CITY OF ALISO VIEJO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION,
STUDY SESSION, AND
REGULAR MEETINGS
August 19, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, California
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 5:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE:
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
CORA SWANSON, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54957. 6
Agency Designated Representatives: City Manager and City Attorney Unrepresented Employees: All Employees
2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS pursuant to Government Code Section 54956. 8
1. Property: 27081 Aliso Creek Road
Agency Negotiator: Brett Channing, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Emilie Simard, Shea Homes
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment for public facilities
2. Property: 400- 700 Freedom Lane
Agency Negotiator: Brett Channing, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Vanessa Scheidel, Meritage Homes Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment for public facilities
3. Property: 15 Argonaut
Agency Negotiator: Brett Channing, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: Emanuel Robinson w/ Brandywine Homes Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment for public facilities
4. Property: 26800- 26970 Aliso Viejo Parkway
Agency Negotiator: Brett Channing, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: JR Jones, Lennar
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment for public facilities ADJOURNED: 6: 09 P. M.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
STUDY SESSION
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Study Session Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 6: 11 p.m.
ATTENDANCE:
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
MARIA KENDIG, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES / CITY
CLERK
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ROSE RIVERA, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
SHAUN PELLETIER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
LIZZY MENDOZA, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANAGER
ISAAC AZIZ, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
CAPT. RYAN BUHR, ALISO VIEJO POLICE SERVICES
STUDY SESSION
1. STUDY SESSION REGARDING OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR
QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Recommended Action: Review and provide feedback on the objective design standards.
The City Council received a presentation regarding the Objective Design Standards ODS), which were adopted on June 3, 2026. The study session was held as a follow-up to the City Council' s request to review the architectural styles included in the standards.
Principal Planner Rose Rivera provided an overview of the four architectural styles included in the ODS: Spanish Revival, Tuscan, Modern Ranch, and Modern.
Staff answered questions regarding the components and application of the design elements, architectural styles utilized by surrounding cities, and the criteria and qualifications associated with the ODS.
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Following discussion, the City Council directed staff to return with proposed amendments to the ODS for future consideration.
The following member of the public spoke on the matter:
1. Art Camoia suggested the City establish design standards consistent with the architectural design character the City currently has.
Motion: Mayor Duncan moved, seconded by Councilmember Zandbergen to direct staff to amend the Objective Design Standards by removing the Modern Ranch and Modern Farmhouse architectural styles and adding the Craftsman architecture style as an option for consideration, and return to the City Council with a draft for review at a subsequent public hearing. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNED: 6: 41 P. M.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: MAYOR MAX DUNCAN
MAYOR PRO TEM MIKE MUNZING
COUNCILMEMBER GARRETT DWYER
COUNCILMEMBER TIM A. ZANDBERGEN
COUNCILMEMBER TIFFANY ACKLEY
ABSENT: NONE
STAFF PRESENT: BRETT CHANNING, CITY MANAGER
SCOTT SMITH, CITY ATTORNEY
ANN EIFERT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
MARIA KENDIG, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES / CITY
CLERK
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SHAUN PELLETIER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
LIZZY MENDOZA, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANAGER
ISAAC AZIZ, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
CAPT. RYAN BUHR, ALISO VIEJO POLICE SERVICES
DIVISION CHIEF REID GIBSON, ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Information Technology Manager Isaac Aziz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney Scott Smith stated no reportable action was taken.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
1. 1 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - SENDER ONE
Mayor Duncan introduced Sender One as the City's Business Spotlight and welcomed the business to the Aliso Viejo community. He noted that Sender One recently opened in The Commons and is participating in the City's "25 Businesses for the 25th Anniversary" program. A video highlighting the business was
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presented. Alice Kao, Co- Founder of Sender One, addressed the City Council and provided information regarding a promotion available to Aliso Viejo residents.
