Councilperson Dr. Jose Moreno proposes $1 gate tax for the DLR and other venues - Failed a second time, but still very much alive.

[socalifornian]

Here is the big issue Tuesday night, wonder how Dr. Moreno will vote?

Note, I posted this to show WHAT the council is doing currently, NOT to discuss which choice is better, as that discussion should NOT happen here. Thanks in Advance.

Do you want to see Anaheim Ban or Regulate Needle Exchange programs?

The Agenda for the city council meeting on July 14th is out.

The main discussion item is to decide if the city wants to prohibit Syringe/Needle Exchange programs, or instead, regulate them, aka allow at least one with specific rules.

And the council could decide to continue the item to another date.

I am not sure of Councilmember Barnes opinion of the item, but I do know that Councilmember Brandman supports needle exchanges, and does not want to ban them.

Banning them is pretty clear.

Here is the proposed regulations summary from the staff report.
https://local.anaheim.net/docs_agend/questys_pub/26297/26327/26329/26436/26437/Staff Report26437.pdf

>>The ordinance to permit and regulate SEPs includes permitting, operational and location requirements intended to minimize potential impacts to the health, safety and welfare of the public, including the following main components:

 Require a City-issued Regulatory Permit;
 Authorization by State or County, as required by State law;
 Annual renewal of Regulatory Permit;
 Permit SEPs to operate only as an accessory use to a Hospital or Medical Office;
 When operated as an accessory use to a Medical Office, prohibit any SEPs from operating within one thousand (1,000) feet of any elementary and/or secondary school;
 Required reporting of the following statistics to Community Preservation & Licensing Manager on a periodic basis:
 Number of syringes distributed;
 Number of syringes returned/collected;
 Number of referrals made for other services
 Number of law enforcement incidents related to the SEPs
 Require organized weekly cleanups of used syringes;
 Require ID cards for all employees and volunteers, including name, organization name, and Regulatory Permit number;
 Require disposal of syringes in conformance with OSHA standards, and contract with a licensed bio-waste hauling company for disposal;  Implement and maintain syringes collection and disposal procedures approved by Community Preservation & Licensing Manager, which must include:
 Program participants to return used syringes and/or dispose of properly;
 Collect syringe waste in such a manner to minimize direct handling by employees, volunteers and clients;
 Limit distribution to only single use, retractable, smart syringes that utilize barcodes or coloring to easily identify the SEPs;
 Prohibit anyone under the age of 18 to obtain a syringe without a parent/guardian present;
Allow a maximum one-for-one syringe exchange with a maximum of 30 per day, per person;
 Require staff training in the administration and provision of Narcan to reduce potential overdoses;
 Require an Operations Plan including: hours of operation; outreach plan; intake processes that identifies clients information such as birthdate; information about drug of choice, years of injecting, testing history, syringe exchange history, readiness to quit, homelessness and overdose kit history; and
 Provisions to modify suspend or revoke the Regulatory Permit for any violations through an administrative hearing process.<<
Of course, there are 7 members of the city council, plus you can write a public comment to the entire council.

Anyways, that is enough of an example of what type of things I am currently dealing with, along with many other things.

I had some discussions about this a couple of years ago with Dr. Moreno, and it was civil and we agreed on a lot of problem issues when OCNEP tried to set up a program at an Anaheim Park.

I have to give credit that Dr. Moreno is a smart person, but he knows how to play word games, push buttons and rally his followers.

But many of his ideas are just not based in reality, but make good sound bites, and creates wedge issues.

There are times that I appreciate his debates, but many times, he just talks forever to hear his own voice.

Let us know when it’s time to setup Darkbeer signs around Anaheim

 

[Darkbeer1]

Let us know when it’s time to setup Darkbeer signs around Anaheim

Much prefer the behind the scene roles, if I do anything, it will be more than likely the Planning Commission, which is a position you are chosen for, and voted on by the Council, not the public.

 

[el_super]

Cut costs, apply for Federal. State and regional grants and borrow funds. The 1990's bonds are almost paid off, so there is about $140 million a year expected to be available very soon, it was in 5 years pre COVID-19, but even if we have 2 or 3 bad years, we will recover nicely. Plus the Angel Stadium Sale is worth about $300 Million.

Have any of those things happened yet though? Last I remember hearing, they approved a "temporary" budget with a gap around $70 million dollars, and since have not discussed any specific plans for recouping that lost money. Nevermind that the budget was written in the spring, when it was still assumed Disneyland would be up and running by the third quarter, which is seeming less likely now. And wasn't it approved the day before Disney announced they wouldn't be reopening?

Wait, “Dr” Moreno is in cahoots with the union causing all the trouble over Disney reopening?

That's a bit of a mis-characterization. The union (and I'm sure Moreno as well) are simply representing the people they are hired to speak for: The Cast Members.

 

[el_super]

Here is the big issue Tuesday night, wonder how Dr. Moreno will vote?

I'm sorry maybe I missed it... but what does the needle exchange program have to do with Disneyland?

 

[Jedi Stitch]

At today's 3 PM city budget workshop, Dr. Moreno brought up a gate tax for the DLR, Angel Stadium and Honda Center to help deal with projected deficits.

The Mayor pointed out that a proposed gate tax must go through the regular city council approval process first.

Then Dr. Moreno made a bunch of political comments for campaign use.

I presume it will be brought up again at the 5 PM regular City Council Meeting, which will be a long one. Placing Cannabis on the ballot and New housing developments are the big items.

@Darkbeer1 anything is possible at this time in history. Seattle's socialist council woman passed a $100 per employee tax and blatantly called it the Amazon Tax.

