Orange meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Orange council to weigh $20 million dealership incentive; historic preservation ordinance on planning commission agenda

The Orange City Council will hold a public hearing Aug. 11 on a proposed Vehicle Incentive Program that could provide up to $1,550,000 per year in rebates to five local dealerships — a total of $20,150,000 over 13 years. The program is contingent on voter approval of a future sales tax measure, and no decision has been made yet. The council will also consider contracts for environmental services, building services, and asphalt repairs, as well as an ordinance updating park smoking and vaping rules.

City Council

The council's Aug. 11 agenda includes the following items, all listed as proposals for consideration:

• **Vehicle Incentive Program** with Mazda of Orange, Selman Chevrolet, Nissan of Orange, Toyota of Orange, and Villa Ford. The program would provide up to $1,550,000 per year in rebates, totaling $20,150,000 over 13 years, contingent on voter-approved sales tax.
• **Agreement with UltraSystems Environmental, Inc.** for $89,540 for environmental and survey services for the Riverdale Avenue Complete Street Project.
• **Second Amendment with Willdan Engineering** for $200,000 for on-call building services.
• **First Amendment with G.M. Sager Construction Co., Inc.** for $135,000 plus a $13,500 contingency for asphalt repairs.
• **Second reading of Ordinance No. 13-26** amending park regulations on smoking and vaping.

The council also discussed potential annexation of county islands within the city's sphere of influence, according to the agenda.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission's Aug. 3 regular meeting was cancelled. Its next meeting is set for Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

On Aug. 17, the commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would replace the current Historic Districts chapter (17.17) with a new Historic Preservation and Cultural Resources chapter, and would replace the Design Review Committee with a new Heritage Commission. The commission will vote on a resolution recommending the City Council adopt the ordinance and will find the action exempt from CEQA under State Guidelines Section 15378. Draft Mills Act Program Guidelines are included as an attachment. The appeal deposit for Planning Commission decisions is listed as $1,000.

Design Review Committee

The Design Review Committee met Aug. 5 to review a draft Historic Preservation Ordinance and approve minutes from previous meetings. No major decisions were scheduled, according to the agenda.

The committee's Aug. 19 regular meeting has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

City Traffic Commission

The City Traffic Commission met Aug. 12 and considered several traffic control items, including:

• Installation of red curb on both sides of the northern driveway serving Esplanade Elementary School.
• Permit parking on both sides of Washington Avenue from Grand Street to Center Street.
• Permit parking on the south side of Almond Avenue from Olive Street to Glassell Street.
• Overnight parking restrictions (2:00 AM to 6:00 AM) on Poplar Street north of Orangewood Avenue and Sequoia Avenue east of Eckhoff Street.
• Recommended changes to posted speed limits on various city streets.

The commission also selected a Chair and Vice Chair for two-year terms.

Orange Public Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet Aug. 17 to consider adopting a new Posting and Distribution of Information Policy. The board will also receive reports from the library director, Friends group, and foundation, and approve minutes from the July 20 meeting.

Coming up

• **Planning Commission** — Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chamber. Public hearing on historic preservation ordinance and Heritage Commission.
• **Orange Public Library Board of Trustees** — Aug. 17, time and location not specified in the agenda. Vote on posting and distribution policy.
• **Design Review Committee** — Next regular meeting Sept. 2, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chamber. (Aug. 19 meeting cancelled.)

All meeting agendas and minutes are available through the city's official channels. The items listed above are proposals under consideration; no final decisions have been made as of this writing.

Orange City Council to weigh $20.15M vehicle incentive program; no decisions made in past two weeks

No decisions were made by Orange city boards in the past two weeks; all recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The most consequential item on upcoming agendas is a proposed vehicle incentive program that could cost up to $20.15 million over 13 years, contingent on voter approval of a sales tax measure.

Recent meetings

Orange City Council (July 28)

The council discussed several service agreements and construction contracts, including:

• A $526,221 contract with R.J. Noble Company, Inc. for Almond Avenue and Collins Avenue street improvements.
• A $71,286 contract with Golden Coast Construction for ten ADA wheelchair access ramps.
• An agreement with the California Highway Patrol for $330,997.68 via the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.
• A five-year contract with Hydroblast for $432,446 for steam cleaning services.
• An agreement with Sagecrest Planning and Environmental for $150,000 for environmental review services.

The meeting also included a closed session regarding the City Manager's performance and property negotiations on N. Batavia St.

Audit Advisory Committee (July 30)

The committee reviewed the results of an Independent Accountants’ Report on Agreed Upon Procedures for Payroll and discussed potential changes to its meeting schedule to provide a recommendation to the City Council.

Planning Commission (August 3)

The regular meeting scheduled for August 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for August 17, 2026, at the same time and location.