1. 2 RECOGNITION OF FIRE DIVISION CHIEF REID GIBSON FOR HIS CHIEF OF
THE YEAR NOMINATION AT THE OCFA BEST & BRAVEST AWARDS
Mayor Duncan recognized Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Division 5 Chief Reid Gibson for his nomination as Chief of the Year at the OCFA Best & Bravest Awards ceremony. Mayor Duncan highlighted Chief Gibson's leadership and service, including his previous oversight of OCFA' s Wildland Operations Hand Crew and Heavy Equipment programs, and commended his professionalism, dedication to his team, and commitment to excellence. Chief Gibson addressed the City Council and expressed his appreciation for the recognition.
1. 3 U. S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER
LOAN ( EIDL) ASSISTANCE
Mayor Duncan introduced Ignacio Alvarez- Estarellas, Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), who provided information regarding the Economic Injury Disaster Loan ( EIDL) Assistance Program. Mr.
Alvarez- Estarellas provided an overview of assistance available to businesses impacted by the Garden Grove hazardous materials incident, including eligibility requirements, allowable expenses, loan terms, and the application process.
2. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REORDERING TO THE AGENDA:
Mayor Duncan stated that he received a request to reorder the agenda by reversing the order of Discussion Items 6.2 and 6.3. There was City Council consensus to approve the reordering.
3. COMMUNITY INPUT:
1. Jordan Dickson commented on street parking and flea infestation concerns at Iglesia Park.
2. Ted Fuentes requested a fee waiver for a fundraising event hosted by his nonprofit organization, Veterans Strong USA, in collaboration with Webb' s Grainworks, and invited the community to attend the event.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved and Mayor Pro Tem Munzing seconded to approve the recommended actions for agenda Items 4. 1 through 4. 5. Motion carried 5- 0. Councilmember Ackley pulled agenda item 4.6 for separate discussion.
4. 1 WAIVE THE READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Recommended Action: Approve the reading by title only of all ordinances and resolutions wherein the titles appear on the public agenda; said titles shall be determined to have been read by title, and further reading is waived
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4. 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes as submitted.
4. 3 LANDSCAPE PLANT PALETTE UPDATE
Recommended Action: Adopt the proposed Landscape Plant Palette as the City's standard plant palette for use in all future public and private improvement projects within the City of Aliso Viejo and direct staff to ensure that all applicable future projects incorporate the adopted plant palette.
4. 4 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Recommended Action: Ratify accounts payable checks and electronic funds transfers issued between July 3, 2026, and July 30, 2026, in the amount of 3, 145, 190. 94.
4. 5 TREASURER' S STATEMENT - JUNE 2026
Recommended Action: Receive and file the June 2026 Treasurer' s Statement.
4. 6 AGREEMENT WITH SONITROL, INC. FOR SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL
SYSTEMS AT CITY FACILITIES
Recommended Actions:
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Sonitrol, Inc. for security monitoring, access control, alarm, and related services at City facilities for an initial three- year term in an amount not to exceed $ 120, 000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and any amendments, including up to two additional one- year extensions.
Councilmember Ackley asked for clarification on the access control installation charge listed in the agreement. Information Technology Manager Aziz stated that he would confirm whether the charge was a flat amount rather than a monthly charge.
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved and Councilmember Zandbergen seconded to approve the recommended actions. Motion carried 5- 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARING:
5. 1 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO WITH REDUCED NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING SPACES ( 17% DEFICIENCY) AT 6 JOURNEY, SUITES 350 AND 375 ( USE- 2026- 01006)
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Mayor Duncan introduced Assistant Planner Michael Delgadillo, who presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit ( CUP) to establish the RYSK Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu martial arts studio at 6 Journey, Suites 350 and 375. The presentation described the proposed business operations, hours, anticipated number of students, zoning, and parking requirements. Staff also presented the results of a parking study and explained that the proposed use would result in a 17 percent parking deficiency.
Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing. There were no requests to speak, and Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026-20 approving a Conditional Use Permit to establish a martial arts studio with reduced number of required parking spaces ( 17% deficiency) at 6 Journey, Suites 350 and 375 (USE-2026- 01006).
