Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Council Chambers 2:45 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
2:45 PM WORKSHOP
CALL TO ORDER 2:48 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 17, 2025
WS1. Hillside Updates (DCA-2021-2396) – Workshop 3
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Development Services Director David Chantarangsu, Deputy Director of Development Services Jarrett Ramaiya, City Planner Carl Stiehl, and Senior Planner Chris Tracy.
The following topics were discussed:
Overview of the Hillside ordinance history;
Prior public feedback received;
Living wall requirements; and
Framework and modifications for the draft ordinance.
Public Comments:
Mary Luedtke: Noted concerns regarding following a new grading map on their property.
Kassen Klein: Stated that there are inconsistencies in hillside standards being applied and the need to incorporate specific plans across the City to protect prominent ridgelines, hilltops, and viewsheds.
Dan Long: Noted concerns that the ordinance would not protect ridgelines and hilltops. Encouraged staff to look at adjacent cities for retaining walls and spoke on an example from the City of Vista.
Mayor Warren requested that the location of the example hillside be provided to staff.
Alan Long: Stated that the ordinance needs to be clear and that it is not applied consistently citywide. Requested developed/completed specific plan areas be removed from the Hillside Ordinance.
Sherie Munroe: Stated that the ordinance should be brought back with additional updates to the Development Association Group for further review with specialists.
Action: After discussion, staff was directed by consensus to bring back objective Citywide standards. It was requested that the City Council visit other hillside locations.
RECESS 4:29 p.m.
4:45 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 4:45 p.m.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
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. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
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 Street and Jefferson Avenue, APN 903-080-041, 906-080-042, and 906-080-033 with Bold Communities and Fidelis Advisors. The City's real property negotiators, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, 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 Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), to confer with the City Manager and legal counsel regarding 1 litigation case: Hock v. City of Murrieta; Case No. CVME2501856; 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: City of Dublin, et al. vs. Cephalon, Inc., et al.; Case Number 1:20-op-45255-DAP; US District Court for Northern Ohio.
CS4. 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.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 4:47 p.m.
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 6:01 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 – CS4.
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 Fire Chief Bernie Molloy
INVOCATION Pastor Mark Brunette, Promise Christian Church
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest, to approve the Agenda for June 17, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
Community Update: Public Information Officer Cristina Davies
Citywide Accomplishments 2024-2025: City Manager Justin Clifton
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GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE/BOARD REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Member DeForest: Deferred to the next City Council Meeting.
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 attendance/reported the following:
Western Riverside Regional Conservation Authority (RCA)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
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
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Aimee Edgeworth: Spoke on the Murrieta train project.
Greg Langworthy: Spoke on concerns regarding the 2024 election conducted by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.
Jim Niederrecker: Spoke on concerns regarding the 2024 election conducted by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.
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.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
1. Waive Reading of All Ordinance Adoptions on the Agenda and Read by Title Only
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
2. Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the minutes of the June 5, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
3. Ratify the Consolidated Check Register April 2025
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4843 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Ratifying the Consolidated Check Register for April 2025.
4. Monthly Investment Transaction Report for April 2025 Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Monthly Investment Transaction Report for April 2025.
5. Approval of Comprehensive Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4844 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving the Comprehensive Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
6. Approve a Third Amendment to the Agreement with RMG Communications for Design and Graphic Services
Recommended Action:
Approve the third amendment to the agreement with RMG Communications for design and graphics services, increase the not-to-exceed amount to $110,000, and extend the term to June 30, 2027; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
7. Approval of Gann Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/26
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4845 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving the Gann Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
8. Approve a Contract with Capital Construction, Inc. for the Replacement of the Emergency Generator at Fire Station 3
Recommended Action:
Approve a Public Works Contract with Capital Construction, Inc. in the amount of $112,115, for the replacement of the emergency generator at Fire Station 3.
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Meeting Minutes
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9. Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program Award Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4846 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Accepting the Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program Award and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget to Allocate and Appropriate the Grant Funds.
Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Emergency Management Performance Grant program award;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget to allocate and appropriate the grant funds for $15,503; and carry over any unused grant budget to Fiscal Year 2025/26; and
Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to sign and submit all necessary grant- related documents and take actions required to accept and implement the grant.
10. Approve Agreement with Alarm Program Systems, LLC (APS) for False Alarm Billing for the Police and Fire Departments
Recommended Action:
Approve an agreement with Alarm Program Systems, LLC for false alarm billing for the Police and Fire departments.
11. Approve Agreement with UKG Kronos Systems, LLC to Upgrade the Telestaff Scheduling Software for both Police and Fire Departments and Migrate to a Cloud- Hosted Environment
Recommended Action:
Approve a three year agreement with UKG Kronos Systems, LLC for a total not to exceed $86,400 to upgrade the TeleStaff scheduling software for both Police and Fire departments and migrate to a cloud-hosted environment.
