
Mayor Dan Slater (center) with (clockwise from top left) Mayor pro tem Arianna Barrios and Councilmembers Jon Dumitru, Kathy Tavoularis, Dennis Bilodeau, Ana Gutierrez and John Gyllenhammer
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Have you ever wondered what goes on at Orange City Council meetings?
Important decisions to better our city and announcements about our community are made at these meetings. In this column provided by Mayor Dan Slater, we look at the highlights of recent meetings.
June 28:
Special Council Meeting
1. By a 5-2 vote, placed a sales tax measure on the Nov. 5 ballot that if approved by Orange voters would increase the sales tax rate in Orange by a half cent, with a 10-year sunset.
July 23:
1. Extended the “Tolling Agreement” between the city and Milan for 6 months to continue evaluation of non residential uses for the Sully Miller and arena sites in Orange Park Acres.
2. Adopted an ordinance to update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) provisions and bring them in compliance with state law.
3. Directed that private donations to restore canceled Orange Community Events be directed to and managed by the Community Foundation of Orange.
4. Heard a presentation from the city’s Economic Development Director on the Economic Development Plan for fiscal year 2024-2025.
August 13:
1. Approved a land lease agreement for a new wireless location at El Modena Park. Funds will go toward improvements at the park.
2. Adopted an ordinance to re-zone public school sites from residential to Public Institution, making the zoning consistent with the General Plan, as required by state law.
3. Adopted an ordinance to re-zone public park sites from residential to Recreational Open Space, making the zoning consistent with the General Plan, as required by state law.
4. Heard a presentation from Councilmember Ana Gutierrez suggesting that councilmembers, due to the budget crisis, consider eliminating their stipends and health benefits. It was decided that council members could do so voluntarily.
5. Heard a presentation from Mayor Pro Tem Barrios on a proposed Historic Preservation Working group to discuss issues like the Mills Act, and a proposal to study a “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” (PILOT) program.
6. Heard a report from Councilmember Jon Dumitru on a street name change in West Orange – from Justice Center Way to Steiner Way.
7. Approved an additional $1.3 million dollars in budget reductions.
Aug 27:
1. Orange Fire Department awarded a LIFESAVING MEDAL to Mr. Michael Lee from Santiago Middle School.
2. Friends of the Orange Public Library presented a $41,000 check to the Orange library system.
3. Appropriated $94,600 received from the Opioid Settlement Fund for Orange opioid remediation initiatives for fiscal year 2025.
4. Voted to continue discussion during the next council meeting for a 3% Cost of Living pay adjustment for executive and senior city management.
5. Decided not to have 2024 Treats in the Streets event UNLESS outside sponsorship can be found to cover the estimated $53,644 in city costs by September 6.
6. Postponed the adoption of an updated city park ordinance for some language clean-up.
City Council Meetings
2nd & 4th Tuesday / 6 - 8 pm
Agendas are available the prior Thursday.