City Council Minutes 1 July 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*
July 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 July 14, 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 July 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
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Bucknum
Absent: None
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 Real Property Negotiators: Government Code Section 54956.8.
Property: Los Osos, 25282 Marguerite Parkway, APN 782-011-95. Agency Negotiators:
Elaine Lister, City Manager, Jerry Hill, Assistant City Manager, and Tarquin Preziosi, City Attorney. Negotiating Parties: Regency Centers and Paragon Commercial Group LLC. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms
CS2. Annual Public Employee Performance Evaluations. Government Code § 54957(b)(1):
Titles - City Manager and Assistant City Manager
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CS3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Pending Litigation. Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Southern California Edison Co. v. City of Mission Viejo, OCSC Case No. 30-2026-01573209-CU-NP-WJC
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:01 p.m. Mayor Bucknum recessed the meeting. At the hour of 6:08 p.m. Mayor Bucknum reconvened the meeting with all five Council Members present.
REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Preziosi announced that there were three properly agendized items with no reportable action.
INVOCATION: Mayor Bucknum
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize Mission Viejo Little Leagues
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamations to the Mission Viejo Little Leagues.
P2. Business Spotlight - A-Z Tech Automotive
Mayor Bucknum presented proclamation to A-Z Tech Automotive.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bryan Zahn. M.V.: Commended the City Council, Nieves Landscape, and Public Services for maintaining local Little League facilities, and recognized District Administrator Ezio Petrella for his long-standing service.
Zoey Ammerman: Introduced "fairness" as the month's character topic, speaking on the importance of gender and racial equity in the community.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Commented on the Planning and Transportation Commission's recent housing element discussions, urging the Council to take a new approach.
Faith Fersten, M.V.: Raised ongoing safety and fire hazard concerns regarding a neighboring property on Via Santa Maria and inquired about upcoming hearing notifications.
Andy Steen: Announced that the Mission Viejo High School Marching Band and Color Guard will host a Western Band Association competition on October 17, 2026, and called for community volunteers.
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Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Discussed a petition regarding an "Our Declaration of Interdependence" presentation submitted to federal representatives and shared commentary on local free speech provisions.
Carolyn Gatto, M.V.: Spoke on themes related to the "Declaration of Interdependence" petition, offering remarks on the current presidential administration.
Cathy Palmer , M.V.: Requested that Planning and Transportation Commission meetings be livestreamed, the live police blotter be reinstated on the city website, and a citizen oversight committee be formed for Flock safety cameras.
Laura Lacko, M.V.: Addressed a false rumor regarding a library disturbance, questioned the net revenue generated to offset the over $22,000 city expenditure on triathlon security, and raised data privacy concerns regarding Flock safety cameras, citing the LAPD's discontinuation of their contract.
City Attorney Preziosi provided an update on the hoarding property on Via Santa Maria, and stated that the hearing would take place in the next 15- 20 days and information will be provided on the City’s website.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 12 was removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, 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 June 23, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Register Dated June 12, June 19, & June 26, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
3. Golf Check Register June 12, June 19, & June 26, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
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4. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2026
Received and filed.
5. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2026
Received and filed.
6. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2026
Received and filed.
7. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for May 2026
Received and filed.
8. Installation of (3) Shade Structures for the Animal Services Department
Approved Resolution 26-37 Amending the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget for the installation of three (3) shade structures for the Animal Services Center.
9. 2026 Residential Resurfacing —Asphalt Repairs and Asphalt Overlays (CIP 27838) — Award of Contract
Awarded the construction contract for the subject project to R.J. Noble Company (A26-25) in the amount of $1,293,400.00.
10. Renewed Measure M Public Works Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program Adopted Resolution 26 -38 adopting a Renewed Measure M (M2) Seven -Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), beginning with the 2026/2027 fiscal year, to satisfy the City’s eligibility requirements of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) M2 Program.
11. Marguerite Parkway/La Sierra Drive Acceleration Lane Project (CIP 26270)-Award of Contract
Awarded the construction contract for the subject project to Van Engineering, Inc. (A26-20) in the amount of $228,720.
13. Annual Routine Monthly Landscape Maintenance - Contract Area 8 – Oso Creek Golf Course
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(1) Approved Third 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, LLC. in an amount not to exce ed $285,000.00.
14. Technical Services Outsourcing Renewal for Mission Viejo Library02.
(1) Approve d first amendment to existing agreement with Ingram Library Services, LLC (A25-34C) for customized library services including cataloging and processing of library materials for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028 (years 3 and 4), adding an amount not to exceed $300,000 to the original contract; and (2) authorized issuance of purchase orders to Ingram Library Services, LLC for an amount not to exceed $300,000.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
12. Oso Creek Golf Course – Purchase of Replacement Electric Greens Triplex Mower Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill presented the staff report.
Mayor Bucknum asked for any council questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell wanted to highlight this item for the community. Council Member Ruesch spoke about the benefits this mower will provide.
The following spoke on this item:
Peter Molinari, M.V.: Spoke regarding his support of this item to benefit Oso Creek but also residents in the surrounding neighborhoods as electric mowers are much quieter to operate.
