City Council Minutes 1 January 27, 2026
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
January 27, 2026
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 Bucknum at 5:00 p.m., on January 27, 2026, 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 January 22, 2026, 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 Ruesch
Council Member Vasquez
Mayor Bucknum
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem 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
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01 pm Mayor Bucknum recessed the meeting . At the hour of 6:00 pm Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with four Council Members present with Mayor Pro Tem Goodell absent.
INVOCATION: Council Member Kelley
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Ruesch
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PRESENTATIONS
P1. Proclaim January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to Rabbi Zalman Marcus.
P2. Check Presentation From the 5th Annual Konrad Reuland Charity Tennis/Pickleball Tournament to Big Brothers Big Sisters
Received presentation.
P3. Recognize Trabuco Hills High School Thundering Mustangs Marching Unit Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Masood Ashrafi, Laguna Niguel; Neda Khorrami, M.V.; Bita Ashrafi, Laguna Niguel; Fred Dorani, M.V.; Alan Oveisi, Laguna Niguel; and Mona Sedaghat, M.V: Spoke on the crisis in Iran and the atrocities that are happening to the Iranian people.
Greg Raths, M.V.: Gave kudos to the City, congratulated Elaine as City Manager, gave condolences on the loss of Bill Curley, and thanked former Mayor Ruesch for his great work last year. He complained about the lack of work being completed in District 3 and blamed Council Member Vasquez. He pointed out that he was harassed when he tried to peacefully protest his beliefs on Wednesday and asked if Council Member Vasquez could speak to the protestors.
Rich Pulliam, M.V.: Requested the Council to direct city staff to post a memorial message on digital sign board and lower the flags city facilities to half-mast for one week and issue a statement supporting a full investigation into the incidents in Minnesota and supporting the rule of law.
Laura Lacko, M.V.: Read a quote from Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Spoke out against ICE agents. She implored the Council to make Mission Viejo a Sanctuary City. Lastly, she asked that the Council not pass over Council Member Vasquez the next time for Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Thanked the Council for taking her comments about the intersection of La Paz and Marguerite seriously. She stated she will be meeting with the Traffic Committee on February 6. Scolded former Mayor Raths for extending his term and costing the city millions of dollars. Lastly, she read figures on the number of deaths that ICE and Border Patrol have killed in the past five years and asked for a moment of silence for these victims.
Robert Breton, M.V.: Gave kudos to Director Robert Schick and his department on the great work that they do in keeping residents informed via the website, corner sign, and social media.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Voiced his concerns over fires and the need for a firefighting helicopter in Orange County.
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Nancy Russell, M.V.: Asked the Council if they would support ICE agents in Mission Viejo and cautioned, she would shop online and boycott local businesses.
Joe Hamameh and Sandy Peterson, Laguna Niguel: Introduced their new business called Dirty Pet Wash that recently opened in Mission Viejo on Marguerite Parkway across from the South County Lexus Dealer and next door to Mr. Pickle Sandwich Shop. Thanked Mayor Bucknum for the shout-out at the last meeting.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Spoke in support of our police force and requested that our local police will
not assist in federal immigration enforcement if confronted. He asked that the Council recognize the tragedy of the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to a pprove 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 January 13, 2025, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated December 19, 2025, in the Amount of $711,214.06 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated December 26, 2025, in the Amount of $1,388,952.21 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. General Check Register Dated January 9, 2026, in the Amount of $3,376,029.75 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated December 19, 2025, in the Amount of $184,452.51 Ratified the accompanying check register.
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6. Golf Check Register Dated December 26, 2025, in the Amount of $116,721.36 Ratified the accompanying check register.
7. Golf Check Register Dated January 9, 2026, in the Amount of $250,904.19 Ratified the accompanying check register.
8. Quarterly Financial Report for the City of Mission Viejo - First Quarter 2025-26 Received and filed.
9. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 8 - Oso Creek Golf Course
(1) Approved Second 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 $185,000.00.
10. Community Outreach and Engagement Contracts
Approved the renewal of Community Outreach and Engagement Partnership Agreements with the cities of Laguna Hills (A26 -01) and Rancho Santa Margarita (A26- 02) for three years.
