Meeting Minutes
City Council April 7, 2026
CITY OF MURRIETA Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Council Chambers 4:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
1 Town Square CLOSED SESSION FOLLOWING
Murrieta, CA 92562 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.
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
4:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER 4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Council Member Cindy Warren
Council Member Lisa DeForest
Mayor Pro Tem Ron Holliday
Mayor Jon Levell
Absent: Council Member Lori Stone
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Meeting Minutes
City Council April 7, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION Larry Bogardus, Promis Christian Church
PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation: DMV/Donate Life Month
Proclamation: National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
Proclamation: Innovation Month
Proclamation: Retirement – Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Services Manager
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, seconded by Council Member Warren, to approve the Agenda for April 7, 2026.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
CITY MANAGER - ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATE
GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION/COMMITTEE/BOARD (CCB)
REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council Member Warren: Provided attendance/reported the following:
Riverside County Transportation Commission
(RCTC)
Riverside Transit Agency (RTA)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s
record.
Council Member DeForest: Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s record.
Mayor Pro Tem Holliday: Provided attendance/reported the following:
Regional Conservation Authority (RCA)
Provided Announcements to be made part of the City’s
record.
Mayor Levell: Provided verbal Announcements.
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Meeting Minutes
City Council April 7, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
Philip O’Reilly: Spoke on the Jefferson Road widening project.
Carmine Giampiccolo: Requested the City Council consider a code update regarding homeowners property.
Kassen Klein: Inquired on nonprofit events the Murrieta Firefighter Department attends.
CONSENT CALENDAR - APPROVAL OF ITEMS 1 – 6
Action: It was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1-6.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
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 February 26, 2026, Special City Council Workshop minutes and the March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes.
3. Monthly Investment Transaction Report for February 2026 Recommended Action:
Receive and file the Monthly Investment Transaction Report for February 2026.
4. Approve Amended Agreement with ClearGov Inc. for Digital Budget Book, Capital Budgeting, Transparency, and Strategic Planning Software Recommended Action:
Approve a four year service agreement with ClearGov Inc., to add the Strategic Planning module for a total amount not to exceed $66,062.23; and
Authorize the City Manager, and/or his designee, to execute the ClearGov Service Order/Agreement.
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City Council April 7, 2026
5. Acceptance of Additional CalOES Grant Funds for the Fire Station 1 and City Hall Emergency Generator Replacement Project, Request for Additional Construction Contingency, Finding of Exemption from CEQA
Recommended Action:
Adopt Resolution No. 26-4921 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Accepting Additional California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds as Part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in the Amount of $93,423.75; and Amend The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget For FY 2025/26 to Appropriate the Grant Funds of $93,423.75 and $31,141.25 from General Fund Capital Unassigned Fund Balance into CIP No. 10044 for Compliance with Grant Local Fund Match Requirements, and Amend The FY 2025/26 Operating Budget to Increase the Grant Revenues and Grant Expenditures Budgets;
Find this project to be exempt from CEQA and authorize a First Amendment to the Construction Contract between the City of Murrieta and Pramira, Inc., for construction of the Fire Station 1 and City Hall Emergency Generator Project CIP No. 10044 to in crease the contract contingency by fifty percent (50%), in the amount of $262,261, for Contract Change Order work; and
Authorize the Director of Municipal Services, or designee, to approve Contract Change Orders not to exceed the approved construction contingency.
6. Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with RICK to Undertake Revisions to the City’s General Plan
Recommended Action:
Approve the Second Amendment to the Agreement with RICK to prepare revisions to the General Plan with an amended Scope of Services to include additional tasks and increase the Agreement amount by $184,669, for a total not-to-exceed amount to $988,073;
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Operating Budget to establish an appropriation of $169,112 using General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance as detailed in the fiscal impact statement; and
Find that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378 for the reasons specified in this report.
PULLED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 613-25 to Update the City’s Participation in the Western Riverside County Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Program (MCA-2026-00012) for Development Projects within the City and Adoption of a Resolution Amending the Applicable Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Schedule, Including a Determination that the Activity is Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
Staff report and PowerPoint provided by Development Services Director David Chantarangsu and Senior Planner Chris Tracy.
A representative from the Western Riverside Council of Governments was available to Docusign Envelope ID: 83EE9CF1-59D8-81CC-8395-7937B65DD5AD
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answer questions from the City Council.
The following topics were discussed:
Revenue tracking and reporting;
Timing of charges;
Benefit to the City; and
Western Riverside Council of Government uniformity.
Public hearing opened at 5:34 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
Public hearing closed at 5:35 p.m.
Action: After discussion it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday to conduct a Public Hearing and introduce and conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 630-26 entitled: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Amending Ordinance No. 613-25 to Update Participation in the Western Riverside County Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) Program;
Adopt Resolution No. 26-4922 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California Amending the Applicable Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF) applicable to all Developments in the City of Murrieta; and
Determine that the activity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (CEQA Guidelines).
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
8. Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Public Facilities Development Impact Fee Update
Staff report and PowerPoint provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo and Accounting Manager Ashley Lopez.
The following topics were discussed:
Property affected;
Fee escalator;
Inflation; and
Comparable cities fees.