Motion: Mayor Pro Tern Munzing moved and Councilmember Dwyer seconded to approve the recommended action. Motion carried 5- 0.
6. DISCUSSION:
6. 1 UNCONTESTED DISTRICT 4 CITY COUNCIL SEAT IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council take one of the following options:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 21, pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10229, appointing the sole qualified nominee to the office of City Council Member for District 4 for the four- year term beginning upon certification of the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election, and canceling the election for that office.
2. Direct that the election for the District 4 office proceed on November 3, 2026.
Mayor Duncan introduced City Clerk/ Director of Government Services Kendig, who presented information regarding the uncontested District 4 City Council seat for the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election. The presentation explained that Tiffany Ackley was the sole qualified nominee and outlined the two options available to the City Council pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10229:
appoint the sole qualified nominee and cancel the District 4 election, or allow the election to proceed as scheduled. Staff reviewed the implications of each option, including the potential removal of the contest from the ballot, estimated election cost savings, and applicable deadlines.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tern Munzing moved and Councilmember Zandbergen seconded to approve Option 1. Motion carried 4- 0, with Councilmember Ackley' s abstaining.
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6. 3 COUNCIL INITIATED ITEM - DISCUSSION REGARDING PESTICIDE AND
HERBICIDE USE ON CITY PROPERTY BY COUNCILMEMBER ACKLEY
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff.
Councilmember Ackley provided an overview and requested that staff develop an Integrated Pest Management ( IPM) policy prioritizing preventative, organic, and less- toxic methods before synthetic pesticides are used. She also requested a 180-day moratorium on synthetic pesticide use while the policy is developed. She noted similar policies in other Orange County cities and referenced the Aliso Viejo Community Association' s reduced pesticide- use practices. Sixteen written comments were received, and the following persons provided public comments in support of preventative, organic, and less-toxic methods of pesticide use:
1. Arthur Camoia
2. Tracy Blum
3. Melissa Christian
4. Sonia Terwiske
5. Taterik Aslanjan
6. Celine Mehta
7. Arnie Harmann
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved to impose an immediate 180-day moratorium on the use of synthetic pesticides on City property and direct staff to develop an Integrated Pest Management( IPM) policy. Councilmember Dwyer seconded the motion. Motion carried 5- 0.
6. 2 DIGITAL RIGHT OF WAY SIGNAGE DISCUSSION
Recommended Actions:
1. Receive and file the report on digital signage, and
2. Provide direction to staff regarding further investigation or implementation.
Mayor Duncan introduced Public Works Director Pelletier, who presented information regarding the City's use of digital signage, including portable changeable message sign ( CMS) trailers, permanent speed feedback signs, and potential marquee or freeway- style digital message signs. The presentation reviewed current practices, the purpose and benefits of digital signage, potential locations and costs, and alternative traffic-calming measures. Staff also compared the advantages, disadvantages, costs, maintenance requirements, and other considerations associated with permanent signage and the continued use of portable CMS trailers.
Council discussion ensued. Following discussion regarding permanent marquee signage, the City Council indicated that it did not wish to pursue a permanent marquee sign at this time.
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The following provided public comments.
1. Mike Avramidis, of AVCA, provided information on their installation of eight semi- permanent banner post locations at strategic intersections throughout the community that would accommodate larger banners for the City and community events.
2. Ken Smith expressed appreciation for the Council' s adoption of lower speed limits and supported the use of marquee signs to promote community events.
Motion: Councilmember Zandbergen moved, seconded by Councilmember Munzing to direct staff to move forward with four solar- powered movable speed- feedback signs, including the potential for multiple signs that could be relocated throughout the City, and to explore alternative funding sources.
Motion carried 5- 0.
RECESSED: Mayor Duncan recessed the meeting at 9: 15 p.m. and reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
6. 4 COUNCIL INITIATED ITEM - COUNCIL AD- HOC FOR ALISO VIEJO
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION BY MAYOR DUNCAN
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff.
