City Council Minutes 1 April 14, 2026
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency,
Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
April 14, 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 April 14, 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 April 9, 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 5:01pm)
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
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation. Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Janice Kronik Gath, et. al v. Mission Viejo OCSC Case No. 30-2024-01376969-CU-MC-CJC
CS2. Conference with Real Property Negotiators. Government Code Section 54956.8.
Property Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Parkway: Agency Negotiators; Elaine Lister, City Manager, Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager, and Tarquin Preziosi, City Attorney: Negotiating Party: Santa Margarita Water District General Manager:
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
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RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:00 pm Mayor Bucknum recessed to Closed Session. At the hour of 6:00 pm Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Perziosi announced that there were two properly agendized items with no reportable action.
INVOCATION: Council Member Kelley
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Ruesch
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to Alan Harkness, Exalted Ruler Elect.
P2. Recognize Love Mission Viejo
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to Sharon Genton.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Grant Chambers, M.V.: Provided the City Council with pictures and photographs of the American flag in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, which stands on a 400-foot flagpole. He proposed that Mission Viejo explore opportunities to surpass that height and claim the title of having the tallest flagpole in North America.
Charles Manazir, M.V.: Requested that the City Council formally recognize two distinguished longtime residents - astronaut Mike Lopez Alagria, Class of 1976, and his son, Admiral Michael Minazer, Class of 1977. Given their unique achievements, he respectfully recommended that th e Council consider some form of recognition for them.
Everest Saine, M.V.: Spoke on the Community Character Trait of the Month Service. He highlighted its importance and gave examples of the trait Service.
Debra Lewandowski, M.V.: Critiqued the City’s approval of Vista del Lago Apartment Expansion citing insufficient community outreach and inconsistent project scrutiny. Requested details on developer negotiations and proposed implementing resident-only parking permits for the Pinecrest area.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Referenced the recent Planning and Transportation Commission review of existing and proposed surface parking plans at the Marguerite Tennis and Aquatics Center . He
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requested that the Assistant City Manager develop a long -term parking structure plan and urged consideration of a multi -story parking structure to preserve green space and accommodate future growth, rather than temporary surface lot expansions.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Provided the City Council with a recent image of the President. He addressed recent controversial actions by the President and questioned the Council’s political affiliations and religious beliefs. Lastly, he acknowledged that the city is functioning well and urged the Council to work toward creating a better future for the next generation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 13 was removed from the Consent Calendar for a separate discussion.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, seconded by Council Member Ruesch, 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 March 24, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated March 13, 2026, in the Amount of $3,305,511.57
Ratified the accompanying check register.
3. General Check Register Dated March 20, 2026, in the Amount of $1,328,037.80
Ratified the accompanying check register.
4. General Check Register dated March 27, 2026, in the amount of $1,213,859.15
Ratified the accompanying check register.
5. Golf Check Register Dated March 13, 2026, in the Amount of $13,305.56
Ratified the accompanying check register.
6. Golf Check Register Dated March 20, 2026, in the Amount of $124,755.30
Ratified the accompanying check register.
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7. Golf Check Register Dated March 27, 2026, in the Amount of $17,700.47
Ratified the accompanying check register.
8. City Treasurer's Monthly Report for February 2026
Received and filed.
9. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer's Monthly Report for February 2026
Received and filed.
10. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer's Monthly Report for February 2026
Received and filed.
11. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer's Monthly Report for February 2026
Received and filed.
12. Adding Chapter 11.26 (Prohibition on the Sale and Distribution of Kratom Products) to Title 11 of the Mission Viejo City Code
Adopted 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.
14. Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for the Expenditure of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 CDBG Funds
Adopted Resolution 26- 13 Approving the City’s Draft Fiscal Year 2026 -2027 Annual Action Plan for the Expenditure of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 CDBG Funds, and Authorizing Submission of the Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
13. Budget Amendment For the North Oso Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail Open Space Project CIP 22333
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Assistant City Manager Hill presented the staff report.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to adopt Resolution 26- 12 Amending the North Oso Creek Bike/Pedestrian Trail Open Space Project CIP 22333 and Adjustments in Certain Funds
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
15. Cooperation Agreement (CDBG Funds Transfer for Affordable Housing) between the City of Mission Viejo and Mission Viejo Housing Authority; and Affordable Housing and CDBG Loan Agreement between the Mission Viejo Housing Authority and WISEPlace, a California Nonprofit, Public Benefit Corporation.
Planning and Economic Development Manager Cliff Jones presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to (1) Adopt Joint Resolution 26 -14 of the City Council and MVHA Approving the Cooperation Agreement A26-13 (CDBG Funds Transfer for Affordable Housing) for Transfer of $530,000 of CDBG Funds to Implement the Affordable Housing and CDBG Loan Agreement and Making Certain Other Findings; and (2) adopt MVHA Resolution 26 -01 Approving the Affordable Housing and CDBG Loan Agreement between the MVHA and WISEPlace to Provide a CDBG Loan for Acquisition and Long-
Term Operation of Two Condominium
Homes for Tenancy and Occupancy by Qualified Very Low Income Households Who are at Risk of Homelessness or Homeless, and Making Certain Other Findings; (3) adopt City Council Resolution 26-15 Approving CDBG Fund Budget Transfer to Housing Authority Fund; and (4) adopt MVHA Resolution 26-02 Approving Receipt and Use of CDBG funds for Affordable Housing Loan.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16. Property Access Agreement between the Mission Viejo Housing Authority/City of Mission Viejo and Trumark Homes for Due Diligence Work Related to Potential Purchase and Development of the Surplus Property Owned by the Mission Viejo Housing Authority and the City of Mission Viejo and Identified as Housing Site 3 of the City of Mission Viejo 2021-2029 Housing Element
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Director of Community Development Larry Longenecker presented the staff report.
Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve the Property Access Agreement A26- 14 with Trumark Homes for Site 3 and Authorized the City Manager to Execute the Agreement.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister proudly announced that the Mission Viejo Animal Services team was honored as the 2026 Agency of the Year by the National Animal Care and Control Association, recognizing their outstanding dedication and impact in animal care. She also s hared that goats have returned to the open space between Jeronimo and Casa Del Sol for vegetation management and are expected to remain there for two to three weeks. Additionally, mini goats will be featured at the upcoming Arbor Day event for meet and gre et activities. Lastly, City Manager Lister reported that a 10 -week-old female puppy, recently abandoned overnight at the Animal Services facility, is doing well and receiving loving care from staff.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Preziosi provided an update on the legal action by Southern California Edison against the State Board of Equalization, which seeks to reduce property taxes for the past five years due to California wildfires. New estimates from HDL indicate that if the action succ eeds, Mission Viejo could face a financial impact of approximately $206,000.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
17. 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 shared that she serves on a policy committee for the League of California Cities and recently attended a meeting where she gained valuable information. She praised the City’s Marine Adoption Committee, acknowledging the efforts of members and volunteers in hosting a successful “Day in Paradise” event for the Marines and their families. She also expressed gratitude
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to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for their support during the event. Councilmember Kelley attended the “Meet the Mayors” event on April 2, which featured Mayor Bucknum and mayors from South Orange County. Additionally, she highlighted the success of the Master Gardener Expo and Plant Giveaway held on April 11, which drew around 2,000 attendees. She commended staff members Melanie McGrane and Mike Swingholm for their dedication. Lastly, she joined Council Member Ruesch at the Vocational Visions Gala, highlighting the valued partnership the organization has with Mission Viejo.
Council Member Ruesch
Council Member Ruesch recapped hosting visitors from Wako, Japan, who toured the city's lake and amenities as part of early discussions about a potential sister city relationship. He also described working with Slovakian representatives exploring various sports facilities in Mi ssion Viejo for Olympic training. He s howed a short video sharing his experience participating in a physically demanding fireman’s competition organized by Firefighters Local 3631 and OCFA, which included tasks like repelling from buildings and venting roo fs, ending with a race up a six- story tower. He suggested considering an event or recognition for Armed Forces recruitment during the city’s 250th anniversary. Finally, he proposed adding an agenda item to explore offering lifetime family memberships to recreation facilities for past Council Members, aiming to support their health and maintain their involvement as valuable community ambassadors. He requested staff research participation and costs for this proposal to be presented in May.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez stated she attended several community events, including Springtime in Paris Boutique, a Senior Grocery Easter meal distribution , the UC Master Gardeners Expo, where attendees could get gardening advice, and an OC Forum event focused on women's empowerment and financial leadership. Additionally, she is preparing to take her Girl Scout Troop camping soon and shared that her youngest child enjoyed an affordable spring break camp at the Montanoso Recreation Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell announced that the Sports and Economic Tourism Committee will be meeting tomorrow to discuss various topics. He highlighted recent visits from representatives of Slovakia and the Netherlands, as they consider Mission Viejo as a training base for the 2028 Olympics. He also noted that the city will be hosting a Paralympic swimming camp this summer at the Marguerite Aquatics Center. Additionally, Mayor Pro Tem Goodell shared that the Nadadores is pursuing a bid to host the United States Olympic Team Diving Trials, and discussions are underway to establish a local USA Diving office in Mission Viejo due to the increased activity. Overall, he expressed enthusiasm about the city’s expanding role in sports and tourism.
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Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum was honored to present a 100th birthday certificate to Evelyn Ritterswerden, a longtime resident of Mission Viejo. She shared that she now serves on the Nadadores Board of Directors and recently attended a meeting. Mayor Bucknum also participated in various community events, including the Springtime in Paris Boutique, the Mission Viejo High School versus Trabuco Hills High School golf match, the Meet the Mayors event, and a Sensory-friendly Concert with the Pacific Symphony. Additionally, she met with the Mayor of Wako, Japan, to explore a potential sister city relationship. She highlighted upcoming community events such as a presentation by three Holocaust survivors on April 22, Earth Day/Arb or Day on April 25, the Orange County Triathlon on April 26 with related street closures, the Library's Purse Palooza fundraiser on May 2, and the Mission Viejo Rotary Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on May 6 featuring guest speaker Rod Karu.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:42 pm, with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
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Renata Winter
Assistant City Clerk