|
|
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS |
|
ORANGE
COUNTY, CALIFORNIA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BOARD
HEARING ROOM, FIRST FLOOR
|
|
|
400 W. Civic Center Drive |
|
|
Santa Ana, California
|
|
|
DOUG CHAFFEE
CHAIR
Fourth District |
|
|
KATRINA
FOLEY VICE CHAIR Fifth
District |
|
|
JANET NGUYEN
SUPERVISOR
First District
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VICENTE
SARMIENTO SUPERVISOR Second
District |
|
DONALD P.
WAGNER SUPERVISOR
Third District
|
ATTENDANCE:All Present
EXCUSED:None
|
PRESENT:
|
COUNTY
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
|
Michelle
Aguirre |
|
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL |
|
Leon
J. Page |
|
|
CLERK
OF THE BOARD |
|
Robin
Stieler |
INVOCATION:Supervisor
Nguyen, First District, gave the invocation
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:Supervisor
Wagner, Third District, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance
I.PRESENTATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS
|
Chair
Chaffee presented a resolution proclaiming March 15-21, 2026
as "National Surveyors' Week" |
|
Chair
Chaffee presented a resolution proclaiming March 2026 as
"Social Worker Month" |
|
Chair Chaffee and Vice
Chair Foley presented a resolution recognizing March 2026 as
"Women's History Month" |
II.CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1-4)
|
23154
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
BOARD
APPOINTMENTS
|
1.
|
Chair Chaffee - Orange
County Workforce Development Board - Reappoint Carlos
Oregon, Aliso Viejo, for term ending 3/9/28 |
OC
PUBLIC WORKS
|
2.
|
Adopt
resolution certifying completion of streets, street lights,
sewer, water, storm drain and monumentation; accepting
easement for street purposes of Ivy Way; making related
findings; and authorizing release of bond securities for Final
Tract Map 19025 - District 5 |
|
|
RESO:
26-014 |
|
3.
|
Approve
Second Amendment to Preliminary Engineering Services
Agreement BF10017480-A-0002 with BNSF Railway Company
for OC Loop Segments O, P and Q Coyote Creek Bikeway Project
($50,500; cumulative total $125,000); and authorize Director
or designee to execute amendment and future amendments under
certain conditions - District 4 |
GENERAL
ADMINISTRATION
|
4.
|
County Executive Office -
Receive
and file Quarterly Information Technology Projects Progress
Report for Second Quarter FY 2025-26 - All Districts |
END
OF CONSENT CALENDAR
III.DISCUSSION ITEMS (Items 5-S17D
ELECTED
DEPARTMENT HEADS
|
5.
|
District Attorney - Approve
appointment of Anne Selin and Barrie Pink as Extra Help
Working Retiree Deputy District Attorneys to perform
critical legal pursuant to Section 7522.56 (f) of the Public
Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 - All Districts |
|
B.O.
|
DELETED |
|
6.
|
Sheriff-Coroner - Approve
contract MA-060-26010390 with Narc Destroyer, LLC dba GAIACA
for purchase of onsite and offsite narcotic and narcotic
paraphernalia destruction services, three-year term
($3,000,000); renewable for two additional one-year terms; and
authorize County Procurement Officer or Deputized designee to
execute contract - District 2 |
|
23154
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
HEALTH
CARE AGENCY
|
7.
|
Approve
continuation of local health emergency by County's Health
Officer issued on 9/20/24 for Trabuco Canyon Airport
Fire and affected areas to facilitate debris and ash removal
as well as mitigation efforts to protect water wells; and set
review to determine need for continuing local health emergency
for 3/24/26, 9:30 a.m. and every 30 days thereafter until
terminated - All Districts (Continued from 9/24/24, Item S37H;
10/8/24, Item 8; 11/5/24, Item 10; 12/3/24, Item 19; 12/17/24,
Item 21; 1/14/25, Item 22; 2/11/25, Item 18; 3/11/25, Item 12;
4/8/25, Item 11; 5/6/25, Item 11; 5/20/25, Item 28; 6/10/25,
Item 1; 6/24/25, Item 54; Special Meeting 7/15/25, Item 1;
8/12/25, Item 34; 9/9/25, Item 18; 9/23/25, Item 18; 10/14/25,
Item 13; 11/4/25, Item 3; 12/2/25, Item 22; 12/16/25, Item 16;
1/13/26, Item 9; 2/10/26, Item 8) |
|
35124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
|
8.
