CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
July 12, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Jerry Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore Carol A. Gamble, Council Members L. Anthony Beall (arrived at 4:05 p.m.), Anne D. Figueroa and Bradley J. McGirr (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Pro Tempore Gamble.
Staff Present: Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager; Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney; Amy Diaz, City Clerk.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals submitted eComments to the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, noted he believes the issue of converting to district voting should be openly discussed; submitted a proposed map for voting districts; and stated he thinks the City should look at Mission Viejo's district map and racial breakdown as an example.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her support to move to district voting; noted it would be too costly to fight and it would be a misuse of city funds; believes the new way of voting will provide better representation for residents.
Cynthia Ashley, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, urged the City to move to district voting and noted the cities of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo as examples of cities that have transitioned to district voting. Ms. Ashley believes at-large elections are inherently biased.
Anastasia Surch, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, urged the City Council to take the necessary steps to move to district voting and noted the cities of Lake Forest and Mission Viejo as examples of cities that have transitioned to district voting. Ms.
Surch does not want the City to spend thousands of taxpayer dollars fighting this voting method; shared she believes at-large elections are inherently biased.
Nina Mehrnouche, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her support and encouraged the City to adopt district voting and noted all communities should be involved in the City's decision making.
An individual listed as "M" noted their support moving to district voting; stated a lawsuit would be a gross misuse of city funds; stated the new way of voting would provide better representation for all residents.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Special Meeting Minutes July 12, 2023
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared his thoughts on the proposed map he submitted for voting districts; and shared regarding Mission Viejo's district map and racial breakdown. Mr. McLaughlin believes the City should respond to the attorney to inquire what her district map looks like.
2. CLOSED SESSION
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
The City Council convened in Closed Session, in the Emergency Operations Center 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 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 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened in Closed Session at 4:08 p.m., to consider the matters listed above.
RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 6:57 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 taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Holloway adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California. 2 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Special Meeting Minutes July 12, 2023
for JERRY HOELOWAY, MAYOR
PREPARED BY:
Gray Ding
Approved: August 9, 2023