Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Council Chambers 5:30 PM CLOSED SESSION
1 Town Square 6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
Murrieta, CA 92562
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
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 (present during all of Closed Session) Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
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 Section 54956.9(d)(2), because there is significant exposure to litigation for one case.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 5:31 p.m.
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 6:03 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 Lori Stone
Council Member Ron Holliday
Mayor Pro Tem Jon Levell
Mayor Cindy Warren
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Deputy City Clerk Kimberly Ramirez INVOCATION Council Member Holliday
PRESENTATIONS None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Holliday, to approve the Agenda for December 2, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
City Manager: Happiness Committee Library Expansion Project Donation
Community Services: Recap of 2025 City Aquatic Program at Vista Murrieta High School Municipal Services: Status Update on Municipal Services CIP Projects
GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE/BOARD (CCB)
REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member DeForest: Deferred Reports to the next meeting.
Provided verbal Announcements.
Council Member Stone: Provided attendance/reported the following:
• Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)
Provided verbal Announcements.
Council Member Holliday: Provided attendance/reported the following:
• 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 Transit Agency (RTA)
• Riverside County Transportation Commission
(RCTC)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s
record.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Kassen Klein: Spoke on recent donations for Oak Grove Center.
Catherine Barrett
Fischer:
On behalf of the Community Alliance for Riverside’s Economy, provided a handout and spoke on concerns over the proposed gateway aviation project.
Clifford Philip: Requested that the City consider a chronic nuisance abatement ordinance similar to Hemet and provided a handout.
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
Keith Gore: Spoke on concerns over Clinton Keith Road street repairs needed.
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 14
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-14 with the exception of Item No. 7 which was pulled for discussion by City Manager Clifton.
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 November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting minutes.
3. First Amendment to the Agreement with Governmentjobs.com, Inc. dba NEOGOV Recommended Action:
Approve the first amendment to the agreement with Governmentjobs.com, Inc. dba NEOGOV to add the Learn module for Fiscal Year 2025/26, and 2026/27 in the amount not to exceed $45,457.83.
4. Consider Participation as Amicus Curiae in the Request for the California Supreme Court to Take the Appeal of New Commune DTLA LLC v. City of Redondo Beach in which a Developer Successfully Challenged the Use of Overlay Zones in Redondo Beach’s Certified Housing Element
Recommended Action:
Authorize participation in the request that the California Supreme Court accept the appeal of the Court of Appeal’s New Commune DTLA LLC v. City of Redondo Beach decision as an amicus curiae.
5. Award a Construction Contract for Alderwood Park Pickleball Courts Project Recommended Action:
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan budget to appropriate $175,000 for Capital Improvement Project No. 22042;
Approve the use of the General Fund unassigned funds in the amount of $175,000; Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
Award the construction contract for the Alderwood Pickleball Courts Project, Capital Improvement Project 22042, to the lowest responsible bidder, Micon Construction, Inc., in the amount of $307,628.60, plus a 15% contingency; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
6. Annual Adoption of the Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4897 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Adopting the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Investment Policy.
8. Approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule and Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. RSA 25-36 entitled: A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Murrieta Redevelopment Agency Approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the Period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, Approving the Successor Agency’s Proposed Administrative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/27, and Authorizing Posting and Transmittal Thereof.
9. Emergency Declaration for Fire Station 2 Showers & Restroom Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4898, entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Declaring an Emergency and Approving the Execution of a Public Works Contract for the Restoration of Showers and Restroom Facilities at Murrieta Fire and Rescue Station 2 without Notice for Bids Pursuant to California Public Contracts Code Sections 1102, 20168, and 22050;
Amend the Capital Improvement Plan Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/26 and appropriate $275,000 from the General Fund Fire Facility Reserve into CIP No. 21038;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget as referenced in the Fiscal Impact statement; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Public Works Construction Contract in an amount not to exceed $190,000, plus a 15% contingency, for the Fire Station 2 Showers and Restroom Restoration Project, CIP No. 21038.
10. Declaration that Emergency Conditions Persist in Connection with the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4899 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.
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
11. On-Call Professional Services Agreements for Traffic Count Services Recommended Action:
Approve the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Field Data Services of Arizona, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000;
Approve the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with National Data & Surveying Services, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000;
Approve the On-Call Professional Services Agreement with Transportation Studies, Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreements and any subsequent extensions within the approved threshold.
12. Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Reimbursement Agreement Amendment No. 1 for Murrieta Hot Springs Road Improvement Project, CIP No. 8079 Recommended Action:
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Reimbursement Agreement 23-SW-MUR-1191 between the Western Riverside Council of Governments and the City of Murrieta for Murrieta Hot Springs Road Improvement Project, Capital Improvement Plan No. 8079;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan to establish an appropriation for Capital Improvement Project No. 8380, as detailed in the fiscal impact statement and Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
13. Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Reimbursement Agreement for the Jefferson Avenue Improvement Project, CIP No. 8380
Recommended Action:
Approve the Reimbursement Agreement 25-SW-MUR-1409 between the Western Riverside Council of Governments and the City of Murrieta for the Jefferson Avenue Improvement Project, Capital Improvement Plan No. 8380;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan to establish appropriation for Capital Improvement Project No. 8380, as detailed in the fiscal impact statement; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
14. Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Reimbursement Agreement for the Whitewood Road Improvement Project, CIP No. 8389
Recommended Action:
Approve the Reimbursement Agreement 24-SW-MUR-1313 between the Western Riverside Council of Governments and the City of Murrieta for the Whitewood Road Improvement Project, CIP No. 8389;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan to establish appropriation for Capital Improvement Project No. 8389, as detailed in the fiscal impact statement; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the Agreement.
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
7. Approval of the Third Amendment with Alchemy Group, Inc. for Federal Legislative Advocacy and Fifth Amendment with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for Grant Writing and Legislative Advocacy
Staff report provided by Management Analyst Isaac Bravo.
City Manager Justin Clifton and City Consultant Ben Goldeen Federal Advocacy Director with Townsend Public Affairs were available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comments: None
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to approve the Third Amendment to the Agreement with the Alchemy Group, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $60,000 for federal legislative advocacy services for an additional year;
Approve a Fifth Amendment to the Agreement with Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. for an additional three years in the total amount not to exceed $414,000, for grant writing and legislative advocacy services; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendments in a form approved by the City Attorney.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
15. Fiscal Year 2026/27 Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funding
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Management Analyst Isaac Bravo.
The following topics were discussed:
• Funding recommendations; and
• Scoring mechanism/process.
The public hearing was opened at 7:02 p.m.
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
Public Testimony:
Sharon Morris: Representing Voices for Children spoke on the services, cost, and a story of from one of the children they have assisted.
Heather Sanford: Representing Mission Hope spoke on services in Murrieta and provided a story from a family they assisted.
Marshall Hamilton: Representing SAFE Family Justice Centers, provided a PowerPoint presentation on services and needs identified in Murrieta.
Carly Bennett-Valle: Representing Boys and Girls Club of Southwest County spoke on the location in Murrieta and services provided.
Savannah Sieja: Representing Western Eagle, spoke on the food pantry and services provided.
Tammy Marine: Representing Habitat for Humanity spoke on the program the funds would benefit and completed projects.
Mary Ann Tams: Representing Cultivating Inclusion, spoke on the services provided and showed a video of the program.
The public hearing was closed at 7:22 p.m.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Mayor Warren, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Levell to conduct a public hearing to receive community input on the Community Development Block Grant funding applications;
Appropriate funding and create a budget for eligible projects and/or programs/activities;
• Administrative costs for Riverside County: $77,571
• Administrative costs for City of Murrieta: $41,769
• Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Capital Improvement Project: $387,855 • Boys and Girls Club: $14,505
• Voices for Children: $10,000
• St. Martha’s Food Pantry: $15,000
• SAFE Family Justice Centers: $10,000
• Cultivating Inclusion, Inc.: $10,000
• Western Eagle Foundation: $10,000
• Mission Hope: $10,000
• Habitat for Humanity: $10,000
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4900 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
City of Murrieta, California, Authorizing the Allocation of Community Development Block Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2026/27; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute all related applications and agreements in a form approved by the City Attorney up to the final CDBG allocation by the County of Riverside.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
DISCUSSION
16. Fiscal Year 2025/26 First 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 Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget and approve the First Quarter Proposed Budget Adjustments as referenced in the Fiscal Impact statement;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget to establish budget appropriations for Capital Improvement Project Nos. 08303, 13058, 22035, and 22036 as detailed in the Fiscal Impact statement;
Approve the use of Assigned Fund Balance for the Fire Fund and establish expenditures budget as allowed in the AMR Enhancement Fee Agreement; and
Approve the updated Schedule of Authorized Positions list.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
17. Legislative Workgroup Subcommittee Appointments for 2026
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by City Clerk McDonald.
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C
Meeting Minutes
City Council December 2, 2025
City Manager Justin Clifton was available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comments: None
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Warren to continue current appointments until the second meeting in January and further clarified deferring appointments for thirty days.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Warren
Noes: Levell
Absent: None
NOTIFICATIONS
City Clerk Cristal McDonald announced the following notification:
Notice of Pending Approval of Final Parcel Map – PM 38568 RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS
Council Member DeForest: Council Member DeForest requested to consider a chronic nuisance abatement ordinance.
Consensus was received.
Council Member Stone: Council Member Stone requested a discussion on traffic.
City Manager Clifton noted staff will bring forward an item on the Los Alamos synchronization in February.
Council Member Holliday:
Noted, he was also going to request to consider a chronic nuisance abatement ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Levell: None
Mayor Warren: None
ADJOURNMENT 8:03 p.m.
__________________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: B382E1F6-928A-4376-89C3-C06CBEEC8E9C