Motion made by Council Member Ruesch , seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to (1) approve purchase for the replacement of the Oso Creek Golf Course Greens Mower to Stotz Equipment in an amount not to exceed $93,936.05; and (2) authorize staff to issue a purchase order to Stotz Equipment for a not to exceed amount of $93,936.05.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARING
15. Approval of Resolution for Property Tax Correction Between City of Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel
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Director of Administrative Services Ellis Chang presented the staff report.
Mayor Bucknum opened the Public Hearing at 7:1 3 p.m. There being no requests to speak on this item Mayor Bucknum closed the Public Hearing at 7:16 p.m.
City Attorney Preziosi presented supplemental information to the staff report.
Mayor Bucknum asked for any council questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell inquired about the annual amount.
Mayor Bucknum closed the public hearing.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Council Member Ruesch to adopt Resolution 26-39 approving the Ad Valorem Property Tax Revenue Allocation Agreement and Release to prospectively correct property tax allocation pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code sections 99(b)(6) and 99.02.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
NEW BUSINESS
16. Request of Four Homeowners Association Board of Directors to Manage Pest Control by All Authorized Means, Including Firearms
Emergency Operations Manager Paul Catsimanes presented the staff report.
June Anderson: Member of Casa Del Sol Homeowners Association, s poke regarding her support of this item and emphasized the destruction that these wildlife pests can cause.
Cathy Palmer, M.V.: Spoke regarding her support of this item and agreed it is the most humane way to handle these pests.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to (1) approve the request of Casta Del Sol Homeowners Association for a variance that will allow the association to manage on-site nuisance wildlife by the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community; (2) approve the reques t of Mission Viejo Environmental Association for a variance that will allow the association to manage on- site nuisance wildlife by the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community; (3) approve the request of Palmia Masters Association for a variance that will allow the association to manage on-site nuisance wildlife by the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community; and (4) approve the request of Tres Vistas Docusign Envelope ID: A9210BFC-812B-8900-8255-AEEBA2F8D4BF
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Association for a variance that will allow the association to manage on-site nuisance wildlife by the most humane means possible for the health, safety and welfare of the community.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
17. Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Report
Council Member Kelley provided the report a nd announced that TCA recently received top honors at the ACC-OC Leadership Summit and Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. The 24191 express connector project partnership was recognized in the transportation, innovation, and mobility solutions category, highlighting the collaboration, perseverance, and being a good example of regional partnership that has helped to advance this long-envisioned project which will be so beneficial to regional mobility.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Lister gave an update on Wholesome Choice and stated they are hoping to have a grand opening on Labor Day. She also stated that there is a golf simulator that is currently going through plan check.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Preziosi shared that a private disability rights group has filed a new state court lawsuit against the City of Costa Mesa challenging its sober living home ordinance, despite the city's previous successes defending the ordinance in federal court. If successful, the lawsuit seek s to declare the
ordinance in violation of state and federal fair housing laws, which would set it aside and repeal enforcement - potentially impacting similar ordinances in other cities like Mission Viejo. This update was presented to the City Council for informational purposes only, requiring no action at this time.
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.
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Council Member Kelley
Council Member Kell ey reported on several positive recent community events, including the grand opening of the nation's first standalone Costco gas station and a new upscale appliance store. Key highlights included attending the Golden Hub Awards, celebrating the Fourth of July with a successful street fair, parade, and the unveiling of the America 250 Obelisk, and honoring senior volunteers at the SCOR awards luncheon. Additionally, Council Member Kell ey noted the strong turnout for the three - day barbecue music fest at Oso Viejo Park and reminded residents to look out for upcoming summer concerts in July.
Council Member Ruesch
Council Member Ruesch thanked staff, committees, and participants for making the recent parade a resounding success with great community feedback. He also shared that discussions with Costco principals during the new gas station opening hinted at a potential future car wash addition on the site.
Finally, he noted that traffic around the new center has been smooth and negligible, encouraging residents to support the local businesses and fill up there.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez shared that she visited the new Costco gas station prior to its grand opening and encouraged her family to shop locally to keep tax dollars in Mission Viejo. She also highlighted the tremendous success of Mission Viejo Pride event, which drew about 2,000 attendees with over 80 booths, great family programming, and line and salsa dancing. Additionally, she enjoyed the Fourth of July street fair and parade, served as a judge for the professional pitmasters at the barbecue festival, an d recounted a wonderful two-week belated 20th anniversary trip to Bali.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell announced that the Sports and Economic Tourism Committee is meeting to discuss updates, including Slovakia's strong interest in using Mission Viejo as a training base for the 2028 Olympics. He also shared highlights from the Fourth of July celebrations, including riding in a '57 Chevy convertible with his wife in the parade and judging the professional chef rib competition at the successful festival. Finally, he commended the city staff, Mr. Nix, Assistance City Manager Jerry Hill, and their teams for the meticulous planning and execution of the events.
Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum endorsed the new Costco fuel station as a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike, and noted the city's nomination at the Leadership Summit's Golden Hub of Innovation Awards. She also highlighted recent community events, including the '90s Night at Oso Creek Golf Course, the Lei'd Back Luau at Montanoso, and the Fourth of July celebrations, where she rode in a classic Lincoln Continental and praised the seamless organization of the parade and barbecue music fest. Additionally, she requested an update from the Orange County Sheriff's Department regarding flock cameras and the police blotter.
She promoted the upcoming Chamber business expo and Tijuana Dogs concert.
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ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 7:47 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting in memory of Joie Gendron, to Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Alison Walker
City Clerk
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