Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Council Chambers 4:30 PM WORKSHOP
1 Town Square 5:30 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
4:30 PM WORKSHOP
CALL TO ORDER 4:31 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: Council Member Lori Stone
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
WS1. Emergency Management 101 Presentation
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Fire Chief Bernard Molloy, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Lopez, and Disaster Preparedness Coordinator Rachel Hollinger.
The following topics were discussed:
Automatic aid;
Mutal aid;
Incident Command System; and
Emergency Operation Center activation and training.
Public Comments: None
Action: After discussion, staff was directed via consensus to schedule training for Emergency Operation Center protocol for the City Council.
RECESS 5:24 p.m.
5:30 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: Council Member Lori Stone
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 - Exposure Litigation The City Council will conduct a closed session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in one case.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 5:31 p.m.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
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 No. CS1.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Lisa DeForest
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: Council Member Lori Stone
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Lisa DeForest
INVOCATION Pastor Lyndon Parsons, Murrieta Springs SDA Church
PRESENTATIONS
Certificate of Appreciation: Father’s Day Car Show Judges
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest, to approve the Agenda for July 1, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
I-215/Keller Road Interchange Update: Director of Public Works/Engineering Bob Moehling
Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders Collaborative - Legislative Advocacy Day:
City Manager Justin Clifton
Community Update: Public Information Officer Cristina Davies
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE/BOARD REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Member DeForest: 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.
Mayor Warren: Provided attendance/reported the following:
Southwest Riverside County Elected Leaders
Collaborative
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Kassen Klein: Spoke on the benefits of the Community Facilities Districts.
Lynda Thomas: Spoke regarding limited street parking and concerns as the City’s housing development increases.
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 7
Action: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Levell, seconded by Council Member DeForest to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-7.
Council Member Holliday recused himself from Item No. 3 (Mapleton, Bluestone Highland) due to renting property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Council Member DeForest recused herself from Item No. 3 (Meadowland, Amberwalk 1 and 2) due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell recused himself from No. 3 (Greer Ranch) due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
1. Waive Reading of All Ordinance Adoptions on the Agenda and Read by Title Only
2. Minutes
Recommended Action:
Approve the minutes of the June 17, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
3. Fiscal Year 2025/26 Tax Rates for the Community Facilities Districts
Council Member Holliday recused himself from Item No. 3 (Mapleton, Bluestone Highland) due to renting property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Council Member DeForest recused herself from Item No. 3 (Meadowland, Amberwalk 1 and 2) due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell recused himself from No. 3 (Greer Ranch) due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt the Resolutions approving the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Tax Rates for the Community Facilities Districts:
Resolution No. 25-4848 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2000-1 (Greer Ranch) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4849 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2000-2 (The Oaks) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4850 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2001-1 (Bluestone Communities/Murrieta Highlands) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4851 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 (Murrieta Springs) For Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4852 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Blackmore Ranch) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4853 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2003-3 (Creekside Village) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4854 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2003-4 (Bluestone Communities II/Mapleton) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4855 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2004-1 (Bremerton) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4856 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, Docusign Envelope ID: 62AC28B5-846F-4C06-AA44-56D82655359A
Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2004-2 (Murrieta Fields) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4857 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Taxes in Community Facilities District No. 2004-3 (Meadowlane/Amberwalk I & II) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4858 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2005-1 (Springbrook) for Fiscal Year 2025/26;
Resolution No. 25-4859 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2005-5 IA A (Golden City) for Fiscal Year 2025/26; and
Resolution No. 25-4860 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Determining and Levying the Special Tax in Community Facilities District No. 2005-5 IA B (Golden City) for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
4. Fiscal Year 2024 State Homeland Security Program Grant Award Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4861 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Accepting the Fiscal Year 2024 State Homeland Security Program Grant Award and Amending the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget to Allocate and Appropriate the Grant Funds;
Accept the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 State Homeland Security Program Grant award;
Amend the FY 2024/25 Operating Budget to allocate and appropriate the grant funds for $15,978; and carry over any unused grant budget to Fiscal Year 2025/26; and
Authorize the City Manager, and/or Designee, to sign and submit all necessary grant-related documents and take actions required to accept and implement the grant.
5. Architectural Design Services for Fire Station 1 Remodel Recommended Action:
Approve a purchase order with TR Design Group, Inc., in the amount of $174,129, plus a 15% contingency, for a total amount of $200,248 to perform architectural and consultant services related to the remodel of Fire Station 1.
6. Lee Lane and Greenberg Place Right of Way Acceptance Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4862 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Accepting the Dedications of Lot B made on Parcel Map 8590, Lot F Made on Parcel Map 11076, and Lot F Made on Parcel Map 15203, All Subject to Improvements.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
7. Continuation of the Emergency Declaration, Appropriation of Funding, and Award of Construction Contract for Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek Recommended Action:
Amend the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and establish appropriation of $200,000, using Unassigned Fund Balance from the Drainage Area Fee fund to CIP No. 11004; and
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4863 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Declaring that Emergency Conditions Persist, Appropriating Funding, and Approving the Execution of a Contract for Reconstruction of the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek without Notice for Bids Pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 1102, 20168, and 22050.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Consider the Levy of 2024 Delinquent Refuse Service Charges on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Property Tax Roll
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Management Analyst Pedro Cevallos. Waste Management representatives were available to answer questions from the City Council.