Public hearing opened at 5:50 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
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Public hearing closed at 5:50 p.m.
Action: After discussion it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, seconded by Council Member DeForest to conduct a Public Hearing related to updating the City’s Public Facilities Development Impact Fees; and
Adopt Resolution No. 26 4923 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving an Update of the Fiscal Year 2026/27 Public Facilities Development Impact Fee Schedule and Amending the City’s Fee Schedule.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
9. Public Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Citywide User Fee Schedule Update
Staff report and PowerPoint provided by Finance Director Javier Carcamo and Accounting Manager Ashley Lopez.
The following topics were discussed:
Property affected;
Fee escalator;
Inflation; and
Comparable cities fees.
Public hearing opened at 5:50 p.m.
Public Testimony: None
Public hearing closed at 5:50 p.m.
Recommended Action:
Conduct a Public Hearing to consider proposed updates to the City’s User Fee Schedule; and
Adopt Resolution No. 26-4924 entitled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Murrieta, California, Approving and Adopting the City’s Updated User Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026/27.
DISCUSSION
10. Review, Establish, and Appoint Representatives to City Council Subcommittees and City Affiliated Organizations
Staff report provided by Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane and City Clerk Cristal McDonald. The establishment of the Subcommittees, appointment of representatives, and review of City affiliated organizations were taken as separate motions and discussions.
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City Manager Clifton spoke on staff resources and City Council priorities in relation to the Subcommittees.
Public Comment:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on the number of subcommittees, timing, and the associated workload on staff.
The Mayor recessed at 6:14 p.m.
The Mayor reconvened at 6:21 p.m.
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane spoke on the Equestrian Center Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Public Comment:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on the history of the Equestrian Center as well as the short term and long term goals.
Amy Leigh Vollmar: Introduced the Murrieta Mesa Student Senate Leadership Class who provided a handout and spoke on their civic service project.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, to establish the Equestrian Center ad-hoc Subcommittee, clarifying the purpose to focus on the immediate needs and action plan for the Equestrian Center, with a report out after four meetings.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane spoke on the Tour de Murrieta Ad-Hoc Subcommittee.
Ernie Sanchez, Tour de Murrieta Coordinator, spoke on the event, support needed, attendance, and was available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comment:
Kassen Klein: Inquired about the feasibility of the event long term, and the participation of the Redlands Classic from stakeholders.
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Action: After discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, seconded by Council Member Warren, to establish the Tour de Murrieta ad-hoc Subcommittee, clarifying the purpose to explore the broader participation. The City Manager will determine the frequency of the Ad-Hoc meeting and the level of involvement.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane spoke on the Downtown Design Guidelines Ad Hoc Subcommittee. Development Services Director David Chantarangsu was available to answer questions from the City Council.
Public Comment:
Kassen Klein: Spoke on development in Old Town and design guideline standards, and the Specific Plan.
Action: Council Member Warren tabled the Subcommittee and noted it may be brought back at a later date with more specific direction.
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane spoke on the Ballot Measure Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
Public Comment: None
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Mayor Levell, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, to table the Ballot Measure Ad Hoc Subcommittee until after the June 2026 Primary Election.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
Assistant City Manager Kristen Crane spoke on designating a representative to advocate for expanded Higher Education.
Public Comment:
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Kassen Klein: Requested clarification on the definition of administrative priority in relation to higher education.
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, to appoint an alternate, allow 2-5 hours of staff time a month, and include the Southwest Riverside County Higher Education Coalition as part of miscellaneous City affiliations.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
Action: After discussion, it was moved by Council Member DeForest, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Holliday, appoint the following delegates/representatives and alternates to the following City Subcommittees, City Affiliated Agencies/Organizations:
Equestrian Center Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Council Member DeForest
Mayor Pro Tem Holliday
Tour de Murrieta Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Council Member Stone
Mayor Levell
Southwest Riverside County Higher Education Coalition (Misc.) Council Member DeForest
Council Member Warren (Alternate)
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Warren, DeForest, Holliday, Levell
Noes: None
Absent: Stone
The City Council discussed City Affiliated organizations and no action was taken.
RECONSIDERATION None
COUNCIL MEMBER REQUESTS TO ADD OR REMOVE ITEMS TO FUTURE AGENDAS None
PUBLIC COMMENTS None
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
City Clerk Cristal McDonald announced the following Closed Session Items:
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Meeting Minutes
City Council April 7, 2026
CLOSED SESSION
CS1. 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, Deputy City Manager, City Attorney, and the City’s Negotiators, regarding labor negotiations with the Murrieta Police Officers Association, Murrieta Police Management Association, Murrieta Firefighters Association, and Murrieta Fire Management Association.
CS2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation The City Council will conduct a close session, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d) (2), because there is a significant exposure to litigation in two (2) cases.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 8:32 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER 9:44 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION
City Attorney Tiffany Israel stated for the record the City Council’s attendance during Closed Session and reported the following Closed Session Action:
CS1.: No reportable action.
CS2 Case 1.: No reportable action.
CS2 Case 1.: No reportable action.
Council Member DeForest recused herself due to owning
property within 1,000 feet of the site.
ADJOURNMENT 9:44 p.m.
__________________________
Cristal McDonald, City Clerk
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