Public Comments, Street Sweeping, and Citizen Finance Committee

Public Comments

Senior Advisory & Walk on Wilshire

Todd Harrison: Next Tuesday at 11 am is the first meeting of the Senior Committee. Despite my excitement, we are lacking sufficient appointed members, posing a concern for a proper meeting. At the last city council meeting, there was ambiguity regarding the number of applications received, and I’m puzzled by the absence of further appointments on tonight’s agenda. Additionally, scheduling the meeting at 11 am on a Tuesday may hinder senior attendance due to daytime commitments. I hope you will address these concerns after the public comments.

I’m grateful to Council Member Dunlaps for abstaining due to a conflict of interest. Walk on Wilshire benefits schools, residents, and visitors. An article in the Fullerton Observer stated that the arguments against Walk on Wilshire lack supporting data. Many expressed strong support for this initiative in the previous session. I hope future sessions will focus on promoting walkability and reducing reliance on cars. Many of us are fully committed to this cause.

Unsafe Crossing & Walk on Wilshire

Yolanda Harrison: I’d like to bring attention to the dangerous intersection at Lemon and Valencia, which needs immediate improvements to prevent accidents. Additionally, many curb cuts in the city are unsafe and have caused issues for pedestrians, especially those using mobility devices. It’s crucial to address these safety concerns, and when planning future street improvements, safe bike lanes should be considered to prevent collisions between pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrian areas like the Walk on Wilshire should remain open. Mr. Mayor, considering your conflict of interest, why are you considering closing that walk? The decision should be postponed until January when the new City Council can convene or maybe indefinitely.

Walk on Wilshire (WoW)

Helen Higgins. As 27-year residents of Fullerton, my 74-year-old husband and I want to voice our support for continuing the WoW outdoor dining program. We enjoy dining outside and believe reopening the street to auto traffic would be a mistake. When the city closed the street for outdoor dining, we were elated. We have now come to expect and enjoy dining outside. Reopening the street to auto traffic is unimaginable for us. We believe that the City has made significant strides with its latest configuration for better cycling on Wilshire leading to Harbor. While we recognize there is room for improvement, we appreciate the city’s efforts. We have observed other municipalities in Orange County closing streets to vehicular traffic to offer outdoor dining and shopping, and most notably, Laguna Beach has made its promenade a permanent feature. It is a shame to lose such an enjoyable eating and shopping experience by opening the street back to vehicles. We urge the authorities not to terminate the WoW outdoor dining program.

Doctor McLaren: As a professor at the University of California Riverside, specializing in economics and public policy, including urban issues, I have been troubled by the threat of a lawsuit related to the closure of the walk on Wilshire. Based on my knowledge, laws generally do not hold the city responsible for anyone’s loss of revenue due to a public good situation, such as the Walk on Wilshire, except under very rare circumstances. It is important to note that public policy decisions often result in both winners and losers. The claim that the Walk on Wilshire is affecting businesses contradicts the successful implementation of closed streets in many European cities for decades, where business thrives.

I understand that a survey has been conducted, and it is essential to adhere to what is best for everyone based on the findings. The evidence from other places using pedestrian zones, coupled with the behavior of the free market, supports the benefits of a pedestrian-friendly environment. Any claimed loss of revenue by certain businesses is likely due to a shift in consumption patterns resulting from the creation of a public good. Ultimately, it is the consumers who benefit the most in a free market. My primary concern would be if this public good were to be taken away to benefit a few special interests, particularly if those special interests are large political contributors. This could raise legal concerns and attract attention from the attorney general.

Jeff Ray: As a professor at Cal Poly Pomona and a homeowner in the Sparkleball district, I strongly support the Walk on Wilshire (WoW) initiative. I strongly support the continuation of the Walk on Wilshire, and I am part of the Save on Walk on Wilshire group. We have been actively meeting to discuss and support all businesses, regardless of their views on WoW. We are willing to engage with businesses that oppose it to understand their concerns and explore potential solutions, such as organizing a night market. I am part of the Save on Walk on Wilshire group, which aims to support all businesses, regardless of their views on WoW. We have found that 95% of businesses support WoW, and we urge any dissenting voices to reconsider their stance in support of local businesses and community growth. We want to emphasize that even businesses not located on WoW, like Made Coffee and Roman Cucina, express their support for it.

