Meeting Minutes
City Council June 3, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Council Chambers 2:30 PM WORKSHOP
1 Town Square 4:45 PM CLOSED SESSION
Murrieta, CA 92562 6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
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
2:30 PM WORKSHOP
CALL TO ORDER 2:31 p.m.
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
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 3, 2025
WS1. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Newly Developed Trails Master Plan Workshop
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Community Services Director Brian Ambrose, Parks and Recreation Manager Lea Kolek, and RJM Design Group Consultant Zach Mueting.
The following topics were discussed:
• Methodology of the study;
• Staff outreach;
• Demographics of the study;
• Budget constraints;
• Equestrian Center;
• Danger of motor trails; and
• Partnership with neighboring cities.
Public Comments:
Kamber Rutz: Noted that equine facilities and equine trails were not addressed.
Lea Kolek stated that those topics would be addressed in the Trails Master Plan presentation.
Cathy Bearse: Noted that there are low-income residents who cannot attend City programs.
Connie McConnell: Stated that there is no mention of equestrian aspects in the survey, and the importance of the equine history being preserved.
In addition noted there was no mention of the trails connecting each side of the city.
Lea Kolek stated that the proposed trail master plan includes an under-freeway crossing connecting the east side of the city to the west side.
Kamber Rutz: Stated that an equine trail system can be established along Murrieta Creek, and the equestrian center can serve as a staging area for the horses.
Lea Kolek stated that staff are proposing to connect each of the trails and identify trailheads where equestrians can trailer their horses and utilize the trails. The trails are intended for multiple types of users.
Action: After discussion, staff was directed by consensus to bring back a short, mid, and long-term list of priorities based on funding availability.
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City Council June 3, 2025
RECESS 4:34 p.m.
4:45 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 4:47 p.m.
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
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. Property Negotiations
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8, to enable the City Council to consider negotiations and to give direction to its negotiators regarding that certain real property, at the intersection of Kalmia and Jefferson, APN 906-080-041, 906-080-042, and 906-080-033 with Bold Communities and Fidelis Advisors. The City’s real property negotiators, the City Manager, Assistant City Managers, Development Services Director, Economic Development Director, and City Attorney, will seek direction from the City Council regarding the price and terms for this property.
CS2. Conference with Labor Negotiators
The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6, with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, the City Attorney, and the City's Negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with the Murrieta Police Officers Association.
CS3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2), because there is significant exposure to litigation for two cases.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 4:48 p.m.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 3, 2025
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 6:04 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION
City Attorney Tiffany Israel reported the following Closed Session Action: No reportable action for Closed Session Item Nos. CS1 – CS3.
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 Public Works Director Bob Moehling INVOCATION Pastor John Hansen, Centerpoint Church
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation: Public Works Week
Presentation: Champion for Murrieta – Adam Bouvet
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to approve the Agenda for June 3, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
Government Finance Officer Association Award: Finance Director Javier Carcamo
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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 verbal Announcements.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell: Provided verbal Announcements.
Mayor Warren: Provided attendance/reported the following:
• Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC)
• Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders Collaborative • Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Rosie Brady: Extended an invitation to the NAACP Branch 1034’s Juneteenth Celebration. Provided a handout after speaking.
Anthony Noriega: Expressed support of the NAACP Branch 1034’s Juneteenth Celebration and encouraged participation. Provided a handout after speaking.
Jordyn Chenel: As part of a school assignment, spoke on concerns regarding the City’s population growth and its effect on schools.
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 15
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-15.
Council Member DeForest recused herself from Item No. 15 due to owning property within 500 - 1,000 feet of the project.
Council Member Stone recused herself from Item No. 7’s specific project sites Calle Estancia Park, Pioneer Park, Murrieta Equestrian Park, Rancho Acacia Trail, and Eastgate Park, due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the projects.
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The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: 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 of the May 6, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
3. Monthly Investment Transaction Report for March 2025 Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Monthly Investment Transaction Report for March 2025.
4. Murrieta Firefighters Association Successor Memorandum of Understanding for the Period July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4833, entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving, Adopting and Implementing a Successor Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Murrieta and the Murrieta Firefighters Association for the Period July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026.
