say it's very expensive to rent, you know, a certain amount of park space and whatnot, not, but that's the cost that it takes the staff to do the paperwork and all those other things. And for a…

    6:52:05
    Valerie Amezcua
    Valerie AmezcuaMayor

    they do not have that high development potential, but I would tell you I do support a park in Washington Square, but let's figure out how to get there. And then really, I guess really the other thing is I just want us to be more cognizant of trying to grow…

    5:56:09
How this brief was made

The current summaries were prepared during an in-session review of the transcripts. This prototype shows only sentences with a timestamp citation. 0 uncited sentences were withheld from this page.

Focus

Where they differed

Splits in votes or reasoning

Split voteon “Consideration of the Positive Performance Evaluations for City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney, and Related Salary…”4:51:29

One member voted against the pay changes for the city's three council-appointed officers after their performance reviews.

Phil Bacerra
Phil BacerraVoted no4:51:29

Was the single no vote on the compensation changes for the clerk, manager and attorney.

David Penaloza
David PenalozaVoted yes4:44:29

Asked for a round of applause for all three officers before the council voted.

Public voice

Recurring resident concerns

Repeated themes only

This section omits one-off remarks. It appears only when several separate public-comment voice tracks return to the same topic, or repeated comments connect a councilmember with criticism or calls for accountability. It is not a representative survey of residents.

Arts & culture4 recurring voice tracks

Several public comments returned to arts & culture.

  • …we've also had three subcommittees. One of the subcommittees was the Historic Preservation Award Committee, where in January we presented four homeowners who had done amazing jobs at preserving their homes and presented them awards. And then the…

    3:44:56
  • …not meeting our quorum to pass grants, community events, as well as murals. I enjoy my position at the Arts and Culture. I was a part of the water poster judging contest. And just a shout out to all the contestants. I've never seen so many young…

    4:02:55
Environment & water3 recurring voice tracks

Several public comments returned to environment & water.

  • …green space, and today the area is identified as a park gap and environmental justice community and underserved in access to open space it's a community just a throws a stone's throw away i want to thank the city and the staff for the work…

    3:42:15
  • …ideal for a Park. The need is undeniable. Washington Square is an environmental justice area. We're surrounded by schools including two elementary schools, middle school, Santa Ana College. We are near one of the busiest intersections, 17th and…

    3:47:33
Youth & education3 recurring voice tracks

Several public comments returned to youth & education.

  • So I'm a first-gen low-income student. We're writing to address a critical and preventable health issue in Santa Ana which is limited access to basic dental care. In partnership with Affordable Dentists, our community initiative provides free dental…

    4:01:09
  • …grant support, we hired 13 youth interns, high school and college students, gaining hands on experience in preservation and community leadership. This was what investment looks like. I urge the city council to build on this momentum by…

    4:15:24
How recurring concerns are selected

The prototype groups unidentified speech inside the general public-comment block by transcript voice track. A topic must recur across at least three tracks; criticism involving a named councilmember must recur across at least two. Voice tracks are an approximation and may include interpretation of another speaker, so excerpts remain linked to the recording.

Agenda

Every item

37 items in agenda order

1
Closed Session Items

Closed-session labor negotiations with city employee organizations

5:19:00
  • The council met privately about pay talks with a city employee union.28:21
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recording
Full official agenda title

CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a): Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown Employee Organizations: 1. Service Employees International Union, Part-Time Non-Civil Service Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS) 2. Police Officers Association (POA)

2
Closed Session Items

Closed-session labor negotiations with city employee organizations

Not located
  • The council met privately about pay talks with a second employee group.28:21
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot located
Full official agenda title

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 / Administrative Management Association (SAMA) 3. Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA) 4. Seasonal Part-Time Employees

3
Closed Session Items

Closed-session conference with legal counsel

Not located
  • The council met privately to discuss ongoing litigation against the city.28:21
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot located
Full official agenda title

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code: A. Rita Ramirez v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2022-01287702 B. Javier Flores v. City of Santa Ana, et al. , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01395292-CU-PA-WJC