|
Approve
amendment 5 to contract MA-042-22010731 with Abbott
Laboratories Inc. for AlinIQ Inventory Management
System, 3/10/26 - 6/30/27 ($200,000; cumulative total
$823,550); and authorize County Procurement Officer or
Deputized designee to execute amendment - All Districts |
|
53124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
JOHN
WAYNE AIRPORT
|
9.
|
Approve
aggregate contracts MA-280-26010921 with various contractors
for airport construction management - project management
services, 4/9/26 - 4/8/29 (aggregate total $9,000,000); and
authorize Director or designee to execute contracts - District
5 |
|
53124
|
APPROVED AS AMENDED
ADDING JOA GROUP TO THE LIST OF AUTHORIZED FIRMS UNDER THE
AGGREGATE CONTRACT FOR AIRPORT CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT -
PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
|
OC
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
|
10.
|
Approve
amendment 1 to contract MA-012-25011765 with The Corporation
for Supportive Housing for professional and technical
assistance for Housing and Community Development Program, term
ending 6/30/30 ($930,000; cumulative total $1,930,000); and
authorize County Procurement Officer or Deputized designee to
exercise cost contingency increase not to exceed 10% under
certain conditions and execute amendment - All Districts |
|
53124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
OC
PUBLIC WORKS
|
11.
|
Award
contract MA-080-25011681 to PALP, Inc. dba Excel Paving
Company for Barrett Lane Drainage and Sidewalk
Improvements Project, 249-day term ($5,378,598); authorize
Director or designee to execute contract; and make California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption findings under CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15302 - District 3 |
|
35124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
GENERAL
ADMINISTRATION
|
12.
|
County Counsel - Approve
continuation of Local Emergency for the Airport Fire; and
order review to determine need for continuing local
emergency for 5/5/26, 9:30 a.m. and every 60 days thereafter
until terminated - All Districts (Continued from 9/10/24, Item
S22I; 11/5/24, Item 17; 12/17/24, Item 27; 2/11/25, Item 23;
4/8/25, Item 20; 5/20/25, Item 75; 6/24/25, Item 64; 8/12/25,
Item 44; 9/23/25, Item 26; 11/18/25, Item 21; 1/13/26, Item
20) |
|
53124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
|
|
County
Executive Office: |
|
13.
|
Approve
recommended positions on introduced or amended legislation
and/or consider other legislative subject matters - All
Districts |
|
B.O.
|
DELETED |
|
14.
|
Approve
grant applications/awards submitted by County Executive
Office, Health Care Agency, OC Community Resources, and
Sheriff-Coroner in 3/10/26 grant report and other actions as
recommended - All Districts |
|
53124
|
APPROVED
AS RECOMMENDED
|
|
15.
|
Approve
contract CT-017-26010499 with Sedgwick Claims Management
Services, Inc. for Inbound Worker's Compensation
Application Programming Interface from Internal Safety System,
effective upon execution, one-year term ($16,200); and
authorize County Procurement Officer or Deputized designee to
execute contract - All Districts |
|
35124
|
APPROVED
AS RECOMMENDED
|
|
16.
|
Approve
proposed response to FY 2025-26 Grand Jury Report "A Breach
of Public Trust in Orange County" - All Districts |
|
34125
|
APPROVED
AS RECOMMENDED
|
|
17.
|
Receive
and file 2026 Women and Girls of Orange County Report - All
Districts |
|
|
RECEIVED
AND FILED
|
OC
WASTE & RECYCLING
|
S17A.