Additionally, I recently learned that Tom at Pastime Collectables also favors WoW. I extend my gratitude to Doctor Charles and Ahmad Zahra for their backing of WoW at the last meeting. Let’s work together to make WoW a success for the community. I recognize that some individuals, like Fred Jung and Bruce Whitaker, may have reservations, but we urge them to reconsider their stance on supporting local business and community growth. With upcoming elections, it’s important to remember who supports initiatives like WoW. Let’s uphold democracy and honor the majority’s support for WoW. Let’s collaborate and make WoW a success for the community. Let’s not let one person’s opposition detract from the overwhelming community support for Walk on Wilshire. Continued on page 08 Walk on Wilshire Diane Vanna: As a long-time resident of Fullerton, I strongly support keeping Walk on Wilshire as a safe, car-free pedestrian area. This space, created during the COVID-19 pandemic, has become beloved by many in our community. Not all taxpayers are car drivers, and Walk on Wilshire is a valuable asset for those who prefer a car-free environment. I believe it should remain open and accessible to all.

During the last council meeting, it was suggested that streets are primarily for cars, as they are funded by taxpayers and should remain open. However, I believe we need to consider a more inclusive perspective. Not all taxpayers are car drivers or wish to see cars dominating every street. Walk on Wilshire is a testament to this, showing that many taxpayers support a car-free environment. Its significance to our city and its residents should not be undervalued. The use of Walk on Wilshire has become established, and most people who frequent it are unaware that it might be closed. I urge you not to dismantle this beloved place, which has become an integral part of Fullerton.

Anjali Tapadia: Please keep the walk on Wilshire pedestrianized as it currently is. The public and businesses overwhelmingly support it, as shown by a city survey and a petition with hundreds of supporters. Keeping it pedestrianized sets a great example and has overwhelming public support. I urge the City Council to support the Walk on Wilshire in line with the wishes of the community and business members of the City of Fullerton, whose sales tax drives our economy. If it’s dismantled, we will never get it back.

Saskia: I’m here as a resident, and I support the WoW. Part of the reason is that we desperately need money in the city. And I think that closing it off and advertising it as a walk would benefit the city as a draw to other people. I think it would be a fantastic space for families and teenagers to come from all over the place to hang out. And there’s not really any open space close to restaurants like this. That is a safe space to just walk around and go shopping without having to cross the streets. I think it benefits everybody, and I advocate for it.

Carl Frederickson: I’ve lived in Fullerton for almost three years, choosing to settle downtown because it’s walkable, safe, and pedestrian-friendly. I agree with previous comments about WoW. Fullerton residents have indicated in the city survey that this space is highly desired.

The closure of streets permanently benefits businesses and residents. The WoW is a public space, and the renovations have cost $90,000. We expect to bring in over $40,000 per year from businesses. The cost of closing the Walk on Wilshire and turning it back into a street is a concern. It is not a responsible action to start a project and then suddenly shut it down. Walk on Wilshire is a public space with parklets funded by local businesses. Like our summer markets, July 4th celebrations, and First Night events, we can convert it into a more open park. This is not an overreach when it is what the community wants.

During the last testimony, Council members Whittaker, Zara, and Charles expressed their belief that Walk on Wilshire has not harmed any local businesses. They also suggested that shutting down Locomotion now could prevent Fullerton from becoming a destination city. We are currently mobilizing hundreds of residents, as well as dozens of flowers and small businesses, some of which are located directly on WoW, while many others are downtown or elsewhere in our city.

Most local businesses support keeping pedestrian walkways permanently, believing it’s good for business and revitalizing the downtown area. They fear that closing the walkways would lead to a bleak future for Fullerton due to many empty storefronts.

Diego: “I should be unmuted now. Can you all hear me? My name is Diego Garcia. I live in the third district of Fullerton, and I’m 18 years old. I’ve been using the Wilshire walkway since I was three, and I’ll be voting for the first time in the next election. I just wanted to comment on the Wilshire walkway issue because I’ve enjoyed that space during the quarantine.”

I’ve had great experiences shopping and eating there with my family. I was disappointed to hear about the consideration of ending it. It’s great for businesses and a wonderful space for people. I’d be really happy to see WoW continue.

Public Safety

Jamie Valencia: I live in District 4. In light of the tragic circumstances involving the use of less-lethal beanbags at McDonald’s, I am advocating for the Chief of Police to consider implementing a pilot program using electronic lassos. Additionally, with the unfortunate police pursuit-related deaths in LA, it may be worthwhile to explore an early warning system in collaboration with wireless companies. This system could alert drivers about incoming police pursuits for their safety.

