City Council Minutes 1 August 25, 2026
MISSION VIEJO MINUTES
City Council, Community Development Financing Authority, Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency, Housing Authority, and Library Board of Trustees*
August 25, 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 August 25, 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 August 20, 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 (arrived at 5:05 p.m.)
Council Member Ruesch (participated via Zoom)
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 Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, one case. Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Janice Kronik Gath, et. al v. Mission Viejo OCSC Case No. 30-2024- 01376969-CU-MC-CJC
CS2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipation of Litigation, one case. Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2): Potential Litigation
CS3. Annual Public Employee Performance Evaluation. Government Code § 54957(b)(1):
Title - Assistant City Manager
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RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION AND RECONVENE
At the hour of 5:02 p.m. Mayor Bucknum recessed the meeting. At the hour of 6:00 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 Pro Tem Goodell
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Vasquez
PRESENTATIONS
P1. Recognize the Sports and Events Tourism Committee
Mayor Bucknum presented the proclamations to:
Sports and Events Tourism Committee (SET)
The Netherlands National Olympic Committee (TeamNL)
Saddleback College
Trabuco Hills High School
Nadadores & the Marguerite Aquatics Complex
Chamber of Commerce
Supervisor Don Wagner’s Office
Capistrano Unified School District
Lake Mission Viejo Association
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Alasandro, M.V.: Shared concerns regarding the fatal car accident at the intersection of Glenwood Drive and Pacific Crest, and expressed hope that measures can be taken to prevent future incidents.
Patricia Sullivan, M.V.: Stated that the intersection of Glenwood Drive and Pacific Crest and traffic in the neighborhood can be dangerous.
Noah Zollo, M.V.: Introduced this month’s character trait, self-control, and provided information on the STAR process, a character development and decision-making tool.
Michael Rotcher, M.V.: Expressed admiration for Captain Larson’s service to Mission Viejo and voiced concerns about surveillance cameras, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with personal privacy.
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Faith Fersten, M.V.: Reported on the August 5 hearing regarding a neighboring property on Via Santa Maria, expressing surprise that Code Enforcement’s concerns were limited to trash, a trailer, and property items, with no mention of fire or safety hazards.
Bill Moorhead, M.V.: Thanked the City Council and staff, particularly Robert Breton and Dave Leckness, for organizing the 250 parade, and expressed pride in being invited as part of the Moulton Niguel Water District.
Wiley Faron, M.V.: Voiced concerns about flock cameras and potential data breaches, opining that they may cause more harm than benefit.
David Smer, M.V.: Raised concerns about speeding on Muirlands Boulevard and urged improvements to enhance safety and prevent accidents.
Angela Ponticelli, M.V.: Addressed reports of cancer cases in Ladera Ranch and their possible links to pesticide exposure, urging the City of Mission Viejo to ensure resident safety and awareness regarding pesticide use.
Tom Moore, M.V.: Stated that 2026 World Cup host cities are seeking $1 million legacy payments from FIFA, which remain unpaid, and thanked Councilmember Vasquez for emphasizing the importance of secure contracts to protect residents.
Alex Guess, Laguna Niguel: Representing 827 Orange County residents, urged Mission Viejo to support e-bike safety reforms including a minimum age of 16, mandatory speedometers, county-issued licenses with safety tests, and funding for youth safety programs and infrastructure. He noted that many local cities have adopted similar measures and requested that the City endorse the petition and draft a supporting resolution.
Assistant City Manager Jerry Hill provided an overview of the city’s pesticide program, highlighting that Mission Viejo has maintained an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for over a decade.
The program emphasizes a science- based, responsible approa ch to landscape management by prioritizing pest monitoring, selecting appropriate plants, and using the least toxic pesticides only when necessary. It avoids chemical use in recreational and playground areas, complies with strict state and federal regulations, and restricts pesticide applications to city-owned properties, focusing on preventive measures and environmental safety.
Council Member Vasquez stated she will be adding an agenda item to the September 8th meeting for the Council to consider directing staff to update the current Integrated Pest Management program guidelines.
Mayor Bucknum stated that the recent fatal traffic collision is being addressed by staff and will be discussed by the Traffic Committee. She also requested the Public Safety Update from Chief of Police John Larson be moved before the Consent Calendar.
City Attorney Preziosi gave an update regarding the Via Santa Maria Code Enforcement case. Following the public hearing and expiration of the residents' opportunity to cure the violation, the city filed a
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request for an abatement warrant last Friday and is currently awaiting the court’s approval, with hearings ongoing and expected to continue until the order is issued. Once granted, the city will proceed with performing the abatement.
OCSD PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE
Police Chief Larson provided an update addressing the removal of the Orange County Sheriff's blotter from the city website due to a technical error , highlighted proactive efforts to develop local e -bike regulations including safety education and enforcement, and detailed the implementation of the Flock Safety automated license plate reader system. He emphasized that Flock enhances public safety by aiding investigations, recovering stolen vehicles, and locating missing persons while strictly adhering to California privacy laws and departmental policies that protect residents’ privacy and civil liberties.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Item 17 and 18 were removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion.
