City Council Minutes 1 March 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*
March 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 5:00 p.m., on March 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 March 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 (arrived 5:03 pm)
Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Absent: None
Staff Present: Elaine Lister, City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
Tarquin Preziosi, City Attorney
Ellis Chang, Director of Administrative Services
Kimberly Schmitt, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:00 pm Mayor Bucknum recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:0 0 pm Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
INVOCATION: Mayor Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Vasquez
City Council Minutes 2 March 24, 2026
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize Mission Viejo 13U Pop Warner Football Team and Cheer Team
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to League President Julie McRee
P2. Recognize the Mission Viejo Rotary Club
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to President LaVal Brewer and incoming President Jay Minor.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Tom Moore, M.V.: Asked that the City remain impartial when requests from outside clubs and associations come before Commissions or the Council with certain requests. Suggested that the City create a Park Ranger position for the areas of Marguerite Parkway on the East, Alicia Parkway to the North, Olympia to the East, Oso Parkway to the South and outlined the duties of this position.
Debra Lewandowski, M.V.: Spoke out against the Vista Del Lago Apartment project and asked that transparency, adherence to housing and zoning laws, public safety assurances and exploration of alternatives that respect neighborhoods.
Barbara Casserly, M.V.: Thanked the City Council for providing the community with the immigration resources page on the cit y’s website and thanked Mayor Bucknum for recognizing non-profit organizations in our City.
Stephanie Quintino, Laguna Niguel: Thanked the Council for the immigration resource page on the city’s website and spoke on the devastating deportation of her parents.
Denis Meadow, M.V.: Spoke out against the Vista Del Lago Apartment project and asked for more transparency with the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, 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
City Council Minutes 3 March 24, 2026
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the Special City Council Meeting of March 10, 2026 , and the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of March 10, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated February 27, 2026, in the Amount of $564,320.11 Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated March 6, 2026, in the Amount of $1,234,363.65 Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. Golf Check Register Dated February 27, 2026, in the Amount of $14,373.42 Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated March 6, 2026, in the Amount of $267,870.55 Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. 2026 Fourth of July Community Street Faire
Approved the Special Events Permit submitted by the Mission Viejo Activities Committee authorizing the annual Mission Viejo Fourth of July Community Street Faire on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
7. NPDES Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement
(1) Approved the Amended and Restated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement between the County of Orange (A26-10), Orange County Flood Control District (District), and participating Orange County cities (collectively called Permittees), and (2) authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement and any related documents necessary to implement the terms of the Agreement.
8. Sierra Recreation Center Pool Rehabilitation - CIP 26340
Approved the Plans and Specifications and authorize d staff to advertise for bids for CIP 26340 - Sierra Recreation Center Pool Rehabilitation.
City Council Minutes 4 March 24, 2026
9. Zone Change (Zoning Map Amendment) P-ZC2025-0001, Being a Petition Submitted by Drew Sullins of Equity Residential to Reconfigure the Bisecting Line Separating the Residential Planned Development (RPD) 30 and RPD 50 Zoned Areas in Order for the Entire 3.87 -acre Project Area to Lie Entirely Within the RPD 30 Zone and to Preserve the Area Zoned RPD 50 for Future Development Potential Within the Vista Del Lago Apartment Site Located at 21622 Marguerite Parkway, Further Described as Assessor Parcel Number 836-211-45"
Adopted Ordinance 26 -360 Zone Change (Zoning Map Amendment) P -ZC2025-0001, Being a Petition Submitted by Drew Sullins of Equity Residential to Reconfigure the Bisecting Line Separating the Residential Planned Development (RPD) 30 and RPD 50 Zoned Areas in Order for the Entire 3.87-acre Project Area to Lie Entirely Within the RPD 30 Zone and to Preserve the Area Zoned RPD 50 for Future Development Potential Within the Vista Del Lago Apartment Site Located at 21622 Marguerite Parkway, Further Described as Assessor Parcel Number 836-211-45".
10. Designation of Positions as Authorized Agents to Apply for Federal and State Financial Assistance
Adopted Resolution 26-10 Authorizing Certain Positions to Act as Agents for the Purpose of Obtaining Federal Financial Assistance and/or State Financial Assistance for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 as Part of the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program.
11. Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement with the County of Orange and Annual Review of Residential and Commercial Integrated Waste Management Rates
(1) Approved the Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement (A26-11) with the County of Orange for municipal solid waste disposal rates and services, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City, subject to any minor revisions approved by the City Attorney, and (2) received and file the FY 2026 -27 Residential and Commercial Integrated Waste Management Rates
12. Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation - CIP 26273
(1) Authorized the City Manager to approve Amendment 1 to the contract with ALL4 LLC (A26-12A) increasing the contract to a not -to-exceed amount of $181,630.00 for the Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation - CIP 26273, and (2) adopted Resolution 26-11 Amending the Oso Creek Golf Course Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget by $231,630 and increasing the Trabuco Wetlands Habitat Rehabilitation (CIP 26273) in the same amount.
City Council Minutes 5 March 24, 2026
13. General Plan Annual Progress Report for 2025
Received report and directed staff to submit it to the State Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1, 2026.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC HEARINGS
14. Conduct a Public Hearing in Compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 / Government Code § 3502.3 Regarding Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts
Human Resources Manager Monique Goetz presented the staff report.
Mayor Bucknum open and closed the Public Hearing at 6:49 pm as there were requests to speak on this item.