|
Continued
consideration of Measure C-E1 of Climate Action Plan from
2/24/26, Agenda Item 21 (Continued from 1/27/26, Item 7;
2/10/26, Item 21, 2/24/26, Item 21) - All Districts |
|
53124
|
DELETED |
GENERAL
ADMINISTRATION
|
S17B.
|
Supervisor Sarmiento - Orange
County Development Processing Review Committee - Appoint
Todd Cottle, Santa Ana, for term concurrent with 2nd
District Supervisor's term of office |
|
B.O.
|
DELETED |
|
S17C.
|
Supervisor Wagner - Approve
sponsorship of various nonprofit entities from Third
District events funds; approve addition or revision of
events to FY 2025-26 County Events Calendar; make related
findings under Government Code Section 26227; and authorize
Auditor-Controller to make related payments |
|
31254
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
|
S17D.
|
County Executive Office -
Reappoint
Denah Hoard as Executive Director of Campaign Finance and
Ethics Commission; approve amendment 5 to agreement for
employment, 4/10/26 - 4/7/28 ($225,139 annual salary with
estimated total compensation $357,517 including benefits) -
All Districts |
|
35124
|
APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED |
IV.PUBLIC HEARINGS (None)
V.CLOSED SESSION (Items CS-1-SCS6)
GENERAL
ADMINISTRATION
|
CS-1.
|
County Executive Office -
CONFERENCE
WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR - Pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6 |
|
B.O.
|
DELETED |
|
|
County
Counsel: |
|
SCS2.
|
CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): |
|
B.O.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A PROPOSED
$450,000 SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF EMILY MONCUR V.
COUNTY OF ORANGE, ET AL.IN
THIS CASE, THE PLAINTIFF WAS SERVING AS A VOLUNTEER AT THE
OC ANIMAL SHELTER AND WAS BITTEN BY A DOG AND SUFFERED
SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURIES.THE
SETTLEMENT APPROVED TODAY IS SUBJECT TO THE FINAL APPROVAL
OF OTHERS.WHEN THE
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IS FINALIZED, COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT
WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OFFICE OF CEO-RISK
MANAGEMENT TO ANY PERSON WHO INQUIRES. |
|
SCS3.
|
CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): |
|
B.O.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A PROPOSED
$225,000 SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF E.M. V. COUNTY OF
ORANGE.IN THIS CASE,
PLAINTIFF ALLEGES THAT SHE WAS ABUSED BY A FOSTER PARENT
AND THAT THE SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY AND ADVANTAGE FOSTER
FAMILY AGENCY (AFFA) FAILED TO PERFORM THEIR RESPECTIVE
MANDATORY DUTIES.THE
SETTLEMENT APPROVED TODAY IS SUBJECT TO THE FINAL APPROVAL
OF OTHERS AND CONTEMPLATES AN EQUAL CONTRIBUTION FROM
AFFA.WHEN THE
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IS FINALIZED, COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT
WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OFFICE OF CEO-RISK
MANAGEMENT TO ANY PERSON WHO INQUIRES. |
|
SCS4.
|
CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): |
|
B.O.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: THE BOARD TOOK NO REPORTABLE ACTION.THE
BOARD GAVE DIRECTION TO COUNSEL.
|
|
SCS5.
|
CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): |
|
B.O.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: THE BOARD TOOK NO REPORTABLE ACTION.THE
BOARD GAVE DIRECTION TO COUNSEL.
|
|
SCS6.
|
CONFERENCE
WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - Pursuant to
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1): |
|
B.O.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A PROPOSED
$400,000 SETTLEMENT IN THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION CASE BRAD
HUNTER V. COUNTY OF ORANGE.IN
THIS CASE, THE APPLICANT IS A RETIRED DEPUTY SHERIFF WHO
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER.THE
SETTLEMENT APPROVED TODAY IS SUBJECT TO THE FINAL APPROVAL
OF OTHERS.WHEN THE
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT IS FINALIZED, COPIES OF THE AGREEMENT
WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OFFICE OF CEO-RISK
MANAGEMENT TO ANY PERSON WHO INQUIRES. |
|
.
|
COUNTY
COUNSEL READ: FINALLY, WITH RESPECT TO THE CASES OF
SHABNUM AZIZI V. COUNTY OF ORANGE, ORANGE COUNTY SUPERIOR
COURT CASE NO. 30-2022-01232544, AND MALLORY MILLER V.
