City Council Minutes 1 February 24, 2026
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
February 24, 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 5:02 p.m., on February 24, 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 February 19, 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
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Absent: None
Staff Present: Elaine Lister, City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
John R. Harper, Interim City Attorney
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. City Representation of Legal Services: Public Employee Appointment and Public Employment: City Attorney Position
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:03 pm Mayor Bucknum recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:03 pm Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
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REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Manager Lister announced that the City Council gave direction to staff to enter contract negotiations with Jones Mayer Law for future legal services.
INVOCATION: Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Bucknum
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division Quarterly Recognition
Mayor Bucknum presented certificates of commendation to the "Marine of the Quarter" Corporal Marvin Joseph Mecano, and "Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter" Corporal Branden Solberg.
P2. Recognize South County Outreach
Mayor Bucknum presented a proclamation to LaVal Brewer.
P3. Business Award
Mayor Bucknum presented a proclamation to Grumpy's Barbers.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cheryl Hernandez, M.V .; Carlos Pianelli, M.V; Daniel Parsons, M.V.; Simon Pinkas, M.V.; Debbie Lewandowski, M.V.; Cindy Wolf, M.V.; Brian Wolf, M.V.; Marily Treece, M.V.; and Serena Warind, M.V.: Voiced their concerns and opposition about the expansion of the Vista del Lago Apartments.
Nancy Russell, M.V.: Urged the Council to clarify whether Mission Viejo welcomes ICE, expressed concern about alleged ICE abuses and the need for fact-based information, and reminded the Council that their decisions shape the city’s legacy.
Briana Walker, M.V.: Voiced concerns about the closing of schools in District 4 and the abundance of elder care and sober living homes. She asked that the City please pay attention and work to figure out what is going on in this district and save our schools.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Asked that the city consider a parking study and raised concerns about the "Knuckle" project and the nearby trail. He requested city comment on an iron fence and asked that the project be extended to the rails by the north parking lot.
David Leckness, M.V.: Spoke on the importance of city parades and positive impact it has within communities.
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CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 12 was removed from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, 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 February 10, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated January 30, 2026, in the Amount of $380,642.15 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated February 6, 2026, in the Amount of $3,566,812.99 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated January 30, 2026, in the Amount of $23,138.54 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated February 6, 2026, in the Amount of $263,038.64 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Microsoft 365 Licensing Renewal
Approved a three-year Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Dell Marketing L.P.(A26 -05) for Microsoft 365 licensing in the total amount of $559,955 covering the period of April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029.
7. Barbadanes Park Play Area Rehabilitation Project (CIP 339)
Issued a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $60,875 to LandStudio360 for landscape architectural design services for Barbadanes Park Play Area Rehabilitation Project.
City Council Minutes 4 February 24, 2026
8. North Oso Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail Open Space/CIP 22333 - Grant Funds
Adopted Resolution 26-05 Approving the Acceptance of State of California Grant Funds in the Amount of $1,175,794 for CIP 22333/North Oso Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail Open Space.
9. Roofing and Related Services at City Facilities and Recreation Centers
(1) Approved Second Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Supreme Quality Roofing Corporation, and (2) authorize a Change Order to the existing Purchase Order for Supreme Quality Roofing Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $65,000.00.
10. Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation - CIP 26273
Approved the First Amendment to the existing maintenance contract with Nieves Landscape, Inc. increasing the contract to a revised not -to-exceed amount of $285,000 for the Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation - CIP 26273.
11. Mission Viejo Quad Cities Trail Project (CIP 26271)
(1) Awarded a contract to Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. (A26 -06) in an amount not to exceed $2,673,950.00 for environmental and traffic engineering services for the subject project.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
12. Community Education and Resources for Mission Viejo Residents, Workers and Visitors
Cathy Palmer, M.V., Janis Uffenheimer, M.V., Kristin Wilcox, M.V., Annie Cwieka, M.V., Jill Schindler, M.V., Michael Rotcher, M.V., Carolyn Gatto, M.V., Briana Walker, M.V. , Sandy Ratner, M.V., Barbara Casserly, M.V. , and Peggy O’Neill, M.V.: Spoke in f avor of this information on the City’s website.
City Manager Lister presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Vasquez to approve the recommended action.
Council Member Kelley voiced her comments and concerns and asked that the government web pages be listed first. She also noted for the record that this is the second time in recent meetings that she has been mocked for her comments by members of the audience.
Council Member Vasquez wanted to make sure under Family Preparedness that two links be listed, one is the Federal Bureau of Prison and the second is Immigration Locate System.
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City Manager Lister confirmed that they will be included.
Amended motion made by Council Member Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, to add list of Resources to the City's Website with the Government web pages listed first.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MAYOR BUCKNUM (item taken out of order)
16. America 250 Parade
Mayor Bucknum presented her report.
