Summary

City of Orange Council (Jan 27, 2026) — Kratom ban adopted; Plaza bollards and lighting approved; PFAS treatment CEQA exemption adopted

OrangeJan 27, 20263 min read

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Council met Jan. 27, 2026. Closed session convened on existing litigation (John Nelson, et al. v. City of Orange) and labor negotiations; no reportable closed-session actions. Consent Calendar approvals included a tax administration services agreement, two designated library donations ($5,000 and $10,000) and appropriations, adoption of Ordinance No. 20-25, adoption of Ordinance No. 01-26 prohibiting sale/distribution of kratom, receipt of the 2025 Traffic Commission report, and adoption of Resolution No. 11655 exempting the Well 29 PFAS treatment project from CEQA. Council directed staff to proceed with lighting adjustments and installation of bollards at the Orange Plaza (6–1). Finance staff previewed a new finance transparency platform to be launched on the City website. Presentations and recognitions included an OPD life-saving medal and a proclamation honoring Fire Chief Sean deMetropolis.

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Orange City Council

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LaborTransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationCommerceEnvironmentalUtilities

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Key decisions

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Held closed session on existing litigation (John Nelson, et al. v. City of Orange) and labor negotiations with multiple employee organizations; no closed-session reportable actions.
Approved agreement with Hinderliter, DeLlamas & Associates for Business License, Transient Occupancy Tax, and Short-Term Rental administration services; authorized Mayor and City Clerk to execute.
Accepted and appropriated $5,000 in designated donation funds from the Orange Public Library Foundation for literacy program expenses.
Accepted and appropriated $10,000 in designated donation funds from the Carnegie Corporation of New York for furniture/fixtures & equipment.
Adopted Ordinance No. 20-25 (amending sections of Orange Municipal Code Chapter 3.08).
Adopted Ordinance No. 01-26 adding Chapter 9.45 to the Orange Municipal Code to prohibit sale and distribution of kratom products.
Received and filed the City Traffic Commission Activity Report for 2025.
Adopted Resolution No. 11655 finding an exemption from CEQA for the Well 29 PFOA and PFOS Treatment Plants construction and operation.
Directed staff to proceed with Orange Plaza safety modifications: lighting adjustments and installation of enhanced bollards (motion passed 6–1).
Reviewed a demonstration of the new Open Finance Transparency Platform to be launched on the City's website in the coming weeks.

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