City Council Minutes 1 August 26, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
August 26, 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 August 26, 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 August 21, 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
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Labor Negotiations - The Council Will Provide Direction to its Labor Negotiator Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 and 54957.6. The Parties to the Negotiations Are the City and City’s Unrepresented Employees. The City’s Negotiator is Elaine Lister
CS2. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: Property Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Parkway: Agency Negotiators; Elaine Lister, City Manager, Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager, and William Curley, City Attorney: Negotiating Party: Santa Margarita Water District General Manager: Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
City Council Minutes 2 August 26, 2025
CS3. 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 5:00 pm Mayor Ruesch recessed the meeting to Closed Session. Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting at 6:07pm with four City Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Curley announced that there were three closed session items, labor negotiations, real estate property negotiations, and existing litigation. Council was updated, but no reportable actions occurred.
INVOCATION: Council Member Vasquez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Kelley
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Proclaim September 2025 To Be National Service Dog Month Mayor Ruesch presented the proclamation to Jan Heppert.
P2. Mission Viejo BBQ Music Fest Update
Tom Moore, M.V.: Commented on the event that he is supportive of it, however some of his neighbors were not due to the noise levels. He asked how much of the ten dollar parking charge was allotted to youth athletics.
Received update from Recreation and Community Services Director Mark Nix.
P3. Photo Contest Winner Announcement
Mayor Ruesch announced that the winner of the photo contest is James Castillo.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Moore, M.V.: Asked what the cost to the city through 2024 is for the 2007 ULI Village Center Study and the 2017 Village Center Study.
Isabelle Zhang, M.V.: Spoke on the Community of Character Trait for the month of August -Self Control.
Karen Warren, M.V. and June Anderson, M.V.: Spoke on the lack of response from OCSD on the calls regarding protestors at a forum being held at Casta del Sol.
City Council Minutes 3 August 26, 2025
Nicolas Valencia, M.V.: Advocated for a ban on pesticides at Coronado Park and voiced his concerns on the spraying of the sidewalks while children were playing in the park.
Randall Simmons, M.V.: Asked when the election dates for City Council positions will be published and when the data from the surveillance cameras procedures be put in place to ensure transparency. Lastly, asked for better control of toxic chemicals in the city and suggested the city set aside financial assistance to those affected by ICE.
Police Chief Ivins responded to the two speakers regarding the protest at Casta del Sol. He explained that there were deputies in the vicinity from approximately 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm to keep the peace.
Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill commented that they did talk to the contractor regarding the spraying and that it will not happen again. The employee was reprimanded.
Mayor Ruesch commented that the City Council Elections are November 3, 2026, and that has not changed. Anyone that is interested can file the proper paperwork at any time. He announced that the staggering of districts will be on the September 23 agenda.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, 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 July 8, 2025, as presented .
2. General Check Register Dated June 27, 2025, in the Amount of $2,171,238.29 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated July 4, 2025, in the Amount of $2,365,149.20 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. General Check Register Dated July 11, 2025, in the Amount of $1,228,769.66 Ratified the accompanying check register.
City Council Minutes 4 August 26, 2025
5. General Check Register Dated July 18, 2025, in the Amount of $2,394,472.62
Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. General Check Register Dated July 25, 2025, in the Amount of $4,211,949.96 Ratified the accompanying check register.
7. General Check Register Dated August 1, 2025, in the Amount of $422,325.40 Ratified the accompanying check register.
8. General Check Register Dated August 8, 2025, in the Amount of $3,466,514.03 Ratified the accompanying check register.
9. Golf Check Register Dated June 27, 2025, in the Amount of $131,664.54 Ratified the accompanying check register.
10. Golf Check Register Dated July 4, 2025, in the Amount of $87,281.50 Ratified the accompanying check register.
11. Golf Check Register Dated July 11, 2025, in the Amount of $16,956.98 Ratified the accompanying check register.
12. Golf Check Register Dated July 18, 2025, in the Amount of $265,877.51 Ratified the accompanying check register.
13. Golf Check Register Dated July 25, 2025, in the Amount of $39,126.66 Ratified the accompanying check register.
14. Golf Check Register Dated August 1, 2026, in the Amount of $160,464.81 Ratified the accompanying check register.
15. Golf Check Register Dated August 8, 2025, in the Amount of $3,128.44 Ratified the accompanying check register.
16. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2025
Received and filed.
City Council Minutes 5 August 26, 2025
17. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2025
Received and filed.
18. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2025
Received and filed.
19. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2025 Received and filed.
20. 2024 Residential Resurfacing-Asphalt Repairs and Asphalt Overlays (CIP 25838)-Notice of Completion
(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) and authorized the release of the final retentio n 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
21. 2025 Residential Resurfacing-Asphalt Repairs and Asphalt Overlays (CIP 26838)
Awarded the construction contract (A25 -32) for the subject project to LCR Earthwork & Engineering, Corp. in the amount of $1,841,607.50.
22. Professional Services for Building Plan Check and Inspection Services
Approved the First Amendment with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. for Building Plan Check and Inspection Services to extend services from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
23. Public Hearing to Consider All Objections to the Proposed Abatement of Weeds on Parcels Less than One Acre for the Annual Weed Abatement Program 2025
Public Services Operations Manager Corey Gonyea presented the staff report.
Mayor Ruesch opened the Public Hearing at 6:59 pm
Mayor Ruesch closed the Public Hearing at 6:59 pm
City Council Minutes 6 August 26, 2025
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Goodell, to i nstruct the Public Services Department to proceed and perform the removal of weeds in accordance with Sections 39568 through 39588 of the Government Code.
