City Council Minutes 1 April 22, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
April 22, 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 April 22, 2025, 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 17, 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
Mayor Ruesch
Absent: None
Staff Present: Elaine Lister, City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
William P. Curley, City Attorney
Ellis Chang, Director of Administrative Services
Kimberly Schmitt, 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 Mayor Ruesch recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:01 Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
City Council Minutes 2 April 22, 2025
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley announced that the Closed Session was properly noticed but no reportable actions were taken.
INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Vasquez
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division Quarterly Recognition
Mayor Ruesch presented certificates of commendation to the "Marine of the Quarter" Corporal Christon Miena, and "Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter" Sergeant William Jones.
P2. Santa Margarita Water District Presentation
Received the presentation from SMWD General Manager Robert Grantham.
Mayor Ruesch updated some of his goals. He complimented the 5-freeway widening and La Paz Bridge completion. He has received a lot of positive feedback. He spoke about the updates to the city’s website which is in progress and pointed out there is a new navigation point that’s called “get involve d” which focuses on community engagement. Mayor Ruesch announced that Fire Station 24 will have a grand opening sometime in July. Lastly, he addressed the upcoming election process regarding the staggering of terms. He stated that he chose August/September for this to be agendized and indicated that it gives plenty of time for residents to decide if they want to run for City Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert Breton, M.V.: Spoke on the landscape in the City and undeveloped open space. He encouraged residents to participate in Earth Day this Saturday and be ready to plant trees and plants.
Sam Lewis, M.V.: Spoke on the Love Mission Viejo event on May 17 and thanked the City Council.
Lynne Hayes, M.V.: Brought attention to the Chrisanta Riparian area and voiced her concerns on the crucial ecosystem that may be beyond saving if it is not addressed soon.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Requested an update on the City Council’s plan for the staggering of elections. She mentioned an article in the LA Times regarding the empty Kaleidoscope Center and pointed out that these empty commercial properties are a goo d opportunity for affordable housing. She asked for an update on any progress that the city has made on the housing element and if there are ways that residents can show support for projects.
Lisa Robinson, M.V. : Thanked the City Council for allowing the peaceful protesting and the right to freedom of speech.
City Council Minutes 3 April 22, 2025
Heidi Prescott, Laguna Hills: Spoke on an incident last Wednesday at the protest regarding the flags that were placed on City property and asked if the protestors are doing something out of regulation than a two- way conversation be had instead of an order with the police.
Carolyn Gatto, M.V.: Spoke on the recent incident during the protest of a man harassing protestors and asked again if there could be police presence during the protests to avoid future problems.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Voiced her opinion that Mayor Ruesch is a pawn for the Council and outlined incidents of speakers being cut off and the recent comments from Council Member Kelley regarding the flock cameras. She addressed the sharing of personal information that the flock system collects and gave kudos to Council Member Vasquez’s no vote.
Michael Schlesinger, M.V.: Asked when the City will honor Veterans. Asked Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum if she has reimbursed the city back the money she earned while illegally serving her term, as well as Attorney Curley if he ever pursued receiving money back from Sachs and Raths for their illegal terms.
Saga Conroy, M.V.: Spoke on the Love Mission Viejo Event that will be held on May 17 with another event scheduled for October.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Voiced concerns over stock market losses and lack of consumer spending and asked what the Council has planned if residents find they are food compromised and businesses lacking in sales due to the higher tariffs. He questioned about the lack of support from Young Kim’s office and asked why we are leasing office space to her.
Rhonda Reardon, M.V.: Spoke on behalf of former State Senator Patricia Bates regarding the sober living ordinance that was passed at the last council meeting and thanked the Council for their diligent work to make this happen.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, 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
1. Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of April 8, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated March 28, 2025, in the Amount of $558,518.16 Ratified the accompanying check register.
City Council Minutes 4 April 22, 2025
3. General Check Register Dated April 4, 2025, in the Amount of $1,532,719.76 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated March 28, 2025, in the Amount of $34,715.52 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated April 4, 2025, in the Amount of $92,382.48 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Community Services Grant Program - Update and New Agency Funding Recommendations Approved the 2025-26 Community Services Grant Program Allocations for new agencies.
7. Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP): Catch Basin Debris Screen and Automated Retractable Screen Installations in the Southwest Area (CIP 25262)
Awarded a construction contract in the amount of $200,000 to G2 Construction, Inc. (A25 -08) for the Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP): Catch Basin Debris Screen and Automated Retractable Screen Installations in the Southwest Area (CIP 25262).
8. Olympiad Road-Felipe Road Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24258)
Approved the bid specifications, subject to minor revisions required by the City Engineer, and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the subject project.
9. Mission Viejo Fuel Reduction Project -Cal Fire Grant
Approved the Plans and Specifications and authorized staff to advertise for bids for the Mission Viejo Fuel Reduction Project (CalFire 'State Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funding' Grant).
10. Fiscal Year 2025/26 Senate Bill 1 Road Repair and Accountability Act
Adopted Resolution 25-09 Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
11. Annual Maintenance Program for Electrical and Related Services at all City Facilities
(1) Approved Second Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with David Electric, Inc. for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00; and (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to David Electric, Inc. for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in amount not to exceed $100,000.00, pending adoption of the 2025- 2027 budget by City Council.
