Regular City Council Meeting

Summary

The City Council approved the minutes from the Special Meetings of January 23, 2026 and January 26, 2026, and the Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026. This is a routine administrative action to formally record past council proceedings.

Citizen Impact

This action has no direct impact on residents as it is a procedural approval of past meeting records.

Confidence

high

Summary

This report details the attendance of members on Santa Ana's various boards and commissions for the period of July through December 2025. The City Council is asked to receive and file this report and provide direction if needed. The report indicates that no board or commission member missed at least half of their regularly scheduled meetings. However, one member of the Arts and Culture Commission had two consecutive unexcused absences. The report also highlights that several boards and commissions have existing vacancies, with the Rental Housing Board notably unable to meet due to insufficient members to form a quorum for a significant portion of the reporting period.

Citizen Impact

This report is primarily an administrative update. Residents may be indirectly impacted if boards and commissions cannot meet due to lack of quorum, potentially delaying decisions on local projects and services.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Ana's 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report has been received and filed, detailing significant progress across various development areas. Key achievements in Growth & Development include the unanimous approval of "The Village Santa Ana" specific plan, featuring up to 1,583 residential units and generating $16.4 million in direct community benefits, alongside new A-Frame and Group Home Ordinances, and a historic update to the Transit Zoning Code to enhance neighborhood-compatible development. Initiatives in Economic Prosperity included "Launch Your Business" workshops, the Santa Ana–Sahuayo Sister Cities Business Expo, and the Santa Ana GROW conference, which showcased major strategic projects and led to the opening of a new Business Assistance Office. Parks and Public Spaces saw the opening of the "River’s Edge" exhibit at the Santa Ana Zoo, the community-driven construction of a new playground at Sandpointe Park by nearly 200 volunteers, and multiple ADA accessibility projects. In Sustainable Infrastructure, the City installed 1,350 feet of new storm drain for the Rousselle Street Flood Protection Project using $4.675 million in grant funding, and rehabilitated Wells 29 and 32, with Well 32 now producing 2,500 GPM for a reliable water supply. For Housing, the City issued 316 new building permits in 2025, contributing to a total of 4,757 units permitted since 2021, exceeding its 6th cycle RHNA allocation of 3,137 by 1,620 units (152%). This includes 81 very low-income and 101 low-income units in 2025, with 82% of all 2025 permits being for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Citizen Impact

Residents will see increased housing options, including affordable and supportive units, and improved public spaces like parks and the zoo. New business opportunities and critical infrastructure projects, such as flood protection and enhanced water supply, contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and economically vibrant community.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is recommended to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Cintas Corporation No. 3 for uniform rental and workplace solutions services. This agreement will cover various city departments, including the Police Department, Public Works, and the Santa Ana Zoo. The total amount for the initial two-year term, beginning March 3, 2026, and expiring March 2, 2028, will not exceed $858,000. The agreement includes provisions for up to three one-year extensions. The services involve weekly laundering of uniforms and safety mats, along with pick-up and drop-off. The city is leveraging a cooperative purchasing agreement through Omnia to procure these services, which was awarded via open, competitive bidding.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures city employees have clean uniforms and that safety mats are maintained in high-traffic areas, contributing to a professional work environment and potentially reducing workplace hazards. There is no direct cost to residents as the funding comes from the general and non-general funds.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Ana is authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with PWW Advisory Group, LLC for consultant services to conduct a Citywide Standards of Coverage / Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Study. This study, costing not to exceed $154,983, will take place from March 3, 2026, to March 2, 2027, with a potential one-year extension. The need for this study arises from complexities in managing external contracts for fire suppression and EMS since the dissolution of the municipal fire department in 2012, particularly concerning contractual oversight, response-time calculations, and emergency dispatch procedures. The study will analyze the existing EMS system, deployment and staffing strategies, coverage modeling, performance metrics, and clinical standards to identify root causes of recurring concerns and provide a roadmap for improvement and sustainability, including exploring funding strategies and modernizing service delivery through telehealth.

Citizen Impact

This study aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the city's Emergency Medical Services. Residents can expect a review of current EMS operations, which could lead to better response times and service delivery in the future, though there is no direct cost to citizens for this study itself.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Ana's Information Technology (IT) Department plans to renew a three-year contract with CDW Government LLC for SolarWinds maintenance and support. This essential IT infrastructure monitoring and management platform, used by the City for over 20 years, ensures the operational integrity of critical data centers at City Hall and the Police Department. The total cost for the renewal is $101,570 for the term beginning December 18, 2025, and expiring December 17, 2028. Funding is allocated from the IT Department's non-General Fund budget across fiscal years 2025-26 ($30,664), 2026-27 ($33,910), and 2027-28 ($36,996). The contract is being awarded through a competitively bid Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement.

