City Council Minutes 1 June 23, 2026
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
June 23, 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 Pro Tem Goodell at 5:01 p.m., on June 23, 2026, 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 June 18, 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
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Bucknum (arrived 5:03 pm)
Absent: Council Member Vasquez
Staff Present: Elaine Lister, City Manager
Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager
Tarquin Preziosi, City Attorney
Ellis Chang, Director of Administrative Services
Alison Walker, City Clerk
Renata Winter, Assistant City Clerk
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation. Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Janice Kronik Gath, et. al v. Mission Viejo OCSC Case No. 30-2024- 01376969-CU-MC-CJC
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01 Mayor Pro Tem Goodell recessed the meeting. At the hour of 6:01 Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with four Council Members present.
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REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Preziosi announced that there was one properly agendized item on a litigation matter.
City Attorney Preziosi issued the following statement, trial in the matter has been continued to November 1, 2026, and the parties are in the process of selecting a mediator to help resolve the dispute.
INVOCATION: Council Member Ruesch
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Kelley
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize the 250th Anniversary of the United States
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to Saga Conroy, representative of County Supervisor Don Wagner. Robert Bret on spoke about the 250 th Anniversary of the United States.
P2. Proclaim May Through August 2026 To Be Drowning Prevention & Awareness Season
Presented proclamation to Fire Chief Maule who spoke about the risks of drowning and the importance of staying aware when it comes to bodies of water.
P3. Proclaim July 2026 To Be Parks and Recreation Month
Presented proclamation to Mark Nix Director of Recreation & Community Services. He recognized staff and the Community Services Commissioners for their hard work and dedication.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patty Barnett Mouton: Representative of Alzheimer’s Orange County spoke about the agency being locally operated and responsive to Orange County community needs and wanted to remind the Council and residents that her agency provides education, support, advocacy, and multicultural events.
Faith Fersten, M.V.: Spoke on the fire and safety hazard on Via Santa Maria and asked if any progress has been made on this property.
Stacy Holmes, M.V.: Spoke about Mission Viejo Community Services Commissioner Josh Vecchione and recognized his tremendous contributions to the City. Most recently Mr. Vecchione was named Senate District 38 Community Champion for June 2026.
Steve Diehr, M.V.: Spoke on the public safety and fire hazard on Via Santa Maria and stated he hopes the problem can be resolved as soon as possible.
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Kraig Erickson, M.V.: Spoke on making La Mancha a true park with play equipment by his home. He mentioned he has been advocating for this project for over 7 years and would like to see the City take the next steps to make it happen. He stated there is stro ng community support for this project. He requested that the City Council re-evaluate the project with a focus on identifying funding opportunities for it.
Charlotte Love, M.V. : Currently a student at Capistrano Valley High School , spoke on behalf of the Community of Character Committee and this month’s character trait, citizenship. She stated the importance of showing respect for others and taking pride in our country.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Shared a poem with the City Council that he wrote regarding the state of the union in this 250 year.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Requested that the City keep pressure on the property owner of 24972 Via Marfil to complete their remodel. He further requests the City reinstall all the street graphics that were lost when the slurry seal was completed. He wished the City the best on its parade that will be held on July 11 th.
He referenced the public comment he made on September 9, 2025, and mentioned he stands by these comments towards the obelisk and its location.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Commended the City on allowing another way to public comment during City Council Meetings via Zoom and hopes to see residents utilizing this new way to participate.
Courtney Taman-Kline, M.V.: Spoke regarding the desire for the City to make La Mancha a true park by adding play equipment. She mentioned that she has children and that her neighbors do as well so it will be well utilized by the children in the neighborhood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion made by Council Member Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Kelley to approve the Consent Calendar outlined below.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vasquez
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of June 9, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated May 29 & June 5, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
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3. Golf Check Register Dated May 29 & June 5, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
4. Quarterly Financial Report for the City of Mission Viejo - Third Quarter 2025/26
Received and filed.
5. Annual Weed Abatement Program for Parcels Under One Acre – Year 2026 – Phase 1
(1) Adopted Resolution 26 -33 Declaring that Certain Weeds, Rubbish, Refuse, and Dirt on Parcels Under One Acre Constitute Nuisances; Declaring the Intention of the City Council to Order the Abatement of Said Nuisances; and Fixing a Time and Place for Hearing Protests; (2) instructed the Public Services Department to mail a Notice to Destroy Weeds in accordance with Section 39566 of the Government Code; and (3) instructed the City Clerk to set the Public Hearing for August 25, 2026.
6. 2026 Residential Resurfacing (CIP 27838)—Slurry Seal
Approved the bid specifications, subject to minor revisions required by the Director of Public Works, and authorized staff to advertise for construction bids for the subject project.
7. Award of Contract for the Operation of the MV Shuttle
(1) Awarded the Contract to LAZ Parking California, LLC, in the amount of $700,000 for the operation of the MV Shuttle; and (2) adopted Resolution 26-34 Amending the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget for Costs Related to the Operation of the MV Shuttle (Program 525).
8. OCTA Measure M2 Eligibility: Pavement Management Program Component
Adopted Resolution 26-35 Concerning the Status and Update of the City of Mission Viejo’s Pavement Management Plan for the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M2 program, to satisfy a component of the City’s eligibility requirements of OCTA’s M2 program.
9. Marguerite Parkway Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24260)
Authorized issuance of a purchase order to AGA Engineers Inc. (AGA) in an amount not to exceed $201,400 for design engineering services for Phase II (Operations & Maintenance) of CIP 24260.
OLD BUSINESS
10. Senior Mobility Program
Community Services Manager Andrew Fine presented the staff report.