The following spoke on the Consent Calendar:
Alberik Haghverdian, M.V.: Spoke on Item 14, expressing concerns that the renovation plans will increase noise and safety issues for nearby residents. He requested stricter park hours, lighting timers, enforceable signage, water station placement, and acoustic buffering before project approval.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum , 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, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
1. City Council Minutes
Approved the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of July 14, 2026, as presented.
2. General Check Registers dated July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, & August 7, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
3. Golf Check Registers dated July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, & August 7, 2026
Ratified the accompanying check registers.
4. City Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2026
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Received and filed.
5. Transmittal of Pre-PARE Trustee Report for the quarter ending June 30, 2026
Received and filed.
6. Successor Agency of the Community Development Agency Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2026
Received and filed.
7. Mission Viejo Housing Authority (MVHA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2026
Received and filed.
8. Mission Viejo Community Development Financing Authority (MVCDFA) Treasurer’s Monthly Report for June 2026
Received and filed.
9. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Enhanced Pedestrian Safety Improvements (CIP 24257) – Notice of Completion
(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorized the City Manager to sign the Notice of Completion; (3) authorized the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and (4) and authorize d the release of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
10. Mission Viejo Trash and Runoff Abatement Project (TRAP): Catch Basin Debris Screen Installations (CIP 26267) - Notice of Completion
(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorized the City Manager to sign the Notice of Completion; (3) authorized the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and (4) authorized the release of the final retention 35 days after the date of
recordation of the Notice of Completion.
11. Olympiad Road/Felipe Road Corridor Traffic Signal Synchronization Project (CIP 24258) – Notice of Completion (Construction)
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(1) Certified the completion of and accept the improvements for the subject project; (2) authorized the City Manager to sign the Notice of Completion; (3) authorized the City Clerk to record the Notice of Completion with the County of Orange and to release the faithful performance and payment bonds one year and 35 days, respectively, after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion contingent upon no claims or liens being filed with the City; and (4) and authorized the release of the final retention 35 days after the date of recordation of the Notice of Completion.
12. Marguerite Parkway at Estanciero Drive Traffic Signal Modification Project (CIP 26272)
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.
13. 2026 Residential Resurfacing (CIP 27838) - Slurry Seal Awarded the construction contract for the subject project to Roy Allan Slurry Seal, Inc., (A26-27) in the amount of $703,719.80.
14. Barbadanes Park Play Area Rehabilitation (CIP 26339) (1) Approved the plans and specifications, subject to minor revisions, and authorize staff to advertise for bids for (CIP 26339) - Barbadanes Park Play Area Rehabilitation; and (2) approved purchase of related playground equipment.
15. Sierra Recreation Center Tennis Court Rehabilitation (CIP 26340) Approved the Plans and Specifications, subject to minor revisions, and authorize staff to advertise for bids for (CIP 26340) - Sierra Recreation Center Tennis Court Rehabilitation.
16. Marguerite Aquatics, Tennis and Recreation Center Surface Parking Lot Expansion (CIP 26341)
(1) Approved the plans and specifications, subject to minor revisions, and authorize staff to advertise for bids for (CIP 26341) - Marguerite Aquatics, Tennis and Recreation Center Surface Parking Lot Expansion.
19. Budget Adjustment in the Amount of $68,000 for the Opioid Abatement Program Adopted Resolution 26 -40 Amending the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Budget in the amount of $68,000 of California Opioid Abatement funding for drug remediation services and approve programs offered by Providence Mission Hospital and California Youth Services.
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ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
17. City of Mission Viejo Response to 2025-2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report titled "California Housing Mandates: The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods"
Community Development Director Larry Longenecker presented the staff report.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Bucknum wanted to highlight this item for the community.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum , seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the City's response to a 2025- 2026 Orange County Grand Jury Report titled "California Housing Mandates: The Unintended Reshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods," and directed staff to transmit the signed letter to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court by August 25, 2026.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
18. Resident Block Party Program
Community Services Director Mark Nik and Community Services Supervisor Marcelo Dario presented the staff report.
No public comments were received.
Mayor Bucknum wanted to highlight this item for the community.
Motion made by Mayor Bucknum, seconded by Council Member Kelley, to approve Block Party program as recommended by the Community Services Commission.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
20. Public Hearing to Consider All Objections to the Proposed Abatement of Weeds on Parcels Less than One Acre for the Annual Weed Abatement Program 2026
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Public Services Operations Manager Corey Gonyea presented the staff report.
