City Council Minutes 1 February 25, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
February 25, 2025
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 Ruesch at 5:00 p.m., on February 25, 2025, at 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, California.
A complete copy of the agenda for the meeting containing all items as shown herein was posted by 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2025, 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 Goodell
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Vasquez
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum (arrived at 5:10 pm)
Mayor Ruesch
Absent: None
Staff Present: Elaine Lister , City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
William P. Curley, City Attorney
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation. Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Janice Kronik Gath, et. al v. Mission Viejo OCSC Case No. 30 -2024- 01376969-CU-MC-CJC
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01 pm Mayor Ruesch recessed the meeting to Closed Session. Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting at 6:04 pm with all five City Council Members present.
City Council Minutes 2 February 25, 2025
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley announced that there was no reportable actions were taken.
INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Kelley
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize Working Wardrobes for 35 years of Empowering Individuals and Strengthening our Community
Mayor Ruesch presented proclamation to CEO Bonni Pomush of Working Wardrobes and received presentation from Working Wardrobes.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
June Anderson, M.V.: Voiced concerns of the woody acacia on Alicia at the north end of the golf course and asked that it be trimmed due to being a fire hazard.
Karen Warren, M.V.: Voiced her concerns about the dead plants and trees on Jeronimo between gate 3 of Casta del Sol and Silleros and asked that the City inspect this fire hazard.
Michael Schlesinger, M.V.: Questioned if the landscape contracts will abide by Governor Newsom’s order to ban gas powered equipment and replaced with electric powered equipment.
Peggy O’Neill, M.V.: Spoke on the federal funding cuts and asked the City Council how they plan to mitigate this problem.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Spoke on the past districting process and pointed out that each Council Member is equal and when a sitting council member is denied serving as Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem that district of registered voters is being denied equal access in the community.
Kristen Wilcox, M.V.: Spoke out on ICE raids and asked the City Council to not allow them within our City and asked that Mission Viejo be ordained a Sanctuary City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes 3 February 25, 2025
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of February 11, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated January 31, 2025, in the Amount of $1,487,171.42 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated February 7, 2025, in the Amount of $3,217,293.65 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated January 31, 2025, in the Amount of $1,941.38 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated February 7, 2025, in the Amount of $254,323.20 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Quarterly Financial Report for the City of Mission Viejo - Second Quarter 2024-25 Received and filed.
7. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 1
(1) Approved the Sixth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,235,330.00; and (2) authorized issu ance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $617,665.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
8. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 2
(1) Approved the Fourth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,608,185.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $804,092.50 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
9. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 3
(1) Approved the Sixth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,373,775.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to
City Council Minutes 4 February 25, 2025
Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $686,887.50 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
10. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 4
(1) Approved the Sixth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $828,690.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $414,345.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
11. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 5
(1) Approved the Fourth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,061,847.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $530,923.50 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
12. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 6
(1) Approved the Sixth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,532,720.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $766,360.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
13. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 7
(1) Approved the Fourth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,655,854.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 3 0, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $827,927.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
14. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 8
(1) Approved the Fifth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 to increase the contract by an amount not to exceed $1,920,950.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Nieves Landscape, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $960,475.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
15. Annual Routine Technical Irrigation Services
(1) Approved Fourteenth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with A.C. Landscape for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of
City Council Minutes 5 February 25, 2025
$702,620.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to A.C. Landscape for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $351,310.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
16. Graffiti Removal, Steam Cleaning, Painting and Sealing Services
(1) Approved Eleventh Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Bonanza Steam Cleaning, Inc for the subject services; and (2) authorized a Change Order to the existing Purchase Order for Bonanza Steam Cleaning, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00.
17. Community Outreach and Engagement Contracts
Approved the Renewal of Community Outreach and Engagement Partnership Agreements with the cities of Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita.
OLD BUSINESS
18. La Paz Bridge/Road Widening (CIP 01756)
Director of Public Works Mark Chagnon presented the staff report.
Council Members voiced their concerns about the length of time this project has taken, as well as the federal funding.
Director Chagnon explained that he did not see a problem with the federal funding coming through.
He also reported the reasons for the delay of the project which had to do with the bridge overhang decking was completely deteriorated underneath and could not support the new median barrier rail.
