City Council Minutes 1 April 23, 2024
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
April 23, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council, the Community Development Financing Authority, the Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, the Housing Authority, and the Library Board of Trustees of the City of Mission Viejo, California, was called to order by Mayor Kelley at 5:01 p.m., on April 23, 2024, at 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, California.
A complete copy of the agenda for the meeting containing all items as shown he rein was posted by 5:00 p.m. on April 18, 2024, on the outdoor bulletin board at City Hall. A copy was also posted at the Montanoso Recreation and Fitness Center, 25800 Montanoso Drive and Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
*All Board and Agency memberships are reflected in the title "Council Member."
Present: Council Member Bucknum
Council Member Goodell
Council Member Vasquez
Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch
Mayor Kelley
Absent: None
Staff Present: Dennis Wilberg, City Manager
Keith Rattay, Assistant City Manager
William P. Curley, City Attorney
Cheryl Dyas, Director of Administrative Services
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01 Mayor Kelley recessed the meeting. The City Council reconvened at 6:01 pm with all five City Council Members present.
INVOCATION: Council Member Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Goodell
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PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize April 2024 To Be Community College Awareness Month
Presented Proclamation to Saddleback College President Elliot Stern.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Moore, M.V.: Expressed that the Jeronimo Tunnel performance was exceptional. H e commented on the proposed parking structure and suggested that there is ample space behind the Nadadore’s and tennis facility to construct a parking structure. The parking issues are a result of the events taking place at the Nadadore’s facility not the golf course.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Spoke on the Los Osos Project and suggested that the voters should decide on this project. He stated that no more tax dollars should be spent until voters decide.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Re-read her comments from the Special Meeting of April 12 and expressed her concerns on the selection process for the position of City Manager.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items, 6, 10, and 11 were removed by Mayor Kelley for separate consideration.
Motion made by Council Member Bucknum, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar as outlined below
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1. City Council Minutes
(1) Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of April 9, 2024, as presented, (2) approved the Minutes for the Special City Council Meeting on April 11, 2024, as presented, and (3) approved the Minutes for the Special City Council Meeting on April 12, 2024 as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated March 29, 2024 in the Amount of $1,655,269.45 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated April 5, 2024 in the Amount of $3,434,330.38
Ratified the accompanying check register.
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4. Golf Check Register Dated March 29, 2024 in the Amount of $112,011.03 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated April 5, 2024 in the Amount of $7,391.11 Ratified the accompanying check register.
7. Draft 2024 -2025 Annual Action Plan Detailing the Proposed Use of Community Development Block Grant Funds
Adopted Resolution 24-15 Approving the City's 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan detailing the proposed use of Community Development Block Grant Funds, and Authorizing Submission of the Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
8. Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP): Catch Basin Debris Screen and Automated Retractable Screen Installations in the North El Toro Area (CIP 24256)
Awarded a construction contract in the amount of $225,000 to G2 Construction, Inc.(A24 - 14) for the Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP): Catch Basin Debris Screen and Automated Retractable Screen Installations in the North El Toro Area (CIP 24256).
9. Website Hosting, Support, and Development Services
Approved agreement with Interpersonal Frequency (A24 -15) for website services in an amount not to exceed $130,350.00.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
6. California Yellow Cab Contract for Senior Mobility Program Amendment
Mayor Kelley highlighted the program and stated that her and former Council Member Ury came up with a good plan back in 2006. She indicated the program has been very successful with seniors.
Motion made by Mayor Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to approve Second Amendment with California Yellow Cab Agreement for Services with the Senior Mobility Program.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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10. Marguerite Parkway Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24260)
Mayor Kelley highlighted this project and thanked Associate Engineer Mario Gutierrez for all his hard work in obtaining grant funds
Motion made by Mayor Kelley, seconded by Council Member Bucknum, to (1) a ward a Professional Services Consultant Team (PSCT) contract to AGA Engineers Inc. (AGA) (PSCT22-08; and (2) authorize issuance of a purchase order to AGA Engineers in an amount not to exceed $643,738 for design engineering services for the subject project
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
11. Olympiad Road-Felipe Road Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24258)
Mayor Kelley highlighted the project and indicated that eighty percent is grant funded with the Measure M2 Project P Program and again thanked the Director of Public Works Mark Chagnon and Associate Engineer Mario Gutierrez for their work on this.
