City Council Minutes 1 July 8, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
July 8, 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 July 8, 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 July 3, 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
INVOCATION: Council Member Goodell
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 Jose GonzalezMorales, "Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter" Corporal Jalen Coston, and Junior Sailor of the Quarter HM2 (FMF) Justin Harris.
City Council Minutes 2 July 8, 2025
P2. Proclaim Mid -Summer through Early Autumn 2025 To Be Wildfire Awareness & Prevention Season
Mayor Ruesch presented proclamation to Fire Chief Cheyne Maule.
P3. Recognize the Rotary Club on Their 50th Anniversary
Mayor Ruesch presented proclamation Paul Bucknum and former Rotary President Millard Roth.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Rochter, M.V.: Thanked the sheriff’s department for their prompt action in pulling over a driver at last week’s rally that intentionally emitted exhaust around the protestors. Questioned why this person received only a warning that was not given to his colleague that received a ticket for temporary stopping in a bus zone to unload items for the rally.
Sam Lewis, M.V.: Expressed his gratefulness to those that challenge his beliefs because it help s him to grow.
Aleksander Climidzic, M.V.: Spoke on the Community of Character Word of the Month “Fairness”
Gene Dery, M.V.: Spoke on behalf of the Cordova Community and voiced his concerns about the illegal fireworks at Cordova Park in his neighborhood this past fourth of July.
Kira Blick, M.V.: Spoke on the artificial light that affects the migration of birds and encouraged the Council to consider the Audubon Lights Out Program.
Carolyn Gatto, M.V.: Thanked the OCSD for the police presence at the last rally. Questioned if the sidewalks are being scheduled for repairs and asked to be notified when that will be taking place.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Thanked everyone who made this year’s Saddleback College Pride Event a success — growing from 1,800 to over 2,000 attendees and nearly doubling the booths. He gave a special thanks to Councilmember Cynthia Vasquez and Dr. Elliot Stein, who attended. Voiced concerns that the DEI Task Force, which supported last year’s event, seems to have been dissolved without public notice. Thanked Councilmember Brian Goodell for helping start that group.
Tom Moore, M .V.: Stated in 2007, the City hired the Urban Land Institute to assess the Village Center area. Their report raised key issues like fragmented ownership, but their involvement ended—partly due to a mixed- use proposal. I’m requesting a full financial report on Phase One before moving to Phase Two, we need a clear picture of where we’ve been and what it cost.
Robert Breton, M.V.: Stated that p rayer has historically played an important role in American government, dating back to the Constitutional Convention and that the Founders designed the First Amendment to prevent religious domination while still allowing public officials to seek divine guidance. He pointed out that the First Amendment protects freedom of religion, allowing public officials to seek divine guidance without promoting a specific faith
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Items 14, 19, and 22 were removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration.
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
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of June 24, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated June 13, 2025, in the Amount of $1,259,827.74 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated June 20, 2025, in the Amount of $991,927.36 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated June 13, 2025, in the Amount of $251,566.46 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated June 20, 2025, in the Amount of $137,242.75 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2025
Received and filed.
7. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2025
Received and filed.
8. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2025
City Council Minutes 4 July 8, 2025
Received and filed.
9. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2025 Received and filed.
10. Proposed Lease Renewal submitted by AT&T Mobility in Conjunction with an Existing Wireless Telecommunication Facility Mounted on an Existing Light Standard at the World Cup Soccer Fields, a City-Owned Property Located at 27301 La Paz Road Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute0 the Lease Agreement (A25-26).
11. Proposed Lease Amendment Submitted by Verizon Wireless in Conjunction with an Existing Wireless Telecommunication Facility Mounted on a Replacement Sports Field Light Pole at Gilleran Park, a City-Owned Property Located at 24960 Felipe Road Approved and authorized the City Manager to execute the Lease Agreement (A25-27).
12. La Paz Bridge Rehabilitation and Road Widening Improvements (CIP 01756)
(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorized 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 the release of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
13. 2025 Residential Resurfacing-Asphalt Repairs and Asphalt Overlays (CIP 26838)
Approved the bid specifications, subject to minor revisions required by the Director of Public Works, and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the subject project.
15. 2025 Residential Resurfacing (CIP 26838)-Slurry Seal
Approved the bid specifications, subject to minor revisions required by the Director of Public Works and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the subject project.
16. Renewed Measure M (M2) Public Works Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program
Adopted Resolution 25 -27 Adopting a Renewed Measure M (M2) Seven -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Beginning with the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year, to Satisfy the City's Eligibility Requirements of the Orange County Measure M2 Program.
17. Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP) CIP 25262 -Notice of Completion
City Council Minutes 5 July 8, 2025
(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorized 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 the release of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
18. Annual Park and Facility Hardscape and General Construction Improvements Contract - Nieves General Engineering, Inc.
(1) Awarded contract for the subject services to Nieves General Engineering, Inc.(A25-28) for the period of July 9, 2025 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $418,000.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a Purchase Order for subject services to Nieves General Engineering, Inc. for the period of July 9, 2025 to June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $209,000.00.
20. Annual Maintenance Program for the Removal and Replacement of PCC Sidewalks, Curb and Gutter, Driveway Approaches and Cross -Gutters - Nieves General Engineering, Inc.