4
Closed Session Items

Closed-session conference with legal counsel

Not located
  • The council met privately about legal action the city might start itself.28:21
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot located
Full official agenda title

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Two (2) cases

1
Ceremonial Presentations

Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua Recognizing Santa Ana’s Annual Youth Poster Contest Winners

2:32:33
  • Mayor Amezcua presented certificates recognising a Santa Ana achievement.2:23:31
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
2
Ceremonial Presentations

Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza Recognizing Isaac Alegria and Christian Cuatlayotl for Outstanding…

2:43:07
  • Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza presented certificates recognising a local group.2:43:08
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza Recognizing Isaac Alegria and Christian Cuatlayotl for Outstanding Academic Achievements

3
Ceremonial Presentations

Proclamation presented by Councilmember Bacerra to Orange County Fire Authority and Parks and Recreation Department declaring May…

2:50:12
  • Councilmember Bacerra presented a proclamation to the Orange County Fire Authority.2:53:10
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Proclamation presented by Councilmember Bacerra to Orange County Fire Authority and Parks and Recreation Department declaring May 2026 as Drowning Prevention Month

4
Ceremonial Presentations

Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez Recognizing Airborne System for their Outstanding Contribution to the…

2:23:31
  • Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate recognising a local organisation.2:20:16
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez Recognizing Airborne System for their Outstanding Contribution to the Successful Landing of Artemis II Orion Capsule

5
Ceremonial Presentations

Proclamation presented by Councilmember Vazquez to Southern California Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health Recognizing April…

2:58:00
  • Councilmember Vazquez presented a proclamation to a Southern California coalition.2:58:06
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Proclamation presented by Councilmember Vazquez to Southern California Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health Recognizing April 28 as Workers’ Memorial Day

6
Staff Presentations

Economic Development Presentation

3:09:31
  • Staff presented an update on the work of the economic development division.3:09:32
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
7
Consent Calendar

Excused Absences

4:32:03
  • A second routine item excusing absent members.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Excuse the absent members
8
Consent Calendar

Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2026

4:32:08
  • The council approved the written record of its 21 April 2026 meeting.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Approve minutes
9
Consent Calendar

Minutes from the Regular Meetings of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission on October 23, 2025, January 22, 2026…

4:32:08
  • The council formally received minutes from the parks and recreation commission.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockCity Clerk’s Office
Full official agenda title

Minutes from the Regular Meetings of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission on October 23, 2025, January 22, 2026, and February 26, 2026; the Special Meeting of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission on December 4, 2025; the Regular Meetings of the Youth Commission on November 17, 2025 and December 15, 2025; the Special Meetings of the Youth Commission on January 26, 2026 and February 23, 2026; the Special Meetings of the Personnel Board on January 23, 2025, March 6, 2025, May 28, 2025, June 25, 2025, August 14, 2025, and August 18, 2025; the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission on April 13, 2026; and the Regular Meetings of the Police Oversight Commission on August 14, 2025, September 11, 2025, October 9, 2025, November 13, 2025, December 11, 2025, January 8, 2026, February 12, 2026, and March 12, 2026

Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file
10
Consent Calendar

Public Art and Preservation Policy

4:34:29
  • The council considered a policy for commissioning and preserving public art in the city.4:27:53
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampCommunity Development Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file the Public Art and Preservation Policy
11
Consent Calendar

2025 Travel Santa Ana Annual Report

3:37:54
  • The council received the annual report from the city's tourism body.3:09:32
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingCommunity Development Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file
12
Consent Calendar

Select Locally Preferred Alternative for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study

4:27:53
  • The council selected the preferred design for rebuilding First Street as a multimodal boulevard, following the study it received in February.4:41:20
  • A member said the council had wanted to see this move forward for many months.4:34:33
  • It was approved seven votes to nothing.4:41:36
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingPublic Works Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Select Option 2 – Enhanced Bicycle and Pedestrian Zone Concept as the Locally Preferred Alternative for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study and direct staff to advance this concept into final engineering and design
13
Consent Calendar

Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to $500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager…

4:32:08
  • The council received the quarterly list of smaller contracts staff signed without needing a council vote.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockFinance and Management Services
Full official agenda title

Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to $500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by Charter Section 421

Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered into between January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026
14
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order Contract to Staples Contract & Commercial, Inc. for Office Supplies (Specification No. 26-054) (General Fund)

4:32:08
  • A contract was approved to supply the city with office supplies.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockFinance and Management Services
Official recommendation
  1. Award Purchase Order Contract to Staples Contract & Commercial, Inc. for a 19-month term beginning on May 5, 2026 and expiring December 31, 2027, in a total amount not to exceed $175,000
15
Consent Calendar

Agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. for an Online Payment Services System for Accela, the City’s Enterprise Land Management…

4:32:08
  • The council approved a system for taking payments to the city online.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockFinance and Management Services
Full official agenda title

Agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. for an Online Payment Services System for Accela, the City’s Enterprise Land Management System (Specification No. 26-042) (General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a payment processing agreement with CSG Forte Payments, Inc. (CSG Forte) to provide online payment services integrated with the Accela Civic Platform in an amount of $203,464, for a term beginning May 5, 2026 and expiring May 4, 2027, with provisions for four (4), one (1) year extensions in a total amount not to exceed $1,017,317 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
16
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order Contract with Simpler Systems Inc. for Simpler Platform Maintenance & Licenses (Specification No. 26-055)…

4:32:08
  • The council renewed maintenance on a data reporting platform the city uses.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockInformation Technology
Full official agenda title

Purchase Order Contract with Simpler Systems Inc. for Simpler Platform Maintenance & Licenses (Specification No. 26-055) (Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Award Purchase Order Contract to Simpler Systems, Inc. for Simpler Platform Maintenance and Licenses, in an amount not to exceed $120,000, for a term beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031
17
Consent Calendar

Historic Property Preservation Agreements for the Properties Located at 2117 N. Greenleaf Street and 2214 N. Westwood Avenue

4:32:08
  • Owners of historic houses entered Mills Act agreements, cutting their property tax in exchange for maintaining the buildings.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPlanning and Building Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the attached Mills Act agreements with the below-referenced property owners for the identified structures (Agreements No. A-2026-XXX and No. A-2026-XXX). 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. 2026-13 and 2026-12 will be filed for the projects. Table 1: Mills Act Agreements Approved by the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) Property Owner Historic Property Preservation Agreement No. Address/House Vote by HRC Travis Beck Allen-Walter and Charles Reuben Allen-Walter, Co-Trustees, or their successors in Trust, under the Travis and Charles Allen-Walter Revocable Living Trust 2026-2 2117 N. Greenleaf Street 7:0:1:0 (Commissioner Almendral abstaining) Michael Atkinson and Steve Doughty, as Trustees of the Patricia Atkinson Revocable Living Trust, dated July 28, 2025 2026-1 2214 N. Westwood Avenue 7:0:1:0 (Commissioner Almendral abstaining)
18
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order Contract to Superior Pavement Markings LLC for On-Call Roadway Sign and Striping Maintenance, Repair, and…

4:32:08
  • A contractor was engaged to repaint road markings as needed.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Purchase Order Contract to Superior Pavement Markings LLC for On-Call Roadway Sign and Striping Maintenance, Repair, and Installation (Spec No. 26-025) (General Fund and Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Award a Purchase Order Contract to Superior Pavement Markings LLC for on-call roadway sign and striping maintenance, repair, and installation for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2027, with an annual average budget of $643,000 with provisions for two, one-year renewal options, in a total amount not to exceed $1,929,000
19
Consent Calendar

First Amendment to the Agreement with Landscape West Management Services, Inc. for Median Landscaping, Right of Way, and Quality of…

4:32:08
  • The council extended its landscape maintenance agreement.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

