CITY OF ALISO VIEJO
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION,
STUDY SESSION, AND
REGULAR MEETINGS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
Council Chambers, City Hall, 12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, California
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 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
SO KIM, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None.
CLOSED SESSION:
1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
Title: City Attorney
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
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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: 29 P. M.
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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: 33 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
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
FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 YEAR-END RESULTS AND FIVE- YEAR FINANCIAL FORECAST Recommended Action: Receive and file.
The City Council received a presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Year- End Results and Five- Year Financial Forecast, provided as a follow- up to a previous Council request. Director of Financial Services Ann Eifert presented the Fiscal Year 2025-26 year-end results, reporting a General Fund surplus of $5. 1 million. Revenues totaled $ 32. 9 million, driven by higher-thanexpected sales tax. Expenditures totaled $ 27. 8 million and were approximately $ 1. 3 million under budget.
Director Eifert also provided an overview of the Five- Year Financial Forecast, including General Fund revenue and expenditure assumptions and projections, as well as potential future capital improvements. Two General Fund forecast scenarios were presented: a 5% increase and a 5% decrease in the four largest revenue sources. Staff responded to City Council questions regarding sales tax projections, CDBG funds, and carryover projects from Fiscal Year 2025- 26.
The City Council thanked Director Eifert for the report and commended staff for maintaining fiscal conservatism.
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The following member of the public spoke on the matter:
1. Art Camoia expressed appreciation for the projected surplus and noted the unusual economic conditions, including oil costs, tariffs, interest rates, and housing market uncertainty. Mr. Camoia suggested consideration of a third, more conservative scenario, such as a 15% stress test, as a contingency for a potential recession or lower- thananticipated revenues.
Motion: Mayor Pro Tem Munzing moved and Councilmember Ackley seconded to receive and file the report. Motion carried 5- 0.
ADJOURNED: 7: 12 P. M.
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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
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: City Attorney Scott Smith 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 - FS8 ALISO VIEJO
Mayor Duncan introduced FS8 as the City' s Business Spotlight and a video highlighting the business was presented. Mel Rosborough, Studio Manager of FS8 Aliso Viejo, expressed her appreciation to the City Council and provided information regarding promotions available to Aliso Viejo residents.
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PROCLAMATION - HUNGER ACTION MONTH
Mayor Duncan presented the proclamation to Malia Cary, Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations for Harvest Food Bank. She expressed her appreciation and spoke about the significance of the recognition.
2. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, REORDERING TO THE AGENDA:
None.
3. COMMUNITY INPUT:
1. William " Bill" Moorhead, Director of Moulton Niguel Water District, highlighted his focus on interagency cooperation and infrastructure maintenance and improvements.
2. Jena Minnick Bull, Executive Director of South Coast Conservatory, spoke about the organization' s performing arts programs, scholarships, and community partnerships, and expressed interest in collaborating with the city to expand arts opportunities.
3. Martin Beck of Soka University, representing the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, reminded the City Council and community that the State of the City event will be held the following Wednesday at the Aliso Viejo Ranch. The networking reception will begin at 6: 00 p. m. and requires a fee, followed by the State of the City presentation at 7: 00 p. m., which is free and open to the public.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motion: Mayor Pro Tern Munzing moved and Councilmember Dwyer seconded to approve the recommended actions for agenda items 4. 1 through 4. 7. Councilmember Ackley pulled item 4.8 for separate discussion. Motion carried 5- 0.
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 August 14, 2026, and August 27, 2026, in the amount of 601, 567. 85.
4. 4 TREASURER' S STATEMENT - JULY 2026
Recommended Action: Receive and file the July 2026 Treasurer' s Statement.
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4. 5 RESOLUTION REAPPROPRIATING CERTAIN FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 FUND BALANCES AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2026- 27 BUDGET
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026- 24 reappropriating certain Fiscal Year ( FY) 2025-26 fund balances and amending the Fiscal Year 2026- 27 Budget.
4. 6 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND EXCEPTION PERMIT TO ESTABLISH A
LARGE OUTPATIENT MEDICAL OFFICE WITH A REDUCED NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING SPACES AT 27412 ALISO CREEK ROAD ( USE- 2026- 01005 AND EXP- 2026- 01001)
Recommended Action: Receive and file the Applicant' s request to withdraw the application.