Motion made by Council Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to receive the report.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
15. Adding Chapter 11.26 (Prohibition on the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Products) to Title 11 of the Mission Viejo City Code
Planning & Economic Development Manager Cliff Jones presented the staff report.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Spoke in favor of this ordinance and asked if it was repetitive to the States Directive in October 2025 that it is illegal to sell or manufacture as food, dietary supplements or medical drugs.
Ed Arthur, Irvine: Spoke against the ordinance and explained the many benefits he has received from this supplement.
City Council Minutes 6 March 24, 2026
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Bucknum, to introduce Ordinance 26 -361 Adding Chapter 11.26 (Prohibition on the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Products) to Title 11 of the Mission Viejo City Code" and schedule the adoption for the City Council's next scheduled regular meeting.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Kelley, Goodell, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
16. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report Received written report.
17. Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Report
Received report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister explained that State housing laws heavily limit local control . Cities cannot deny or reduce the density of housing projects that comply with zoning and objective standards .
SB 330 (Housing Crisis Act) strengthens these rules by: Imposing strict timelines for project review, Limiting how many times projects can be delayed in meetings , and requiring objective (clear, measurable) standards, not subjective judgments . She further explained that the Density Bonus Law allows developers to build more units in exchange for affordable housing, including major concessions and waivers—even if cities are uncomfortable with them. AB 130 and similar laws streamline approvals and can exempt certain projects from environmental review if they meet zoning rules. Denying compliant projects is extremely difficult and risky for cities. The consequences of noncompliance can lead to l oss of certified Housing Element (state approval) , exposure to the Builder’s Remedy, which allows developers to bypass local zoning , increased risk of lawsuits, which cities often lose , and significant financial costs. State oversight is active and real, cities that fall out of compliance are closely monitored and pressured to fix issues quickly.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Council Minutes 7 March 24, 2026
City Attorney P reziosi shared that Housing laws (Density Bonus Law & SB 330) make it extremely difficult for cities to deny or modify projects. The only possible way to block or reduce a project is by proving a serious health or safety risk, but this is a very high legal standard, and courts have not supported cities on this basis. He indicated a separate issue that southern California Edison has filed a lawsuit seeking refunds on property taxes, claiming wildfire risks have reduced the value of its propert y. The lawsuit involves the California State Board of Equalization and multiple counties, including Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. The potential impact on cities if the state wins, cities are unaffected, if the State loses, cities could have to repay portions of property tax revenue already received and clawed back to refund Edison. Cities can choose to intervene in the case, but it is not required. It offers limited benefit, unless they want to raise additional legal arguments.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES
Captain Larson pointed out that some individuals, often called First Amendment auditors, record people in public places (including government buildings and public employees) to exercise their rights. He indicated that recording in public is generally legal, if it doesn’t interfere with official duties or create safety issues, and there is no expectation of privacy in public spaces. While this can make people uncomfortable, the recommended response is to stay calm, avoid confrontation, and continue normal ac tivities. If recording becomes disruptive or unsafe, it should be reported to authorities. He concluded that public recording is usually lawful, and the best approach is to remain calm and only involve authorities if there are safety or interference concerns.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
18. 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 a League of Cities meeting, where Sheriff Barnes shared updates. She reminded residents that Proposition 36 was passed by voters in 2024 to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes which required significant funding for treatment programs and court proceedings, yet it included no permanent funding . Flock cameras have helped reduce crime, contributing to a 33% drop in auto theft. She stated that Fentanyl overdose deaths in Orange County have decreased by 45%. Sheriff Barnes also pointed out that c ities are not seeing expected tax revenue from marijuana sales, with illegal cartel activity still dominating.
There were also legislative updates, with more briefings expected to inform the public. Council Member Kelley attended the Reuland Charity Tennis & Pickleball event, which raises money for local causes, and the Shamrocks and Shenanigans Night Market, which was well-attended.
Council Member Ruesch
City Council Minutes 8 March 24, 2026
Council Member Ruesch reported he had a fantastic time at the T unnel Concert this past Wednesday listening to the Pacific Symphony String Quartet. He said although it was hot day, it was cool in the tunnel. He noted that this Saturday is the Marine Lake Day at Lake Mission Viejo from 11-4 pm. He encouraged residents to stop by and say hello to our Marines.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez stated she was in San Diego for a few days and that her youngest daughter turned 10 and had her first slumber party this past weekend.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell announced that his son Scott and wife Carissa had a baby girl on Sunday. He proudly said this is his eighth grandchild and seventh girl.
Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum a ttended the Shamrocks and Shenanigans N ight Market and the charity flag football RX3 Foundation event at Saddleback College supporting multiple charities, especially the Jesse Rees Foundation’s “Never Ever Give Up” (NEGU) program, which provides “Joy Jars” to children with cancer. She praised the event, including participation from the USA Women’s Flag Football team, and encouraged more community attendance next year. She also attended a legislative conference in Sacramento with the Southern California Association of Governments, where they met with officials including Attorney General Rob Bonta. The discussions focused on housing, transportation, environmental policies, funding for regional planning, modernization of SB375, and streamlining CEQA to address housing costs and improve transparency. Lastly, she shared upcoming community events, including the July 11 “America 250” parade, and encouraged participation in local celebrations like the Springtime in Paris event at the Community Center this weekend. She closed by wishing everyone a happy Passover, Easter, and spring season.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:10 pm, with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting in memory of Hall of Fame high school football coach and the City’s 2017 Hometown Hero Bob Johnson to Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
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Kimberly Schmitt
City Clerk