5. Award Contract to American Security Group for Alderwood Community Center Technology Retrofit
Recommended Action:
Approve a Public Works Contract for Alderwood Clubhouse Technology Retrofit between the City of Murrieta and Amergroup Inc. dba American Security Group, in an amount not to exceed $232,042.60;
Approve the exception to bidding requirement in accordance with Municipal Code Section
3.08.380(i); and
Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements.
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6. Award Contract for Homeless Consulting and Facilitator Services Recommended Action:
Approve a two year agreement with Homelessness Systems, Education, Design & Integration to provide homeless consulting and facilitator services in the amount not-to-exceed $150,640; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute all agreements.
7. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update and Trails Master Plan
Recommended Action:
Acting as the City Council, adopt the amendments to the General Plan based on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update; approve the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update, finding it consistent with the General Plan;
Acting as the City Council, approve the First Amendment to the agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc., for additional services totaling $30,875 for the Park & Recreation Master Plan and Trails Master Plan for a total contract amount not to exceed $509,840, in a form approved by the City Attorney;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Capital Improvement Plan Budget to establish an additional appropriation of $11,500 from General Fund Capital (Fund 112) to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update CIP No. 22028;
Acting as the Board of Directors for the Community Services District, adopt the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update as the official guiding document for parks and recreation services, and approve the final version of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update for implementation;
Acting as the City Council, adopt the amendments to the General Plan based on the Trails Master Plan; approve the Trails Master Plan, finding it consistent with the General Plan; and
Acting as the Board of Directors for the Community Services District, adopt the Trails Master Plan as the official guiding document for trail services and improvements, and approve the final version of the Trails Master Plan for implementation.
8. Rescind Resolution No. 08-1916 and Change the Uncollectible Receivable Policy to an Administrative Policy
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4834, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Rescinding Resolution No. 08-1916 and Change the Uncollectible Account Receivable City Council Policy to an Administrative Policy.
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9. Adoption of Ordinance No. 619-25 Updating the City’s Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Recommended Action:
Conduct the second reading to adopt Ordinance No. 619-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Adopting A New Map with Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones As Recommended by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
10. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 618-25, Amending Title 5 of the Murrieta Municipal Code relating to the Business Licenses
Recommended Action:
Conduct the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 618-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, amending Title 5 of the Murrieta Municipal Code relating to the Business Licenses.
11. Second Reading of Community Facilities District Ordinance No. 614-25 (CFD No. 2025- 1) of the City of Murrieta
Recommended Action:
Conduct the second reading of Ordinance No. 614-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-1 (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes.
12. Second Reading of Community Facilities District Ordinance No. 615-25 (CFD No. 2025- 2) of the City of Murrieta
Recommended Action:
Conduct the second reading of Ordinance No. 615-25, entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes.
13. Second Reading of Community Facilities District Ordinance No. 616-25 (CFD No. 2025- 3) of the City of Murrieta
Recommended Action:
Conduct a second reading of Ordinance No. 616-25, entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Acting in its Capacity as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-3 (Discovery Village) of the City of Murrieta Authorizing the Levy of Special Taxes.
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14. Notice of Completion of Murrieta Hot Springs Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project Recommended Action:
Accept the improvements for the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) No. 13047, as complete;
Direct the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion; and Release bonds in accordance with State law and City ordinances.
15. Local Street Projects for the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4835, entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Project List for the Use of Funds Provided by the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 to the California Transportation Commission.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
16. Public Hearing Continuance: Development Impact Fee Reduction for Certain Commercial Lodging Land Uses
Staff report provided by Economic Development Director Scott Agajanian.
The public hearing was opened at 6:49 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:49 p.m.
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to continue the public hearing of the Development Impact Fee Reduction for Certain Commercial Lodging Land Uses to a date certain of July 15, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
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17. Consideration of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan Budget and Approve the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2025/26 to 2029/30
Council Member DeForest recused herself from Project Numbers 8095 and 8345 due to owning property within 500 feet of the projects.
Council Member Stone recused herself from Project Numbers 8094 and 22030 due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the projects.