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
24. Voting Delegate and Alternate(s) for the 2025 League of California Cities Annual Conference
By consensus Mayor Ruesch appointed himself as voting delegate and Council Member Kelley and Council Member Vasquez as alternates for the League of California Cities Conference Annual Business Meeting on Friday, October 10, 2025.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Assistant City Manager gave an update on the Fire Mitigation Grant from Cal Fire with tree removals of declining eucalyptus trees along Vista Del Lago and some vegetation thinning along the ridgeline area which is in the large open space surrounded by Vista Del Lago and Los Alisos and Via Novena area. He indicated that an amendment w as filed to the Cal Fire Grant relative to the 100 feet defensible space limits requesting an additional 70 feet from housing structures in the open space area which would be t he homes behind Via Noveno and Via Santiago. He announced that the amendment was approved last week and that the CEQA document will be adjusted. Another grant was submitted to focus on the removal of palm trees with dead fronds in opens spaces along with pampas grass and some of the non-natives along the Creek areas in the open space. The grant also includes provisions for goat grazing as well. The grant we received was two million dollars and the maximum amount of this grant is nine hundred and fifty thousand which we requested. The goats will be in the area off Jeronimo between S illeros and Pavion in the open space between the two trails. The contractor is working on a staging area this week and the goats will arrive after Labor Day and we will do a press release with more information.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Curly had no report.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
25. 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 7 August 26, 2025
Council Member Goodell
Council Member Goodell commented that t he recent mileage and event report was notably extensive, reflecting significant activity since our last meeting. A key highlight was the Junior Nationals diving competition held in July at the Marguerite Aquatics Complex, which hosted over 300 divers and their families over a ten -day period. During the event’s opening ceremonies, the dive well was dedicated in honor of Dr. Ron O’Brien, a distinguished coach who developed numerous Olympians locally and nationally. Additionally, the regional Masters Swimming Championships were held last weekend, featuring over 200 competitors ranging in age from 1 to
99. Of a particular note , Mary T. Meagher —known as “Madame Butterfly” from the 1984 Olympics—set a new world record in the 200-meter butterfly for the 61–64 age group and narrowly missed breaking the 100- meter record. The Mayor, Council Member Vasquez, and Council Member Goodell attended the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Saddleback ATEP, a state-of-the-art culinary and educational facility in Tustin. Lastly, he also had the opportunity to attend an exceptional symphony performance, participate in a Chamber of Commerce mixer involving four city chambers, and serve as a judge at the recent BBQ Fest.
Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley gave kudos to Director Mark nix and his team for the Barbecue Music Fest which was held July 25 through July 27. She also attended the J unior National Dive Meet which brought in a lot of people from all over the country. Counci l Member Kelley gave a shout out to Chief Ivins and his crew for National Night Out which was held on July 31st and a successful event.
She gave kudos to City M anager Lister and Assistant City Manager Hill along with city staff for the wonder ful Prelude in the Park event. She encouraged residents to attend one of the night markets at Los Oso which is every third Saturday of the month. Council Member Kelley also attended the second time around jewelry sale fundraiser that was a huge success raising fort y thousand dollars that will go toward senior programs. She thanked Commissioner Josh Vechionne for his participation in helping to appraise the jewelry, as well as the Senior Activities Committee and Melanie McGrain for their great work in holding this event. Council Member Kelly attended the Paddle for the Battle Pickleball Tournament that raised eight thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society and thanked staff members Amand a and Tiffany at the Felipe Tennis Center for their hard work. She announced that on September 20 at Oso Viejo Park will be the annual Relay for Life from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Lastly, she reminded residents that this coming Sunday August 31 the Marine Adoption Committee is hosting the Boots, Beer, and Barbecue event at the Norman P. Community Center. The cost is thirty-five dollars per person, and the proceeds go to support the marines and sailors of our adopted headquarters battalion.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez reported attending several community events recently. She participated in the Station 24 ribbon cutting ceremony, noting that it was well attended and a great event. She also enjoyed an outing to the symphony with family and friends, which was similarly well attended and enjoyable. Additionally, Council Member Vasquez attended the Saddleback ATEP Grand Opening and encouraged residents to explore the variety of classes offered through the program.
On a personal note, she recapped her s ummer, highlighting a memorable family cruise to Alaska.
She shared that her eldest daughter has started at Cal State Long Beach, while her youngest enjoyed
City Council Minutes 8 August 26, 2025
a range of summer camps. The summer also included family birthday celebrations and attending baseball games together.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch highlighted several key events and developments that took place in Mission Viejo over the recent hiatus. He acknowledged Council Member Vasquez’s mention of the Station 24 Grand Opening and shared a video from the event. Reflecting on his involvement from the beginning as a member of the design review committee alongside former Mayor Bob Breton, he expressed pride in witnessing the project come to life. Now serving as the Mission Viejo representative for OCFA, Mayor Ruesch attended the re -launch and described Station 24 as the finest fire station OCFA has. He also shared his experience attending the local symphony and the after-party, where food was served by the Oso Creek Golf Course, describing the event as phenomenal. Additionally, Mayor Ruesch spoke about a memorable ceremony held in the Rotary Garden, where the city dedicated a peace and mental health poll —the first known in the United States as a place for reflection and understanding, recognizing the importance of mental health.
Finally, Mayor Ruesch expressed condolences on the passing of former employee Susan Knudson.
He honored her as an integral, well-respected, and dedicated member of the city staff who continued to contribute even during her illness, notably helping to complete the city budget. He adjourned the meeting in her memory.
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 in memory of Administrative Services Manager Susan Knudson to Tuesday September 9, 2025.
______________________________________
Kimberly Shmitt, City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of September 9, 2025