City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Council Chambers 4:15 PM CLOSED SESSION
1 Town Square 6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
Murrieta, CA 92562 MINUTES
The City of Murrieta intends to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons with special needs should call the City Clerk Department at (951) 461-6031 or email at [email protected] at least 72 hours in advance. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA during normal business hours.
Any presentation requiring the use of the City of Murrieta’s equipment must be submitted to the City Clerk’s department 72 hours prior to the scheduled City Council meeting at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA; via email at [email protected] or call (951) 461-6031. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the public counter at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA during normal business hours.
Cindy Warren
Mayor
Jon Levell Lisa DeForest Mayor Pro Tem Council Member
Lori Stone Ron Holliday Council Member Council Member
Justin Clifton, City Manager
Tiffany Israel, City Attorney
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
MURRIETA CITY COUNCIL (CC)
MURRIETA COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT (CSD)
MURRIETA FIRE DISTRICT (FD)
MURRIETA LIBRARY BOARD (LB)
MURRIETA REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY (RSA)
MURRIETA HOUSING AUTHORITY (HA)
MURRIETA FINANCING AUTHORITY (FA)
YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING LIVESTREAMED VIA THE CITY’S WEBSITE AT https://murrieta.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
4:15 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 4:15 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: Council Member Lori Stone (present for all of closed session)
PUBLIC COMMENTS - CLOSED SESSION ITEMS ONLY None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Clerk Cristal McDonald announced the following Closed Session items:
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code sections 54956.9(d)(2), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one case.
CS2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Borel vs. Southern California Gas Company, City of Murrieta, et al; Case Number RIC2002687; Riverside County Superior Court.
CS3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Mickey Dean White, Jr. vs. Southern California Gas Company, City of Murrieta, et al; Case Number MCC2001692; Riverside County Superior Court.
CS4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Alejandro Salazar and Nancy Salazar vs.
Southern California Gas Company, City of Murrieta, et al; Case Number MCC2001689; Riverside County Superior Court.
CS5. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Sergio Flores and Blanca Flores vs.
Southern California Gas Company, City of Murrieta, et al; Case Number MCC2001686; Riverside County Superior Court.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
CS6. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation to which the City is a party. The title of such litigation is as follows: Deborah Kilpatrick vs. Southern California Gas Company, City of Murrieta, et al; Case Number MCC2001690; Riverside County Superior Court.
CS7. Public Employee Performance Evaluation
The City Council will hold a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b), to conduct an employee evaluation concerning the City Manager.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 4:18 p.m.
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 6:02 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION
City Attorney Tiffany Israel reported the following Closed Session Action:
CS1: No reportable action.
CS2: No reportable action. The City Council will be taking action on Consent Item No. 4, which is in conjunction with this settlement.
CS3: The City Council authorized a settlement in the amount of $50,000, noting that payment would solely be made with insurance proceeds; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
CS4: The City Council authorized a settlement in the amount of $275,000, noting that payment would solely be made with insurance proceeds; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
CS5: The City Council authorized a settlement in the amount of $175,000, noting that payment would solely be made with insurance proceeds; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
CS6: The City Council authorized a settlement in the amount of $2,750,000, noting that payment would solely be made with insurance proceeds; and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement.
CS7: No reportable action.
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ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Lori Stone
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Economic Development Director Scott Agajanian
INVOCATION Lead Pastor Zac Martin, The Bridge Church
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation: National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 6-10, 2025)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to approve the Agenda for March 18, 2025.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Levell, Warren, Holliday, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
City Engineer Jeff Hitch: Citywide Traffic Congestion - Los Alamos Road Pilot Program
Community Update: Cristina Davies, Public Information Officer
GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE/BOARD REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member DeForest: Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
Council Member Stone: Provided attendance/reported the following:
Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders
Collaborative
Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
Council Member Holliday: Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell: Provided verbal Announcements.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
Mayor Warren: Provided attendance/reported the following:
Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Jan Julsing: Provided a handout and spoke on aviation noise concerns and enforcement laws.
Paul Padilla: Spoke on concerns over code enforcement, noting callback response times and enforcement patterns.
Frank Shelter: Spoke on aviation noise concerns noting the constant disruption of peace.
