City Council Minutes 1 May 13, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
May 27, 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 5:01 p.m., on May 27, 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 May 22, 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
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
CS2. Conference with Real Property Negotiators - Property: 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, Ca 92692; Agency Negotiators: City Manager Elaine Lister, Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill, City Attorney William P. Curley III, Director of Administrative Serv ices/City Treasurer Ellis Chang. Negotiation Parties: Kathleen Sickles, Property Representative. Under negotiation: terms of payment.
City Council Minutes 2 May 13, 2025
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.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley announced that there were no reportable actions for CS1 and CS2.
INVOCATION: Council Member Vasquez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Goodell
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Proclaim May through August 2025 as Drowning Prevention & Awareness Season Presented proclamation to Fire Chief Cheyne Maule.
P2. Presentation to the City by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW Post 6024 Commander, John Carson and VFW Post 6024 Adjutant, Ned Costa presented certificates to Deputy Brandon Espinosa, Mayor Bob Ruesch, and Director of Recreation and Community Services, Mark Nix.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rob Sullivan, M.V.: Asked if there is a possibility of having the dog park parking lot asphalted in the future.
Kristen Wilcox, M.V.: Asked that the police blotter be brought back. Expressed concerns about the police budget.
Natalie Winter, M.V.: Thanked the Council for their support of the Mission Viejo Girl’s softball League as well as staff members.
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 May 13, 2025
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of May 13, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated May 2, 2025, in the Amount of $1,130,771.03 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated May 9, 2025, in the Amount of $3,269,676.41 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated May 2, 2025, in the Amount of $72,518.20 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated May 9, 2025, in the Amount of $273,146.20 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Consultant Services for Coordination of Activities at Mission Viejo Television (MVTV)
(1) Awarded a contract to Eric Winter (A25-14) for coordination of activities at Mission Viejo Television for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $67,036.64; and (2) authorized staff to issue a purchase order to Eric Winter for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in the amount of $32,384.85 pending adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025- 27 budget by the City Council.
7. Consultant Services for Producer/Director of Various Mission Viejo Television Programs
(1) Awarded a contract for the subject services to Eric Winter (A25-15) for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $190,639.28; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Eric Winter for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $93,441.46 pending adoption of the FY 2025 -27 budget by the City Council.
8. Maintenance Of Traffic Signals and Appurtenance, Interconnect, Battery Back -Up Systems, Illuminated Street Name Signs, Safety Lights, CCTV Cameras, Speed Feedback Signs and Illuminated Crosswalk Services - Second & Third Contract Amendments
(1) Approved Contract Amendment #2 with Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. to increase the current purchase order for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in the amount of $66,000 and (2) approved Contract Amendment #3 with Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. for Fiscal Year 20 25-2026 to modify certain terms of the contract contingent upon approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 -2027
City Council Minutes 4 May 13, 2025
budget and (3) authorized the issuance of a purchase order to Bear Electrical Solutions, Inc. for the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.
9. 2025 Fourth of July Community Street Faire
Approved the Special Events Permit submitted by the Mission Viejo Activities Committee authorizing the annual Mission Viejo Fourth of July Community Street Faire on Friday, July 4, 2025.
10. City of Mission Viejo Renewed Measure M (M2) Eligibility: MPAH Consistency and Mitigation Fee Program Components
(1) Adopted Resolution 25 -18 Concerning the Status and Update of the General Plan Circulation Element and Mitigation Fee Program for the Renewed Measure M (M2) Program, and (2) directed staff to transmit said resolution to the Orange County Transportation Authority by June 30, 2025, to maintain the City's continued eligibility in receiving FY2025/26 M2 local f air share revenues and in pursuing competitive grant funding opportunities.
11. Revisions to the Norman P. Murray Community Center Facility Regulations, Sports Field Use and Allocation Policy, and the City Council’s Special Event Policy
(1) Approved revisions as recommended by the Community Services Commission to the Norman P. Murray Community Center Facility Regulations, Sports Field Use and Allocation Policy, and the City Council's Special Event Policy, and (2) adopt ed Resolution 25 -19 Amending the Council's Special Event Policy and the City Council Policy Manual.
12. Professional Services Agreement for Printing and Related Services for the "Mission Viejo Life" Publication
(1) Approved the Professional Services Agreement with Advantage Inc. (A25-16) for printing and related services for up to eight issues of Mission Viejo Life in the amount of $193,379.32 for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Advantage Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $95,269.64.
13. Request for a One -Time Exemption to the "No Alcoholic Beverage Consumption" Regulation at City Facilities for a Community Event
Approved the request for a one-time exemption to the "No Alcoholic Beverage Consumption" Regulation at City facilities for the Mission Viejo Barbecue Music Fest event.
