City Council Minutes 1 June 24, 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 24, 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 24, 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 19, 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
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 June 24, 2025
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:00 Mayor Ruesch recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:00 Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley stated there were two closed session items that the Council was updated, but no reportable actions occurred.
INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Ruesch
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on Receiving the "2024 Golf Course of the Year" Award by the California Golf Course Owners Association
Presented commendation to General Manager Matthew Donovan.
P2. Recognize Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa LeBron -Flores for Receiving the "OCSD Sheriff 2024 Civilian Employee of the Year" Award
Present commendation to Lisa LeBron-Flores
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carolyn Gatto M.V.: Spoke on an incident with a deputy issuing a ticket to one of the protestors who stopped her car by the bus shelter to unload signs for the rally. She feels this was a politically motivated act and that the deputy could have given the driver a warning. She reminded the Council and Sheriff’s department that she had asked for police protection during the protests. She made a point that the rallies will not stop, and they will continue to be held every Wednesday from 11 to 1.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Spoke on future planning for affordable housing and indicated that the City has several sights that could be used and has chosen not to. He asked if the City could provide stools in the hallway for the deputies that are at the council meetings.
Rich Pullium, M.V.: Thanked the City Council and city staff for all they did. Asked that the invocation be removed from the meetings. Spoke on the Pride event this past Saturday and thanked Council Member Vasquez for attending. Asked hypothetical question regarding ICE and asked what the policy is in the City.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Addressed the item regarding the fuel reduction project criticizing the bidding process and spoke out on West Coast Arborists amendments.
City Council Minutes 3 June 24, 2025
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Asked for a litigation update on the Los Oso project. Asked for more clarity on motions in the future. Make it clear that she was not lobbying to defend the Library in her comments from the last meeting.
Carlos Pianelli, M.V.: Spoke on an ice raid in Santa Ana and spoke out on Trump’s policies regarding minorities.
Chris Perko, M.V.: Spoke on all the Pride displays at various states that she visited and feels very let down that the City does not participate in Pride month.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to a pprove 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. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of June 10, 2025, as presented.
2. Golf Check Register Dated May 30, 2025, in the Amount of $10,341.49 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated May 30, 2025, in the Amount of $1,104,693.12 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. General Check Register Dated June 6, 2025, in the Amount of $1,524,567.53 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated June 6, 2025, in the Amount of $32,772.10 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. FY 2025/26 Budget for the Mission Viejo Housing Authority Adopted HA Resolution 25-01 Adopting a Budget for the 2025/26 Fiscal Year.
City Council Minutes 4 June 24, 2025
7. FY 2025/26 Budget for the Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority Adopted CDFA Resolution 25-01 Adopting Budget for the 2025/26 Fiscal Year.
8. Fifth Asset dba Debtbook’s Lease and SBITA Management Software -as-a-Service (SaaS) Application
Approved procurement of Debtbook's Lease (A25-25) and SBITA Management SaaS Application, pending adoption of the 2025 -27 Proposed Budget for an initial term of three years, with ongoing annual options to renew.
9. Olympiad Road/Felipe Road Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24258)
Awarded the construction contract for the subject project to Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc. (A25-22) in the amount of $435,437.50.
10. 2024 Residential Resurfacing-Slurry Seal (CIP 25838)-Notice of Completion
(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorize the City Manager to sign the Notice of Completion; (3) authorized the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and (4) authorized payment of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
11. Mission Viejo Fuel Reduction Project - CalFire Grant
(1) Awarded contract for the Mission Viejo Fuel Reduction Project - CalFire Grant to West Coast Arborists, Inc. (A25 -23) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $1,830,000.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a purchase order fo r the Mission Viejo Fuel Reduction Project to West Coast Arborists, Inc. for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 pending adoption of the 2025-2027 budget by City Council.
12. Annual Weed Abatement Program for Parcels Under One Acre - Year 2025 - Phase 1
(1) Adopted Resolution 25-25 Declaring that Certain Weeds, Rubbish, Refuse, and Dirt on Parcels Under One Acre Constitute Nuisances; Declaring the Intention of the City Council to Order the Abatement of Said Nuisances; and Fixing a Time and Place for Hearing Protests; (2) instructed the Public Services Department to mail a Notice to Destroy Weeds in accordance with Section 39566 of the Government Code; and (3) instructed the City Clerk to set the Public Hearing for August 26, 2025.
13. Oso Creek Golf Course - Purchase of Replacement Fairway Reelmaster Mower
City Council Minutes 5 June 24, 2025
(1) Approved purchase for the replacement of the Oso Creek Golf Course fairway Reelmaster Mower to Turf Star Western, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $102,736.70; and (2) authorized staff to issue a purchase order to Turf Star Western, Inc. for a not to ex ceed amount of $102,736.70.
14. Annual Routine Landscape and Irrigation Supplies
(1) Approved Tenth Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with SiteOne Landscape Supply and (2) authorized issuance of a change order to the existing Purchase Order for Landscape and Irrigation Supplies to SiteOne Landscape Supply in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00.
15. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 8
(1) Approved Seventh Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Nieves Landscape, LLC, and (2) authorized the issuance of a change order to the existing Purchase Order for Landscape Contract Area 8 to Nieves Landscape, Inc. in an amount not to exc eed $70,000.00.
16. Legislative Advocacy and Government Relations Services
Approved the Professional Services Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc.(A25-24) for State legislative advocacy and government relations services for a total not to exceed the amount of $156,000 for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
OLD BUSINESS
17. Adoption of the 2025-2027 Budget
Director of Administrative Services Ellis Chang presented the staff report.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Echoed Cathy Palmer’s comments regarding the $3,500 for the marine welcome packages. Voiced his concerns about the proposed parking structure at the Oso Viejo Golf Course and the lack of connection between the golf course and the urban core. He expressed from a planning standpoint of view that the City could do a lot better by developing a specific plan.
Robert Breton, M.V.: Stated that the most precious assets are the employees that work for the City. He thanked the Council for the approval of the salary schedule, performance merit increases, COLA, and bonuses. He urged the Council to adopt the budget as presented.
Council Member Vasquez stated it was her understanding that the additional $3,500 Council Member Kelley asked for the Marine Adoption Committee’s welcome packages was not part of the vote. She realized when she read the minutes that this was included in the recommended action. Council Member Vasquez made a motion for reconsideration of the vote at the last meeting.
City Council Minutes 6 June 24, 2025
Motion died for lack of a second.
Motion made by Mayor Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to (1) hold a public discussion on the 2025 -2027 Budget as necessary, conduct City Council deliberation, including allocation or reallocation of budgeted funds to adjust project details including timing. and (2) approve Resolution 25-26 Adopting the finally established Budget for the City of Mission Viejo for 2025- 2027 and Appropriating Funds and approvals of process and commencement for the FY 2025/26 only items
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
18. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
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 reiterated that the planning code was updated to add the ability to build vertically. He asked the Assistant City Manager to respond to the public speaker regarding the fuel reduction contract. Assistant City Manager Hill commented that th e apparent low bidder had an incomplete bid, the second bidder did not possess both C27 and C49 licenses which were required for this project. The bidder we awarded the contract to have both required licenses. Council Member Goodell stated that he wanted to clarify this since it was inferred that there was favoritism when in fact only one bidder was qualified to do the work, and they have done a great job in our city for a long time.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley complimented the Mayor on the annual chamber breakfast stating it was very well attended. She attended the Concert on Green on June 13 and expressed how fun these concerts are, and it is a great event to take the whole family. She encouraged residents to attend the next concert which will be in July. Council Member Kelley also attended the Night Market this past weekend and encouraged residents to get there early to find a place to park. She reminded everyone
City Council Minutes 7 June 24, 2025
about the 4th of July Street Faire which will start at noon. Lastly, she commented on the use of goats for removal of brush and weeds for fire prevention and mentioned that the Transportation Corridor Agency is using cattle and it has been very successful Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez asked that in the future any agenda items relating to budgets that all of the items going to be voted on be clarified before the vote. She also attended the Chamber breakfast and had a nice time seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. She highlighted the Mission Viejo Pride event this past weekend and estimated there were at least 2,000 people which doubled from last year. There were ninety booths, several food trucks, the band Pulp Vixen and the Orange County Gay Men’s Choral performed. She thanked all the fantastic sponsors. Council Member Vasquez emphasized that it was very family friendly like any other Mission Viejo event only more colorful. Dr. Stern of Saddleback College gave a very nice opening speech, and she said it was a lovely even and she can’t wait to do it again next year.
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum commented on the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast she attended and gave kudos to Mayor Ruesch for his message of the State of the City. She highlighted her Father’s Day Brunch at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and mentioned that the golf club was built by Rancho Mission Viejo and is owned by them. She stated that they have done incredible things in the community such as during COVID they refused to take the City’s grant money and took care of their own employees to make sure that they continued to be employed during that time. She said she is proud of a business that thinks like that. Lastly, she announced that there is a lot going on with Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) regarding the Olympics and strategic planning. Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum reported that Council Member Goodell may be asked to speak to all the other cities and counties on what to do right relative to working with international teams.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch attended the Rotary 50
th Anniversary dinner at Casa Romantica and stated that the City will be recognizing them in the near future. He attended the Mission Viejo Pride event this past weekend along with his wife. Mayor Ruesch attended the OCFA Academy 61 graduation ceremony and was honored to see a new recruit Edwar d Mendiola who happens to be the son -in- law of one of our former Mayors Dave Leckness. He closed his comments with the following quote, “The greatest gift you can give is your time, because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:10 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday July 8, 2025, sending warm wishes and a speedy recovery to 18- month-old Juliette Bryant who will be receiving a liver transplant tomorrow morning.
City Council Minutes 8 June 24, 2025
______________________________________
Kimberly Shmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of July 8, 2025