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Council tables study of municipal columbarium after heated public debate
Summary
Vice Mayor Mai moved to direct staff to study a municipal columbarium with priority access for Irvine residents and El Toro veterans; after hours of public comment and debate about zoning and a 2020 voter initiative, the council voted 4-3 to table the study indefinitely.
Vice Mayor James Mai on Jan. 13 proposed that the city manager develop a plan to study one or more municipal columbarium sites in Irvine, prioritize veterans and long-term residents, and return with site options, funding models and community engagement within 90 days.
Vice Mayor Mai framed the measure as a compromise that would not replace a state or federally supported veterans cemetery but would provide a compact, above-ground option for urn placement with priority access for specified groups. "This is a municipal columbarium that gives preference to veterans," Mai said during the council discussion.
The proposal quickly became the meeting's most contested item. Critics pointed to a 2020 citizen initiative that designated the ARDA/artist site at Great Park as "the exclusive location for a veterans cemetery" and argued the initiative and city zoning constrain where remains may be located. Mayor (in remarks) and other speakers emphasized that the initiative language and municipal code specify the artist site for a veterans memorial and cemetery.
The debate featured extended public comment both for and against exploring alternatives. Supporters urged a city study and private funding options; opponents argued that moving the project off the artist site would require a voter initiative or invite lawsuits. City Attorney advised that the motion instructing staff to study sites did not itself change zoning but that any ultimate relocation could raise legal challenges.
Councillor Melinda Liu moved to table the item indefinitely; her motion, seconded by Councilmember Carroll, passed by roll call 4-3 (Carroll yes; Goh yes; Liu yes; Martinez Franco yes; Tresita no; Mai no; Egan yes), effectively pausing the study.
A majority of the council said they were reluctant to spend city staff time and funds on a study while legal and zoning questions remained unresolved. Vice Mayor Mai said he sought a measured, community-driven approach and that the motion made no change to state- or federally backed efforts elsewhere.