12. Approve Public Safety Enterprise Communication (PSEC) Use Agreement with Riverside County for Full Time and Emergency Radio Use
Recommended Action:
Approve the five-year Public Safety Enterprise Communication Use Agreement with Riverside County for full time and emergency radio use.
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13. Approval of Purchase Orders with Michael Baker International, Inc.; HR Green Pacific Inc.; Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC; and Rick Engineering Company
Recommended Action:
Approve a purchase order with Michael Baker International, Inc for On-Call Plan Check services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $440,000 from the Engineering General Fund;
Approve a purchase order with Michael Baker International, Inc for On-Call Land Development Review services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $90,000 from the Engineering General Fund;
Approve a purchase order with HR Green Pacific, Inc. for On-Call Plan Check services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $330,000 from the Engineering General Fund;
Approve a purchase order with Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC for On-Call Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) and Inspection services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $525,000 from the Engineering General Fund;
Approve a purchase order with Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects, LLC for On-Call National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $150,000 from the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Fund;
Approve a purchase order with Rick Engineering Company for On-Call Traffic Engineering services for Fiscal Year 2025/26 for an amount not to exceed $144,150 from the Engineering General Fund;
Approve a purchase order with Rick Engineering Company for On-Call Traffic Engineering consultant services for Fiscal Year 2025/26, for an amount not to exceed $237,570 with
$73,465 from Capital Improvement Plan project No. 13074, $73,465 from Capital Improvement Plan project No. 13077, $73,465 from Capital Improvement Plan project No. 13078, and $17,175 from Capital Improvement Plan project 13079;
Approve the First Amendment to the Agreement with Anser Advisory Management, LLC; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase orders and Assignment Agreement.
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14. Construction Management Services for the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening Project, CIP No. 8079
Recommended Action:
Approve a Purchase Order for Construction Management Services for the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening Project, Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) No. 8079, to TKE Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $617,083; and
Authorize a 10% construction management service contingency of $61,708.30.
15. Finding that Emergency Conditions Persist in Connection with the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4847 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Declaring that Emergency Conditions Persist in Connection with the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
16. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Murrieta Fire District Operating Budget
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Manager Jennifer Terry and Financial Analyst Tanner Benson.
The following topics were discussed:
Fire District preliminary budget adoption process; and Fire District operating budget summary.
The public hearing was opened at 6:52 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:52 p.m.
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to conduct the public hearing and adopt Resolution No. MFD25-225 entitled: A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Murrieta Fire District, Approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fire District Operating Budget.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
17. Transient Occupancy Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Economic Development Director Scott Agajanian.
The following topics were discussed:
WoodSpring Suites - Choice Hotels overview;
Impact of the hotel to the City;
Proposed transient occupancy tax revenue sharing agreement; and Comparison with other Cities’ hotel subsidies.
The public hearing was opened at 6:57 p.m.
Public Testimony:
Patrick Ellis: Spoke in support of hotels and the benefit of the transient occupancy taxes.
The public hearing was closed at 6:59 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Stone, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct the public hearing and approve a Transient Occupancy Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement with Safar & Safar Brothers, Inc. for the property located just north of Joan Dunn Lane and East of Antelope Road at Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APN) 384-240-003 and 384- 240-004.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
DISCUSSION
18. Fiscal Year 2024/25 Third Quarter Financial Status Report and Proposed Budget Adjustments
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo and Finance Manager Jennifer Terry.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to receive and file the report;
Approve the adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget as Docusign Envelope ID: 991BDBF7-9D28-4C3D-843C-4459812D5871
Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
referenced in the Fiscal Impact section of this report;
Approve the use of Sustainability Reserves and establish appropriations for previously approved Capital Improvement Projects; and
Approve the Updated Schedule of Authorized Positions List.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
19. Construction Contract for the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening Project, CIP No. 8079
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by City Engineer Jeff Hitch, Senior Civil Engineer James Ozouf, and Public Information Officer Cristina Davies.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Stone, seconded by Council Member DeForest to Amend the CIP Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 and appropriate $3,500,000, from the Measure A Fund Unassigned Fund Balance to CIP No. 8079;
Amend the CIP Budget for FY2024/25 and appropriate $700,000, from the Street Development Impact Fee Fund to CIP No. 8079;
Amend the CIP Budget for FY2024/25 and appropriate $600,000, from Highway and Street Development Impact Fee Fund to CIP No. 8079.;
Award the construction Contract for the Murrieta Hot Springs Road Widening Project, CIP No. 8079, to Rove Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $15,009,456.55;
Authorize a fifteen (15%) percent construction contingency of $2,251,418.48; and
Authorize the City Engineer to approve contract change orders not to exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the contract amount.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
RECONSIDERATION None
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Meeting Minutes
City Council June 17, 2025
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD OR WITHDRAW ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS None
ADJOURNMENT 7:47 p.m.
______________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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