 

[mickEblu]

Dr Moreno sounds like a really fun guy.

 

[socalifornian]

 

[Darkbeer1]

@Darkbeer1 anything is possible at this time in history. Seattle's socialist council woman passed a $100 per employee tax and blatantly called it the Amazon Tax.

I know, we know.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Well, the city staff found a way to cut the deficit in half, and covers the $6.5 million give to Visit Anaheim to keep operating.

Federal aid shrinks Anaheim budget gap, but potential $40 million deficit remains

The tourism shutdown delivered a big hit to hotel taxes, the city’s largest source of revenue.

www.ocregister.com

>>Anaheim will receive $30.6 million from the CARES Act, a coronavirus aid package, and while it was designed to cover virus-related costs such as testing, protective equipment and emergency staffing, officials recently learned the money could also reimburse the city for a $15 million local recovery program the City Council approved in March, city spokesman Mike Lyster said.

“Now we believe we can use that funding to basically back fill what we already spent,” he said. “How that helps us is that we used part of our general fund reserves and we used part of the convention center reserves to fund that program.”<<

 

[Darkbeer1]

At the end of tonight's (July 14th) council meeting.

Dr. Moreno tried to have a discussion of a Gate Tax placed on the next agenda. Got a second from Councilmember Barnes, but failed to get a third. So a fail.

But it looks like folks are moving forward on a signature initiative to place it on a special election in April of 2021, of course, a lot has happen before a special election is called, and if it qualified, when will it happen.

 

[Ismael Flores]

One more point.

If the Recall qualifies, expect to see Dr. Moreno on the ballot to replace the Mayor, if the recall is successful.

Disney better get their in gear and try to get approvals on some of the pending projects including that eastern gateway just in case. If they did would they be required to start construction on it or once they have approval can they set a future date for development?

 

[Darkbeer1]

Disney better get their *** in gear and try to get approvals on some of the pending projects including that eastern gateway just in case. If they did would they be required to start construction on it or once they have approval can they set a future date for development?

Basically if you get the Planning Commission/City Council approval, you end up with an expiration date, usually a few years.

It can be done in parts, say the bridge, plaza and transportation hub first.

The Pummba structure can be built by right, as it is part of the original 1990's deal between Disney and the city. So no rush on that part.

 

[Jedi Stitch]

I know, we know.

Well, I was wrong it wasn't $100 it was $275 per person. I have already scene its first casualty. One of my friends, who I have known her since High School, is now in the middle of moving to the San Jose Area. Here employer a certain freshly taxed corporation, is moving her and her family to Cali. I hope Anaheim, takes the time to look into the long effect of any tax or wage increases, as Seattle has not and will feel the sting as Large Corporations move their employees out of Seattle. The wage hike, has forced many of the small business to layoff and reduce employee hours. Many of the servers, are leaving Seattle on their own volition, as they have lost the higher tip income, due to many restaurants just posting a flat 18% gratuity. Many servers are also loosing the incentive to make the dining experience personal, so patrons are finding their evening lackluster, so the return trips are tapering off.

 

[Phroobar]

Well, I was wrong it wasn't $100 it was $275 per person. I have already scene its first casualty. One of my friends, who I have known her since High School, is now in the middle of moving to the San Jose Area. Here employer a certain freshly taxed corporation, is moving her and her family to Cali. I hope Anaheim, takes the time to look into the long effect of any tax or wage increases, as Seattle has not and will feel the sting as Large Corporations move their employees out of Seattle. The wage hike, has forced many of the small business to layoff and reduce employee hours. Many of the servers, are leaving Seattle on their own volition, as they have lost the higher tip income, due to many restaurants just posting a flat 18% gratuity. Many servers are also loosing the incentive to make the dining experience personal, so patrons are finding their evening lackluster, so the return trips are tapering off.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Anaheim to hire away Buena Park’s city manager

James Vanderpool, who has led the neighboring city for eight years, is expected to fill the vacancy left in April when Anaheim council members sought City Manager Chris Zapata’s resignation.

www.ocregister.com

 

[No Name]

Why do @wdwmagic and @The Mom allow explicitly political conversation here? This thread screams in the face of the TOS. If anything should get moved to the Politics and Social Issues subforum, it’s stuff like this.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Why do @wdwmagic and @The Mom allow explicitly political conversation here? This thread screams in the face of the TOS. If anything should get moved to the Politics and Social Issues subforum, it’s stuff like this.

A discussion of the City of Anaheim, at least part of the city, exploring a direct tax on Disneyland doesn't belong in the Disneyland Thread?

Same with the Eastern Gateway.

Same with the DLH DVC Tower, which is about to go in front of the City Council.

Using the "Nextdoor" discussion policy, you can discuss local politics, in this case, ones the directly impact Disneyland and its guests.

 

[No Name]

That makes no sense and there is no nextdoor policy outlined anywhere on the site. Instead it’s clear there’s different standards for people with different opinions.

 

[el_super]

A discussion of the City of Anaheim, at least part of the city, exploring a direct tax on Disneyland doesn't belong in the Disneyland Thread?

What does the Buena Park City Manager have to do with Disneyland?

 

[Darkbeer1]

What does the Buena Park City Manager have to do with Disneyland?

The Buena Park City Manager is becoming the new Anaheim City Manager.

His work on Visit Buena Park will help him with his dealing with Visit Anaheim.

Also his work on Beach Boulevard, Knott's, Etc. translates to the Resort District, which Mr. Vanderpool will have to get back to creating revenues by finding ways to assist the Disneyland Resort.

In Anaheim's form of government, it is the City Manager who is actually the person who runs the city, not the Mayor.