City Council Minutes 1 December 9, 2025
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
December 9, 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 December 9, 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 December 4, 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 Kelley
Council Member Vasquez
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Ruesch
Absent: Council Member Goodell
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. Public Employee Annual Performance Evaluation- [Government Code § 54957(b)(1)] Titles:
City Manager and Assistant City Manager
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:00 pm Mayor Ruesch recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:02 pm Mayor Ruesch reconvened the meeting with four Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
Interim City Attorney Harper stated the council met in closed session and discussed performance evaluations but there is no reportable action.
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INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Vasquez
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Animal Services Presentation
Mayor Ruesch presented certificates of recognition.
P2. 2025 State of the City
Received video presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kevin Liang, M.V.: A Sophomore at Santa Margarita Catholic High School and a member of the Community of Character Committee, introduced this month's character trait – Caring.
Saundra Jacobs, M.V.: As a Santa Margarita Water District Board Member she shared the Water District’s 2025 Accomplishments Report and announced some upcoming infrastructure tours that are scheduled in the new year.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Recited a poem he had written.
Carlos Pianelli, M.V.: Thanked Mayor Ruesch for the job he has done during his first term and spoke on President Trump’s policies.
Larry Gilbert, M.V.: Spoke on Consent Calendar item #16 and voiced his concerns and asked various questions regarding the Stein Mart property.
Michael Schlesinger, M.V.: Criticized the City Council for failing to appoint Council Member Vasquez to Mayor Pro Tem the last two years a disgrace and discriminatory . He asked the Council if they are aware of the population of Mission Viejo is 19.6% Latino and Hispanic. He stated that Cynthia has proven herself to be the best City Council Member because she is the fiscal conservative member of the organization.
Cathy Schlicht, M.V.: Asked that the City Council postpone their vote on item number 16 until all information is received and questioned why this was on the Consent Calendar without council discussion or public disclosure.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Encouraged the Council to appoint Council Member Vasquez to serve as Mayor in 2026. Questioned the Council on not appointing her because she is not a Republican or they are perhaps closet racists.
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Lynn Holmes, M.V.: Complimented the City on the Christmas lights all over the City. Spoke in favor of Council Member Vasquez and criticized Mayor Ruesch.
Steve Nelson, M.V.: Stated he has been a volunteer helping JPL conduct engineering contests for about 25 years now. He announced that Mission Viejo High School recently came in first place at the Orange County JPL Invention Challenge and then they came in second place at the finals in Pasadena. He encouraged the Council to recognize them at a future meeting.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Asked for an update on our progress towards the city’s Housing Element. Spoke in favor of the appointment of Council Member Vasquez as Mayor in 2026.
Ron Moatamer, M.V.: Spoke on the construction of his home and the citations he has received which he is going to protest. He stated that the project is moving forward. He commended the City on all the wonderful work that has been done throughout the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item #16 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Mayor Ruesch, to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Goodell
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the regular City Council Meeting of November 11, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated October 31, 2025, in the Amount of $1,273,262.67 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated November 7, 2025, in the Amount of $2,957,720.71 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. General Check Register Dated November 14, 2025, in the Amount of $1,801,884.78 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated October 31, 2025, in the Amount of $85,933.94 Ratified the accompanying check register.
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6. Golf Check Register Dated November 7, 2025, in the Amount of $8,937.55 Ratified the accompanying check register.
7. Golf Check Register Dated November 14, 2025, in the Amount of $282,037.27 Ratified the accompanying check register.
8. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for October 2025
Received and filed.
9. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for October 2025
Received and filed.
10. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for October 2025
Received and filed.
11. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for October 2025 Received and filed.
12. Fiscal Year 2024/25 Mission Viejo Housing Authority Annual Report Received and filed.
13. Crucero Park Play Area Rehabilitation (CIP 340) - 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 Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the Faithful Performance and Payment Bonds one year and thirty- five (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 payment of the final retention of $46,455.55, thirty-five (35) days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
14. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Enhanced Pedestrian Safety Improvements, Various Locations (CIP 24257)
(1) Adopted Resolution 25-42 Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Budget for Costs Related to CIP 24257; and (2) awarded the construction contract for the subject project to Alfaro Communication Construction, Inc. (A25-38) in the amount of $294,694.00.