Infrastructure and Walk on Wilshire

Zee: I would like to thank the road engineer and the resurfacing workers for their work on Gilbert St. The improvements on the road have been noticeable. I believe the resurfacing work should be completed from Orangethorpe down to the 91 freeway.

There was a contract with a sunset date with the business owners, which seems to have expired. Councilman Whitaker proposed a three-month extension, possibly to help the businesses transition. I suggest that the businesses consider applying through the Planning Commission, as the new owners of Angelo and Vinci’s property did. After speaking with some entrepreneurs, it’s important to understand the risks and challenges that business owners face daily. When a business is affected by a closure, it impacts the livelihood of the owner and their employees. While I understand that some may not be aware of the challenges business owners face, it’s important to respect the terms of the agreement. Another option to consider could be temporarily closing the street on certain days to allow street restaurants to set up and operate. This can be a viable compromise to address the concerns of the business owners while still adhering to the agreement.

Advocating for the Unhoused

Curtis Gamble: Recommends: – Fullerton City Lights Apartments and Fullerton Navigation Center partner with Illumination Foundation Medical respite and recuperative care. – The Cash App card is a free Visa debit card that allows community funding to pay for various expenses. – Emergency shelters for the homeless provide housing on a first-come, first-served basis with a 6-month limit. – Illumination Foundation aims to provide temporary low-barrier emergency shelter beds using tiny homes. – Efforts are being made to reopen the Safe RV Parking program within a gated community parking lot operating 24/7. – Legislation proposes establishing RV parks for those living in RVs, utilizing state housing funds. – Curtis Gamble vs. the City of Fullerton pertains to rapid rehousing units providing alternative housing solutions. – Movable tiny homes for rapid rehousing units cost between $25,000 and $65,000 each. – Proposal for a safe RV parking program at a designated location with over 200 parking spaces and amenities.

Walk on Wilshire & PFAS in the Water

Maureen Milton: The discussion about Walk on Wilshire was excellent. I’ve been walking there for a long time and have been discussing ideas with others to improve it for the mobility-challenged participants and make it easier for people to get from one side of Wilshire to the other. What is the Transportation Advisory Board? Additionally, I, like everyone else who receives coupons in the mail, received a warning about PFAS in our water. I recall Councilman Whitaker and Zahra discussing this issue in the past, and I’m unsure if we are in a danger zone. Is the flyer meant to be alarming, or is it something we should genuinely be concerned about in our area?

Street Sweeping

Director Bise said, “This item continues our previous discussion regarding street sweeping operations and parking enforcement alternatives.”

The City Street Sweeping program has been in operation for over 40 years. It was managed in-house until 2019 when it was outsourced to Sweeping Corp of America (SCA). The current operation includes 3 sweepers working every week. Street sweeping is essential for compliance with stormwater regulations. It helps eliminate debris, oils, and pollutants from entering the stormwater system. However, when vehicles are parked in the sweeper’s path, streets are not properly cleaned. To address this issue, parking enforcement for street sweeping was initiated in 2023 to improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Citation activity: Over 12 months before enforcement, the City issued an average of 1300 monthly tickets starting on August 23. With the commencement of citywide enforcement, we saw an increase in citations from August to September. Followed by a city decrease in the following months. Over the last six months, the city has issued an average of approximately 3000 monthly citations. The decrease in citations and resident calls indicates residents are progressively complying with St. Sweeping parking restrictions.

“A heat map displayed the concentration of street sweeping citations, with red areas indicating higher concentration in the city’s denser areas. The options presented in the last council meeting were: current weekly sweeping with parking enforcement, alternative one: weekly sweeping without parking enforcement, alternative two: biweekly sweeping with or without enforcement, and alternative three: alternating sides of the street sweeping with or without parking enforcement.”

The alternative to the city manager’s recommendation is biweekly street sweeping with alternating sides of the street and enforcement. To implement this, we need to work with our sweeping contractor to create a new citywide routing schedule, considering trash collection and school drop-off/pick-up times. This change is estimated to lead to a 23% decrease in the sweeping contractor’s annual cost. Additionally, there would be a one-time cost of approximately $350,000 for sign replacements. If this alternative is chosen, we would maintain weekly sweeping, cease enforcement, establish a new contract with SCA or another contractor, install new signs, and start the new operation with enforcement around the summer of 2025. After implementing the plan, the City Manager suggests giving warnings for the first month before issuing citations.

