6:00 PM | Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Council Chambers at City Hall

April 17th, 2025

A crowd of more than 125, mostly Old Towne residents, attended the OTPA State of Old Towne Forum to hear President Rob Boice pose questions on key issues facing the City of Orange. The panel featured Mayor Dan Slater, Councilmember Arianna Barrios, City Manager Tom Kisela, City Treasurer Garrett Smith, Police Chief Adam Jevec, and Chapman University Vice President of Community Relations Alisa Driscoll.

Many questions focused on the City’s financial crisis, which has been exacerbated by the defeat of the proposed sales tax increase last November.

City Manager Kisela said the City is moving forward by streamlining operations and governing more efficiently. Mayor Slater emphasized that although the recent budget cuts were painful, they were necessary. Councilwoman Barrios said it was a time to “do things differently.”

The Mills Act was another frequently raised topic. Kisela described it as a strong city program, with approximately 430 contracts currently in place. However, he noted that many participants are not fulfilling their obligations, and the City is working with OTPA to address the issue. Because the Mills Act is a legally binding agreement, non-compliance could result in serious penalties. Mayor Slater said he hopes the City can reopen Mills Act contract availability soon.

OTPA believes the Mills Act—an agreement between the City and homeowners to invest in historic property improvements over a ten-year period—has played a major role in maintaining Old Towne’s high property values.

Several questions focused on staffing, particularly in light of City Manager Kisela’s upcoming retirement. Mayor Slater shared that the City is interviewing candidates with hopes of hiring a replacement by the end of May. Kisela added that a city the size of Orange would also benefit from an Assistant City Manager.

Chapman University’s Alisa Driscoll reported that the school currently enrolls 8,875 students—including graduate, undergraduate, and law students—at the Old Towne campus. The proposed Specific Plan 7 anticipates about 200 additional students per year. Chapman Court, recently acquired by the university, will house 900 students starting this fall.

When asked about properties Chapman owns in Old Towne, Driscoll clarified that all of them pay property tax and are occupied by faculty and staff. “You can spot the school’s properties because they’re all very well maintained,” she said.
City Treasurer Garrett Smith reported that the City’s investment portfolio is valued at approximately $103 million, with annual yields between 3.5% and 4%.

Other topics included the future of the vacant fire station on the corner of Grand & Almond Streets. City Manager Kisela stated that the City Council has not yet made a decision about the site’s long-term use. In the meantime, the building will house a museum featuring historic fire trucks and other equipment, opening in early summer. Mayor Slater noted the museum will serve as an excellent interim attraction for families and history lovers.
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Residents also asked about the increasing number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Old Towne. Kisela explained these are the result of state legislation aimed at addressing California’s affordable housing shortage. He added that the City is working to limit ADUs in order to reduce parking congestion and preserve the character and tranquility of suburban neighborhoods.