NEW BUSINESS
11. Second 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 Council Member Ruesch, to (1) adopt Resolution 26-01 Approving the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Elaine S. L. Lister as City Manager for the City of Mission Viejo, and (2) 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
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12. Second 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 Bucknum, to (1) adopt Resolution 26-02 Approving the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement with Jerry Hill as Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Services for the City of Mission Viejo; and (2) 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
13. Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Report Received written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Lister gave an update on the city’s housing projects and implementation of the housing element. She stated that the city has four sites. Site three, the city-owned site by the animal shelter. The city has gone through the Surplus Land Act and issued a notice of availability as part of the process. In response, the city received four letters of interest. Staff reviewed the responses and decided on a preferred development. Currently staff are working with the developer negotiating an agreement which will come before the City Council. City Manager Lister reported Vista del Lago Apartments also known as Site 11 is currently developed with 608 apartment units and the proposal in process is to demolish 68 of the existing units to construct 418 high density with 15% affordable. This project is scheduled for the February 9 Planning and Transportation Commission meeting and will then move on to the Council. She explained that that this proposal includes a slight zoning map amendment to adjust a zoning boundary, so that will come before the Council. The third site is the Burlington Coat Factory or Site 10. This proposal included demolition of the current Burlington Factory building, as well as Coco’s building for construction of a 413 new apartment complex including affordable housing. This complex would be in a five- story wrap with a parking structure. The application is not scheduled at this time, as there has been some delay on the part of the developer, and we are expecting that it will be ready to move forward sometime in the summer. She stated that the last site is Macy’s at the Shops at Mission Viejo, and we are anticipating that an application will be submitted sometime to the city in the next few months.
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report given.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES
Captain Ivins reported on recent incidents of First Amendment Auditors at the Post Office and Trader Joes. He gave guidelines to residents on encounters with these individuals. He stated that filming in public is generally legal, but you are not required to engage. One should avoid confrontation and not touch the person or their equipment. Residents should contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department if there is actual criminal behavior, filming alone even if uncomfortable, is not a crime. Captain Ivins recapped the success of the Flock Safety Cameras.
An individual was arrested for a workplace argument where one of the individuals pulled a knife and fled and was caught from the use of the flock cameras. He pointed out that flock cameras alerted deputies to a stolen vehicle near Marguerite Parkway and Oso, where deputies arrested the driver and returned the car to the rightful owner. He indicated that the cameras have also helped situations involving mental health and public safety as well in supporting investigations across city boundaries. Overall, he said these incidents show how flock safety cameras help deputies respond faster, locate suspects more effectively, recover stolen property, assist people in crisis, all while improving safety to the residents, businesses, and visitors in Mission Viejo.
Fire Chief Maule stated that in 2025, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) saw a significant increase in call volume, including over 9,250 calls in Mission Viejo alone, with most being medical aid calls and a small number of fires. Despite higher demand, response times improved to an average of 8 minutes 26 seconds, faster than in 2023, largely due to enhancements from a countywide Standards of Coverage report. Key improvements included upgrading several engines from three-person BLS units to four-person paramedic engines, increasing coverage and reliability when units are transporting patients. Mission Viejo also benefited from the grand opening of Station 24, now a flagship station housing both an engine and a truck. OCFA strengthened its air operations program by adding a southern county helicopter operating base, improving wildfire response during fire weather. Plans are underway to expand helicopter water refill (helo pod) sites across South County to reduce turnaround times during fires. Crews were activ e in community outreach, including school programs, public safety events, and station tours. Looking ahead to 2026, leadership changes are underway following Fire Chief Fennessy’s appointment to a new federal wildfire role, with Chief McGovern serving as i nterim fire chief. OCFA will continue evaluating coverage standards, expanding air operations infrastructure, and engaging the public.
Upcoming events include the OCFA Open House on March 14 and ongoing public safety education available through ocfa.org.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
14. 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.