No public comments were received.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Goodell, to instruct the Public Services Department to proceed and perform the removal of weeds in accordance with Sections 39568 through 39588 of the Government Code.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
21. General Plan Amendment P-GPA2026-0005 / Zone Map Amendment (Zoning Change) P-ZC2026-0002 / and Development Code Amendment P-DCA2026-0003 – City-initiated petitions for consideration of an amendment to Title 9 of the Mission Viejo Municipal Code, to establi
sh Development Code amendments to implement Program 4
(Replacement Housing) and Program 13 (Development Code Amendments), as identified in the Housing Plan of the City’s 6th Cycle (2021-2029) Housing Element and to comply with State housing law. A General Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment (Zone Change) are proposed to create a low barrier navigation center overlay zone and an emergency shelter residential overlay zone as identified in Program 13 of the Housing Element
Mayor Bucknum recused herself for this item.
Community Development Director Larry Longenecker presented the staff report.
Nick Pergakes with Interwest Consulting Group presented additional information.
The following spoke during the Public Hearing:
Jim Poettgen, M.V.: Owner of BallPark Pizza expressed concerns regarding this item and asked for the City Council to reconsider.
Sal Faso, M.V.: Owner of Piccolino Ristorante expressed concerns regarding this item and asked for the City Council to reconsider.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell asked for any council questions.
Council asked questions to staff, the consultant, and the property owners who spoke during the Public Hearing.
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Motion made by Council Member Ruesch, seconded by Council Member Vasquez, to continue the Public Hearing to September 22, 2026.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Bucknum
NEW BUSINESS
22. Third Amendment to the Employment Agreement for City Manager, Elaine S. L.
Lister
Human Resources Manager Monique Goetz presented the staff report.
Motion made by Council Member Kelley , seconded by Council Member Ruesch, to receive (1) oral report and summary of recommendation of Third Amendment (A24-19C) to the City Manager Employment Agreement with Elaine S. L. Lister per Government Code Section 54953(c)(3); and (2) adopt Resolution 26- 42
, approving the Third Amendment to the
Employment Agreement with Elaine S. L. Lister as City Manager for the City of Mission Viejo; and (3) authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
On roll call, said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Bucknum, Goodell, Kelley, Ruesch, and Vasquez NOES: None
ABSENT: None
OCFA PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE
Fire Chief Cheyne Maule shared a video of the quarterly size up and what the Orange County Fire Authority has completed over the last quarter. He also announced his recent promotion within the OCFA which will mean Mark Backoff will soon be serving Mission Viejo as Fire Chief.
MAYOR’S, COMMISSION, COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ACTIONS
23. Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Report
Received the written report.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Nothing to report.
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CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS
City Attorney Preziosi clarified the process for Public Hearings, explaining that once an item is called, the Public Hearing is technically considered open. Although past practice has been to “ open” and then “close” the Public Hearing, this has only signified the opening of the public comment period for that item. From a legal perspective, once the item is called, the entire action related to that item constitutes the Public Hearing.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS AND ACTIONS
24. 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 highlighted a busy summer attending various community events, including Concerts on the Green, night markets with themes like America 250 and Pet -A-Palooza, and multiple ribbon cuttings for new local businesses. She praised the Police Department’s efforts at National Night Out and participated in fundraisers such as the Marine Adoption Committee’s Boots, Beer, and Barbecue event and a charity pickleball tournament for the American Cancer Society. Council Member Kelley also attended key community gatherings like the Pacific Symphony event, an OCTA transportation roundtable, and the Moulton Niguel Water District Public Safety Appreciation lunch. She congratulated Fire Chief Cheyne Maule on his promotion and welcomed Chief Mark Backoff as his successor.
Council Member Ruesch
Nothing to report.
Council Member Vasquez
Council Member Vasquez attended several community events including the Mission Viejo Activities Committee volunteer reception, Paint the Trail Purple benefitting Relay for Life, and local school back- to-school events. She praised the Symphony in the City and Pet -A-Palooza night market and noted the success of the Second Time Around Jewelry Sale, which raised about $47,000. Council Member Vasquez also participated in the charity pickleball tournament and shared a positive update on her father-in-law’s recovery.
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell
Mayor Pro Tem Goodell shared that he recently underwent a total knee replacement, is progressing well in his recovery, and expects to be back to attending community events soon.
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Mayor Bucknum
Mayor Bucknum highlighted a busy summer filled with celebrations around America’s 250th anniversary, including a special press conference at Saddleback College featuring the legacy of Mission Viejo’s Olympic history. She praised the Concerts on the Green a nd the Pacific Symphony for their popular performances and community engagement. Upcoming events were noted, such as the opening football games at Capo Valley’s new stadium and the Patriots Day ceremony and tribute football game on September 11th at Mission Viejo High School. She also reminded residents about the Movie in the Park event at Cordova Park on September 12th. Finally, Mayor Bucknum sent well wishes to Commissioner Joe Blum and is keeping him in her thoughts.
ADJOURNMENT
At the hour of 8:47 p.m., with no further business to come before the City Council at this session, Mayor Bucknum adjourned the meeting to Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
______________________________________
Alison Walker
City Clerk