CITY OF ALISO VIEJO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION AND
REGULAR MEETING
September 2, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, California
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Duncan called the Special Closed Session Meeting of the City Council of the City of Aliso Viejo to order at 6:30 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
HONGDAO NGUYEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. 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: 7: 11 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 7:12 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
ANN EIFERT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
HONGDAO NGUYEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
MARIA KENDIG, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES / CITY
CLERK
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LIZZY MENDOZA, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES
MANAGER
ISAAC AZIZ, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGER
CORA SWANSON, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
CAPT. RYAN BUHR, ALISO VIEJO POLICE SERVICES
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: City Manager Brett Channing led the Pledge of Allegiance.
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION:
City Attorney HongDao Nguyen stated no reportable action was taken.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:
1 . 1 RECOGNITION OF ALISO VIEJO GIRLS SOFTBALL 10U GOLD ALL- STARS TEAM
Mayor Duncan introduced 10U Braves Coach John Kluve, who spoke about the team' s accomplishments and presented certificates of recognition to individual members of the team. He expressed his appreciation.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
1. 2 RECOGNITION OF ALISO VIEJO STUDENT JULIAN STAMBOULI Mayor Duncan recognized Don Juan Avila Elementary School student Julian Stambouli for his outstanding accomplishments both in and off the soccer field. He received the Golden Boot award as the tournament' s top goal scorer as well as recognized for using his personal experience living with a stutter to encourage and inspire others to find their voice, in which his efforts received recognition from organizations in the United States and internationally. Mayor Duncan congratulated him and expressed appreciation for his story and positive impact on the community
2. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REORDERING TO THE AGENDA:
None.
3. COMMUNITY INPUT:
1 . Alex Guess requested the City Council consider a formal resolution supporting e-bike safety reform at the Orange County level.
2. Sebastian raised concerns about vehicles parking in bike lanes, long- term street parking, and unsafe driving and noise in City neighborhoods.
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. 4. Motion carried 5-0. Councilmember Ackley pulled Item 4.5 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.
4. 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Recommended Action: Approve the minutes as submitted.
4. 3 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Recommended Action: Ratify accounts payable checks and electronic funds transfers issued between July 31 , 2026, and August 13, 2026, in the amount of 1, 180, 741. 08.
4. 4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE BIENNIAL REVIEW AND AMENDMENT Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 22 approving amendments to the City of Aliso Viejo Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act Government Code sections 87300- 87313), including Government Code section 87303.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
4. 5 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES
Recommended Actions:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Willdan Financial Services in an amount not to exceed $ 29,627 and a 10% contingency; and
2. Authorize the appropriation of$ 29, 627 from the General Fund to the Fiscal Year FY) 2026- 27 Budget.
Councilmember Ackley requested clarification regarding the 10% contingency allowance in the contract language, noting that it applies to the total contract price and authorized services, and would like to see more precise contract language.
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved and Mayor Pro Tern Munzing seconded to approve the recommended action for agenda Item 4. 5. Motion carried 5- 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARING:
None.
6. DISCUSSION:
6. 1 2027 HEALTH BENEFIT ALLOWANCE
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No.2026-23 approving the employee monthly health benefit allowance for 2027.
Mayor Duncan introduced Human Resources Manager Cora Swanson, who provided an overview recommending an increase in the employee monthly health benefit allowance to help offset rising CaIPERS health insurance premiums for 2027. There were no requests to speak.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tern Munzing moved and Councilmember Dwyer seconded to approve the recommended action. 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 Health and Safety Fair at the AV Ranch on September 12, 2026, from 9: 00 to 11: 00 a. m.; and the Chamber of Commerce State of the City event on Wednesday, September 23, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. also at the AV Ranch. The welcome reception requires registration and payment, while the 7:00 p.m.
Your City, Your Voice" forum is free and open to everyone.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS / COMMITTEE UPDATES:
Councilmember Ackley:
Met with resident Jordan Dickson, who previously addressed the City Council regarding parking concerns on Via Iglesia. Will coordinate a meeting with City Manager Channing and Captain Ryan Buhr of Aliso Viejo Police Services to assess the issues and explore potential solutions.
Attended the reopening of Panini Kabob and Grill and welcomed the business back to the city.
Councilmember Dwyer:
Volunteered at Nourishing Great Futures Market food pantry.
Attended OC Vector Control District Board meeting and provided update on mosquito activity.
Provided update on Know Your Dough financial literacy program at Aliso Niguel High School.
Councilmember Zandbergen:
Reported being elected to the League of California Cities Division 5, representing Aliso Viejo and neighboring cities, and will continue monitoring legislative and policy developments in Sacramento.
Attended an Eagle Scout recognition ceremony at Corpus Christi Church, along with Councilmember Ackley, recognizing five local youth who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Provided an update from the Transportation Corridor Agencies regarding the upcoming 241 Toll Road improvements near Windy Ridge Plaza, including modifications to the toll plaza and lanes to improve traffic flow and accommodate carpool lane, as well as noted that construction is expected to begin and take approximately 18 months, with a public education campaign planned to help drivers navigate the new lane configurations.
Mayor Pro Tern Munzing:
Reported on the Orange County Fire Authority's recent groundbreaking for a new Wildland Response Facility, and recognized Rancho Mission Viejo for donating the property and expressed appreciation for the Orange County Fire Authority' s continued efforts to protect local communities.
Mayor Duncan:
Thanked Councilmember Ackley for acknowledging parking concerns at Iglesia Park and noted staff is addressing similar issues in other areas throughout the city.
Commented on cars parked on bike lanes as previously addressed in Community Input and indicated the matter will be reviewed.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Duncan adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings
Respectfully submitted: Approved by:
RI KENDIG MAX DUNCAI
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Minutes of the
City Council Meetings