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15. Solid Waste and Recycling Consulting Services - State Diversion Compliance Consultant
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute a three -year contract and up to two additional one - year extensions with EcoNomics, Inc.(A25 -39) for "State Diversion Compliance Consultant Services," and (2) authorize the issuance of a purchase order to EcoNomics, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $88,355 for calendar year 2026 services.
17. Data Center Virtualization Software Renewal
Awarded a contract for Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation design services and preparation of construction drawings to Jones & Madhavan Architecture Engineering (A25-40) in an amount not to exceed $80,000.00.
18. Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation - (CIP 26340)
Awarded a contract for Sierra Recreation Center Rehabilitation design services and preparation of construction drawings to Jones & Madhavan Architecture Engineering (A25-40) in an amount not to exceed $80,000.00.
19. Amending the City of Mission Viejo Salary Schedule and Authorized Position Schedule
Adopted Resolution 25-44 Amending the City's Salary Schedule To Be Effective January 1, 2026, and Authorized Position Schedule To Be Effective January 3, 2026.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
16. Surplus Land Declaration for City-Owned Property Located at 25282 Marguerite Parkway, in the Mission Viejo Village Center, Pursuant to the Surplus Land Act (Government Code § 54220 et seq.).
Community Development Director Larry Longenecker presented the staff report.
Michael Schlesinger, M.V.: Criticized the City Council for not obtaining voter approval for the purchase of the Stein Mart property and asked what they plan to do if the property is not sold. He suggested erecting low -income housing to make the state happy and gives the ability to house government employees like teachers to live here, or alternatively, you can use the property for that performing arts center.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to (1) adopt Resolution 25-43 Declaring the City-Owned Property Located at 25282 Marguerite Parkway as Surplus Land and Finding That Such Declaration is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and (2) authorize the City Manager to circulate a Notice of Availabilit y (NOA) and submit appropriate documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development in connection with the Resolution and the NOA process.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
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AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Goodell
NEW BUSINESS
20. First Amendment to the Employment Agreement for City Manager, Elaine S. L. Lister
Human Resources Manager Monique Goetz presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, (1) receive oral report and summary of recommendation of First Amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Elaine S. L. Lister per Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), and (2) adopt Resolution 25-45 Approving the First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Elaine S. L.
Lister as City Manager for the City of Mission Viejo, and (3) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Goodell
21. First Amendment to the Employment Agreement for Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Services, Jerry M. Hill
Human Resources Manager Monique Goetz presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum, (1) receive oral report and summary of recommendation of First Amendment to the Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Services Employment Agreement with Jerry Hill per Government Code Section 54953(c)(3), and (2) adopt Resolution 25-46 Approving the First Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Jerry Hill as Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Services for the City of Mission Viejo, and (3) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Goodell
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
22. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
City Council Minutes 7 December 9, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
23. 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 Kelley
Council Member Kelley attended the Gifts and Goodies Holiday Boutique which was a huge success, drawing visitors from across the county and she gave kudos to the Activities Committe e. She also attended Santa’s Arrival. She thanked city staff for the spectacular display of holiday Lights throughout the City. She gave special thanks to Melanie and the Recreation Department for the great turnout at the Winter Gala. She attended two ribbon cutting ceremonies supporting local commerce which remains a priority. Council Member Kelley announced the upcoming Hanukkah Celebration on December 14 at the Norman P. Murray Center and the Whoville -Themed Night Market on December 20. She gave special acknowledgments to Mayor Ruesch commending him for his energetic and dedicated service throughout the year , as well as city staff & volunteer s recognizing them for their tireless efforts in making Mission Viejo beautiful and vibrant. Lastly, she wished residents a Merry Christmas to our Christian residents and a Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish community.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez attended the Hanky Hawk Trot at her daughter’s school which is always fun. Her daughter had her first musical performance in Annie Junior. She attended the Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway at Norman P. Community Center, which is one of her favorite things to do each year.
She also attended the Gifts and Goodies Boutique. Council Member Vasquez shared that her family went to Maui over Thanksgiving week and they were interviewed by KTLA at the airport. She attended the Stanta’ Arrival on November 30 and the holiday party hosted by Michelle Mitchell.