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 10
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to approve Consent Calendar Items Nos. 1-10.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Levell, Warren, Holliday, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
1. Waive Reading of All Ordinance Adoptions on the Agenda and Read by Title Only
Recommended Action:
Waive reading, by title only, of all Ordinances and Resolutions. Said Ordinances and Resolutions which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
2. Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the minutes from the February 10, 2025, Special Workshop and March 4, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
3. Monthly Investment Transaction Report for January 2025
Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Monthly Investment Transaction Report for January 2025.
4. Settlement Agreement with Anthony Borel
Recommended Action:
Approval of a Settlement Agreement with Anthony Borel; and
Authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
5. Approval of an Agreement with Granicus Inc. for Agenda Management Services and Public Records Act Request Management Software
Recommended Action:
Ratify the agreement with Granicus Inc. for agenda management services and the Public Records Act request module; and
Authorize the City Manager to approve future renewals for four (4) years for a not-to-exceed total of $243,078.16.
6. Approval of an Agreement with NetFile, Inc. for Electronic Submittal Software for Disclosures Required by the Fair Political Practices Commission
Recommended Action:
Approve a three-year agreement, in a form as approved by the City Attorney, with two additional one-year extensions, with NetFile, Inc. for campaign disclosures, statements of economic interests, and ethics training software, retroactively effective to December 1, 2024, for a total not to exceed $67,500; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
7. Recap of City Council Priority Setting Workshop held February 10, 2025
Recommended Action:
Receive and file the revised list of City Council priorities as discussed during the City Council Workshop held on February 10, 2025.
8. Award Construction Contract for Glen Arbor Dog Park Project
Recommended Action:
Award the construction contract for the Glen Arbor Dog Park Project, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 8273, to the lowest responsible bidder, Voltaire Engineering, LLC., in the amount of $924,277, plus a 15% contingency;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating and Capital Improvement Plan budgets to provide an additional budget appropriation for Capital Improvement Project No. 8273 as detailed in the fiscal impact statement; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
9. Notice of Completion for the City of Murrieta Police Department Exterior Painting Project, CIP 21016
Recommended Action:
Accept as complete the improvements for the City of Murrieta Police Department Exterior Painting Project, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) No. 21016;
Authorize the transfer of $109,725 in savings to CIP No. 21036, Traffic Bureau Improvement Project; and
Direct the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion, close CIP No. 21016, and release bonds in accordance with state law and city ordinances.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
10. Engineering and Environmental Design Consulting Services for the Menifee Road Improvements Project, CIP No. 13030
Recommended Action:
Approve a Purchase Order amendment with Michael Baker International in the amount of $111,306, increasing the original amount from $258,594 to $369,900, for additional engineering and environmental design consulting services for the Menifee Road Improvements Project, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) No. 13030; and
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 CIP by establishing an appropriation of $150,000, into CIP No. 13030, from the Gas Tax Fund unassigned fund balance.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11. Financing for the Kensington Apartments Affordable Housing Project
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by City Planner Carl Stiehl who spoke on the following topics:
Project overview;
Project site specifics;
Project Funding; and
Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The public hearing opened at 6:52 p.m.
Public Testimony:
None
The public hearing closed at 6:52 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct a Public Hearing under the requirements of the Tax Equity Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (IRS Code) as amended; and
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4815 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving the Issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority of Exempt Facility Bonds in an Aggregate Principal Amount Not to Exceed $40,000,000, for the purpose of Financing or Refinancing the Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, and Equipping of the Kensington Apartments Project.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Levell, Warren, Holliday, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
DISCUSSION
12. Update on Efforts of the Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders Collaborative related to Regional Traffic and Transportation and Next Steps
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane.
Public Comments:
None
Action: The presentation was received.
13. Emergency Declaration for Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek
Staff report and PowerPoint Presentation provided by City Engineer Jeff Hitch.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Stone, seconded by Council Member DeForest to adopt Resolution No. 25-4816 to declare an emergency condition for the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek;
Authorize Purchase Orders for Michael Baker International totaling $89,580.92; and
Amend the Capital Improvement Plan budget to create a project for Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek and appropriate with $725,000 of Area Drainage Fees.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Levell, Warren, Holliday, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS
Council Member Stone: Requested a discussion on requiring ID from voters at the 2026 Election.
Consensus was received.
Requested a discussion on South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) rule 1111 & 1121 – significant cost related to gas water heaters.
Consensus was received.
Docusign Envelope ID: AC607336-54DB-41F3-B43C-1B418062AC0A City Council Meeting Minutes March 18, 2025
ADJOURNMENT 7:27 p.m.
___________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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