Meeting Minutes
City Council December 16, 2025
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Council Chambers 3:30 PM WORKSHOP
1 Town Square 5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION
Murrieta, CA 92562 6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
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.
Jon Levell
Mayor
Ron Holliday Lisa DeForest Mayor Pro Tem Council Member
Lori Stone Cindy Warren 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
3:30 PM WORKSHOP
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Jon Levell
Mayor Pro Tem Ron Holliday
Council Member Cindy Warren
Council Member Lori Stone
Council Member Lisa DeForest
Absent: None
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City Council December 16, 2025
WORKSHOP
WS1. Town Square Park Ad Hoc Subcommittee: Policy, Fees, and Signature Events Discussion
Staff report and PowerPoint presentation provided by Special Events Supervisor Laura Frasso and Special Events Coordinator Nadine Kotob.
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane and Community Services Director Brian Ambrose were available to answer questions from the City Council.
The Town Square Park Amphitheater Subcommittee, comprised of Council Member Holliday and Mayor Warren, provided their rationale and overview of the proposed policy.
The following topics were discussed:
Purpose statement;
Fee escalator;
In-kind support;
Murrieta Valley Unified School District partnership;
Cost recovery;
Seed to Succeed;
Event types;
Field maintenance; and
Security.
Public Comments:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on lawn maintenance, City Council priorities, private event enforcement and fee escalator.
Brandon S.: Spoke on the cost to non-profits to hold events and the impact of in-kind donations.
Veronica Griffin: Inquired about the process for in-kind donations.
Action: The City Council provided support for the proposed policy with consensus on addressing the items as discussed to include field maintenance, pricing, and a cost escalator.
RECESS 4:34 p.m.
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City Council December 16, 2025
5:00 PM CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER 5:00 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. 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 four cases.
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: City of Murrieta vs. Koroush Khalighi; Case Number CVME2512084; Riverside County Superior Court, Menifee Justice Center.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 5:01 p.m.
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:
Closed Session Item No. CS1 - No reportable action.
Closed Session Item No. CS2 - A unanimous vote on a purchase price of $42,300 for an easement.
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City Council December 16, 2025
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Cindy Warren
Mayor Jon Levell
Mayor Pro Tem Ron Holliday
Council Member Lori Stone
Council Member Lisa DeForest
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Kyle and Emma Warren
INVOCATION
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation: Update on Tourism - Explore Murrieta
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Council Member Stone, seconded by Mayor pro Tem Levell, to approve the Agenda for December 16, 2025.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell, Warren
Noes: None
Absent: None
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
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:
Town Square Park and Amphitheater Subcommittee
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s
record.
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City Council December 16, 2025
Mayor Pro Tem Levell: Provided verbal Announcements.
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)
Philip O'Reilly: Spoke on concerns over the Jefferson Avenue arterial project.
Catherine Barrett
Fischer:
On behalf of the Community Alliance for Riverside’s Economy, displayed a handout and poster, and spoke on concerns over the proposed gateway aviation project.
Connie McConnell: Provided seasonal updates on Murrieta Market Nights.
Tammy Demchuk: Spoke on safety concerns over Warm Springs Park and Reserve.
REORGANIZATION
SELECTION OF PRESIDING OFFICERS
City Clerk McDonald provided instructions on the process for the selection of presiding officers and deemed all City Council Members on an equal basis.
City Clerk McDonald opened the floor for nominations.
Council Member Stone nominated Council Member Levell for Mayor.
Council Member Levell accepted the nomination.
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member Warren to close nominations for Mayor.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Holliday, Levell, Warren, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
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City Council December 16, 2025
Action: It was moved by Council Member Holliday, seconded by Council Member Warren to appoint Council Member Levell as Mayor.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Holliday, Levell, Warren, Stone, DeForest
Noes: None
The City Clerk continued presiding over the selection of Mayor Pro Tem. Council Member Warren nominated Council Member Holliday for Mayor Pro Tem.
Council Member Holliday accepted the nomination.
Action: Without other nominations, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Levell, to appoint Council Member Holliday for Mayor Pro Tem.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Holliday, Warren, Stone, DeForest, Levell
Noes: None
Public Comments:
Casey Jurado: Thanked the City Council for their support of Market Nights, Murrieta Arts Council and Main Street Murrieta. Congratulated Mayor Levell.
Robert Frederick: On behalf of Waste Management, thanked Council Member Warren for her leadership and congratulated Mayor Levell.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR EXTENDED TO OUTGOING MAYOR
Council Member Warren provided her remarks.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR EXTENDED TO INCOMING MAYOR
Mayor Levell provided his remarks.
RECESS TO RECEPTION 7:05 p.m.
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City Council December 16, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 16
Action: It was moved by Council Member Stone, seconded by Mayor Levell to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-16 with the exception of Item No. 14 which was pulled for discussion by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday.