COUNTY OF ORANGE, ORANGE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO.
30-2022-01252436, CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD IN CLOSED
SESSION ON FEBRUARY 24, 2026, AS SCS-4, I CAN REPORT THAT
THE PLAINTIFFS IN THESE CASES HAVE ACCEPTED THE COUNTY'S
$925,000 SETTLEMENT OFFERS.IN
THESE MATTERS, THE PLAINTIFFS ALLEGED THAT THEY SUFFERED
SEXUAL HARASSMENT BY FORMER SENIOR ASSISTANT DISTRICT
ATTORNEY GARY LOGALBO.THE
SETTLEMENT OFFERS ACCEPTED BY THE PLAINTIFFS WERE APPROVED
BY THE BOARD IN CLOSED SESSION ON FEBRUARY 24, 2026, ON A
VOTE OF 3 TO 2, WITH CHAIRMAN CHAFFEE, SUPERVISOR
SARMIENTO, AND SUPERVISOR FOLEY VOTING YES, AND SUPERVISOR
WAGNER AND SUPERVISOR NGUYEN VOTING NO.THE
TWO SETTLEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE FINAL APPROVAL OF
OTHERS.WHEN THE
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS ARE FINALIZED, COPIES OF THE
AGREEMENTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE OFFICE OF
COUNTY COUNSEL TO ANY PERSON WHO INQUIRES. |
VI.
PUBLIC, BOARD, CEO COMMENTS & ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
|
Dr. Richard Afable -
Oral re: Emphasized his commitment to improving mental
healthcare in the region and highlighted his background as a
former CEO of local hospitals and current chair of Mind OC;
recounted the formation of Mind OC in 2019; current state of
the Orange campus is underutilized due to insurance
restrictions; urged the Board to remove access barriers, open
the facilities to all patients, and enhance collaboration
between Mind OC and the Health Care Agency to maximize the
facilities potential |
|
Steve Rocco - Oral re:
Inscription "Equal Justice under the Law" at the U.S. Supreme
Court and refusing to hear cases; references to historical
events suggesting a lack of representation; law enforcement
and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) failing to provide
meaningful assistance; distrust in government and officials
misusing public funds; community will take matters into their
own hands if officials do not fulfill their responsibilities |
|
Rabbi Rick Steinberg -
Oral re: Advocated for the urgent opening of a new mental
health treatment campus in Irvine including community
collaboration, personal credentials and highlighted the
immediate need for services; urged the Board to collaborate
with BeWell to expedite the campus opening and to take action
by cutting bureaucratic obstacles |
|
Dr. Adrienne Matros -
Oral re: Emphasized the critical need for mental health
services for children in Orange County; shared statistics,
current demands, and the underserved population; urged the
Board to prioritize mental health and to approve the opening
of the Be Well campus to save lives and improve the
community's mental health landscape |
|
Crystal Miles - Oral re:
Shared updates on Orange County's Older Adults Advisory
Commission (OAAC) recent progress and initiatives; highlighted
achievements over the past year noted in their annual report,
and discussed goals, objectives and public outreach; thanked
the dedication of the commissioners, the leadership of the
Office on Aging, and the County staff for their support and
partnership |
|
William Wong - Oral re:
Focusing on the evolving challenges faced by older adults in
Orange County and is a member of the OAAC and a resident of
Irvine; noted residents are living longer than previous
generations which poses significant challenges for the
County's infrastructure; housing insecurity as older adults on
fixed incomes are vulnerable to rising costs; commission has
prioritized a home share initiative which matches homeowners
with responsible tenants; housing models need to align with
the reality of longer life spans to support older adults
effectively |
|
Rachel Owens - Oral re:
Resident of Irvine and current chair of the OAAC; commission
has approved goals that align with the Orange County Master
Plan for Aging; expressed efforts to improve the Office on
Aging's monthly newsletter, expand email subscriptions, and
enhance outreach through various channels like senior centers,
faith-based organizations, libraries, and social media;
requested full funding for a public information campaign to
enhance outreach, update the website, and to distribute the
Master Plan on Aging resource guide, emphasizing the
importance of raising awareness about existing programs and
resources |
|
Dr. Lily Carey - Oral
re: Program Director of the UCI Families of Children Under
Stress (FOCUS) program, emphasizing the urgent need for