Tomorrow night is a school fundraiser her girl scout troop this Thursday has a service project at Ivy Park by Home Depot. She said her oldest comes home from college this weekend which coincides with our annual holiday baking weekend. She announced she will be attending the Jane Austin Ball and shared that last year she won seven Jane Ausitn books which she has read all of them this past year. She also announced the Girl Scout Cookie sales start next month. Lastly, she is looking forward to having to spend time with her family for the remainder of the year.
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum attended the Gifts and Goodies Boutique and purchased a bracelet from one of the vendors. It was great to see so many local crafters and support local businesses. She also supported the Mission Viejo Daughters of the American Revolution and their fundraising efforts for the obelisk project mentioned earlier and thanked the Mayor for highlighting that. They will be hosting another cadence event at High Ground Coffee, and she encouraged everyone to stop by and support them as they continue building awareness for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. She attended the Mission Hospital Foundation’s annual gala, which was a wonderful New Orleans –themed event with about 600 attendees and an impressive amount raised to support the hospital and the Sisters of St.
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Joseph. Mission Hospital is a vital part of the community, serving both a healthcare provider and major economic driver. She reminded that holiday caroling will take place at the Potocki Center at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Mayor Pro Tem Bucknum thanked the Rotary for organizing the turkey giveaway. Please remember that Boy Scout Troop 787 is wrapping presents for donations —an easy and stress-free way to support the troop. Finally, she thanked the public speaker that shared the information about Mission Viejo High School’s second-place finishers. We appreciate the opportunity to recognize these students and will follow up with the principal. That concludes my remarks.
Mayor Ruesch
Mayor Ruesch stated that to serve as a councilmember or mayor, the role requires significant commitment—and your spouse or partner shares that responsibility. I want to sincerely thank my partner, Debbie, for her unwavering support during my year as mayor. He begins with an important reminder, especially during the holidays. While this season is joyful for many, others are struggling with hopelessness and despair, including our veterans. If you see someone who may be struggling—a friend, family member, or neighbor—reach out. It’s okay not to be okay, and a kind word can make a life-changing difference. Resources are available on the City’s w ebsite, and I encourage everyone to look out for one another. He announced On a lighter note, Santa and Mrs. Claus are in residence on select days through December 21. Bring the kids —or be a kid yourself —and stop by to say hello.
Mayor Ruesch highlighted a few recent events. The Repair Café was a great success, helping residents fix items that might otherwise end up in the trash —I hope we continue this program. He attended presentations on the upcoming obelisk dedication, which will include a ceremony and m arching band on July 4th. He also visited Vocational Visions, an incredible organization that empowers individuals with challenges to contribute meaningfully to our community. He expressed supporting and growing our business community remains a priority. He recently met with the Taiwanese Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and there is strong interest from investors looking beyond Irvine and considering Mission Viejo. We will continue those discussions after the first of the year, which could bring exciting new business opportunities to our city. Finally, he thanked the Council for the honor of serving as your mayor. He hopes we’ve made Mission Viejo a little better, and he looks forward to supporting the smooth transition to the next mayor.
CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
24. Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for 2026
Carlos Pianelli, M.V.: Strongly supports Cynthia Vasquez as the next mayor. He stated she is s a parent, business owner, and an accomplished councilmember who serves with professionalism and grace. She is also the first person of color elected to the Mission Viejo City Council and, despite her qualifications, has never been given the opportunity t o serve as mayor while others have done so multiple times. He reminded the Council that t onight’s decision is about fairness and ethics, not tradition. He urged The Council to do what is right and nominate Cynthia Vasquez as the next mayor.
Motion made by Mayor Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to appoint Council Member Bucknum to serve as Mayor in 2026
City Council Minutes 9 December 9, 2025
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Vasquez
ABSENT: Goodell
Council Member Vasquez addressed the City Council for the record the following statement:
Last year, I was passed over for MPT because the Council majority’s traditions & values shifted after the 2024 election. I don’t believe they’ve changed. But now it seems acceptable to openly discriminate against anyone who questions the status quo while representing their constituents. I don’t believe this discrimination is solely based on intellectual differences - it is also rooted in race, power, and my education and intellectual curiosity. This is what happened in Huntington Beach. Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” In the end, some people seek these positions to feel important. But leadership is not about personal gain – it’s about fairness, service, and upholding the values that guide us. You should all be embarrassed.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Kelley, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to appoint Council Member Goodell to serve as Mayor Pro Tem in 2026.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: Vasquez
ABSENT: Goodell
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:02 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Ruesch adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:00 pm
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Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk