City Council Minutes 1 September 23, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
September 23, 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 September 23, 2025, at 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, California.
A complete copy of the agenda for the meeting containing all items as shown he rein was posted by 5:00 p.m. on September 18, 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
John R. Harper, Interim City Attorney
Ellis Chang, Director of Administrative Services
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators: Property Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Parkway: Agency Negotiators; Elaine Lister, City Manager, Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager, and John Harper, Interim City Attorney: Negotiating Party: Santa Margarita Water District General Manager: Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
CS2. City Representation of Legal Services: Public Employee Appointment and Public Employment: City Attorney Position.
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RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01pm Mayor Ruesch recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:02pm Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Harper announced there was no reportable action.
INVOCATION: Mayor Ruesch
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Goodell
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Walk Against Drugs
Received presentation from TJ Robertson, Crime Prevention Specialist.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Paola Trumbly , M.V.: Announced "Love Our Schools Day," a community event set for Saturday, October 11, aimed at supporting local schools, teachers, and students. The day will begin with a rally at New Heart Middle School at 8 a.m. for volunteers, who will receive T-shirts, breakfast, and raffle prizes.
Paola encouraged all to participate and sign up for projects.
Madina Kamran, M.V.: A senior at Mission Viejo High School and Secretary of the Community of Character Committee, spoke about September's Character Trait: Responsibility.
Sam Lewis, M.V.: Pastor of The Gate Christian Bible Church addressed the divisive immigration issue and the genuine feelings behind appeals to protect undocumented individuals. He also s hared his experiences and advocated for a dialogue focused on unity and collaboration rather than division.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Referenced his earlier comments from the September 9 , City Council m eeting regarding immigration. He also spoke on Proposition 50 and encouraged informative voting on the issue.
Shirley Bates, M.V.: Voiced her concerns about an unkempt driveway on Mimosa Lane, where her home is located. She provided photos with dates and addresses for clarity and requested the city's intervention.
The Council indicated a desire to ensure her contact information was recorded for follow -up by code enforcement.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Made a general comment about recent meetings, particularly since the budget meeting in January. She expressed concern that public hearings should allow for public feedback , and requested improvements to the process by ensuring sufficient time is allotted for public participation in city decision-making.
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Rich Pullman, M.V.: Spoke on California State Proposition 50, highlighting its divisive nature.
Jena Minnick-Bull, M.V.: CEO of South Coast Conservatory, spoke of their upcoming Dance-a-Thon on Sunday, October 5, and outlined the school's commitment to performing arts and workforce development. Also, Amelia shared her journey from student to Academy Director at the Conservatory, expressing her appreciation for the training and opportunities she received.
Pam Hurley, M.V.: Praised Council Member Vasquez's recent inclusive invocation, contrasting it with her past feelings of exclusion during such events. She also voiced strong opposition to the council's proposed resolution against California Ballot Measure Proposition 50.
Carolyn Gatto, M.V.: Thanked Captain Ivins for the police presence at the South OC for Democracy protest, which she believes helps prevent violence. She criticized the city's decision to honor Charlie Kirk with a post on the electronic bulletin board after his assassination and noted that the city has not similarly honored the names of children lost to gun violence.
Kira Blick, M.V.: A r epresentative of the Audubon Society of Orange County, addressed the City Council regarding the National Audubon Lights Out Program, which aims to reduce night lighting, lower costs, and prevent bird fatalities from buildings. She referenced her previous presentation on July 8 and inquired about any discussions on adopting the program.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Spoke passionately of Charlie Kirk, condemned the violent circumstances of his death, and underscored his lasting impact.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Voiced his concerns regarding the City’s decision to fly flags at half-mast after Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Dane Bora, M.V.: Introduced himself and his monthly magazine ~ South Mission Viejo Living, which aims to connect neighbors, celebrate local accomplishments, and support local businesses.
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
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of September 9, 2025, as presented.
City Council Minutes 4 September 23, 2025
2. General Check Register Dated August 29, 2025, in the Amount of $966,960.12
Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated September 5, 2025, in the Amount of $1,222,324.16
Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated August 29, 2025, in the Amount of $10,278.53
Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated September 5, 2025, in the Amount of $6,664.26
Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Municipal Code Amendment on Chapter 3.16.010 Regarding Demands and Claims
Adopted Ordinance 25-358 Amending Chapter 3.16.010 of the Mission Viejo Municipal Code Regarding Demands and Claims.
7. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Enhanced Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Various Locations (CIP 24257)
Approved the bid specifications, subject to minor revisions required by the City Engineer, and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the subject project.
8. 2025 Residential Resurfacing (CIP 26838)—Slurry Seal
Awarded the construction contract (A25-33) for the subject project to Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc., in the amount of $1,107,530.15.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Ordinances Adopting the 2025 California Building and Fire Codes, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the International Property Maintenance Code and an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Code Section.
Director of Community Development Larry Longenecker presented the staff report.
Mayor Ruesch opened and closed the Public Hearing at 6:51 pm as there were no requests to speak on this item.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum , to ( 1) adopt Ordinance 25 -356 Adopting by Reference the 2025 Editions of the California Administrative, Building, Residential, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Energy, Green
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Building Standards, Historical Building, Wildland Urban Interface, Referenced Standards Code and Existing Building Codes, and the 2024 Editions of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and International Property Maintenance Code, Together, with Cert ain Appendices and Amendments Thereto, and Amending Title 8 of the Mission Viejo Municipal Code Including the Addition of a Streamlined Permitting Process for Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations”; (2) adopt Resolution 25-31 setting forth findings for requ ired amendments to the 2025 California Building Code relative to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions; (3) adopt Ordinance 25-357 Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Fire Code, with Certain Amendments and Deletions; and (4) adopt Resolution 25-32 setting forth findings for required amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code relative to local climatic, topographic, and geologic conditions.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
OLD BUSINESS
10. National Olympic Committee Multi -Year Cooperative Contract and Deposit Schedule with Team Netherlands
Director of Recreation and Community Services Mark Nix presented the staff report.
Randall Simmons, M.V.: Clarified the proposed contract amount is $100,000, not the previously misunderstood $1 million . He also questioned the security provisions and transportation arrangements.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Raised concerns about tax dollars being used for the Dutch team and questioned the city's strategy for fostering a sports economy. She called for details regarding the expected profit or potential tax dollar subsidy/loss associated with supporting foreign athletes competing against American athletes.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Addressed the Council regarding public access to observe the Olympic teams funded by taxpayers . She expressed her concern over limited opportunities for residents to watch training sessions while acknowledging the team's need for privacy.
Council members provided input regarding the contract. Council Member Vasquez stipulated for the record that $165,000 has been spent to date.
Motion made by Council Member Goodell, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the National Olympic Committee Multi -Year Cooperative Contract and Deposit Schedule with Team Netherlands.
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On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Vasquez
ABSENT: None
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
11. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report
Received written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
No report given.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
12. City Council Direction Regarding the Amendment of Mission Viejo Municipal Section
2.04.170 Establishing Terms of Office for the City Council Districts
Interim City Attorney John Harper presented the staff report.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Raised concerns pertaining to the potential manipulation of staggered terms for Districts two and four, suggesting this could allow Council Members Kelley and Goodell to pursue re -election. She urged the Council to amend Ordinance 22 -343 to reflect the public’s desires and ensure representative governance, emphasizing that the Council should prioritize voters' preferences over their own interests.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Supported Cathy Schlicht’s stance on using a random drawing to fairly assign the two and three -year terms. She emphasized that presidential elections have higher voter turnout and called for the Council to represent all Mission Viejo residents, not just mid- term voters. She proposed electing three council seats in the general election and two in the mid-term, arguing that past practices should not limit current decisions.
Arron Hand, M.V.: Recommended aligning most City Council seats with presidential election for better voter turnout suggesting three seats have two -year terms tied to these elections.
Urged Council to m aintain a discussion free from political conflict to ensure clarity and fairness and asked to c larify Ordinance Section 2.04.010B to recognize two -year council terms as full terms, preventing potential litigation and addressing swearing -in timing issues.
He also noted a typographical error in the ordinance and thanked the Council for their diligence. Mayor Ruesch confirmed that the ordinance would be revised accordingly.
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Michelle O’Brien, M.V.: Proposed having three four -year terms and two two -year terms in the upcoming November 26 election, with the intent for the two-year terms to transition into four-year terms. While acknowledging concerns about potential six -year terms, she reaffirmed the importance of a stable council for the continued success of Mission Viejo.