support in light of a looming public health crisis affecting
children’s mental health; highlighted the program's focus on
mental healthcare for children who have suffered from sexual
abuse and the program's impending closure at the end of June
after 32 years of service; shared alarming statistics,
discussed collaboration with Orange County, treatment
shortfalls, long-term care, specialized services and warned
that closing the clinic would eliminate a safeguard for
vulnerable children and disrupt ongoing support for families
in crisis; urged the Board for immediate support to help
protect the focus on caring for their patients, their
families, and the broader community |
|
Dr. Anju Hurria - Oral
re: Associate Training Director for the Child Psychiatry
Fellowship Program at UCI; addressed the importance of the
FOCUS Program; highlighted specialized treatments during
childhood significantly reduce long-term mental health issues
and positively alter the trajectory of affected individuals;
training future professionals to gain critical experience
treating complex trauma in underserved populations; warned
that potential funding cuts to the FOCUS Program would have
serious repercussions for both the families it serves and the
future mental health workforce in the region, and urged the
Board to recognize the impact of the FOCUS program and to
ensure continued funding for this vital community resource |
|
Dr. Alfonso Vera - Oral
re: Second-year child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at UCI
Medical Center, shared insights from his training and the
urgent need for mental health support for vulnerable children;
reinforcing the necessity of prioritizing child mental health
as one of the most meaningful ways to protect and serve
vulnerable populations in the community through programs such
as FOCUS |
|
Dr. Marta Orozco - Oral
re: Therapist at the FOCUS Program; shared her experience and
insights from her 26 years at the clinic and highlighted her
long tenure at FOCUS; emphasized the program is well-designed
and successfully supports families in various aspects of their
lives; urged the Board to consider the significant loss that
would affect victims and families if the FOCUS Clinic were to
close, emphasizing the broader community impact |
|
Dr. Stacy Aruizu - Oral
re: Clinician at the FOCUS Clinic; emphasized the critical
role of the clinic for children who have survived abuse;
shared anecdotes of children returning after years and
recalling their experiences, showing the strong connection
they have with the clinic; urged the Board to imagine the
emotional turmoil of a child who has just begun to trust
again, only to find that their safe space is disappearing;
reminded the Board that the children who rely on the program
do not have a voice in the room, urging them to remember these
vulnerable children when making future decisions. |
|
Greg Arrowsmith - Oral
re: The importance of the Brown Act of 1953, which mandates
local government agencies in California to be transparent with
taxpayers; Chad Bianco's Campaign, California's Economic
Rankings, Fiscal Stability and California's Economy;
highlighted the need to assess California's ability to provide
tools for success, including economic mobility, education
access and quality of life; advocated for a leader to improve
California's financial performance and enhance the quality of
life for taxpayers; follow up by County Counsel regarding the
California Brown Act and the right to speak |
|
Dr. Somin Lim - Oral re:
Resident of Orange and a representative of various psychiatric
organizations; advocated for continued funding for the FOCUS
Program which supports families of children under stress;
importance of community-based care, FOCUS Program’s impact and
training future physicians; urged the Board to continue
funding for the FOCUS Program and thanked them for their
commitment to the well-being of children and families in the
community |
|
Kayla Sotelo - Oral re:
Resident of Mission Viejo; shared her personal story,
mentioning the loss of her sister Amber to substance use
disorder in 2020 while waiting for access to treatment, and
noted her mother Karen's struggles with addiction; expressed
her commitment to honoring her sister and mother's memory;
emphasized the necessity for facilities like Be Well to be
accessible to everyone, regardless of insurance type; urged
the Board to listen to the voices of those who have lost loved
ones and those who are fighting for a better future,