Motion made by Mayor Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to authorize issuance of a purchase order to ADVANTEC Consulting Engineers in an amount not to exceed $235,582 for design engineering services for the subject project.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
OLD BUSINESS
12. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Fundraising Feasibility Study for Performing Arts Theatre
Assistant City Manager Keith Rattay presented the staff report.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Stated he is in support of a Theater, however not until there is a specific plan and the City can solve the differences with the property owners.
Council Members discussed and added the following to the Request for Proposal:
Under project background:
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For the mid-sized (300- 400 seats) indoor venue ( including, a theatre, playhouse, or performing arts center) to accommodate, music, theatre, dance, films and lectures
Under scope of work the following wording was added:
a. Assess current fundraising capability, based on past and current fundraising efforts as well as untapped opportunities within the community. b. Identify potential grant opportunities to support the project. c. Evaluate best fundraising organization/mechanism(s) to achieve fundraising goals for a capital campaign as well as for ongoing support once a facility has been established, e.g. partnership with existing non-profit; establishment of new Foundation; etc.
e. Determine potential donors’ current interest in supporting a campaign, as well as potential for ongoing support for operations after the capital campaign is complete.
l. Provide cost breakdown for each deliverable.
Motion made by Council Member Bucknum , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch, to (1) approve language of RFP with highlights noted for Fundraising Feasibility Study for Performing Arts Theatre; and (2) authorize staff to release RFP as of May 1, 2024.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
13. Community Outreach and Engagement Program
Director of Community Relations Mark Nix presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Bucknum, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch, to (1) approve the Development of a Community Outreach and Engagement Program in Partnership with Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita; and (2) adopt Resolution 24-16 Adding Two FTE Positions to the Authorized Position Schedule.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
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MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
14. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
15. Investment Advisory Commission Appointment
Motion made by Council Member Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to appoint Steve Park to the Investment Advisory Commission.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez,
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
STAFF REPORTS
16. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Update from Fire Chief Maule Received report.
CITY MANAGERS REPORTS
17. Sport & Economic Tourism Committee Update and City Representation at the Paris Olympic Games
City Manager Dennis Wilberg and Council Member Goodell presented the staff report.
Laycee Barragato, M.V.: Questioned the sending of City representatives to the Paris Olympics and the beneficial impact it would have to the City as a whole. She stated th at there are other worth issues within the City that require funding action and this is not a priority.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Voiced her objection of sending public officials to the Paris Olympics.
Asked what is the financial benefit for taxpayers and stated that Council Member Goodell is using his position to make money. She suggested that with modern technology why isn’t a zoom meeting being utilized.
Council Member Vasquez asked the City Attorney if there was a conflict of interest of council membe rs and city staff to accept paid hotel rooms from the Netherlands. City Attorney Curley indicated that when a city receives benefits that are related to a city purpose, there is not conflict of interest. If the City Council directs it’s representatives to attend, having that contribution is well within policy. She also voiced her concerns regarding taxpayer money funding this.
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Motion made by Council Member Goodell, seconded by Mayor Kelley, to a pprove Paris Olympic Games attendance by representatives of the City and/or Sport & Economic Tourism Committee.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Vasquez
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
18. Council Member Reports of Events and Activities Attended ~ AB1234
By consensus, the City Council Members acknowledged their event and activities calendars as presented in the report and agreed to provide any changes to the City Clerk for the public record.
Council Member Bucknum
Council Member Bucknum reminded residents that Passover started yesterday, and will continue for the next seven days. She said that our local Chabad Jewish Center held a community seder dinner that looked gorgeous from the Instagram postings. She stated that May is Jewish American Awareness Month and asked Mayor Kelley if we could provide a proclamation to the Rabbi.
