CITY OF ALISO VIEJO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
May 27, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, California
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR MAX DUNCAN
MAYOR PRO TEM MIKE MUNZING
COUNCILMEMBER TIFFANY ACKLEY
COUNCILMEMBER GARRETT DWYER
COUNCILMEMBER TIM A. ZANDBERGEN
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: BRETT CHANNING, CITY MANAGER
SCOTT SMITH, CITY ATTORNEY
ANN EIFERT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SHAUN PELLETIER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
MARIA KENDIG, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES / CITY
CLERK
LIZZY MENDOZA, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANAGER
ISAAC AZIZ, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
CAPT. RYAN BUHR, ALISO VIEJO POLICE SERVICES
DIVISION FIRE CHIEF REID GIBSON
STUDY SESSION:
SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN CITY STREETS
Director of Public Works Pelletier, together with Bryan Estrada of RK Engineering Group, Inc., presented the Citywide speed limit evaluation. The presentation focused on data- driven approaches to establishing safer speeds, with the goal of reducing the potential for severe and fatal collisions. Staff explained that Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) are required to establish enforceable speed limits using radar or lidar and to support speed enforcement in accordance with the California Vehicle Code (CVC), including protections against "speed traps" (CVC §40802). E&TS also support adjustments to statutory "prima facie" speed limits, generally 25 mph in urban areas and up to 65 mph on designated roadways.
Staff referenced the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTD), Section 2B.13, as the governing standard for conducting E&TS in California. They also outlined recent legislative changes under Assembly Bill 43 (AB 43, 2021), as amended by AB 1938, which expand local authority to reduce speed limits in specific contexts such as safety corridors, high pedestrian or bicycle activity areas, and business districts. These provisions support the state's Vision Zero goals and allow for reduced prima facie speed limits, including 20 mph or 15 mph where warranted, while maintaining eligibility for radar and lidar enforcement.
Staff advised that previously approved E&TS will expire on June 5, 2026, and reviewed statutory validity periods under CVC §40802, including 5-year, 7-year (with required training and equipment standards), and up to 14-year extensions when a registered engineer certifies that no significant roadway or traffic condition changes have occurred.
The consulting engineer (RK Engineering Group, Inc.) described the methodology used for field data collection and analysis for each roadway segment, including radar speed surveys (generally 100 observations per segment, or a minimum of 50 observations using tube counters in lower-volume locations), 24-hour average daily traffic counts, and five years of collision data obtained from the CHP Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. The analysis included evaluation of average speeds, 85th percentile speeds, and 10-mph pace speed.
Staff noted that speed limits are typically set to the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85th percentile speed under free-flow conditions, which reflects the speed most drivers perceive as reasonable and prudent. It was further noted that establishing limits significantly below the 85th percentile may present enforcement challenges.
Staff identified 12 roadway segments as safety corridors and presented recommendations for reduced speed limits on selected streets.
Council discussion ensued, during which members expressed appreciation for the thoroughness of the study and the materials provided.
The City Council received 21 e-comments. The following individuals spoke in support of lowering speed limits: Marty Renert, Mindy Swank, Claire Winograd, Oscar Londone, Julie Colombero, and Sebastian.
Mayor Duncan announced that consideration of the ordinance would take place at the Adjourned Regular Meeting immediately following the Study Session.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Duncan adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Approved by:
MARIA KENDIG MAX DUNCAN
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes of the Special
City Council Meeting
CITY OF ALISO VIEJO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
May 27, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, California
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 7:23 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR MAX DUNCAN
MAYOR PRO TEM MIKE MUNZING
COUNCILMEMBER TIFFANY ACKLEY
COUNCILMEMBER GARRETT DWYER
COUNCILMEMBER TIM A. ZANDBERGEN
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: BRETT CHANNING, CITY MANAGER
SCOTT SMITH, CITY ATTORNEY
ANN EIFERT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SHAUN PELLETIER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
MARIA KENDIG, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES / CITY
CLERK
LIZZY MENDOZA, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANAGER
ISAAC AZIZ, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
CAPT. RYAN BUHR, ALISO VIEJO POLICE SERVICES
DIVISION FIRE CHIEF REID GIBSON
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Capt. Ryan Buhr led the Pledge of Allegiance.
DISCUSSION:
PRIMA FACIE CITYWIDE SPEED LIMITS — ORDINANCE
Recommended Actions:
Find that this Ordinance is subject to CEQA categorical exemption Class 1 pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines, respectively, Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 15301;
2. Introduce an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Aliso Vijo, California, Amending the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code Declaring Prima Facie Speed Limits on Certain City Streets; and
Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate an additional $70,000 of Gas Tax funds to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget.
Councilmember discussion ensued. Councilmembers expressed support for reduced speed limits to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Council also requested that staff conduct public outreach regarding the proposed changes. It was noted that some collisions are attributable to distracted driving, and it was further noted that there have been no fatalities on City streets. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of safety for all modes of transportation, including e-bikes.
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved, and Mayor Duncan seconded to approve recommendations as proposed. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Duncan adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Approved by:
MAKENa Kendy Phot
MARIA KENDIG MAX DUNCAN
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes of the Adjourned Regular
City Council Meeting