14. Annual Routine Janitorial Supplies at City Facilities
(1) Awarded contract to Waxie Sanitary Supply (A25 -17) for Annual Routine Janitorial Supplies at City Facilities for the period of June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2027, in the amount not of $330,000; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order to Waxie Sanitar y Supply for
City Council Minutes 5 May 13, 2025
the period of June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $165,000, pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. State Fire Marshals 2025 Recommended Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps
Director of Community Development Larry Longenecker and Planning & Economic Development Manager Cliff Jones presented the staff report.
The Mayor Ruesch opened the Public Hearing at 6:55 pm
Paula Murray, M.V.: Voiced concerns that she had only recently heard of this and she lives in the high fire area and questioned why residents didn’t hear about this sooner. She suggested that we utilize the Wilderness Glen area similar to the Oso Creek.
Jeff Kasper, M.V.: Asked if the efforts to mitigate the vegetation to make it less hazardous will lower the risk for the next five years.
David Collins, M.V.: Voiced his concerns about the open space in the north end of the City and expressed his gratitude to the Council and staff and Fire Authority for moving this effort forward.
Kenny Dossey, M.V.: Looked at the plan as a retired fire fighter that this bogus. Questioned if the Council has any say in this.
Ralph Bobson, M.V.: Voiced his concerns that insurance companies are going to cancel or raise premiums based on this map.
Mayor Ruesch closed the Public Hearing at 7:05 pm
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Mayor Ruesch, to i ntroduce Ordinance 25- 355 Adopting and designating the State Fire Marshals 2025 recommended Local Responsibility Area Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) maps, without revisions, pursuant to California State Law and Related Findings.
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 May 13, 2025
NEW BUSINESS
16. Fiscal Year 2025 -2026 Law Enforcement Agreement and Additional Special Enforcement Services Provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD)
Emergency Operations Manager Paul Catsimanes presented the staff report.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to (1) approve the FY 2025-2026 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange (A25-18) for an amount not to exceed $25,543,492; and (2) approved funding in FY 2025-26 in the amount not to exceed $35,000 for overtime related to special enforcement services.
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
17. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
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 Goodell
Council Member Goodell reported that the National Olympic Committee was in Los Angeles this past week and that several of them came to Mission Viejo for tours of our facilities. He stated he met with the Netherlands and worked out the details of an agreement and that Finland had a successful tour last Friday so they may be coming to train in our city.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley commended our city staff for their efforts in planning a wonderful Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our fallen and veterans. She stated she attended a press conference calling for the bipartisan legislative reforms to alcohol and drug treatment facilities which Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum was one of the speakers. It was very encouraging to hear the support to have this forum. Council Member Kelley mentioned that she attended the Love Mission Viejo Day on May 17 and expressed the great turnout of volunteers that showed up and commended those that planned the event. Lastly, she announced that both school districts are out for the summer
City Council Minutes 7 May 13, 2025
on June 5 and encourage residents to look at the many classes and camps that the City provides at our various facilities.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez attended the Capo Valley High School Senior Awards and stated that her daughter will be graduating next week. She reported that the girl scout troop she co-leads went rock climbing and had a great time. Council Member Vasquez also attended the Memorial Day Service. She attended the Interact Club Banquet at Capo Valley High School. She promoted the BMX Bike Show at the Shops at Mission Viejo this coming Saturday and later in the day she will be attending a Naxolene workshop where they will be handing out free Narcan.
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum highlighted the press conference on sober living homes. She gave kudos to The League of California Cities their participation. She stated that Love Mission Viejo Day was great, and she was very honored to have been on the original planning committee for this event. Mayor Pro Tem also mentioned the 80’s themed Nigh Market and what a great evening of great music and food. She attended and Eagle Scout Court of Honor on behalf of the Mayor and complimented staff on a great Memorial Day service. Highlighted our law enforcement is very proactive in preventative homelessness and explained how we are ahead of the curve compared to a lot of other cities. She reminded residents of the Paws Creek Golf Tournament this upcoming weekend and that the Friends of the Library will be hosting their summer book sale June 6 and 7.
Lastly, she announced that the Montanoso and Sierra Recreations Centers will be holding an open house on June 7 noon to 4 pm.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch and Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum attended the Foutain Valley Crawdad Festival where they were introduced to the promoters to look into holding a barbecue contest this summer in Mission Viejo. He stated this past Saturday he had the privilege to prese nt the Mayor’s Trophy at the chili cook-off. He commented on the juveniles that participated and had incredible chili. He also attended the Love Mission Viejo Day. Lastly, he closed with the following quote, “We enter as individuals, we work as a team, and we leave as a family”.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:43p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of June 10, 2025