Mayor Duncan provided an overview and discussed the creation of an ad- hoc committee for historical preservation to identify, collect, preserve, and digitize historical information and materials related to the City. The proposed effort would include seeking community volunteers to assist with documenting and cataloging the City' s history.
Mayor Duncan proposed ad- hoc committee consisting of himself and Councilmember Zandbergen, and use of community volunteers to assist with efforts to preserve the City's history.
Motion: Mayor Duncan moved and Councilmember Zandbergen seconded to form a City Council ad hoc committee for historical preservation consisting of Mayor Duncan and Councilmember Zandbergen, and direct staff to conduct a social media campaign to solicit community volunteers. Motion carried 5- 0.
6. 5 COUNCIL INITIATED ITEM - FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION BY MAYOR DUNCAN
Recommended Action: Provide direction to staff.
Mayor Duncan provided an overview of the City' s former Founders Day celebration and requested City Council consensus to direct staff to research the event' s history, format, and costs and return with recommendations regarding the potential reinstatement of the celebration.
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The following provided public comments.
1. Bob Bunyan spoke in support of reinstating Founders Day as a community- centered event and suggested involving local businesses to help offset costs.
He also shared historical information regarding past celebrations and the development of the City.
Motion: Mayor Duncan moved to direct staff to research past Founders Day events and return to Council with its findings, Councilmember Dwyer seconded to approve the recommended actions. Motion carried 5- 0.
7. CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
City Manager Channing announced updates regarding the City' s 25 Businesses for 25 Years program; registration for fall recreation classes; the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive on September 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.; the Health and Safety Fair on September 12, 2026, from 9: 00 to 11: 00 a. m.; and the need for volunteers for the Aliso Viejo Trails and Creek Cleanup event on September 19, 2026, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS / COMMITTEE UPDATES:
Councilmember Ackley:
Noted that she will submit comments in writing.
Councilmember Dwyer:
Volunteered at Nourishing Great Futures Market food pantry.
Attended OC Vector Control District Board meeting and provided update on mosquito activity.
Attended the OC Government & Elected Officials Night at OC Fair & Event Center.
Attended Soka University' s Shakespeare by the Sea, Macbeth, co-hosted by the City.
Met with Value Rock, along with Councilmember Zandbergen and City Manager Channing, to discuss and encourage new tenancy in vacant buildings at The Commons.
Attended Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and Luncheon for UST: Digital Transformation Solutions Company.
Attended First Responder Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Moulton Niguel Water District.
Provided update on Know Your Dough financial literacy program at Aliso Niguel High School, with upcoming first session featuring Mayor Duncan and City of Laguna Niguel' s Mayor Johns as dual speakers.
Councilmember Zandbergen:
Attended the OC Government & Elected Officials Night at OC Fair & Event Center.
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Met with Value Rock, along with Councilmember Dwyer and City Manager Channing, to discuss and encourage new tenancy in vacant buildings at The Commons.
Attended Pump Track Ad- Hoc committee meeting and provided update.
Thanked City Manager Channing and Director of Public Works Shaun Pelletier regarding meetings and efforts on digital signage.
Mayor Pro Tern Munzing:
Attended AVCA Summer Concert Series.
Met with Mayor Duncan to discuss Citizen of the Year and announced upcoming State of the City event at the AV Ranch on September 23.
Attended Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Soka University.
Attended the OC Government & Elected Officials Night at OC Fair & Event Center.
Attended OCFA Human Resources Subcommittee meeting.
Attended First Responder Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Moulton Niguel Water District.
Commented on the upcoming change of season, back to school and a great time to be in Aliso Viejo.
Mayor Duncan:
Commented on the summer season and back to school.
Attended several community events throughout the summer.
Thanked AVCA for their efforts in hosting summer events including their July 4th celebration and their summer movie and concert series at the park.
Thanked staff for their work on the upcoming State of the City event at the AV Ranch on September 23rd
9. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Duncan adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Approved by:
M IA KENDIG X DU 4 AN
CITY CLERK AYOR
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