CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 13, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Jerry Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore Carol A. Gamble, Council Members LAnthony 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; Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director; Stefanie Turner, Finance Director; Mihaela Kennedy, Captain; Amy Diaz, City Clerk.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer M. Cervantez, City. Manager, announced the following:
1.1 CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE - MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023- CITY
HALL CLOSED
1.2 CITY HALL HOLIDAY CLOSURE - DECEMBER 25, 2023 THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2024
1.3 DECEMBER 27, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED
City Manager Cervantez introduced Blake Miller, Community Services Coordinator, to announce the following:
1.4 NEW YEAR'S EVE "CELEBRATING FAMILY AND FRIENDS" - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2023, FROM 5:00 TO 9:00 P.M.
City Manager Cervantez announced the following:
1.5 NEW YEAR'S DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE - MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 - CITY
HALL CLOSED
2. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
2.1 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
ELECTION OF MAYOR
Mayor Holloway nominated Mayor Pro Tempore Gamble to serve as Mayor, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Gamble. No other nominations were offered, and nominations were subsequently closed. A vote was taken to elect Mayor Gamble, which passed unanimously.
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ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEMPO RE
Incoming Mayor Gamble nominated Council Member McGirr to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore, seconded by Council Member Holloway. No other nominations were offered, and nominations were subsequently closed. A vote was taken to elect Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, which passed unanimously.
REMARKS OF OUTGOING MAYOR
Outgoing Mayor Holloway shared that it has been his honor to serve as Mayor the past 12 months. Outgoing Mayor Holloway noted the team effort it took to allow him to do his job as Mayor. Outgoing Mayor Holloway noted the people he thinks of are the people that volunteer their time with various organizations and that do charitable work in the City; the City staff who work hard and in a professional manner providing the Council with the best research and recommendations to help guide their decisions, and also their daily interaction with the public; his fellow Council Members that are dedicated to producing the best possible decisions to maintain the outstanding quality of life that we all enjoy; the residents' and businesses input that is received; and the first responders that serve with dignity, integrity and a profound sense of duty every day; and thanked his wife Ellen, daughter Courtney and future son-in-law Forest, who have been with him through the entire process; and thanked the residents and businesses of the City.
REMARKS OF INCOMING MAYOR
Incoming Mayor Gamble thanked outgoing Mayor Holloway for his stellar leadership, the City is better for his tireless, dedicated, steadfast and steady leadership. Mayor Gamble noted that cities are where Americans work, play and pray; stated it is in our cities where patriotism, pride, kindness, family, faith, entrepreneurship and opportunity live; shared that 24 years ago the residents of the community voted for Rancho Santa Margarita to become a City; this choice was not a Democrat or Republican choice, it was a decision based on what was best for all members of the community; noted she is proud of what we have all accomplished by working together; personally believes our Country is tired of hearing the nastiness expressed toward one another in our political dialogue; sadly since the incorporation vote she has watched the Country become hostage to the ugliness found on cable news, social media and the internet; she strongly agrees that we in the City are above that ugliness, she believed then and still believes that the City is above pettiness; she is overjoyed that the City is known to be a place of dignified results oriented leadership; she thanked her Council colleagues for the professionalism and integrity that they show every day; at its essence the Mayor's job is to show the community positive leadership; the Council governs in real-time; she believes the Country is hungry for leadership and even more starved for results; as your Mayor, working together with her City Council colleagues, that is what they will continue to deliver for the community; we are the closest in proximately to the community and the challenges they may face, we are the government, we are your government that is closest to the ground, we in the City always remember that we work for you; it means dignity in their deliberations, focused attention to public safety, excellence in public finance and transparency, judicious use of your tax dollars, speedy responses to your outreach, management of our infrastructure, and continually asking ourselves what is in the best interest in your City; as your Mayor she can confidently assure you this is what we will continue to deliver to you, our residents and businesses; thanked everyone for the privilege of becoming their Mayor. Mayor Gamble thanked her wonderful husband Duane Cave, for his continuing and unwavering support.
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REMARKS OF INCOMING MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked outgoing Mayor Holloway for his term afld all he has done as Mayor and as a friend; thanked outgoing Mayor Holloway's family for allowing him to serve as Mayor the past year. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr congratulated Mayor Gamble and looks forward to keep the City going forward as it has been in the past year.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted that this is the first reorganization since the passing of Richard Reese; noted that we have to keep in mind that he is still with us and we want to keep the City going in the manner that he intended it to be, a place where people can feel safe, where residents can raise their families, send their kids to good schools, and as Mayor Gamble pointed out, work, pray and play; noted that he and Council Member Beall had the pleasure of attending the Hanukkah festival on Monday evening and watched the menorah lighting, noted that the City invites all people of all faiths to participate freely and without fear. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted he is looking forward to working closely with the community partners, Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC), Paul Persiani and George Blair; looking forward to working with the RSM Chamber of Commerce and also RSM Cares, Sheri Lex, and the Board of Directors. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked the city staff, his Council colleagues, and his beautiful wife Julie and his family, noted he would not be able to do this job without the support of his family. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked everyone for the nomination to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore and is looking forward to serving all the residents and the businesses next year.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
3.1 CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION TO JERRY HOLLOWAY RECOGNIZING HIS
SERVICE AS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
RECESS
Mayor Gamble invited the following forward to present a Certificate of Commendation to outgoing Mayor Holloway: City Council Members; Paul Persiani, SAMLARC Board President and George Blair, SAMLARC General Manager; Abigail Fachtmann, Field Representative with US Representative Young Kim's Office; Scott Voights, District Director with Orange County Supervisor Donald P. Wagner; Josh Bastian, RSM Chamber of Commerce President.
