CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
June 28, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 5:01 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Jerry Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore Carol A. Gamble, Council Members L. Anthony Beall, Anne D.
Figueroa and Bradley J. McGirr (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Figueroa.
Staff Present: Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager; Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney; Amy Diaz, City Clerk.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual submitted an eComment to the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Kevin Shaw, Dove Canyon resident, provided observations regarding Michelle Jackson's letter: believes every choice the City has made has been impartial and for the good of the citizens, proud that the City's population has consisted of people from every racial and ethnic background, without any restrictions or limitations; believes it's impractical to suggest the City be divided into districts based on population density types.
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, noted he has been thinking about district elections for 5 years due to three council members residing in one voting precinct and believes the Council should be spread out, but it had nothing to do with race or minority disenfranchisement. Mr. McLaughlin noted he has nothing to do with Ms. Jackson's letter and does not believe switching to districts will change anything because there will not be a minority City Council if no minority runs for office.
2. CLOSED SESSION
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
The City Council convened in Closed Session, in the City Council Conference Room, City Hall, to consider the following matters:
2.1 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (1 potential case: receipt of written notice City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Special Meeting Minutes June 28, 2023
threatening litigation from the Law Offices of Michelle R. Jackson alleging violation of the California Voting Rights Act.)
"Threat of Litigation Attached"
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM - None.
ADJOURN TO CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened in Closed Session at 5:07 p.m., to consider the matters listed above.
RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 6:36 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney, reported the City Council convened in Closed Session pursuant to the authority identified on the agenda, conference with legal counsel anticipated litigation, as a result of the closed session there was no reportable action
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Holloway adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California. - Hasn
PREPARED BY:
Amy Diaz
Approved: July 12, 2023
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