Mayor Pro Tem Holliday and Mayor Levell recused themselves from Item No. 8 due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
Council Member Stone recused herself from Item No. 13 due to owning property within 500 feet of the project.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Stone, Holliday, Levell
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 December 2, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting minutes.
3. Check Register October 2025
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4901 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Ratifying the Consolidated Check Register for the month of October 2025.
4. Monthly Investment Transaction Report for October 2025 Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Monthly Investment Transaction Report for October 2025.
5. Amending and Restating the Comprehensive Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26 Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 25-4902 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Amending and Restating the Comprehensive Pay Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025/26.
6. Donation Acceptances for FY 2025/26 Community Services Programs Recommended Action:
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget as referenced in the Fiscal Impact statement; and
Accept donations from various entities totaling $12,200, for multiple events and programs provided by the Community Services Department and the Murrieta Library.
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City Council December 16, 2025
7. Murrieta Housing Authority SB 341 Annual Report for FY 2024/25 Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Murrieta Housing Authority SB 341 Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25;
Direct staff to file the document with the State Department of Housing and Community Development and place it on the City’s website; and
Find that these actions are not a “project” as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378.
8. Authorize the City Manager to Approve Two Amended Purchase Orders and Change Orders for the Murrieta Innovation Center Project
Recommended Action:
Authorize the reallocation of funding within the current budget for project completion, specifically for construction and construction management; and
Authorize the City Manager to approve an amended purchase order and task budget for RWBID Construction Management LLC, as well as a change order and a purchase for the general contractor, Optima RPM, Inc.
Mayor Pro Tem Holliday and Mayor Levell recused themselves from Item No. 8 due to owning property within 1,000 feet of the project.
9. Introduction of Assembly Bill 1600 Annual Report of Development Impact Fee Expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024/25
Recommended Action:
Receive an introduction of the Assembly Bill (AB) 1600 Annual Report of Development Impact Fee expenditures for Fiscal Year 2024/25.
10. Agreement with Chandler Asset Management for Investment Advisory Services Recommended Action:
Approve a three-year agreement in the amount of $260,000 with Chandler Asset Management for investment advisory services with the option of two (2) one-year extensions; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
11. Agreement with Hinderliter de Llamas (HdL) for Business License Software Services Recommended Action:
Retroactively approve a three-year agreement in the amount of $47,800 with Hinderliter de Llamas (HdL) for business license software services, with the option of two (2) one-year extensions;
Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and all other necessary documents; and
Waive the competitive bidding requirements in accordance with the Murrieta Municipal Code §
3.08.280(G).
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City Council December 16, 2025
12. Notice of Completion - California Oaks Sports Park Tennis Court Lighting Project Recommended Action:
Accept the public improvements for the California Oaks Sports Park Tennis Court Lighting Project, Capital Improvement Project No. 22017; and
Authorize the City Clerk to record a Notice of Completion and release bonds in accordance with State law and City ordinances.
13. Acceptance of Public Improvements in Parcel Map 38160 Recommended Action:
Accept the Public Improvements in Parcel Map 38160 located at 24960 Adams Avenue; and
Authorize the Municipal Services Department to perform continued maintenance of the aforementioned public improvements in conformance with the City of Murrieta’s maintenance standards.
Council Member Stone recused herself from Item No. 13 due to owning property within 500 feet of the project.
15. Quitclaim Deed to Reserve a Public Right-of-Way Easement for Monroe Avenue Recommended Action:
Approve a Quitclaim Deed to reserve a right-of-way easement on Monroe Avenue over a portion of the parcel granted to the City of Murrieta on document No. 2011-0150720;
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Quitclaim Deed of Easement; and
Direct the City Clerk to record the Quitclaim Deed upon approval by the City Attorney.
16. Grant Deed of Easement to Southern California Edison Recommended Action:
Approve the Grant Deed of Easement to Southern California Edison for a portion of the parcel granted to the City of Murrieta on document No. 2011-0150720; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant Deed of Easement.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
14. Agreement Amendment with Contech Engineered Solutions for Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek
Staff report provided by City Engineer Jeff Hitch.
Director of Public Works Bob Moehling was available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comments: None
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City Council December 16, 2025
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Council Member Warren to Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Contech Engineered Solutions for the additional amount of $130,500, to purchase a precast concrete arch culvert system for the Hayes Avenue Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek without Notice for Bids pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 1102, 20168, and 22050, which includes a 15% contingency in the amount of $20,000, in the event of change orders or price fluctuations; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment to the Agreement and future amendments up to the contingency amount.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Stone, Holliday
Noes: Levell
Absent: None
RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS
Council Member DeForest: Council Member DeForest requested to consider a policy or ordinance banning Kratom 7-OH, similar to Huntington Beach and to expedite the item.
Consensus was received.
Council Member Stone: None
Council Member Warren:
None
Mayor Pro Tem Holliday: None
Mayor Levell: None
ADJOURNMENT 7:35 p.m.
__________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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