First Amendment to the Agreement with Landscape West Management Services, Inc. for Median Landscaping, Right of Way, and Quality of Life Team Debris Removal Services (General Fund and Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the agreement with Landscape West Management Services, Inc. and increase the annual compensation by $500,000, to provide homeless debris removal services as part of the existing scope for the Median and Right of Way Landscaping Maintenance Services agreement in an amount not to exceed $11,370,000 for the remaining term expiring June 30, 2028 and renewal options (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
20
Consent Calendar

Grant of Easements to Southern California Edison for the Purpose of Implementing the Charge Ready Transport Program Provision to…

4:32:08
  • The council granted easements to Southern California Edison for electrical work.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Grant of Easements to Southern California Edison for the Purpose of Implementing the Charge Ready Transport Program Provision to Provide Electrical Power to Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the Santa Ana Corporate Yard and Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize City Manager to execute a grant of easement and right of way to Southern California Edison for the purpose of implementing the Charge Ready Transport Program provision to provide electrical power to vehicle charging stations at the Santa Ana Corporate Yard
  2. Authorize City Manager to execute a grant of easement and right of way to Southern California Edison for the purpose of the Charge Ready Transport Program provision to provide electrical power to vehicle charging stations at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
21
Consent Calendar

Amendment to the Agreement with Bernards Bros, Inc. for Construction Management at Risk Services for the State Building and Plaza…

4:32:08
  • The council amended a construction management agreement.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Amendment to the Agreement with Bernards Bros, Inc. for Construction Management at Risk Services for the State Building and Plaza Demolition Project, Land Transfer Agreement with County of Orange to Acquire Plaza of the Fountains Parcel, and Granting a Future Access Easement to the County on Said Parcel (Project No. 24-9002) (Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with Bernards Bros, Inc. to provide Construction Management at Risk services for the State Building Demolition project in the amount of $839,160, with $83,916 for unforeseen conditions, for a total amount of $923,076 and a new total contract value of $1,773,076, for a two-year term beginning May 5, 2026, and expiring May 4, 2028, with an option for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Land Transfer Agreement between the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange, a political subdivision of the State of California, for transfer of the Plaza of the Fountains parcel in the Civic Center (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
  3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an easement deed to convey access rights to the County of Orange over the Plaza of the Fountains parcel
22
Consent Calendar

Approve Appropriations Adjustments and a CIP Amendment, and Agreements with Mark Thomas, Southern California Regional Rail Authority…

4:32:08
  • The council approved budget adjustments and agreements for a capital project.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Approve Appropriations Adjustments and a CIP Amendment, and Agreements with Mark Thomas, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Caltrans for Design Phase Services and Grant Funding for the Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation Project (No. 26-6718) (Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) grant funding in the amount of $7,000,000 into the Select Street Construction, State Grant-Direct revenue account (05917660-52025) and appropriate the same amount into the Select Street Construction, Improvements Other Than Building expenditure account (05917660-66220). (Requires five affirmative votes)
  2. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $134,176 in prior-year fund balance in the Transit Zoning Code, Prior Year Carry Forward revenue account and appropriate the same amount into the Transit Zoning Code, Improvements Other Than Buildings expenditure account. (Requires five affirmative votes)
  3. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $90,742 in prior-year fund balance in the Local Drainage Area Fees – IV, Prior Year Carry Forward revenue account and appropriate the same amount into the Local Drainage Area Fees – IV, Improvements Other Than Buildings expenditure account. (Requires five affirmative votes)
  4. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program to include TIRCP grant funding in the amount of $7,000,000, Local Drainage Area Fees – IV in the amount of $90,742 and Transit Zoning Code funding in the amount of $134,176 for the inclusion of Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation Project. (Project No. 26-6718)
  5. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. to provide Professional Design Phase Services in an amount not-to-exceed $6,859,918, which includes $6,471,318 in Design costs and $388,600 for unanticipated or unforeseen work, for a three-year term beginning May 5, 2026 and expiring May 4, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
  6. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) to provide Design Support in an amount not-to-exceed $315,000 for a three-year term beginning May 5, 2026 and expiring May 4, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
  7. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to receive RAISE Grant funds for the Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation project (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
23
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order to Sarkar Tactical, Inc. for Ballistic Helmets, Ballistic Plates, and Plate Carriers (Specification No. 26-007A) and…