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Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Ruesch to (1) adopt Resolution 26-36 Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget in the amount of $50,000 for the Senior Mobility Program; (2) approve the Fifth Amendment to the contract with OCY Management, LLC increasing the contract amount by $50,000; and (3) approve revisions to the Agreement with OCY Management, LLC for Senior Mobility Program from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2030, in an amount not to exceed $700,000.00, and with the option to extend the agreement for two additional years.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vasquez
NEW BUSINESS
11. Agreement between the City of Mission Viejo and California State University, Fullerton Small Business Development Council (SBDC) to Manage the Small Business Grant Program “Mission Viejo Thrives"
Planning Manager Cliff Jones presented the staff report.
Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Directors Mike Daniell and Manal Richa provided additional information on the program.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to adopt City of Mission Viejo Agreement for Contract Services for the Mission Viejo Thrives Grant Program.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, and Ruesch
NOES: None
ABSENT: Vasquez
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
12. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report
Mayor Bucknum provided an update that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is currently tracking several pieces of legislation to ensure that cities maintain local control.
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CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister introduced new City Clerk Alison Walker.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Preziosi reported pursuant to the Municipal Code, the occupants of the Via Santa Maria property have been issued a notice to remedy code violations, with a compliance deadline of this coming Friday, June 26. If the property is not remediated by the deadline, a public nuisance hearing will be scheduled before a Hearing Officer. Additionally, the City discussed the Orange County Grand Jury report released in late May, entitled California Housing Mandates , The Unintended Reshaping of Orange Count y Neighborhoods . The report details the negative impacts of Sacramento’s housing mandates over the past seven years, highlighting reduced local land use authority, increased administrative and financial burdens, infrastructure limitations, legal expenses, community conflict, and unfair Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocations. The City is scheduled to submit its formal response to the Grand Jury by the end of August, subject to any granted extensions.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
13. 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.
PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES
Chief of Police Captain John Larson reported on the multi -city summer e -bike safety campaign launched on June 5, which balances enforcement and education. Early efforts near Trabuco Hills High School resulted in five citations and five illegal electric mot orcycles being towed or impounded.
Captain Larson clarified that vehicles without pedals are classified as motorcycles and subject to standard motor vehicle laws. To encourage compliance, deputies are rewarding safe riders with gift cards to local business es. However, he cautioned parents that they face criminal charges if their children flee from law enforcement on these vehicles, urging families to prioritize responsible riding habits.
Fire Chief Cheyne Maule reported a busy start to the year with roughly 4,400 total incidents to date, including 5 structure fires, 1 vegetation fire, over 1,000 miscellaneous calls, and 2,900 medical aid responses. Ahead of peak fire season, OCFA crews have already assisted with regional blazes, notably using a newly installed HeloPod, a portable water tank to help halt a 2,000 -acre fire at Camp Pendleton. Chief Maule also highlighted OCFA’s critical involvement in a recent major hazardous materials incident in Garden Grove involving highly toxic, explosive methyl methacrylate (MMA). A heroic early intervention by first -responding crews to cool the leaking chemical tank, followed by a massive multi-agency response and the evacuation of over 50,000 residents, successfully mitigated the threat and allowed the material to safely harden without a major leak or explosion.
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Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kelley reported attendance at the June 11 League of California Cities Orange County Division Board meeting, noting an update from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on an expedited 7th Cycle RHNA process that adds two new low and extremely low-income housing categories. She also noted hearing a report on the John Wayne Airport, and some of the changes taking place there. She commended the responding firefighters of the recent Garden Grove hazardous materials incident fo r their heroic actions. Regarding community events, she highlighted the large attendance at the City’s recent Luau -themed Night Market and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming standalone Costco gas station grand opening, the 4th of July Street Fair and fireworks show, and the community parade on July 11.
Council Member Ruesch
Council Member Ruesch reported attendance at the final tour of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, noting that the facility's iconic containment domes are scheduled for demolition by the end of the year. He shared that while the site is expected to be restored to its original natural state within the next couple of years, the spent nuclear fuel will remain safely stored on-site for the next 30 to 50 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell provided an update on the Sports and Economic Tourism Committee, highlighting Mission Viejo's selection as a training base for multiple national teams preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He noted that Diving Australia is currently hosting a training camp at the Aquatics Center, with upcoming swim camps scheduled for Team New Zealand in August and the United States Paralympic Swim Team later this month. Mayor Pro Tem Goodell shared a Dutch front-page news article announcing Team NL’s (the Netherlands) selection of Mission Viejo as their official pre -games base camp, noting that the delegation will be led by decorated Olympians Ireen Wüst and Jetze Plat. He also announced that Slovakia has chosen Mission Viejo as its base camp, and welcomed visiting Dutch cyclists who recently completed an impromptu workout at Trabuco Hills High School.
Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum reported that she delivered a business update at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual luncheon and thanked City staff for preparing the presentation materials. She highlighted several recent community activities, including the well-attended first Concert on the Green featuring the band Family Style and the successful Luau -themed Night Market. Looking ahead, she encouraged residents to participate in upcoming events, including the Montanoso Recreation Center’s Laid -Back Luau this weekend, the July 4th Street Fair and fireworks show, which kicks off with a 9:00 a.m. ceremonial unveiling of the obelisk on the Oso Creek Trail, and the upcoming community parade, noting that traffic coordination will accommodate nearby businesses and the Farmers’ Market. Lastly, Mayor Bucknum welcomed a new restaurant, Mac’s, to the south end of town and encouraged the community to support the new business.
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City Council Minutes 8 June 23, 2026
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:47 pm, with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Alison Walker
City Clerk
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