The following topics were discussed:
Delinquent refuse service charges for 2024; and
Recovery of delinquent costs.
The public hearing was opened at 6:43 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:43 p.m.
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to conduct the Public Hearing;
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4864 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Affirming the Report of Delinquent Refuse Charges and Directing their Collection on the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Property Tax Roll; and
Direct the City Manager, or his designee, to file a certified copy of Resolution No. 25-4864 with the Riverside County Tax Collector and/or Auditor-Controller.
The motion carried by the following vote:
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
9. Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fire Suppression Assessment
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo.
The following topic was discussed:
Fire suppression annual assessment.
The public hearing was opened at 6:45 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:45 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct the Public Hearing;
Adopt Resolution No. MFD 25-226 entitled: A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Murrieta Fire District Levying the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fire Suppression Assessment Fee and Standby or Availability Charge; and
Authorize the General Manager to execute the associated Proposition 218 Compliance Letter.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
10. Murrieta Community Services District Levy of Annual Assessments
The City Clerk noted that due to multiple recusals for Zone G from Council Member Holliday, Council Member DeForest, and Mayor Pro Tem Levell, a straw vote was held where it was pulled that Council Member Holliday would recuse himself from Item No. 10 – Zone G only.
Mayor Warren recused herself from Item No. 10 – Zone N only due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Council Member Holliday recused himself from Item No. 10 – Zone G and M only due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Levell recused himself from Item No. 10 – Zone F and L only due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Parks and Community Services Manager Lea Kolek and City Consultant Michelle Lasse with Wildan Financial, provided a staff report and PowerPoint presentation.
The following topic was discussed:
Levy of annual assessments for the Community Services District.
The public hearing was opened at 6:48 p.m.
Written Protest: The City Clerk noted for the record one written protest was filed against the Levy of Annual Assessments.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:49 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct the Public Hearing;
Adopt Resolution No. CSD 25-286 entitled: A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Murrieta Community Services District, (1) Amending and/or Approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Levy and Collection of Rates and Charges within the Murrieta Community Services District for Fiscal Year 2025/26, and (2) Ordering the Levy and Collection of Rates and Charges within the Murrieta Community Services District for Fiscal Year 2025/26; and
Direct the Board Secretary to file the levy with the County Auditor upon adoption.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
11. Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District Levy of Annual Assessments
The City Clerk noted that due to multiple recusals for LLD 16 from Council Member Holliday, and Mayor Pro Tem Levell, a straw vote was held where it was pulled that Mayor Pro Tem Levell would recuse himself from Item No. 11 – LLD 16 only.
Mayor Warren recused herself from Item No. 11 – LLD 11 only due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council July 1, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Levell recused himself from Item No. 11 – LLD 16 only due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Parks and Community Services Manager Lea Kolek and City Consultant Michelle Lasse with Wildan Financial.
The following topic was discussed:
Levy of annual assessments for the Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District.
The public hearing was opened at 6:54 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
The public hearing was closed at 6:55 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday to conduct the Public Hearing;
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4865 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Confirming Assessments and Providing for Annual Assessment Levy for Fiscal Year 2025/26 in the City of Murrieta Consolidated Landscaping and Lighting District; and
Authorize the City Clerk to file the assessment roll with the County Auditor.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
12. Consideration to Introduce an Ordinance approving a Development Agreement for Digital Billboards at Locations Approved by Relocation Agreement
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Development Services Director David Chantarangsu and Deputy Director of Development Services Jarrett Ramaiya.
The following topics were discussed:
Relocation of static billboards;
Installation of new digital billboards;
CEQA exemption; and
Proposed Development Agreement.
The public hearing was opened at 7:08 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
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City Council July 1, 2025
The public hearing was closed at 7:09 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct the Public Hearing and receive public comments;
Find that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15302 and 15303, as described in this staff report and the Ordinance; and
Introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 620-25 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving the Development Agreement with Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC for the Relocation of Billboards Subject to A Relocation Agreement.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
DISCUSSION
13. Discussion of Concept for Weekly Food Truck Event at Town Square Park
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane and Community Services Director Brian Ambrose.
Alexander Yepremian, owner of Wanderlust Food Truck events, was available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comments:
Kassen Klein: Noted outreach concerns to nearby business and proposed a the relocation of the Murrieta Market Nights to the Town Square Park.
Casey Jurado: Spoke on the negative impact the event would have on local businesses and on fee concerns over utilizing the Town Square Park Amphitheater.
Connie McConnell: Spoke on the negative impact the event would have on local businesses and events.
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City Council July 1, 2025
Action: After discussion, staff was provided direction via consensus to send the concept to the Town Square Park and Amphitheater Subcommittee to review, including the fee structure and a pilot program.
RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD OR WITHDRAW ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS None
ADJOURNMENT 8:08 p.m.
In memoriam of Aidan Zingg.
______________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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