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.

January 9:

1.    Presented a proclamation recognizing the Friends of the Orange Public Library for 65 years of support and financial assistance to our Orange libraries.

2.    Amended the contract with the landscape company designing the future Hart Park Pickleball Courts to add an additional $34,610 for construction and design services (the project is expected to begin construction in fall of this year and be completed in 2025).

3.    Awarded a contract for new fencing along Riverdale Avenue in North Orange (to replace dilapidated, old masonry fence).

4.    Approved additional $46,600 funding to Charles McCandless Tile for the restoration of the Plaza Fountain.  Completion is anticipated in March.

5.    Approved a new 10-year contract with CR&R (trash contractor) that will increase rates slightly, but in return provide a higher level of service and accountability.

January 23:

1.    Voted to go on record in opposition to Proposition 1 on the March 5 ballot

2.    Voted to participate in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the appeal by the city of Grants Pass, Oregon regarding being able to police homeless encampments.

3.    Approved an affordable housing agreement for a new 166-unit senior project at 1800 East La Veta Avenue (former RIO site).

February 13:

1.    Approved street rehabilitation of several streets throughout Orange (list available at the Orange Public Works Department).

2.    Approved appointments for the new Santiago Creek Commission.

3.    Approved a “tolling agreement” between the city and the Milan Corporation to work together on potential new uses for the “Sully Miller” and the horse arena sites for something other than housing.

4.    Directed city staff to bring back more information so a discussion can be had on whether we want to amend our fireworks ordinance.  Any proposed changes would be subject to a vote of the citizens.

5.    Denied an appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval of a new church and coffeehouse at 611 West Chapman Ave.  

City Council Meetings 
2nd & 4th Tuesday  /  6 - 8 pm
Agendas are available the prior Thursday.