4:32:08
  • The council approved buying ballistic helmets and plates for the police department.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPolice Department
Full official agenda title

Purchase Order to Sarkar Tactical, Inc. for Ballistic Helmets, Ballistic Plates, and Plate Carriers (Specification No. 26-007A) and Appropriation Adjustment (Non-General Fund – U.S. Dept. of Justice)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize a Purchase Order to Sarkar Tactical, Inc. for ballistic helmets, ballistic plates, and plate carriers in an amount not to exceed $395,218
  2. Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $345,960 of prior-year fund balance in the U.S. Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Funds and appropriate same to the Miscellaneous Operating Expenses expenditure account. (Requires five affirmative votes)
24
Consent Calendar

Resolution and Appropriation Adjustment Accepting Additional FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program Funds (Non-General…

4:32:32
  • The council accepted additional federal homeland security grant money.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingPolice Department
Full official agenda title

Resolution and Appropriation Adjustment Accepting Additional FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program Funds (Non-General Fund - UASI)

Official recommendation
  1. Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the City Manager and the Chief of Police or their designee(s) to accept an additional $4,614 in FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative funding, increasing the sub-recipient award from $1,655,974 to $1,660,588. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ACCEPTING ADDITIONAL FY2024 URBAN AREA SECURITY INITIATIVE SUB-RECIPIENT FUNDING AND APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT
  2. Approve an Appropriation Adjustment recognizing an additional $4,614 in grant funds from the FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative in the revenue account and appropriate same to the FY 2024 Urban Areas Security Initiative grant program expenditure account. (Requires five affirmative votes)
  3. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute the Grant Sub-Recipient Award Amendment #1 with the City of Anaheim for the FY 2024 Urban Area Security Initiative grant program (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
25
Consent Calendar

Consideration of the Positive Performance Evaluations for City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney, and Related Salary…

4:41:52
Split voteSee member positions →
  • Following positive performance reviews of the city clerk, city manager and city attorney, the council approved pay and classification changes for them and for specified staff in the city attorney's office.4:51:29
  • Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza asked for a round of applause for all three before the vote.4:44:29
  • It carried six votes to one, with Councilmember Bacerra against.4:51:29
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampHuman Resources
Full official agenda title

Consideration of the Positive Performance Evaluations for City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney, and Related Salary Adjustments, Contract Extension, Bonus Payments for Designated City Attorney Office Confidential Employees, and Compliance with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations Section 570.5

Official recommendation
  1. Adopt a resolution reflecting the positive City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney performance evaluations conducted on April 21, 2026 and approving an adjusted annual salary for the City Clerk and a three-year extension to the term for the City Manager, and RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AFFIRMING POSITIVE PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS FOR THE CITY ATTORNEY, CITY CLERK, AND CITY MANAGER; APPROVING A SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE CITY CLERK; AND APPROVING AN AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY MANAGER THROUGH 2030
  2. Approve amendment to City Clerk employment agreement to reflect adjusted annual salary in the amount of $215,004 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX), and
  3. Approve an amended and restated employment agreement with the City Manager (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX), and
  4. Adopt a resolution to amend Resolution No. 2021-026 creating a new classification to the unrepresented confidential middle management and approve special assignment pay for confidential employees in the City Attorney’s Office; and RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 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 TO AMEND RESOLUTION NO. 2021-026 TO CREATE A NEW CLASSIFICATION AND TO PROVIDE SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT PAY FOR SPECIFIED CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
  5. Adopt a resolution updating the City’s Classification and Compensation Plan with the amended annual salary for City Clerk, and approving the Council Appointee Salary Schedule in compliance with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations section 570.5 including documentation of the annual salary for the previous Acting City Clerk. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX 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 AND RECOGNITION OF SALARY FOR THE PREVIOUS ACTING CITY CLERK
26
Consent Calendar

Final adoption: Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2026-02 – Bella Terra Residential Community and Temple Project (4006, 4010, and…