Council Member Holliday recused himself from Project Numbers 11000, 21029, 8195, 22039, 22041, and 22037 due to owning property within 500 feet of the projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell recused himself from Project Numbers 8345 and 21029 due to owning property within 500 feet of the projects.
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Manager Jennifer Terry, Financial Analyst Roland Mendoza, Municipal Services Director Brian Crawford, and City Engineer Jeff Hitch.
The following topics were discussed:
• New projects;
• Changes to existing projects;
• Substantially completed projects;
• Funding sources; and
• Regionally significant projects.
The public hearing was opened at 7:20 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 7:20 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct the public hearing and approve the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2025/26 to 2029/30.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
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DISCUSSION
18. Reestablish the Town Square Park Amphitheater Subcommittee to include the Signature Events Policy
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane and Community Services Director Brian Ambrose.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to reestablish and rename by minute order the Town Square Park Amphitheater Ad-Hoc Subcommittee to expand the focus of the Subcommittee to include the Signature Events policy and fee schedule for the Town Square Amphitheater and Park; and reappoint Mayor Warren and Council Member Holliday to serve on the Subcommittee.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
19. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 and 2026/27 Operating Budgets
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo, Finance Manager Jennifer Terry, and Financial Analyst Tanner Benson.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to adopt Joint Resolution No. 25-4837, MLB 25-201; CSD 25-285; RSA 25-35; MHA 25-45 entitled: A Joint Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, and the Boards of Directors of the Murrieta Library District, Murrieta Community Services District, the Successor Agency to the Murrieta Redevelopment Agency, and Murrieta Housing Authority, approving the Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27, Authorizing Unassigned Fund Balances to be Set Aside in Various Operating and Sustainability Reserves, Approve the use of Previously Set Aside Sustainability Reserves and Authorize the Transfer of Those Funds;
Approve the Preliminary Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025/26 and 2026/27 for the Murrieta Fire District and set June 17, 2025, as the date of the Public Hearing for the final adoption; and
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Approve the Schedule of Authorized Positions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
20. Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo, Development Services Director David Chantarangsu, Special Tax Consultant – Spicer Consulting Shane Spicer, and Bond Council – Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth LLP Nick Yeager.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to adopt Resolution No. 25-4838 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, Declaring its intention to Establish Community Facilities District No. 2025-S (Safety Services) of the City of Murrieta, to Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax on Property Within the District to Pay the Costs of Providing Public Safety Services.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
21. Intent to Form Community Facilities District No. 2025-4 (Rustic Meadows) of the City of Murrieta and Incur Bonded Indebtedness
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo, Development Services Director David Chantarangsu, Special Tax Consultant – Spicer Consulting Shane Spicer, and Bond Council – Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth LLP Nick Yeager.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to adopt Resolution No. 25-4839 entitled: Resolution of Intention of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, to Established Community Facilities District No. 2025-4 (Rustic Meadows) of the City of Murrieta, to Authorize the Levy of a Special Tax to Pay the Costs of Acquiring or Constructing Certain Facilities, and to Pay Debt Service on Bonded Docusign Envelope ID: 11C6FC00-EBF1-4564-B5CF-CD4635480DD7
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City Council June 3, 2025
Indebtedness; and
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4840 entitled: Resolution of Intention of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, to Incur Bonded Indebtedness in an Amount Not to Exceed $5,000,000 within Proposed Community Facilities District No. 2025-4 (Rustic Meadows) of the City of Murrieta.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
22. Annexations No. 1 and No. 2 to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo, Development Services Director David Chantarangsu, Special Tax Consultant – Spicer Consulting Shane Spicer, and Bond Council – Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth LLP Nick Yeager.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to adopt Resolution No. 25-4841 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta, Declaring Its Intention to Consider Annexing Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta (Rustic Meadows); and
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4842 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, Acting as the Legislative Body of Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta, Declaring Its Intention to Consider Annexing Territory to Community Facilities District No. 2025-2 (Maintenance Services) of the City of Murrieta (Kensington Apartments).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD OR WITHDRAW ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS None
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ADJOURNMENT 8:33 p.m.
______________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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