This caused the demolition of the deck overhand that had to be reconstructed.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Complimented city staff and consultants on this project with weathering the frustrations by the public. He voiced his concerns of Marguerite & La Paz indicating more lighting is needed and that he hopes this area doesn’t become another Oso or Alicia Parkway.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to (1) authorize the City Manager to approve Construction Contract Change Order 4 with Flatiron West, Inc. in the amount of $2,161,669; (2) authorize the City Manager to approve Amendment 2 with Arcadis U.S., Inc. in the amount of $282,649 for construction management services; and (3) adopt Resolution 25- 03 Amending the Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 Budget for Costs Related to Capital Improvement Project CIP 01756.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
City Council Minutes 6 February 25, 2025
19. Crucero Park Play Area Rehabilitation - (CIP 340)
Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill presented the staff report.
Council Member Kelley gave kudos to staff members Matt Lockwood and Rosa Vasquez on their efforts in getting the grant for this project.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to (1) a ward a contract with Micon Construction, Inc. for the Crucero Park Play Area Rehabilitation- CIP 340 in an amount not to exceed $916,113.00; and (2) adopt Resolution 25-04 Amending the Crucero Park Play Area Rehabilitation-CIP 340 Budget with Water Conservation Grant of $170,899.99 from the Metropolitan Water District.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
20. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Receive written report.
21. Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Report
Receive written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister thanked the public for their patience this evening with out technical difficulties.
She stated that late Sunday evening there was water damage that has impacted the audio visual equipment. She mentioned that at the next meeting she will have two presentations, one pertaining to local business updates and one on state and federal grants.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
No report given.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
22. 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.
City Council Minutes 7 February 25, 2025
Council Member Goodell
Council Member Goodell gave an update from the Olympic Committee pertaining to the visits of OCEANA, Australia and New Zealand. He stated there is quite a bit of action going on in Southern California with these Nations securing their training facilities from San Diego to Ventura. He mentioned that during the Olympic games a lot of National Committees will have hospitality homes, and it appears that the popular city is Culver City. He said to stay tuned for more information as it becomes solidified.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley thanked Council Member Goodell for his update on the upcoming Olympics in 2028. She thanked Director Mark Nix and his team for the successful Oso Fit 5K this past weekend.
She gave kudos to Aumee Frey and Barbara Swanson. Council Member Kelley also thanked Mark Nix for providing the equipment this evening to be able to stream the Council Meeting, as well as Eric Winter and our I.T. Department.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasque z circled back to a couple of public comments this evening and asked if we could hear more about ICE raids and the instructions of our police at the next meeting. She voiced her concerns about getting pulled over because she is brown. Council Member Vasquez also would like to hear more at an upcoming meeting about a ny contingency plans if federal funding falls through. She also commented on electric equipment for the landscaping contracts and how this will be incorporated in the future. She highlighted her 20
th wedding anniversary in Napa this past weekend. Lastly, she mentioned that her Girl Scout Troop earned their democracy badge after touring City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum asked for an update on the Sober Living Recovery Home situation at a future meeting. She stated that there is some legislation coming up and that the responsibility and funding of the task force has been successfully transferred to the Association of California Cities. Council Member Bucknum commented on the federal funds and also asked for a status update at a future meeting. She referenced that with concern of the fires and the pending completion of the Los Angeles Convention Center that Mission Viejo will assist with the 2028 Olympics if venues are needed. She asked the police chief to highlight the event at the Elks Lodge and the recognition of Deputy Cody Eliason. Lastly, she attended the Oso Fit 5K which was a great event and gave thanks to all the volunteers.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch thanked staff for pulling together the audio and visual for the meeting this evening. He stated that he met with Congresswoman Young Kim and about five or six Mayors. He had the opportunity to collaborate with the Mayor of Brea who also has a mall managed by Simon Properties.
Mayor Ruesch and City Manager Lister met with the president of Saddleback College which was very productive regarding the 2028 Olympics. He also attended Oso Fit 5K and with a last minute change to the countdown music by William Tell Overture, got everybody excited to start the race. Mayor Ruesch concluded with the following quote: “Success is neither magical, nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequences of consistently applying basic fundamentals”.
City Council Minutes 8 February 25, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:23 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of March 11, 2025