4:32:08
  • The council gave final adoption to a zoning ordinance amendment introduced at the previous meeting.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPlanning and Building Agency
Full official agenda title

Second Reading and Adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2026-02 – Bella Terra Residential Community and Temple Project (4006, 4010, and 4018 West Hazard Avenue) First reading April 21, 2026, City Council Meeting and approved by a vote of 7-0

Official recommendation
  1. Conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-02. ORDINANCE NO. NS-3094 entitled ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2026-01 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 53 (SD-53) TO UPDATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND ALLOW PLACES OF WORSHIP SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4006, 4010, AND 4018 WEST HAZARD AVENUE (APNS: 100-261-20, 100-261-19 AND 100-261-18)
27
Business Calendar

Ordinance Amending Municipal Code to Allow Permitted Users to Serve and Consume Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits at City Facilities…

4:52:06
  • The council introduced an ordinance letting people with a permit serve and drink beer, wine and spirits at city facilities.5:08:42
  • The same ordinance raises the size at which a picnic needs a permit to fifty or more people.5:08:42
  • It was introduced seven votes to nothing and will return for final adoption.5:09:10
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampParks, Recreation, and Community Services
Full official agenda title

Ordinance Amending Municipal Code to Allow Permitted Users to Serve and Consume Beer, Wine, and Distilled Spirits at City Facilities and to Increase Permit Threshold Related to Picnics of Fifty (50) or More Persons

Official recommendation
  1. Approve first reading of an ordinance (Exhibit 1) amending Chapter 31 (Recreation, Parks and Playgrounds to allow for permitted users to serve and consume beer, wine, and distilled spirits at City facilities with the expressed written consent of the City Manager or designee and to increase permit threshold related to picnics to fifty (50) or more persons. ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE
  2. Determine that, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, the project is categorically exempt from further review per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities)
28
Business Calendar

Ordinance Establishing Staffing and Operational Standards for Self-Service Checkout Stations in Drug and Food Retail Establishments

5:01:22
  • The council considered an ordinance setting staffing and operating standards for self-service checkouts.4:59:53
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampCity Manager’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Adopt an ordinance of the City Council establishing staffing and operational standards for self-service checkout stations in drug and food retail establishments within the City of Santa Ana. ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XXIV TO CHAPTER 8 OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE STAFFING OF SELF- SERVICE CHECKOUT OPERATIONS
29
Councilmember Requested Items

Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Identify, Evaluate, and Prepare Nominations to the City Register…

5:09:34
  • A councilmember asked staff to identify and evaluate sites and prepare nominations for a city programme.5:09:38
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Identify, Evaluate, and Prepare Nominations to the City Register of Historical Properties for Public Artworks by Sergio O. Cadiz Moctezuma and Emigdio Vasquez Located Within the City of Santa Ana – Councilmember Jessie Lopez

30
Work Study Session Correspondence - Item 30

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Work Study Session

5:19:39
  • The council opened its work study on the budget for 2026-27, breaking briefly before starting.5:19:40
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampFinance and Management Services
Official recommendation
  1. Discuss and provide direction to staff
1
Consent Calendar

Excused Absences

5:19:00
  • A routine item excusing members who missed earlier meetings, approved with the consent calendar.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Excuse the absent members
2
Consent Calendar

Minutes from the Special Meeting of March 17, 2026

Not located
  • The council approved the written record of its special meeting of 17 March 2026.4:33:59
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot locatedCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Approve minutes
3
Consent Calendar

Agreement with BKM Office Environments, Inc. for Housing Authority Office Furniture (Specification No. 25-127A) (Non-General Fund)

Not located
  • The Housing Authority approved a contract for office furniture, six votes to nothing with one member absent.5:19:17
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot locatedCommunity Development Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the Executive Director of the Housing Authority to execute an agreement with BKM Office Environments, Inc. to provide and install office furniture at the Housing Authority office in an amount not to exceed $247,824, for a term beginning April 21, 2026 and expiring April 20, 2027 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
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