City Council Minutes 5 April 22, 2025
12. Annual Maintenance Program for the Plumbing Repairs and Maintenance at all City Facilities
(1) Approved Third Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Santa Margarita Plumbing and Air, Inc. for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $270,000.00; and (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Santa Margarita Plumbing and Air, Inc. for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in amount not to exceed $135,000.00, pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
13. Annual Routine Maintenance Program for the Painting Services at all City Facilities
(1) Approved First Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Ultra Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $180,000.00; and (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Ultra Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in amount not to exceed $90,000.00, pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
14. Annual Routine Maintenance for Door Repairs and Related Services at all City Facilities
(1) Approved Second Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Pacific Rim Door Service, Inc. for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $200,000.00; and (2) authorized the issuance of a pur chase order to Pacific Rim Door Service, Inc. for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in amount not to exceed $100,000.00, pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
15. Annual Maintenance Program for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Related Services at all City Facilities
(1) Approved First Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with South Coast Mechanical, LLC for the subject services for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027 in an amount not to exceed $300,000.00; and (2) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to South Coast Mechanical, LLC for the period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in amount not to exceed $150,000.00, pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
NEW BUSINESS
16. FY 2025-2027 Proposed CIP Budget
Director of Administrative Services Ellis Chang presented the staff report.
By consensus the City Council received the report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to provide funding from City reserves for the Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation
On roll call, said motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Goodell, and Kelley.
City Council Minutes 6 April 22, 2025
NOES: Bucknum, Ruesch, and Vasquez.
ABSENT: None
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
17. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
18. Update on the Los Osos Project
City Manager Lister stated that the City is temporarily pausing the awarding of phase one of this project at this time. Due to impending closures in the center the city feels t this could provide opportunity for the potential to a more comprehensive and favorable plan for a larger portion of the center. The City has been reaching out to key property owners to strengthen relationships and bring owner goals into alignment, so we are not working at odds. As reflected in the presentation by Santa Margarita Water District with their redesign of their site plan has caused delays. She stated that this delay has given the City some time to further explore and evaluate options and allow some time for further due diligence and the possibility of a public, private partnership. She emphasized that the city remains fully committed to our downtown vision as well as fiscal prudence. In the meantime, the Stein Mart property is on the books as an asset and has appreciated in value . The property will continue to be put to good use through our Farmers Markets and our monthly nigh markets as well as other events. Lastly, City manager Lister pointed out some recent temporary improvements that have been made to the site which include landscape enhancements, painting on site amenities and additional seating.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
19. 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 Goodell
Council Member Goodell mentioned that the Mission Viejo Triathlon will be held this Sunday April 27 and encourages residents to come out and support the athletes.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley outlined her attendance at various local events since the last Council Meeting :
Relay for Life South Orange County Kickoff Event on April 10 th, Master Garden Expo on April 12 th, Marine Lake Day on April 12th, Mission Viejo Activities Appreciation Event on April 13th, I-5 Dedication Ceremony on April 16th, Medal of Valor Ceremony on April 17th, Association of California Cities-Orange County (ACCOC) Special Briefing on April 17 th. She mentioned a few upcoming events, Earth Day
City Council Minutes 7 April 22, 2025
Celebrations on April 26 from 8:00 am to Noon, Capistrano V alley High School Teen Wellness Summit on April 26 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Family Arts Day at the Potocki Center on May 10th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Lastly, she spoke about the Love Mission Viejo Day on May 17th.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez asked for more information regarding the incident at the recent protest because she heard different versions of what happened. With the recent layoffs of federal employees and the increase in tariffs she suggested we look into what support the city may be able to provide in these instances. She stated that she missed the Master Gardener’s program because she was in Colorado with her eldest child visiting colleges. Council Member Vasquez announced that her daughter committed to Cal State Long Beach, and she is very excited for her and relieved that the college hunt process is over
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum thanked the Lake and the Marine Adoption Committee for a job well done on the Marine Lake Day. She also attended the Master Gardner Event and commented on the great turnout.
Last Friday she toured Families Forward’s food pantry which was amazing. She sta ted it is there for families to shop if they are having food insecurities. She suggested a resource page of services on various south county outreach food pantries we have in south Orange County. Mayor Pro Tem thanked former Mayor Rhonda Reardon for her comments this evening on the sober living ordinance and former Senator Pat Bates for starting this coalition. She commented that Senator Blakespear has put forth a Bill that they were hopeful about . However, it didn’t make it out of committee, but they will keep the community updated. She announced the following upcoming events and encouraged residents to attend: La Paz International Festival this Friday starting at 5:00 pm, which has all the countries represented with the food and traditions, Mission Viejo Triathlon on Sunday April 27, and Purse Palooza on May 3 at 10:00 am located at the Norman P. Community Center. Lastly, she will be attending the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) in Palm Desert next week.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch showcased the award the City Received from the Relay for Life and mentioned that this has been an ongoing event in the city for the past thirty years raising over six million dollars for cancer research. He attended the Subterranean Soundscape last Tuesday where the Pacific Symphony performed.
He encouraged residents to be on the lookout for the next one. Mayor Ruesch addressed the concerns about our businesses in need of assistance and indicated that the Chamber of Commerce has not articulated that there is a need right now. Lastly, he concluded with a quote from Mae West, “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough.”
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:54 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
City Council Minutes 8 April 22, 2025
______________________________________
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of May 13, 2025