Design Review Committee (August 5)

The committee approved minutes from March 4, June 3, and June 17, 2026, and reviewed a draft Historic Preservation Ordinance with attachments. No major decisions were scheduled.

Upcoming meetings

Orange City Council (August 11)

The council will hold a public hearing on a proposed Vehicle Incentive Program with five local dealerships: Mazda of Orange, Selman Chevrolet, Nissan of Orange, Toyota of Orange, and Villa Ford. The program would provide up to $1,550,000 per year in rebates ($20,150,000 over 13 years), contingent on voter-approved sales tax.

The council will also consider consent items including:

• An agreement with UltraSystems Environmental, Inc. for $89,540 for the Riverdale Avenue Complete Street Project environmental and survey services.
• A second amendment with Willdan Engineering for $200,000 for on-call building services.
• A first amendment with G.M. Sager Construction Co., Inc. for $135,000 plus $13,500 contingency for asphalt repairs.
• A second reading of Ordinance No. 13-26 amending park regulations on smoking and vaping.

Additionally, the council will discuss potential annexation of county islands within the city's sphere of influence.

City Traffic Commission (August 12)

The commission will consider several traffic control items, including:

• Installation of red curb on both sides of the northern driveway serving Esplanade Elementary School.
• Permit parking on both sides of Washington Avenue from Grand Street to Center Street.
• Permit parking on the south side of Almond Avenue from Olive Street to Glassell Street.
• Overnight parking restrictions (2:00 AM to 6:00 AM) on Poplar Street north of Orangewood Avenue and Sequoia Avenue east of Eckhoff Street.
• Recommended changes to posted speed limits on various city streets.

The commission will also select a Chair and Vice Chair for two-year terms.

Coming up

• **Orange City Council** – August 11, 2026 (public hearing on vehicle incentive program, consent items, ordinance, annexation discussion).
• **City Traffic Commission** – August 12, 2026 (traffic control items, chair and vice chair selection).

Orange City Council to weigh $1.5M in contracts; commissions consider park, shelter, and library policies

The Orange City Council was scheduled July 28 to consider more than $1.5 million in service agreements and construction contracts, including street improvements on Almond and Collins avenues and ten new ADA wheelchair access ramps. Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published, so the following reflects what was on the agenda rather than confirmed outcomes.

City Council: contracts for streets, ADA ramps, and services

The July 28 City Council agenda listed five contract items:

• **$526,221** with R.J. Noble Company, Inc. for Almond Avenue and Collins Avenue street improvements.
• **$71,286** with Golden Coast Construction for ten ADA wheelchair access ramps.
• **$330,997.68** agreement with the California Highway Patrol via the Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.
• **$432,446** five-year contract with Hydroblast for steam cleaning services.
• **$150,000** agreement with Sagecrest Planning and Environmental for environmental review services.

The meeting also included a closed session on the City Manager's performance and property negotiations on N. Batavia St. No details from closed session are available in the agenda.

Planning Commission: homeless shelter and navigation center rules

On July 20, the Planning Commission was set to hold a public hearing on an ordinance updating homeless shelter regulations and establishing rules for low barrier navigation centers to align with State law. The agenda included proposed Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 16-26 recommending amendments to Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code, a CEQA exemption determination, and approval of July 6, 2026 minutes. Minutes have not yet been published.

Park Planning and Community Events Commission: playground replacement choice

The commission was scheduled July 21 to choose between the Eisenhower Park lower playground or the Hart Park playground for replacement under the FY 2026–27 Playground Equipment Replacement Project. The agenda also included an update on West Side Park and the Community Services Director's report. Minutes are not yet published.

Library Board: policy adoption and leadership selection

The Orange Public Library Board of Trustees was set July 20 to adopt a revised Computer and Internet Use Policy, approve the FY 2026–27 meeting schedule, and select a Chair and Vice Chair for a one-year term starting August 17, 2026. The board also planned to approve June 15, 2026 minutes and receive the Friends of the Orange Public Library report. Minutes are not yet published.

Audit Advisory Committee: payroll report review

On July 30, the Audit Advisory Committee was scheduled to review an Independent Accountants' Report on Agreed Upon Procedures for Payroll and discuss potential changes to its meeting schedule for a recommendation to the City Council. Minutes are not yet published.

Cancelled meetings

The Santiago Creek Commission's July 22 regular meeting was cancelled; its next meeting is October 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The Investment Advisory Committee's July 22 meeting was also cancelled.

Coming up

• **Aug. 5 — Design Review Committee:** Will review a draft Historic Preservation Ordinance and approve minutes from March 4, June 3, and June 17, 2026 meetings.
• **Aug. 17 — Planning Commission:** Next regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, following the cancellation of the August 3 meeting.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Items reflect what was scheduled for consideration, not confirmed decisions. Readers should consult official city records for final outcomes.