Motion made by Mayor Ruesch, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to approve City Council Districts One, Three, and Five to serve a four-year term, and City Council Districts Two, and Four to serve a two -year term in the 2026 General Election . Additionally, return the revised ordinance to clarify that a two-year term shall be considered a full term at the next City Council meeting.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Goodell, and Vasquez
ABSENT: None
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
13. 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 spoke of the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Station 24, which he described as meaningful and well-attended, he also represented the Mayor at the 60th Annual Mayor's Prayer Breakfast in Irvine. Additionally, he shared details about a successful open water swim event at Lake Mission Viejo, organized in partnership with the Sports and Economic Tourism Committee.
The event attracted over 300 swimmers of various ages, from six to nearly 90 years old, participating in distances ranging from 400 meters to a mile.
Council Member Kelley
14. Opposition to Proposition 50 and Enabling Legislation
Council Member Kelley presented her report.
Stacy and Lynn Holmes spoke in objection to the Opposition to Proposition 50 and Enabling Legislation. Cathy Schlicht, Richard Li, Steve Thornton, Rhonda Reardon, Bryan Zahn, Saga Conroy, Michelle O’Brien, and Ra ndall Simmons all spoke in favor of the Opposition to Proposition 50 and Enabling Legislation.
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Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, to adopt Resolution 25-33 Opposing Proposition 50 and Enabling Legislation.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Vasquez
ABSENT: None
Council Member Kelley highlighted various events she attended, including speaking to a fourth-grade class about city government, participating in "Say Hello Week" at Carl Hanky K-8 School, the Relay for Life event, where she praised Steve Bell and the rela y committee for their ongoing success , and attending the remembrance honoring the memory of Sergeant Matt Davis. Additionally, she participated in two events for ABLE (Activities for Better Living Everywhere), a program serving the special needs community. One event featured a square dance and barbecue , while the second was an adaptive sports and resource fair led by Ezio Petrella, highlighting the involvement of young volunteers from the character committee who helped support the special needs community. Council Member Kelley concluded by expressing pride in the youth actively promoting good character in Mission Viejo.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez spoke of her participation in the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, where she delivered a speech recalling her time working on the 85th floor of One World Trade, which was a deeply personal experience for her. She also attended "Say Hello Week" at Carl Hanky K -8 School, enjoyed the "Dance the Night Away" event at the Norman P. Murray Center, noting the impressive turnout and appreciation for the box dinners provided, participated in the Relay for Life event, where she donated and received a henna tattoo, and attended th e remembrance for Sergeant Matt Davis, discussing the planned acceleration lane at Los Sierra and Marguerite with his mother.
Councilmember Vasquez concluded her remarks with a note of support for her children's endeavors.
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum attended the Annual Grandparents Day event at Heritage Point e, where attendees expressed appreciation and interest in collaborating more closely with the city. They are eager to share their facility and take advantage of programs at the City's Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Centers, such as "Tuesdays on the Terrace," which involves the Rotary Club.
She mentioned her absence from the Relay for Life and "A Night Away" events due to attending her granddaughter's birthday, expressi ng pride in her granddaughter's reading achievements. She gave thanks to her husband Paul for representing her at the se events and praised Steve Bell, the organizer of Relay for Life, for his dedication. Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum highlighted u pcoming events ; Document Shredding, Movies in the Park at Napoli Park, and "Symphony on the Go" at Melinda Park.
She invited all to participate in the "Love Our Schools" rally on October 11, aimed at supporting local schools. Lastly, she noted that several Council Members will attend the memorial service for Bill
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Curley on Friday, October 3 , and encouraged community members to reach out if they wish to participate.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch announced he was out of the country during the last meeting, and shared insights from his experience in Belize. During his absence, he expressed sadness about the passing of the Bill, the City Attorney, whom he considered a friend and colleague, and thanked Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum for honoring him. He also attended the Relay for Life event, which celebrated its 30th anniversary, a roundtable meeting with key community stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the city and local organizations. He shared valuable information for residents, including discounts for seniors and students from Cox, reduced rates for veterans on toll roads, and a senior program for waste management services. Mayor R uesch encouraged residents to utilize these resources to help combat rising costs and concluded by acknowledging the long meeting. He asked Council Member Goodell to provide an update on the Obelisk.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 9:23pm., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
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Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
Approved at the meeting of October 14, 2025