Mayor Gamble recessed the City Council Regular Meeting at 7:40 p.m. for the City Clerk to reorganize the City Council nameplates.
RECONVENE
Mayor Gamble reconvened the City Council Meeting at 7:52 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
April Josephson, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, congratulated the Council and thanked them for all their support; she announced the Holiday Pet Adoption event taking place on 3 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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December 15th in the atrium at City Hall from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., along with RSM Cares which will be collecting pet food for the holiday pet food donation drive.
The following individuals submitted eComments on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Mayor Gamble noted Rancho Santa Margarita resident, Chris McLaughlin, submitted two eComments.
Mayor Gamble also noted Rancho Santa Margarita resident, Shawn Gordon, submitted two eComments.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Figueroa moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.14).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Beall, Figueroa, Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr and Mayor Gamble (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
5.1 WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA Waived reading in full of all ordinances on the agenda and declared that said titles which appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title and further reading waived.
5.2 APPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
Approved a Certificate of Commendation to Jerry Holloway recognizing his service as Mayor of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the following:
1) November 8, 2023 City Council Regular meeting minutes; and 2) November 15, 2023 City Council Special meeting minutes.
5.4 LOCAL APPOINTMENTS LIST
Approved the Local Appointments List of all City Boards, Commissions and Committees.
5.5 CITY COUNCIL "OTHER AGENCY" REPRESENTATIVES LIST
1) Approved the City Council "Other Agency" Representatives List, as may be revised by the City Council; and •
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2) Directed the City Clerk to prepare and post an updated Fair Political Practices Commission Form 806 to reflect all paid appointments to "Other Agency" Boards, Committees, and/or Commissions in accordance with State law.
5.6 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2023 THROUGH DECEMBER 4, 2023
Approved the warrant registers totaling $1,943,723.98.
5.7 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2023
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of October 2023.
5.8 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CURB RAMP INSTALLATION
PROJECT - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TO CT&T CONCRETE PAVING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,199.75
1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Americans with Disabilities Act Curb Ramp Installation Project - Community Development Block Grant (Project); and
2) Found that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and 3) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder CT&T Concrete Paving, Inc. of Diamond Bar, California, in the amount of $128,199.75 and reject all other bids; and
4) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
5.9 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT TO STREETLIGHT RESTORATION SPECIALISTS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $199,370 1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Traffic Signal Enhancements Project; and
2) Found that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as a Class 1 Existing Facilities, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and
3) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive bidder for the Project to Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. of Camarillo, California, in the low bid amount of $199,370; and
4) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
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5.10 COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PROGRAMS/ REGIONAL TRAFFIC
SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION (PROJECT P)
Approved Resolution No. 23-12-13-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE ANTONIO
PARKWAY, AVENIDA DE LAS BANDERAS, AND AVENIDA EMPRESA
REGIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCRONIZATION PROGRAM PROJECT TO THE
ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE COMPETITIVE MEASURE M2 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SIGNAL
SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM
5.11 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE W/B SANTA MARGARITA PARKWAY BRIDGE
GUARDRAIL REPAIR PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the W/B Santa Margarita Parkway Bridge Guardrail Repair Project; and
2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Orange Recorder's Office within fifteen (15) calendar days, as required by Section 9204 of the California Civil Code; and
3) Authorized the retention monies to be released thirty-five (35) days after the Date of Recordation of the Notice of Completion, if all Stop Notices have been resolved and all potential claims are settled.
5.12 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE CURRENT STREET
SWEEPING AND ROADWAY CLEANING MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SCA OF CA, LLC.
1) Approved a proposed Amendment No. 3 to the current Street Sweeping and Roadway Cleaning Maintenance Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC, Sweeping Corporation of America, to: a) briefly extend the term of the Agreement by approximately six (6) months in order to allow City staff more time in which to prepare, issue, and complete a competitive procurement process related to the award of a new contract services agreement for the provision of citywide street sweeping services; and b) increase the Maximum Contract Amount by $50,000 to account for the brief term extension; and
2) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Street Sweeping and Roadway Cleaning Maintenance Services Agreement with SCA of CA, LLC.