Citizen Impact

This renewal ensures the continuous, reliable operation of the City's core IT infrastructure, including systems vital for public safety and other municipal services. Residents benefit from uninterrupted access to city services and enhanced data security, as the SolarWinds platform helps prevent outages and quickly addresses IT issues.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering the renewal of an agreement with Infor (US), LLC for the maintenance and support of the Lawson financial system. This system is critical for processing, accounting, and reporting on the City's financial information, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The proposed renewal is for a one-year period, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, at a cost of $352,579. The agreement includes two additional one-year optional renewals, with the total potential cost over three years amounting to $1,122,471. Funding for the initial year is available in the FY 2025-26 budget, with future funding to be included in subsequent budget proposals.

Citizen Impact

This renewal ensures the continued operation of the city's core financial systems, which are essential for managing public funds and producing required financial reports. There is no direct cost increase to residents as the funding is covered by the existing Information Technology budget.

Confidence

high

Summary

This item authorizes the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 11 to Contract No. 980603 with Governmentjobs.com Inc. dba NEOGOV. This amendment will increase the total not-to-exceed amount for software maintenance and support services by $101,329 and extend the agreement for an additional year, from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. The original contract, for the Personality Payroll and Human Resources software system, was first established in 1998. The increased funding covers mandatory payroll tax table and form updates, essential for maintaining compliance with Federal and State tax and labor laws, and includes an optional $20,000 for emergency professional services if needed for troubleshooting or complex configuration changes. The annual maintenance fee represents a 0.82% increase from the previous year.

Citizen Impact

This contract amendment ensures the continued operation of the City's payroll and human resources system, which 1,500 City employees use to access pay stubs, benefits, and other vital information. It maintains compliance with tax and labor laws, preventing potential disruptions to employee paychecks.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Ana is authorizing an agreement with Santa Ana Golf, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CourseCo, Inc., for comprehensive management services of the River View Golf Course. This agreement, effective March 3, 2026, with operations commencing May 1, 2026, will run until June 30, 2031, with provisions for two, five-year extensions, potentially extending to June 30, 2041.

Financial Details:

• The total management fee is not to exceed $3,083,377, including a 3% annual CPI adjustment. The fixed annual management fee starts at $95,000 in Year 1, plus an annual accounting fee of $21,000 (increasing 3% annually from Year 2).
• An incentive fee of 10% of Gross Operating Income above a baseline threshold will be paid, capped at 50% of the annual management fee.
• An initial working capital payment of $395,000 will be transferred from the General Fund to the Golf Course Enterprise Fund (Fund 112), which is expected to be repaid from golf course revenue in FY 2026-2027.
• An appropriation adjustment of $729,950 in Golf Course revenue and expenditures is approved for the remaining two months of FY 2025-2026.

Operational Shift & Goals:
This agreement shifts the golf course from a passive lease model to an active management structure, increasing City oversight and aiming for self-sustainability without General Fund contributions. Key goals include expanding community programming (e.g., youth golf instruction, senior access, three free annual community events), and implementing a structured capital investment strategy focusing initially on the driving range, netting, and pro shop improvements. CourseCo, Inc. is a California-based firm with extensive experience managing publicly owned golf facilities.

Citizen Impact

This agreement ensures the continued operation of the River View Golf Course as an 18-hole public course with increased City oversight. Residents can expect expanded community programming for youth and seniors, including free annual events, and future enhancements to facilities like the driving range and pro shop. The initial $395,000 from the General Fund is a loan that will be repaid, with the long-term goal of the golf course being self-sufficient and potentially generating revenue for the General Fund.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is set to approve a Cooperative Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Costa Mesa and award a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Fairview Street Rehabilitation Project (Project No. 21-6978). This project involves rehabilitating Fairview Street from the southern city limits to Alton Avenue, including pavement removal and replacement, reconstruction of medians, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant curb ramps. The total estimated construction delivery cost is $3,410,000, which includes $2,728,000 for the construction contract awarded to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. The City of Costa Mesa will reimburse $96,000 for improvements within their jurisdiction. The project is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by August 2026, with a contract duration of 65 working days. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA review.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect improvements to Fairview Street, including new pavement, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, enhancing ride quality and pedestrian accessibility. Some temporary construction-related disruptions such as noise and potential lane closures are anticipated during the project's duration from March to August 2026.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is recommended to approve a construction contract with R.J. Noble Company for the Grand Avenue Rehabilitation Project from Edinger Avenue to McFadden Avenue (Project No. 23-6700). The total estimated construction delivery cost is $1,243,213, which includes the base construction contract of $994,570, plus funds for administration, inspection, testing, and unforeseen work. The project aims to improve the street by replacing failed asphalt, damaged concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and driveway approaches, and will also include enhanced traffic striping and pavement markings to meet ADA standards. The construction is expected to take 45 working days, with a projected completion in July 2026. The project is categorically exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.