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Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley and the Mayor last evening attended a Metropolitan Water District Policy Forum and dinner, and they were able to receive updates on the regional water situation which was very informative. She pointed out that there is a grand reopening tomorrow at 4 pm for Crucero Park which is off L a Barca and Marguerite. She commended Assistant City Manager, Jerry Hill, on the beautiful job, fantastic play equipment and the wonderful shade structures. She gave kudos to Brian Zahn who worked with Boy Scout troops over there doing Eagle Scout Projects. Council Member Kelley indicated that the surrounding neighbors are over the moon excited about how beautiful the park is and what a wonderful asset it is to their neighborhood and to the city. Lastly, she gave kudos to Robert Schick for doing a great job communicating with our residents and encouraged residents to sign up to receive the e -newsletter every week to keep i nformed about what's going on in the city,
Council Member Ruesch
Council Member Ruesch announced going into nine years on the O.C. Vector Control Board he was elected president and will be continuing to do the work that has been done specifically moving forward once again with the Pilot Sterile Insect Technology Program. He attended the Association of California Cities Orange County with Mayor Bucknum and was sworn in for his second year as Chair of the Legislative and Regulative Committee. He stated he is proud to chair that committee and be able to keep a good eye on t he legislation going on in Sacramento. He commented on the attendance of the Iran Protest this past weekend and that it was very respectful and was happy to see them at the meeting tonight. Council Member Ruesch attended the Tunnel Concert this past Friday and said it was a fantastic event with Elevated Measure, and the Mayor and I had a great time along with probably another three or four hundred. L astly, he added on to Chief Maule's conversation about OCFA and comments about our mutual agreement contract. OCFA is in search of a new Chief, and this contract will be a great financial agreement. As stated in the past, there is an agreement for mutual aid both with the Coulson Helicopters but also with, City of Los Angeles, Cal Fire and the State, so we are protected. Council Member Ruesch mentioned there is a helicopter in San Clemente for quicker staging. Lastly, he recapped the response time during the Airport Fire and conveyed to Mission Viejo residents and surrounding cities that we are fine.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez asked for more information as it becomes available regarding the Burlington Coat Factory site pertaining to the percentage of low income and moderate- income housing. She inquired if the developer is planning on doing anything to mitigate the traffic in that area due to the 500 plus unit complex and raised concerns with residents that live off Avery Parkway. Council Member Vasquez responded to a comment regarding when renovations of Barbadanes Park will take place . She explained that w e are a council of five, that requires a majority vote and there are times when things don't always get prioritized the way that one would like to include herself. She announced that one of the great things that is going to be happening very soon in District 3, South of Oso, is an acceleration lane that will be added at Marguerite and
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La Sierra which is the location where Sergeant Matt Davis was killed many years ago. This is long overdue and she is really looking forward to having that additional safety feature in that area.
Council Member Vasquez emphasized that if anybody at the Wednesday protests are being harassed or if their military service is besmirched, that absolutely should not be happening, but she does not have any control over these protests, so, if people are having issues, then perhaps they need to speak with the people that organize these events. She stated that her oldest daughter went back to college after winter break and that she is amid Girl Scout Cookie season. Lastly, she mentioned that she will be adding an item to the February 10 agenda. It's basically a list of resources to help educate and inform Mission Viejo residents, workers and visitors about immigration enforcement and assis tance. The goal is this list will be closely modeled after resources that the Orange County Bar Association has on their website and she is asking for it to be posted on the city's website, again modeled after a neutral non-partisan body such as the Orange County Bar Association, making it neutral as I know that there are different opinions but it's really just to help people, whether it's an individual or families understand their rights and the resources available to them.
Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum attended the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOC) Board of Directors installation and congratulated former Mayor Ruesch. She went to the Night Market and participated in a country bash and stated it was the most crowded night market t hat the city has had with more than 200 people line dancing. She reminded residents of the upcoming Jeronimo Tunnel Concert. Mayor Bucknum addressed the comments of Mission Viejo becoming a Sanctuary City and expressed that this will not happen. She explained that we are a sanctuary state and she is not sure that anything that Mission Viejo could do would change anything. She gave a special shout-out to former Mayor Greg Raths who visited us tonight and did a great job of serving our community serving as a marine out of the El Toro Air Base and deserves all our respect and for his service. She clarified the protocol that staff follows when it comes to when a flag is at half - mast and what we post on the message board because there were questions a couple of different times to explain the protocol. City Manager Lister explained that when there's a national occurrence, the City receives notification from the White House that the federal government is lowering the flags to half-mast, and we have always followed that direction as our policy. Mayor Bucknum encouraged residents to come out to the grand opening of Crucero Park tomorrow . She announced a few upcoming events: The Writers Presents: Galentine’s Romcom Authors Panel Event on Saturday February 7 from 10-4 p.m., we have an article on our website. Lastly, she concluded her comments with a moment of silence for the travesties that are happening in Iran and for Holocaust Remembrance Day.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:19 pm, with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.