emphasizing that the community deserves timely access to these
critical resources; reiterated the need to ensure no one has
to wait for the care they deserve, emphasizing the promise
made to the community |
|
Kate - Oral re: Shared
insights from a recent meeting in Riverside where Clint
Curtis, the Shasta County Registrar of Voters, spoke about
their County's successful election process including
successful hand count, community engagement and efficient
procedures; suggested inviting Clint Curtis to present how to
improve election processes and proposed reconsidering the
Voter's Choice Act and eliminating mail-in ballots; urged the
Board to take action based on the successful methods employed
by Shasta County to enhance Orange County's election integrity
|
|
Bryan
Kaye - Oral re: Frustration regarding representation and
ongoing legal issues; criminal complaint filed against
him by Supervisor Foley; urged the Supervisors to consider the
consequences of their statements and actions; call for
recognition and resolution, urging the Board to move past
their grievances |
|
Nick Kolev - Oral re:
Raised serious concerns about the legal and ethical
implications of a "secret database" in Orange County;
expressed frustration over prolonged legal process; claimed
many power conflicts in the County are influenced by a secret
database involving Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas and
Mayor Miguel Pulido; former District Attorney Tony Rackauckas
and investigators in Santa Ana and Sheriff Michael Corona and
allegations related to his son; worried that children are
being affected by Artificial Intelligence and data collection;
asserted that as long as the secret database exists, resolving
systemic issues will remain impossible |
|
Eileen McDermott - Oral
re: Election integrity concerns, allegations against
officials, expressed disappointment in the Board’s failure to
protect vulnerable populations; criticized the handling of the
COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that masks were ineffective and
vaccines did not provide the promised protection; raised
concerns about issues like abortion, euthanasia and human
trafficking; stated community will not forget the actions of
the officials and warned that they would face public outrage |
|
Heidi Zimmerman - Oral
re: Founder and President of the Oma's Angel Foundation;
concerns about the conditions in Orange County shelters;
currently involved in litigation regarding the inhumane
conditions in shelters; friend and client, Michael, who is
prone to seizures has faced significant challenges within the
shelter system; shelter system is broken and ineffective and
detailed specific grievances filed against the Volunteers of
America; requested guidance on how to address the situation
and requested a new case manager for Michael; asked the Board
to contact her and help her find a way forward in fixing the
broken shelter system, emphasizing the urgency of saving
Michael's life |
BOARD
COMMENTS:
|
Chair Chaffee - Oral re:
Anticipates detailed discussion regarding the forensic audit
report at the next Board meeting including the number of
contracts and the potential for cost recovery; hopes the
District Attorney is thoroughly assessing the forensic report
for actionable insights; announced District 4 Future Leaders
Program to be held June 6 - June 27, with applications due by
April 9 which aims to provide future leaders with knowledge
about county operations and potential career paths; invited
everyone to attend Fourth District's Kids Fishing Derby on
Saturday, March 14 at Carbon Canyon Regional Park,
registration opens at 7:00 a.m. and fishing derby is from 8:00
a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Orange County Employees Association will be
providing free hot dogs, chips and drinks; acknowledged the
success of the elder fraud prevention event in Anaheim,
featuring presentations from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) and Postal Service; thanked OC Parks for
hosting annual staff retreat at Santiago Oaks Regional Park;
Women’s Commission flyer has a QR code for accessing the full
report |
|
Vice Chair Foley - Oral
re: Provided a detailed discussion about the findings of the
Weaver and Tidwell audit related to the County of Orange,
focusing on the actions of former Supervisor Andrew Do,
including misuse of power and awarding contracts to family and
friends and the organization Mind OC, County's commitment to
transparency and reform in procurement processes, emphasized
the importance of taxpayer trust; Mind OC failed to deliver
promised services and for not cooperating with the County, and
was found to have performance deficiencies; Mind OC was
profiting significantly from county-funded services and County
terminated the lease due to Mind OC's failure to comply with
agreements; requested Mind OC provide access to the facilities
to enable the County to deliver mental health services
effectively and stressed the urgency of resolving these issues
for the benefit of the community; expressed disappointment of
speakers comments and emphasized the need for collaboration to
move forward; invited everyone to attend a Town Hall on
'Senior Supports' at the Rancho Mission Viejo Guest House
Facility in Rancho Mission Viejo on March 26, 2pm, Dana Point
Harbor Revitalization Town Hall at Coffee Importers in Dana
Point on March 30, 6pm, and Celebration for Women's History
Month "Women Making a Difference Awards" at Strawberry Farms,
Irvine on March 29, 10 am |
|
Supervisor Sarmiento -
Oral re: Forensic audit by the Weaver firm confirmed
suspicions of corruption within former Supervisor Andrew Do's
office, dating back to 2019; bullying tactics and a culture of
corruption allowing him to benefit his family and friends at
the expense of county residents and the presence of complicit
individuals who either ignored or facilitated these corrupt
actions was noted; Board sought an independent auditor to
assess the illegal conduct, which led to Do’s current
incarceration and audit report is now available on the
County's website and will be presented at the March 24
meeting, detailing findings and recommendations; audit
highlighted the necessity for stronger ethics reforms and
whistleblower protections for County employees; County auditor
will provide updates on internal audits and a thorough review
of ethics policies; expressed accountability should apply to
all levels and called for all involved in corruption to be
held accountable; CalOptima approved $10 million capital grant
funding to support housing and services for Medi-Cal members
experiencing homelessness; attended the SoCal Soho festival in
Santa Ana, celebrating cultural diversity and community spirit
and expressed gratitude for the community's engagement and the
celebration of cultural diversity |
|
Supervisor Nguyen - Oral
Re: Discussed forensic audit of former Supervisor Andrew Do's
contracts from 2019 to 2024 that highlights significant issues
regarding the spending of taxpayer dollars; report reveals a
"pay-to-play” environment and confirms long-held suspicions
about corruption within Do’s office; audit examined contracts
totaling $486.2 million and Do's actions have led to
significant procurement problems, misconduct, and bullying
tactics; provided examples of misconduct including County
staff were pressured to make advance payments to vendors
without proper invoices, threats made against staff members
regarding approvals for payments and funds were allegedly
concealed, and sub vendors were hired based on connections to
Do and his family; concerns with 360 Covid Clinic billing,
accountability and the management of patient records;
emphasized the need for ongoing investigations by the
Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Attorney General, District Attorney, and other relevant
agencies into the misconduct uncovered and surged action on
ongoing cases, particularly Peter Pham; acknowledged the
efforts of the auditing team and expressed commitment to
examining the report thoroughly, and highlighted initiatives
for procurement reforms and the importance of understanding
past actions to prevent future issues; reaffirmed the Board's
commitment to transparency, accountability, and reform within
the county, emphasizing the need for closure on these issues
for the benefit of the community; noted UC Irvine’s item will
be on the agenda in April
|
COUNTY
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMENTS:
|
None |
ADJOURNED:2:27 P.M.
***KEY***
|
Left
Margin Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
1.
= Supervisor Nguyen |
A.=Abstained |
|
2. = Supervisor Sarmiento |
X.=Excused |
|
3. = Supervisor Wagner |
N.=No |
|
4. = Supervisor Chaffee |
BO=Board Order |
|
5. = Supervisor Foley |
|
|
|
|
|
ORD.= Ordinance |
|
|
RESO. = Resolution |
|
Above
numbers refer to Supervisorial Districts (1st number = Moved by; 2nd
number = Seconded by)
/s/
|
Doug
Chaffee |
/s/
|
Robin
Stieler |