Don Yegan, M.V., Kaleb Troncall, M.V., and Carlos Pianelli, M.V.: Spoke in favor of the City hosting the parade.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to direct staff to plan and coordinate a City of Mission Viejo America 250 Celebration Parade.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
13. Senior Mobility Program
Community Services Supervisor Melanie McGrane presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to a pprove Approved Recommended Program Adjustments by the Community Services Commission for the Senior Mobility Program.
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 February 24, 2026
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
14. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister announced Police Chief Jason Ivins will be retiring March 16th. She stated she is happy to report that a new Police Chief has been selected. Paperwork is being finalized and he will be introduced at the next meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
Nothing to report.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES
Division Chief Maule shared the total calls in the City for January were 788. Three structure fire calls and 615 medical aid calls. He highlighted an incident of a vehicle going seventy miles per hour and went down an embankment 200 feet neat Napoli and Ridge Park. Driver was taken to the hospital. February 2nd there was a working structure fire on Via Cadiz. The crew was able to contain the fire in the garage resulting in the home and dog being saved. Another garage fire broke out on February 4 spread quickly throughout the home, but the crew was able to evacu ate the occupants as well as their cat. He stated that the Elks Lodge honored three of our local fire fighters this past weekend, Brian Taryn, Dennis Rozika and Jeff Baca. Lastly, he announced that the recruitment phase for the next Fire Chief which is currently being held by the interim Deputy Chief T.J. McGovern should be decided in the next few months.
Police Chief Ivins reported on the increase of catalytic converter thefts. He encouraged residents to park their cars in a garage if possible or in a well-lit area. Cars are targeted due to the high level of metals and resale on the black market. He encouraged residents if they see something suspicious to report it immediately.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
15. 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 and Council Member Ruesch attended Little League Opening Day last Friday. She indicated that the westbound field was playable and reportedly was the only Mission
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Viejo field open that day. City staff member, Raul, was given special recognition for his service and strong community involvement. Council Member Kelley gave kudos to Barbara Swanson for her work with all our Little Leagues. She attended the Elks event honoring local law enforcement and firefighters. One honoree (Tony Ramirez) was recognized for helping catch a person who had stolen 42 e-bikes stored in his garage. She expressed appreciation for deputies and firefighters and their everyday work protecting the community . She announced that a Red, White, and Blue Carnival at the City Library on Wednesday, February 20, 3:30–6:30 p.m., with games and a celebration for the nation’s 250th birthday and OsoFit 5K Fun Run health event with a health fair and informational booths is scheduled this Saturday, 7:30–11:00 a.m.
Council Member Ruesch
Council Member Ruesch had the privilege and opportunity to meet with the Spanish delegation for the use of Lake Mission Viejo for the Olympics canoeing. The Spanish are well known for their canoeing, they have 30 teams. The main training center is in Chula Vista and is full, so it was recommended that they come to Mission Viejo. Lastly, he stated that this past year he was focusing on business development in the City and spent quite a bit of time at the Chamber of Commerce meeting new people trying to understand the needs of the community. He indicated that tomorrow along with Council Member Goodell they will be meeting with representatives from Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce for places to invest in bringing new businesses to the City. He stated it’s very preliminary and is looking forward to hearing more information.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez shared that she celebrated her 21 st wedding anniversary last Friday. She
also attended the Firefighter Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards at the Elks Club. She stated she was unable to stay for the whole event due to a family obligation. Lastly, she shared that her youngest daughter will be in a Mary Poppins performance this Saturday.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell also met with the Spanish Canoe and Kayak teams. He stated that the teams also visited Saddleback College, Nadadores’ facility to look at the weight room. They were very impressed by what they saw, so hopefully they will use us as their home base in 2028. Mayor Pro Tem Goodell participated in the interview process for both the Police Chief and City Attorney.
Lastly, he also attended the Elks event for honoring Firefighters and Law Enforcement.
Mayor Bucknum (continued)
Mayor Bucknum thanked the Mission Viejo Elks for honoring our Public Safety Officers, which they do every year. She thanked staff for the work on the recent Night Market Mardi Gras. Mayor Bucknum ensured all those residents that spoke this evening regarding the Vista Del Lago Apartment Expansion and the issue associated with housing that the next meeting will have a very thorough presentation. She indicated that many laws have changed and that will also be highlighted at the next meeting and thanked Tom Moore for his suggestions. Thanked Dave Leckness for his comments regarding the 250
th Parade. Mayor Bucknum thanked Chief Ivins for his report on the
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catalytic converter thefts. She also mentioned that the neighborhood watch program will be reactivated. Lastly, she stated that there have been a lot of meetings on reviewing our new law firm that will be starting soon and thanked Harper Burns for their service to the City.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:33 pm, with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Kimberly Schmitt
City Clerk