Orange City Council to weigh $220,000 for senior housing; Planning Commission takes up shelter rules this week

Orange's City Council and Planning Commission both had items on recent agendas that touch residents' wallets and neighborhoods, but because minutes have not yet been published for either meeting, it is not yet possible to confirm what was actually decided. Here is what was on the agendas.

City Council — July 14

The Orange City Council agenda listed several spending items and an ordinance. Because minutes are not yet available, the following were proposed for consideration, not confirmed as adopted:

• **$220,000 appropriation** for the Orion Senior Housing Apartments Project.
• **$425,000** purchase of medical supplies from Life-Assist, Inc.
• Fire department uniforms and gear purchases: up to **$257,000** from LineGear, Inc. and up to **$157,000** from LN Curtis & Sons.
• **$147,000** agreement with Triad Consulting & System Design Group, L.L.C.
• **Ordinance No. 04-26** regarding maintenance and security standards for unoccupied or abandoned properties.

Residents should watch for the published minutes to confirm which items passed and with what vote tallies.

Planning Commission — July 6

The Planning Commission agenda included two West Chapman Avenue items:

• A **Conditional Use Permit** for beer, wine, and distilled spirits sale at **237 W. Chapman Avenue**.
• A **charter elementary school** proposal for **1937 and 2011 W. Chapman Ave** with up to **864 students**, including construction of two new play areas within an existing parking lot at the school site.

Minutes for this meeting have not been published, so no decision can be confirmed.

Design Review Committee — July 15

The regular Design Review Committee meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for August 5, 2026.

Coming up

Several meetings are scheduled in the next two weeks:

• **Planning Commission — July 20:** Public hearing on an ordinance to update homeless shelter regulations and establish low barrier navigation center rules, in line with State law. The commission will also consider **Resolution No. PC 16-26** recommending amendments to Title 17 of the Orange Municipal Code, determine a CEQA exemption, and approve July 6 meeting minutes.
• **Orange Public Library Board of Trustees — July 20:** The board will consider adopting a revised Computer and Internet Use Policy, set the FY 2026–27 meeting schedule, and select a Chair and Vice Chair for a one-year term starting August 17, 2026. Trustees will also approve June 15 minutes and receive a Friends of the Orange Public Library report.
• **Park Planning and Community Events Commission — July 21:** The commission will choose either the **Eisenhower Park lower playground** or the **Hart Park playground** for replacement under the FY 2026–27 Playground Equipment Replacement Project. The agenda also includes an update on West Side Park and the Community Services Director's report.
• **Santiago Creek Commission — July 22:** Cancelled. Next meeting is October 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
• **Investment Advisory Committee — July 22:** Cancelled.

All recent meeting items listed above came from published agendas only. Once minutes are available, the specific votes and final outcomes can be reported.

Orange City Council weighed massage establishment moratorium; senior housing and fire gear purchases on tap for July 14

The Orange City Council's June 29 meeting agenda included a proposed extension of the city's temporary ban on new and expanded massage establishments, while the Planning Commission on July 6 took up a restaurant liquor license request and a charter school proposal along West Chapman Avenue. Minutes for both meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — June 29

The Council agenda listed an extension of Urgency Ordinance No. 08-26, which would continue the moratorium on opening or expanding massage businesses for over 22 months. The meeting also included a proclamation recognizing the United States Semiquincentennial and a closed-session discussion of existing litigation in the case of Cole McDonough v. City of Orange, et al.

Because only the agenda is available and minutes have not been published, it is not yet possible to confirm whether the moratorium extension was approved or how Council members voted.

Planning Commission — July 6

The Commission agenda featured two significant items on West Chapman Avenue:

• A Conditional Use Permit request for the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits at 237 W. Chapman Avenue, involving a Type 47 alcohol license for a new restaurant.
• A proposal to operate a charter elementary school with up to 864 students at two existing buildings located at 1937 and 2011 W. Chapman Ave. The agenda also included construction of two new play areas within an existing parking lot at the school site.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions can be confirmed.

Design Review Committee — July 1

The July 1 regular session of the Design Review Committee was cancelled.

Coming up — July 14 City Council

The next City Council meeting, scheduled for July 14, carries several items with specific dollar amounts:

• **Senior housing:** An appropriation of $220,000 for the Orion Senior Housing Apartments Project.
• **Fire department medical supplies:** A purchase of $425,000 from Life-Assist, Inc.
• **Fire department uniforms and gear:** Purchases from LineGear, Inc. for up to $257,000 and from LN Curtis & Sons for up to $157,000.
• **Security consulting:** An agreement with Triad Consulting & System Design Group, L.L.C. for $147,000.
• **Property standards:** Ordinance No. 04-26 regarding maintenance and security standards for unoccupied or abandoned properties.

The agenda also references ordinances regarding parking meters.

Coming up — July 15 Design Review Committee

The July 15 Design Review Committee meeting has also been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

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*Note: All recent meeting summaries above are based on agendas only. Minutes have not been published, so no vote tallies or final outcomes are available. Readers can consult the official City of Orange agendas and minutes for authoritative records.*

Orange roundup: Water-turf ban, hotel-tax ballot measure on council agendas; Planning Commission to weigh restaurant liquor license and charter school

City Council — June 23

The Orange City Council agenda for June 23 included several items with direct effects on city spending and services. Because minutes have not yet been published, outcomes and vote tallies are not available; the items below reflect what was scheduled for action.

Agendized items:

• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 10-26, which would ban the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf.
• A resolution to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot expanding and increasing the transient occupancy tax (the hotel tax paid by guests).
• Award of a $597,816 contract to CJ Concrete Construction for annual concrete replacement at various locations.
• Appropriation of $118,334.68 in Public Safety Realignment funding from Orange County, for overtime and supplies.
• Approval of agreements with Archie's Towing and Southside Towing for towing and storage services, including a new fee schedule.

The water-turf ordinance and the hotel-tax ballot measure are the items with the broadest reach for residents: one would set a new rule on how potable water may be used, and the other could change what hotel guests pay if voters approve it in November.

City Council — June 29

The June 29 council agenda included an ordinance extending Urgency Ordinance No. 08-26, the temporary moratorium on opening or expanding massage establishments, for more than 22 months. Also on the agenda: a proclamation recognizing the United States Semiquincentennial, and a closed-session discussion of existing litigation in the case Cole McDonough v. City of Orange, et al.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so whether the moratorium extension was adopted and any closed-session outcomes are not confirmed in the available record.

Design Review Committee — July 1

The regular Design Review Committee session scheduled for July 1, 2026, was cancelled. The next committee meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026.

Coming up

• **Planning Commission — July 6:** The commission is scheduled to review a Conditional Use Permit for beer, wine, and distilled spirits sale at 237 W. Chapman Avenue, and a proposal to operate a charter elementary school with up to 864 students at 1937 and 2011 W. Chapman Ave. The agenda also includes construction of two new play areas within an existing parking lot at the school site.
• **Design Review Committee — July 15:** Next regular session after the July 1 cancellation.

Note: All recent council and committee items above are drawn from agendas; minutes have not yet been published. Vote tallies and final outcomes will be confirmed when minutes become available.

Orange City Council Weighs Outdoor Watering Ban, Hotel Tax Hike as Summer Heats Up

The Orange City Council this week gave initial consideration to a water conservation ordinance that would ban the use of potable water for irrigating non-functional turf, while also advancing a ballot measure that could raise taxes on hotel guests. The actions were on the June 23 agenda, but official vote tallies were not available as of press time because meeting minutes have not yet been published.

Council advances drought rules, November ballot question

At its June 23 meeting, the council held a second reading and potential adoption of Ordinance No. 10-26, which would prohibit using drinking water to irrigate decorative grass areas that serve no recreational purpose. The agenda also called for a vote on a resolution to place a measure before voters in November 2026 that would expand and increase the city’s transient occupancy tax, a charge added to hotel bills.

Separately, the council was scheduled to award a $597,816 contract to CJ Concrete Construction for annual concrete replacement work at various locations around Orange, and to appropriate $118,334.68 in Public Safety Realignment funding from Orange County. That money is slated for overtime and supplies. The council also planned to approve towing and storage service agreements with Archie’s Towing and Southside Towing under a new fee schedule.

Massage moratorium extension considered

On June 29, the council took up a different regulatory matter: extending an urgency ordinance that temporarily bans the opening or expansion of massage establishments. The proposed extension would push the moratorium beyond 22 months. The same meeting included a proclamation recognizing the United States Semiquincentennial and a closed session to discuss existing litigation in the case of Cole McDonough v. City of Orange, et al. No action was reported from the closed session.

Design Review Committee cancels July meeting

The Design Review Committee’s regular meeting scheduled for July 1 was canceled. The committee is next slated to meet July 15.

Coming up

On July 6, the Planning Commission will consider a request for a Type 47 alcohol license at a new restaurant at 237 W. Chapman Avenue. The license would permit the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. Commissioners will also review a proposal to operate a charter elementary school for up to 864 students at two existing buildings at 1937 and 2011 W. Chapman Ave. Plans for the site include construction of two new play areas within an existing parking lot.