City Council Minutes 1 June 10, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
June 10, 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 June 10, 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 June 5, 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 Ruesch
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Staff Present: Elaine Lister, City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
William P. Curley, City Attorney
Ellis Chang, Director of Administrative Services
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 5:00pm Mayor Ruesch recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:01pm Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley announced that there was no reportable action for CS1.
City Council Minutes 2 June 10, 2025
INVOCATION: Council Member Kelley
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Ruesch
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize Caden Bunge and Hudson Moline for Their Act of Heroism
Mayor Ruesch present Certificates of Heroism to Caden Bunge and Hudson Moline.
Mayor Ruesch provided an update on some of his goals. He mentioned the new addition of the “Get Involved!” portal on the city’s website which focuses on community engagement. The posting portal for “Comments on Staggering of Districts”, which has received a lot of comments, however, Mayor Ruesch did apologize for the previous Friday as there was a technical issue, which has since been resolved, and all comments have been posted to date. He also mentioned the link to the police blotter. Lastly, Mayor Ruesch announced the launch of a photo contest asking residents to share their images of Mission Viejo on the City’s website . The Council shall se lect a few photos to be featured during the August 26 City Council meeting that shall be posted on the City’s website and social media platforms. In addition, he shall select a personal favorite, and the photographer will receive a City of Mission Viejo gift bag of items.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Robert Breton, M.V.: Spoke on how the city prides itself on being fiscally responsible, on budget priorities, and the recruitment and retention of staff. He praised staff, stated that the employees are the city’s greatest asset and asked for a slight change in the City’s priorities.
Dolores Thompson, M.V.: Spoke on the Character program/traits, and its relevance to the peaceful weekly Wednesday demonstrations. She referred to the recent Facebook post of vandalism on the public sidewalk and questioned why the FBI was notified?
Mary Carlson, M.V.: Commented on the invocation and its constant reference to God. Stated there are other religions and gave her own Invocation. She also expressed her concern of first amendment rights during the weekly rallies on La Paz and Marguerite, and the implication they are responsible for the sidewalk vandalism.
Paola Trumbly, M.V.: Listed various events she has supported/organized in the city. Extended an invitation to the City Council to attend the Second Annual Mission Viejo Pride Event on June 21, at Saddleback College.
Laura Lacko, M.V.: S tated s he witness ed the spraying of the sidewalk. Read a statement from Tristan Kern de Gonzalez, on the injustice of his husbands passing in San Antonio Texas, and thanked the Council for supporting the Pride Event.
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Carolyn Gatto, M.V.: S hared she is pleased Captain Ivins has made a n appearance, during the Wednesdays protests over the past few weeks. Referred to the various social media posts pertaining to the vandalism on the city sidewalk in the vicinity of where the weekly protests take place, thus creating a potential situation for disruption and putting participants in danger.
Laycee Barragato, M.V.: Invited all Council Members to attend the Pride Event on June 21, at Saddleback College. Commended the Council on recognizing the Jewish Community and anti - sematic hatred; however, she stated there are other marginalized communities that require the Council’s attention. Lastly, she thanked Council Member Vasquez for standing up for all citizens of Mission Viejo.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Spoke of his experience attending the peaceful non-confrontational rallies at the corner of La Paz and Marguerite. Voiced his concern on the graffiti incident and how all the social media may compromise the safety of protester s. Suggested, a carefully worded retraction is appropriate and supports the city’s efforts in protecting everyone’s safety.
Hayley Stangland-Spain, M.V.: S hared her experience at last year’s pride event and invited all Council Members to the upcoming Pride Event. Stated, she is grateful to Council Member Vasquez for standing up for our community.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Stated he lives in the vicinity of City Hall and regularly walks to Council and Commission meetings. Referred to the corner sign on La Paz & Marguerite and its display of city events, and Character Word of the Month.
Allyson Lorrimer, M.V.: Voiced her concerns on the danger of E-bikes.
Melissa Fieber, M.V.: Spoke of previous requests to mak e Mission Viejo a Sanctuary City.
Questioned the Council on ensuring Mission Viejo residents’ rights being violated, spoke of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement ), DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives , and voiced her concerns of protecting everyone, visitors and tourists alike.
Carlos Pianelli, M.V.: Mentioned the riots in Los Angles, the LAPD, National Guards, Ma rines, January 6, 2021, his conversation with Congresswoman Young Kim and concluded by stating, we as a people need to stand together.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Spoke of class warfare and the impact it will have on generations to come .
He also mentioned Congresswoman Young Kim’s recent vote in the House. Lastly, he spoke on the budget, stated that he agrees with Mr. Breton’s comments on not losing staff, and to look within the budget to take care of Mission Viejo residents.
Lynn Holmes, M.V.: Stated she s upports the pride event and shall be attending. She reminded Council Members to support their constituents and encouraged them to attend the Pride Event. She added, as leaders Council Members need to be seen at all events and demonstrate Character Word traits.
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Lynne Haynes, M.V.: Spoke as a regular attendee of the protests at the corner of La Paz & Marguerite. Referenced the vandalism in question and its implication of being tied to protesters.
Finally, she added, exercising her constitutional rights should be respected and not vilified.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Kelley , seconded by Mayor Ruesch , to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bucknum
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of May 27, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated May 16, 2025, in the Amount of $1,241,527.24
Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated May 23, 2025, in the Amount of $849,527.40
Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated May 16, 2025, in the Amount of $29,513.07
Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated May 23, 2025, in the Amount of $93,664.37
Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for April 2025
Received and filed.
7. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for April 2025
Received and filed.
City Council Minutes 5 June 10, 2025
8. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for April 2025
Received and filed.
9. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for April 2025
Received and filed.
