View 2017 - 2018 Performance Report (PDF)

January 10, 2019

Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:

I am pleased to present the City of Garden Grove’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2018 Performance Report. This report highlights the most notable accomplishments of each City department during the last fiscal year. The report is intended to assist in the evaluation of the City’s short and long-term goals, and to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest quality of service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

On an organization-wide basis, the City continued its focus on implementing the Community Vision and progressed forward in improving programs, providing quality services and completing projects outlined in the City’s FY 2017-18 Action Plan to achieve City Council priorities. Primary areas of emphasis centered on economic development to grow City revenues, enhancing public safety staffing and infrastructure, community engagement, financial sustainability, and effective and transparent government.

In the Police Department, much needed infrastructure upgrades were completed in the Police Records and Communications Divisions. Space once needed for paper files was converted into interview rooms and offices, and outdated equipment was replaced with smaller more powerful versions. Additionally, the Special Resource Team (SRT) was expanded as a full-time patrol assignment to more effectively handle calls for service related to homelessness. The SRT is creative in how it handles enforcement tasks and provides assistance to Garden Grove's homeless/transient population through partnerships with other agencies and community resources.

Accomplishments in the Fire Department included construction of the new Fire Station No. 6, which opened after much anticipation in December 2018. The new fire station, located at West Haven Park, is a full-function, 7,680 square foot facility that can accommodate up to eight fire fighters daily. This new facility is the first new fire station in more than 45 years and will meet the needs of the community, including the Grove District – Anaheim Resort, for the next 50 years. Construction of the fire station was completed on schedule and on budget.

Several major development projects are continuing to strengthen Garden Grove’s economic base and growth potential. Phase I of the City’s largest commercial and residential mixed-use development, Brookhurst Place, was completed. The completion of Phase I comes during an important turning point for Garden Grove as we’re dynamically re-energizing and re-imagining ourselves. It also comes at a time when new modern housing is needed. At build-out, this project will include up to 200,000 square feet of commercial/retail space and over 600 residential units. Important progress was also made toward completion of SteelCraft Garden Grove, with construction presently underway and opening projected for the second quarter of 2019. This exciting new urban eatery will add fresh new faces to the Civic Center and bridge the gap between Main Street and the upcoming Cottage Industries project.

The City’s street infrastructure and park facilities also saw enhancements. Traffic signal synchronization was completed on Harbor Boulevard and Chapman Avenue; street rehabilitation improvements were completed on Westminster Avenue, Magnolia Street and in residential neighborhoods; old light poles at Pioneer Park, Village Green Park, Westhaven Park and Westgrove Park were replaced with sturdy new energy efficient poles; the Garden Grove Dog Park was renovated with new amenities; and a new picnic shelter was installed at Atlantis Play Center.

Finally, a community survey was conducted to gauge the community’s priorities and preferences about essential City services needs and important quality of life issues. The results indicated that residents had very positive views toward the City and City services, but had concerns about overall public safety, including increases in homelessness. As part of the community engagement effort, City staff met with more than 25 community groups throughout all districts and collected feedback from over 2,000 residents. Based on feedback from community members, the top priorities, which centered on public safety, were identified. Staff will be working with the City Council to begin addressing these priorities in the coming months.

The accomplishments highlighted in this report demonstrate both the City Council’s and staff’s strong commitment to the City’s mission and vision. The leadership of the City Council and the commitment of our employees continue to enrich the quality of life for the residents of Garden Grove.

Sincerely,

Scott C. Stiles
City Manager