5.13 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED PURCHASE ORDER WITH ROUTEWARE GLOBAL TO PROCURE SENATE BILL 1383 RECYCLING COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE
1) Waived competitive formal bidding requirements and procedures set forth in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code (RSMMC) Section 3.07.060 and find and determine that pursuant to RSM MC Section 3.07.070(11) computer software procurement, irrespective of its estimated value, is subject to informal bidding procedures requiring at least three informal bids or proposals; and 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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2) Approved a Purchase Order to Routeware Global for Senate Bill 1383 compliance software, in the total not-to-exceed amount of $61,832.00 for a two-year subscription; and
3) Authorized the City Manager to sign a Purchase Order with Routeware Global.
5.14 CITY REPRESENTATIVE REPORT FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY MOSQUITO AND
VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
Received and filed the report submitted by the City Council's appointed representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
7. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
8. NEW BUSINESS - None.
RECESS
Mayor Gamble recessed the City Council Regular meeting and convened to the Rancho Santa Margarita Public Financing Authority Meeting at 7:56 p.m.
RECONVENED
Mayor Gamble reconvened the City Council Meeting at 7:57 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cervantez provided a brief update regarding the cameras located on the light poles, stated the City implemented the FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, they are an investigative tool for the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) and they only pick up license plate insignia, designations around the license plate, and they do not take any photographs of any individual people or their faces. City Manager Cervantez noted that the ALPR cameras are us.ed to pick up license plates for missing people or of anyone involved in some sort of crime.
City Manager Cervantez thanked outgoing Mayor Holloway for a fabulous year, staff enjoyed working with him and believes he accomplished a lot throughout the year; congratulated Mayor Gamble on her term as Mayor this upcoming year, staff looks forward to an equally wonderful year and is certain many great things will be accomplished under her leadership, and working alongside Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
11.1 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received Oral Reports on the following City Council Committee Assignments:
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1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR AGENCIES
Council Member Beall reported he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) meeting held on November 9, 2023. Council Member Beall reported the TCA is continuing to work diligently on the express connector between the 241 Toll Road and the 91 Freeway; the TCA approved a new cooperative agreement with the City of Anaheim for the express connector project; they also approved a utility agreement with AT&T for the future relocation of the underground communication conduits within the project limits; they approved execution of the agreements which is required as a necessary milestone for future Caltrans approval of the 241/91 express connector for construction advertisement. 2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Mayor Pro Tempore Gamble reported she attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on November 16, 2023. Mayor Pro Tempore Gamble reported the OCFA meeting was Closed Session.
11.2 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT/COMMENT
Council Member Holloway encouraged residents to shop and dine in the City so that the sales tax revenue goes back to the residents and businesses; thanked the OCSD for their increased presence in front of the businesses and for interacting with the kids, it brings a lot of safety and security to the residents; thanked the Orange County Fire Authority for all they do.
Council Member Beall attended the annual Hanukkah celebration, noted it was a great event, and he was pleased to see the representation from the OCSD at the event. Council Member Beall wished all the residents a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year.
Council Member Figueroa congratulated outgoing Mayor Holloway for an outstanding year, thanked him for his leadership and for being a big supporter of the RSM Chamber of Commerce and being focused on the businesses with the shop and dine program. Council Member Figueroa congratulated Mayor Gamble and is proud to work with her and noted she is talented and knowledgeable and the City is lucky to have her. Council Member Figueroa congratulated Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr and noted it is an honor to serve with him. Council Member Figueroa shared that RSM Cares is holding their last and final food collection on Saturday, December 16th at Pavilions. Council Member Figueroa wished everyone a Happy Holiday; it is an honor to serve the City, and an honor to work with the City staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced the City had two football teams from Santa Margarita Pop Warner and two cheer teams go to the National finals in Florida last week; the Peewee Cheer team are now the National Champions and believes the City should honor them in the near future. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr shared that the City did an impromptu Zero Trash with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and they joined the City on a Zero Trash event picking up litter. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced the Pet Adoption on Friday, December 15th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr congratulated Mayor Gamble and Council Member Holloway for all they have done and wished everyone in attendance and at home a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year.
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Mayor Gamble noted it has been an absolute delight to have the opportunity to address everyone. Mayor Gamble shared her thoughts and thanked the City staff, City Attorney Simonian, Police Chief Kennedy, and City Manager Cervantez for all that they do. Mayor Gamble thanked her fellow colleagues for their leadership. Mayor Gamble noted she spoke earlier regarding pettiness and the ugliness in the discourse of the day and she noted the Menorah lighting ceremony. Mayor Gamble noted that everyone should feel safe in the community. Mayor Gamble appreciates the additional Police protection and the Deputies that attended the event for it is important to the City that they know they are free to practice their faith and we are not going to have ugliness go on in the City. Mayor Gamble wished everyone a Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year; she looks forward to serving everyone in 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gamble adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
PREPARED BY:
a .
AMY DIAZ, C ., CLERK l~
Approved: January 10, 2024
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