(1) Awarded contract for the subject services to Nieves General Engineering, ( A25-29) Inc. for the period of July 9, 2025 through June 30, 2027 in the amount of $811,966.00; and (2) authorized issuance of a Purchase Order for subject services to Nieves General Engineering, Inc. for the period of July 9, 2025 to June 30, 2026 in an amount not to exceed $405,983.00.
21. Memorandum of Understanding between City of Mission Viejo and Pacific Symphony
Approved Memorandum of Understanding between City of Mission Viejo and Pacific Symphony (A25-30) for FY 25/26 programs amounting to $110,000.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
14. Annual Review of Residential and Commercial Integrated Waste Management Rates
Associate Engineer Hazel McIntosh presented the staff report.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to receive and file.
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 July 8, 2025
19. Purchase (1) Replacement Electric Vehicle Fleet Truck for the Public Services Department
Public Services Manager Corey Gonyea presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Goodell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to Approve (1) Authorized the issuance of a Purchase Order to Santa Margarita Ford for the purchase of one new outfitted 2025 Ford F -150 Lightning EV Truck in the amount not to exceed $68,458.00, and (2) adopted Resolution 25- 28 Amending FY 2025/26 Operating Budget.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
22. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Support Services
Council Member Goodell explained that he pulled this item to point out the importance of this contract.
Motion made by Council Member Goodell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to Approve Approved contract with GSL Associates ( A25-31) in the amount not to exceed $105,000 to provide Planning Support Services Associated with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council, Executive/Administration Committee, Legislative Committee, Policy Committees and Technic al Working groups support.
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
23. Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Report Received written report.
City Council Minutes 7 July 8, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
24. 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 had the honor of attending the Pacific Mini Games in Palau this past week, invited by ONOC (Oceania National Olympic Committees) through the Nadadores Foundation. The goal: identify swimming talent from across Oceania for a development program leading up to the 2028 Olympics in LA, with training camps based in Mission Viejo. He observed four days of swimming events, evaluating athletes from countries like Fiji, Tahiti, Palau, Guam, and New Caledonia. He stated that s ome showed real promise, and he will be submitting recommendations for future camp invitations. He stated it was a long trip — 22 hours each way and a 16-hour time difference — but a great opportunity to support Olympic development in the region and build stronger relationships with ONOC and partner nations. He is e xcited to be part of this journey to 2028!
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley thanked Congresswoman Young Kim for her dedication in renaming the Mission Viejo Post Office as the Majo Megan McClung Post Office. Megan, a Mission Viejo native and outstanding Marine who died in the line of duty, deserves this honor. It took years and great perseverance from Congresswoman Kim to make this happen, showing her deep care for our community and service members. The dedication ceremony was meaningful, with Megan’s family, classmates, and community members in attendance. She also enjoyed the Mission Vi ejo Street Fair—big thanks to the Activities Committee and city staff for making it such a great event. She stated that the city’s summer camps at Montanoso and Sierra Recreation Centers may be still open; check the Mission Viejo Life for details. Lastly, the City Council will be on break until the end of August.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez stated she is very familiar with those summer camps. Her youngest has done the flag football camp and is currently in a volleyball camp at the YMCA in Laguna Niguel, since her original camp was canceled that week. Next week, she’ll be in the tennis camp, and she’s also done basketball and will be doing golf soon. Council Member Vasquez missed the post office renaming ceremony because her daughter had a scrimmage on the last day of flag football. She said that picking her up from volle yball camp today reminded her of when her older daughter started playing sports at eight. She attended the Fourth of July S treet Fair, walked around, and spent the day with friends. Lastly, she introduced her husband and daughter sitting in the audience.
City Council Minutes 8 July 8, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum supported Council Member Kelly’s comments on the post office renaming, noting that although Congresswoman Kim had to return to D.C. for a vote, Supervisor Don Wagner delivered a strong, unscripted speech in her place. She attended the Fourth of July Street Fair and thanked a resident for voicing concerns about fireworks in neighborhoods. She also attended the symphony at Napoli Park and praised the large turnout. Bucknum reminded residents about several upcoming events: Shakespeare in the Park at Oso Viejo Community Park this week at 7 p.m., the Fire Station 24 grand opening next Thursday afternoon, National Night Out on July 31 at the Youth Athletic Park, and Prelude in the Park on Saturday, August 9.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch recently attended the SCOR Appreciation Lunch to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who support our city and police services in countless ways. Their commitment and service are deeply valued by the entire community. On June 28, the Mayor also participated in the annual Amateur Radio Field Day at Gilleran Park. This important event showcases the capabilities of amateur radio operators —individuals who play a critical role in emergency preparedness. In times of catastrop he, when power and communication systems might fail, these volunteers are the ones who can step in to help maintain essential communication. They generously invest their time and personal resources to ensure we are never without a lifeline when it matters most. Mayor Ruesch also shared exciting news: the city will host its first Annual Barbecue Battle, a music and barbecue festival featuring top Pit Masters competing in a contest. The event will take place at the Village Green from July 25 –27 and will include an amateur bar becue competition— which the Mayor himself will help judge! He closed his remarks with a motivational quote:
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:18 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday August 26, 2025.
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Kimberly Shmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of August 26, 2025