10. Investment Management Services
Approved the Agreement with Chandler Asset Management, Inc. (A25- 19) for investment management services for a three- year period July 1,2025,5 through June 30, 2028, with the option to renew in two-year increments thereafter.
11. Establish an Appropriations Limit for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year
Adopted Resolution 25-20 Establishing an Appropriations Limit for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year.
12. Council Policy 0300-8 Management and Budget Policies
Adopted Resolution 25-21 Adopting Revised Council Policy for Management and Budget Policies (0300-8).
13. Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps
Adopted 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.
14. Professional Services for Planning Services to Develop Objective Design Standards for New Residential Development
Approved the Third Amendment with JBZ, INC. DBA JZMK Partners for Planning Consulting Services for the Development of Objective Design Standards for New Residential Development to $163,000.
15. Revisions to City of Mission Viejo Personnel Policies
Adopted Resolution 25-22 Providing for the Revisions to Select Personnel Policies.
16. Senior Mobility Program
(1) Approved the City’s Senior Mobility Program Third Amendment to increase contract amount by $350,000; and (2) approved the Fourth Amendment which changes the contractor’s DBA from California Yellow Cab to OCY Management, LLC.
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17. Professional Services for Community Development Block Grant Program Administration
Approved Agreement for Community Development Block Grant Administration Services (A25-20) from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $85,000, pending City Council approval of the 2025-2027 budget.
18. Professional Services for Housing Rehabilitation Program Consultation and Implementation
Approved Agreement for Housing Rehabilitation Program Consultation and Implementation Services (A25-21) from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 ($30,000 /year), pending City Council approval of the 2025-2027 budget.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
19. Amendment to Specific Fees for Animal Services, Library, Planning and Recreation Programs and Oso Creek Golf Course
Director of Administrative Services Ellis Chang presented the staff report.
Mayor Ruesch opened and closed the Public Hearing at 7:13 pm
Motion made by Council Member Kelley , seconded by Mayor Ruesch , to (1) Conduct a Public Hearing on the Proposed Animal Services, Library, Planning, Recreation and Oso Creek Golf Course User Fees; and (2) adopt Resolution 25- 23 Amending Specific Fees for Animal Services, Library, Planning, and Recreation Programs and Oso Creek Golf Course.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bucknum
NEW BUSINESS
20. Review of 2025-2027 Proposed Budget
Director of Administrative Services Ellis Chang and Human Resources Manager Monique Goetz presented the staff report.
Robert Breton, M.V.: Spoke of lower salaries/benefits, cost of living, and losing employees to other cities. He stated employee turnover has quadrupled in the last budget cycle and suggested adjusting salary and merit increases . He concluded by stating the city needs to be more competitive in the job market in order to continue to attract and retain quality employees.
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Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Asked Council to protect the library budget and allocate some funding from the general fund to the library. She referred to Congresswoman Young Kim’s approval of House Bill 1 and its impact on the library’s grant funding. Lastly, she mentioned the city is losing experienced staff to other cities.
Liz Spencer, M.V.: Spoke of bringing solutions to M ission Viejo to stimulate economic growth. She introduced Ms. Oliver, CEO of Little Big Farms, and together they offered their services/programs to increase the City’s revenue.
Michelle O’Brien, M.V.: In addition to Mr. Breton’s comment s pertaining to employees, Michelle stated that potential applicants also look at salaries, benefits and staff turnover, and that is something the city should take into consideration. In closing, she added that she supports the proposed 2025-27 budget and thanked the Council.
Council Members asked various questions and made comments.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley , seconded by Council Member Goodell , to (1) Review and discuss the 2025- 27 proposed budget; (2) direct staff to place the 2025 -27 proposed budget on the June 24, 2025, City Council agenda for adoption; (3) adopt Resolution 25- 24 Amending the City's Salary Schedule to be effective July 1, 2025, and Authorized Position Schedule effective July 5, 2025; and (4) earmark $3,500 for the Marine & Sailors Adoption Committee welcome packages.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bucknum
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
21. Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Report Received written report.
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 8 June 10, 2025
Council Member Goodell
Council Member Goodell reported that Costco just closed escrow in Foothill Ranch on the Regal Cinemas location and shall be building a new Costco Warehouse in its place. He mentioned the small brush fire near the Aquatic Center this past Friday , and thanked OCFA for putting it out so quickly. Lastly, he shared that the f irst ONOC (Oceana National Olympic Committee ) training camp is underway, and a team from Finland visited the city last week with an interest of training in Mission Viejo as well as the current Netherlands team.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley highlighted some of the events she recently attended; the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new stadium project at Capistrano Valley High School, OCFA’s Best & Bravest Ceremony, Animal Services Volunteer Appreciation Luau, City of Hope Orange County Ceremony & Survivorship Celebration, and the Santa Margarita Water District Water Festival.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez also attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new stadium project at Capistrano Valley High School . She shared that last week her eldest daughter graduated from Capistrano Valley High School, and she attended the ceremony at Saddleback College, at which she also saw Captain Ivins. She had unique honor of sitting on stage with other elected officials with graduating seniors, which was wonderful, and she expressed how happy s he is for her daughter. She concluded by stating she has family vising and has had a great week spending time with family.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch mentioned he had the opportunity to ride the MV Shuttle with former Mayor Dave Leckness. He shared that on Friday evening he and Council Member Goodell attended a concert at Segerstrom Concert Hall. It was t he final performance of Carl St.Clair of the Pacific Symphony, and also Commissioner Robert Breton’s final singing performance. Also, on Sunday Mayor Ruesch went to see Life of Pi at Segerstrom, a truly spectacular performance. Lastly, he closed with the following quote ~ “if you’re the smartest person in the room, maybe you’re in the wrong room”.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 9:45p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
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Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of June 24, 2025