Mayor Dunlap proposed choosing item 4 and suspending enforcement immediately. The mayor pro tem seconded the motion. Councilmember Charles agreed with the city manager’s suggestion to conduct an audit to determine whether the every-other-week system will be effective.

Director Bise responded to a question from Charles about the environmental impact of sweeping every other week. “From an environmental standpoint, more debris is going into the storm drain system than there was with the weekly sweeping. Additionally, were you aware that the state of California was fining the city of Montclair $10,000 every day for their ineffective street sweeping?”

Councilmember Bruce Whitaker said, “I’ve long agreed with the caller who talked about sometimes minimal benefit from weekly St. sweeping. So, going bi-weekly really makes sense to me, and the fact that it still keeps us in compliance is fine as well. Simpler is usually better; a simpler program is understandable, fair, and equitable for all. So, for that reason, I actually favor alternative #2. My only hesitation on that is that it’s being defined as a source of revenue for cities, and I don’t like that mercenary concept, but the idea of getting enforcement to keep us in compliance to me, the greatest amount of savings and the simplest program is alternative #2.

Councilmember Dr Ahmad Zahra said, “The issue started with residents wishing to follow the law and move their cars, but they have nowhere to move them. In our densely populated neighborhoods, residents often find business employees parking in their area, making it difficult to comply with street cleaning regulations. Implementing alternate side parking would ensure that at least one side of the street is free for parking during the day, as more people are at work and spaces are likely to be available. It’s important to understand that the challenge isn’t about people refusing to move their cars, but rather the lack of available parking spaces for compliance.”

Option 4 passed 3/2.

Ad Hoc Finance Committee Formation

The agenda for tonight’s meeting includes a proposal to establish an ad hoc Finance Committee to review city financial and economic matters. If approved, the committee will consist of five Fullerton residents appointed by City Council members. Subject to staff direction, the committee will present its recommendations during the early 2025/26 budget planning process. Recruitment for committee members will commence if the proposal is approved.

Charles said that creating an ad hoc committee is crucial for identifying long-term revenue sources for our city. Several areas are considering implementing tax measures in the upcoming 2024 election cycle. Understanding the community’s willingness to contribute funds is essential for finding long-term solutions to budgetary challenges.

Charles mentioned that other cities are already considering putting sales tax measures on the ballot. The committee aims to take a comprehensive and broad-ranging view of various options to present to a future council. This might include considering an increase in sales tax and taking a holistic view of the budget to make adjustments and recommendations that could potentially save money in other areas.

Whitaker stated that he has no objections to the formation of the committee. However, he emphasized that the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Committee has proposed some effective suggestions in the past that were not implemented. It would be regrettable to establish another committee without taking their valuable suggestions into account.

Dunlap said, “I think the reality is that this committee work should actually be completed by staff. In some cases, previous commissions have made recommendations to the council, and for various reasons, the council has chosen to approve or make modifications before approval. I don’t really see the need for this Commission, especially considering the city’s limited resources in terms of staff and staff time. The idea that we’re going to create a new committee with additional meetings, reporting requirements, and staff commitment to try to move forward and put together a plan that, in my view, should be driven by staff and the council seems unnecessary. This would lead to unnecessary government growth, which I do not support. I will not be supporting it.”

Zahra expressed some uncertainty about the matter because he believes the council should decide it. He mentioned that there are ways to gather public input through the ballot and previous surveys. While Zahra agrees that some decisions should be council-driven, he also acknowledges the input from the Infrastructure Commission in the past. Ultimately, he believes the outcome will likely involve the need for additional tax revenue. He also wanted to continue the conversation, even though he referenced an Arabic saying about endless debates. Despite this, Zahra decided to support the matter and see what happens.

Charles suggested that the committee should be named the Fiscal Sustainability Committee. She mentioned that cities such as Placentia are ahead in the process. However, Placentia underwent this process before the pandemic and eventually implemented a sales tax increase. I am willing to consider the possibility that we might not need a sales tax increase, as there is considerable opposition to it. My main concern is that we have a deficit that we are contractually obligated to address over the next few years. Our residents appear to be satisfied with the current level of services we provide, but they also want us to enhance code enforcement and other services. I believe it would be beneficial to tap into the expertise and resources within Fullerton. There are untapped resources in our city, and I believe we can come up with innovative ideas to address our challenges. I am open to exploring new ideas, such as implementing efficiencies or productivity improvements, similar to what Placentia did by creating its own fire department, which resulted in significant cost savings. I see this committee as a platform for generating and considering alternative ideas.

The item passed 3/2.

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