Council Member Bucknum also remined residents that May 2 is National Day of Prayer, and this year it will be held by Pastor Mike Maiolo at Mission Viejo Christian Church and the community is invited. She said it is typically held at six in the evening. She spoke about the collegiate triathlon held this past weekend and was surprised at how many universities participated. She announced that there will be a nother triathlon this weekend but will only be on Sunday so plan accordingly because of road closures. Council Member Bucknum attended the Spring into Summer Boutique that the Mission Viejo Activities Committee hosted as well as the Subterranean Soundscape s Classical Music by Candl elight Pacific Symphony. She encouraged residents to download the Mission Viejo Life App to keep track of all the events the City it putting on. She attended another Sober Living Taskforce meeting where they discussed other cities contributing money for this taskforce. The Association of California Cities Board will be voting on the recommendations of forming an executive committee. She stated that some great Bills will be going to the legislature on sober living homes . She spoke a bout the Arbor Day planting even and said she thinks there were over five hundred volunteers and encouraged residents to walk along the trail to see all the new plants and amenities that have been added. Lastly, she attended the Spring Madness Night Market and remine residents that this event is help on the third Saturday of every month.
Council Member Goodell
Council Member Goodell said he also attended the collegiate triathlon this past weekend and indicated that it was great seeing all the families and fans from all the colleges. He was very happy that the City supported the event. Council Goodell highlighted the visit of two Officials from Pan
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Am Sports, which is the organization for the Americas and the Olympic movement. Pan Am Sports which includes the countries of Canada, U.S., Mexico, Central American, South America and all the island nations of the Caribbean for a total of 41 Nations. He expressed that we continue to market our City to the world and thanked his colleagues for supporting the initiative to make this deal with Team Netherlands. Council Member did some traveling the past two weeks to Colorado Springs for an event at the United States Olympic Museum where he spoke and to a family wedding in San Francisco.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez stated that she met with Cox Communications to bring to their attention the amount of complaints with residents having issues with internet speed. She is hoping that they will looking into this because it appears to be a wide -spread problem. S he attended Senator Blakespear’s district office open house and also attended the Spring into Summer Boutique.
Council Member Vasquez with her family attends the Family Arts Day at the Potocki Center and had a fun time. She said she was also part of the Pan Am Sports tour and was very happy that there were two prominent women in official positions for that organization. She attended the Relay for Life Kickoff at the Leonard Cancer Institute which had a really good turnout and she enjoyed the icebreaker game of Bingo. Lastly, she attended the Earth Day Celebration with her girls and planted a tree and plants.
Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch
Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch spoke about the national health concern of Dengue Fever in the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico with a 500 percent increase in Dengue Fever coming here by transmission. This is becoming a very big concern for us county-wide. He announced that in late June Vector Control will be conducting another test in Mission Viejo of Ster ile Insect Technique (SIT) which will be radiating the male mosquitos so we can see how far they travel which will help us understand how many mosquitoes per acre in order to control the problem. Vector is looking to do a full-scale approach hopefully next Spring in Mission Viejo. Mayor Pro Tem also attended the Subterranean Soundscapes which was incredible, as well as Arbor Day. Lastly, he commented on the trivia event he attended a nd his team came in second place and it was a very fun event.
Mayor Kelley
Mayor Kelley commented on the National Collegiate Triathlon held April 13 and 14, mentioning that she attended both days and was overwhelmed with the gratitude that was expressed by all of the athletes. She stated this event was a feather in the cap for the City to host a national event like this and thanked Council Member Bucknum, Goodell and Mayor Pro Tem Ruesch for attending and showing their support. She also attended the Spring into Summer Boutique and thanked the Mission Viejo Activities Committee for all their work. Mayor Kelley also attended the Family Arts Day as well as the Vocational Visions 50
th Anniversary Dinner where the City was recognized for their support of Vocational Visions. She stated she also attended the Pan Am Sports luncheon and the Real for Life Kickoff at the Leonard Cancer Institute and gave a shout out to Steve Bell for his many years of working the Mission Viejo Relay for Life. She was happy to say that the third grade Environmental Fair was held on April 19 for the first time since COVID. Mayor Kelly attended
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the Earth Day event with a couple of her grandchildren and gave kudos to Keith Rattay, Jerry Hill and his staff on orchestrating the event. Lastly, she announced that Mission Viejo was recently recognized as one of the top 10 Safest Ci ties in California and thanked our Police Services and residents for helping us stay in the top 10.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:24 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Kelley adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.
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Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of May 14, 2024