4. 7 ADOPTION OF THE 2025- 2026 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND
EVALUATION REPORT ( CAPER) FOR EXPENDITURES OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS
Recommended Actions:
1. Find that the 2025- 2026 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report CAPER) is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378 ( b)( 5) of the State CEQA Guidelines;
2. Approve and adopt the 2025- 2026 CAPER; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to submit the CAPER to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD) and authorize the City Manager to submit all related documents.
4. 8 PROPOSED LEASE RENEWAL WITH FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES AT
PLAYA CIRCLE
Recommended Actions:
1. Find that the lease of the property is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 ( Existing Facilities);
2. Approve the renewal of the lease agreement between the City and Family Assistance Ministries (" FAM") for the property at Playa Circle, and direct the City Manager to take all necessary steps to execute the lease of the property.
Councilmember Ackley directed staff to omit addresses associated with proposed lease renewals with Family Assistance Ministries from public meeting materials, to the extent permitted by law
Motion: Councilmember Ackley moved and Mayor Pro Tern Munzing seconded to approve the recommended actions. Motion carried 5- 0.
5. PUBLIC HEARING( S):
None.
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6. DISCUSSION:
None.
7. CITY MANAGER' S REPORT:
City Manager Channing announced several upcoming community events, including the Aliso Viejo Trails and Creek Cleanup event this Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 8: 00 to 11: 00 a. m., and encouraged residents to volunteer; State of the City on September 23, 2026 from 5: 30 to 8: 00 p. m.; Furry Friends Pet Fair and Vet Clinic on October 3, 2026 from 9: 00 to 11: 00 a. m. at the Aliso Viejo Ranch; and Family Movie Night on October 16, 2026 beginning at 5: 30 p. m. also at the Aliso Viejo Ranch.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS / COUNCIL COMMENTS / COMMITTEE UPDATES:
Mayor Duncan:
Attended and donated blood at the American Red Cross blood drive at Aliso Viejo Ranch and encouraged residents to participate in future blood drives.
Attended the City' s Health and Safety Fair and commended staff for organizing the event.
Attended the 9/ 11 memorial observance at the local fire station and recognized OCFA for continuing the tradition.
Reminded residents that the State of the City event will be held at Aliso Viejo Ranch on Wednesday, September 23, with networking beginning at 6: 00 p. m. and the event opening to the public at 7: 00 p. m., encouraged residents to attend and noted that a new format and special activities are planned.
Councilmember Ackley:
Expressed disappointment at missing the annual 9/ 11 memorial observance at the local Fire Station 57 due to travel out of town.
Conveyed her anticipation of the upcoming State of the City event.
Councilmember Dwyer:
Attended the Orange County Fire Authority ( OCFA) 9/ 11 memorial observance at its headquarters in Irvine and commended the organization for conducting a solemn and respectful ceremony.
Shared a story about firefighters who rescued an injured woman during the September 11 attacks and later served as her pallbearers at her funeral.
Participated in blood drive and encouraged residents to donate blood through the American Red Cross.
Attended OC Vector Control District Board meeting and provided update on mosquito activity.
Highlighted September as a time to focus on hunger and food insecurity and recognized Second Harvest Food Bank for its partnership with the City' s Nourishing Great Futures Market pantry.
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Volunteered at Nourishing Great Futures Market pantry and noted that food and supplies were provided to more than 80 families.
Attended Aliso Niguel High School PTSA meeting and commended the high school, its students, and the PTSA for their accomplishments and encouraged parents to participate in the PTSA.
Councilmember Zandbergen:
Attended the 9/ 11 memorial observance at the local fire station and reflected on the significance of the event.
Attended Chamber networking luncheon and discussed local business matters.
Provided updates from the Transportation Corridor Agencies on The Toll Roads, including call center activity, and commended the organization' s efficiency and financial performance.
Mayor Pro Tem Munzing:
Attended the Orange County Fire Authority' s 9/ 11 25th anniversary memorial observance in Irvine.
Attended the OCFA Budget and Finance Subcommittee meeting and discussed fiscal responsibility and future capital improvements.
Attended the Aliso Viejo Health and Safety Fair and commended the organizers and volunteers.
Participated in the City and AVCA standing committee meeting and discussed city and association projects, including the Tree City initiative.
Thanked community members for their participation and contributions to the community.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Duncan adjourned the meeting at 7: 49 p. m. The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting is Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 7 p. m.
Respectfully submitted: Approved by:
P 1l R!A KENDIG MAX DUN AI
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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City Council Meetings