Citizen Impact

Residents can expect improvements to the ride quality and appearance of Grand Avenue between Edinger and McFadden Avenues, including upgraded pedestrian facilities compliant with ADA standards. Some temporary construction-related disruptions, such as lane closures, may occur during the project's estimated 45 working days.

Confidence

high

Summary

This ordinance, Ordinance No. NS-3090, prohibits the use of anti-competitive automated rent price-fixing software in Santa Ana. The ordinance adds Article XXIV to Chapter 8 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. It defines an 'Algorithmic Device' as software that uses competitor data to set rental rates or occupancy levels, with exceptions for aggregated historical data or affordable housing programs. The ordinance makes it unlawful for any person to sell or license such devices to landlords, and for landlords to use them to set rental rates. Tenants can pursue injunctive relief, damages, or civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, and prevailing tenants are entitled to recover costs and attorney's fees. The ordinance was approved by a vote of 6-0-1 on its first reading on February 17, 2026, and is now up for its second reading and adoption.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance aims to combat artificially inflated rental rates by prohibiting the use of software that uses competitor data to set rent prices. Residents may see more stable and potentially lower rent increases as a result, and tenants gain the right to sue landlords for violations and recover legal costs.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City of Santa Ana's Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update proposes various adjustments resulting in a net decrease of $102,158 in the General Fund balance. Sales tax revenues (Bradley-Burns and Measure X) are projected to be $1.8 million lower than estimated, primarily due to closures of used-car dealerships, softer consumer spending, and reduced building construction activity. Conversely, planning permit and plan check revenues are expected to increase by $1.16 million due to ongoing large residential and industrial development projects. Property tax in-lieu of Vehicle License Fees will also increase by $646,100.

Expenditure & Fund Adjustments:

• An additional $150,000 is requested for the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program, providing emergency rental and utility assistance to households affected by ICE actions.
• $100,000 is allocated for a new dog park at Mabury Park.
• The Workers’ Compensation Fund requires a $3,815,800 one-time appropriation from its fund balance to cover rising claim costs, leaving reserves below target.
• $50,000 from the Cannabis Public Benefit Fund will address unforeseen termite damage at the Newhope Library Renovation project.
• Various housing assistance programs (WIOA, HOME, CDBG/ESG, EHV) see adjustments to align budgets with actual grant awards and administrative needs, including $200,000 for enhanced monitoring of Permanent Supportive Housing communities.

Workforce Changes (Resolution 2026-XXX):

• Additions: One Customer Service Representative (Finance) for monthly water billing, and one Library Technician (Library Services) for reference coverage.
• Reallocations: One Library Services Assistant to Supervising Library Services Assistant, and one Code Enforcement Officer to Code Enforcement Supervisor (Planning & Building) to manage increased demands from cannabis and commercial property compliance.
• Deletions: Two ARPA-funded vacant positions (Management Aide, Management Analyst) in Public Works. These changes have no current fiscal year impact, with future costs offset by departmental savings.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP):

• An amendment is proposed to include $52,637,445 of carryover funding for various capital projects, ensuring eligibility for OCTA Measure M funding. The citywide vacancy rate remains at 13%.

Citizen Impact

Residents will see continued support for vulnerable households through the Ayuda Sin Fronteras program and benefit from new recreational amenities like the Mabury Dog Park. Library services and utility customer support are expected to improve with new staffing. However, a decline in sales tax revenue indicates softer economic activity, and the Workers' Compensation Fund faces significant cost pressures, potentially impacting future city finances and services if not addressed. Street and infrastructure projects will continue with carryover funding.

Confidence

high

Summary

The City Council is considering Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01 and a related resolution to establish new inspection fees for smoke shop establishments. The ordinance aims to regulate smoke shops by defining them as a distinct land use, requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for new establishments, and imposing strict location requirements. These include a 1,000-foot separation between smoke shops, from youth-centered uses (schools, parks, childcare facilities), and from alcohol/drug recovery facilities; a 500-foot separation from residential areas; and a prohibition from locations visible from arterial streets. The ordinance also establishes development and operating standards, such as age restrictions (21+), display limitations, litter control, mandatory video surveillance, and prohibitions on selling certain products like cannabis, nitrous oxide, kratom, and flavored tobacco. Existing smoke shops will be deemed nonconforming and must comply with new standards within six months or face discontinuation if operations cease for six months. Additionally, new annual inspection fees are proposed: $533.08 for Planning and Building Agency (Code Enforcement) inspections and $709.98 for Police Department inspections, intended to recover the costs of these services.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance will restrict the number and location of new smoke shops, potentially impacting their availability. Residents may see a reduction in loitering and nuisance activities associated with existing shops. New annual inspection fees will be charged to smoke shop operators, which may be passed on to consumers.

Confidence

high