CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 10, 2024
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Carol A.
Gamble, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, Council Members L. Anthony Beall, Anne D. Figueroa and Jerry Holloway (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr.
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.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY - MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024 - CITY HALL CLOSED
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Gamble invited Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr forward to present the following:
2.1 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - SANTA MARGARITA POP WARNER PEEWEE
CHEER SQUAD, NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals submitted eComments on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Shawn Gordon, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared his thoughts regarding eComments
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared his thoughts regarding eComments.
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Mike Salinksy, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, thanked the City for the New Year's Eve event and noted his thoughts regarding taco stands.
Mayor Gamble provided information regarding pop-up taco stands. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Bobby Cox, Dove Canyon resident, interrupted the City Council meeting regarding Council's participation in the Public Comment Period of the Agenda.
Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney, noted that Council Members could make brief comments to public speakers pursuant to State Law.
Mayor Gamble shared that the Governor has permitted sidewalk vendors; noted that none of the taco stands are approved by the Health Department; stated that there is no ability to make an arrest because they are not breaking the law; shared that the way to stop street vendors is for the public to stop being patrons. Mayor Gamble thanked the speaker for his care and concern for the community; noted that his complaints are shared by the Council.
Bobby Cox, Dove Canyon resident, shared his thoughts regarding the current Mayor.
Mayor Gamble reminded Mr. Cox that Council policy require speakers to address the entire Council body and not individuals on the Council.
Mayor Gamble warned Bobby Cox that he has continued to disrupt the Council meeting and that his behavior must stop; he is engaging in disorderly and disruptive behavior that is impeding the ability to conduct the meeting, if he does not stop the behavior immediately, he will be removed from the meeting.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 4.1 through 4.8).
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)
4.1 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.
4.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Approved Certificates of Recognition to the Santa Margarita Pop Warner Peewee Cheer Squad, National Champions.
4.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the December 13, 2023 City Council Regular meeting minutes. 2 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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4.4 CALENDAR YEAR 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
Approved the proposed Calendar Year 2024 City Council Meeting Schedule.
4.5 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED DECEMBER 11, 2023 THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2024
Approved the warrant registers totaling $1,714,533.71.
4.6 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2023
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of November 2023.
4.7 RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT PROJECTS IN THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 - 2029/30 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Adopted Resolution No. 24-01-10-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, HAS THE RESOURCES TO FUND THE PROJECTS IN THE FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 - 2029/30
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND AFFIRMS ITS
COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM
4.8 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.
5. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
6. CONTINUED ITEMS
6.1 PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP AND PLAN A HISTORICAL ITEMS DISPLAY AT THE BELL
TOWER REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER
Mayor Gamble introduced City Manager Cervantez who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Gamble opened the item to City Council questions of staff.
Council Member Holloway noted he is in favor of the project, the location, the cost estimate, operations concept, and believes this project will have years of return and will be a rewarding project.
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Council Member Beall believes the historical display facility will benefit the entire community; believes it is important to exhibit the history of the City as it was designed by Richard Reese so it can continue for future generations to come.
Council Member Figueroa inquired if all the historical items will be displayed in glass cases; noted she is pleased to see the project move forward.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr believes it is important to do this project so that the City can continue to govern the Richard Reese way.
Mayor Gamble suggested the space can possibly be monetized for private rentals; thanked City Manager Cervantez and staff for bringing the project to the Council's attention.
The City Council received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS
7.1 PLANNING COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT FOR FEBRUARY TO DECEMBER 2024 Mayor Gamble introduced Amy Diaz, City Clerk, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked David Triepke for serving on the Planning Commission since December of 2020, also thanked Mr. Triepke's wife for allowing him to serve on the Planning Commission.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr nominated and appointed Josh Bastian to serve on the Rancho Santa Margarita Planning Commission, to serve the unexpired term from February to December 2024, pursuant to Section 2.03.020 of the Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code; seconded by Mayor Gamble.
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)
7.2 DESIGN CONCEPT REVIEW FOR THE LANDSCAPING AT SR-241 AND SANTA
MARGARITA PARKWAY PROJECT
Mayor Gamble introduced Tri Nguyen, Principal Engineer, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Gamble invited forward Arthur Guy, Landscape Architect with BGB Design.
Mayor Gamble opened the item to City Council questions of staff. 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member Beall noted that his goal would be to beautify the project area in the most cost effective manner, consistent with the City plant pallet, therefore is leaning towards the Traditional Option No. 1.
Council Member Figueroa inquired regarding Sycamore trees; likes the bougainvillea plant and the green carpet; noted she is in favor of the Traditional Option No. 1.
Council Member Holloway shared he is glad to see this project come forward; is not in favor of Option No. 3 due to the cost; noted that water conservation is important; believes the bougainvillea will not be sturdy against the winds; inquired regarding the water differences between Options 1 and 2; asked if Option 1 can be found in California and Option 2 in Arizona; and endorsed Option 2 for a maintenance, irrigation and water standpoint.
Principal Engineer Nguyen clarified that the cost estimate for Option 1 is slightly lower than Option 2.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted that Option 1 states "in keeping with the original master plan"; shared that the east/west roads have Magnolia trees and the north/south roads have a form of Jacaranda trees; noted he is in favor of Option 1; does not prefer Option 2 since it is Desert themed, noted that Caltrans will be irrigating the landscape; noted his only concern is the size of the Magnolia trees; would like to be consistent with the original plan of the City, including the color palette, plants and trees.
Mayor Gamble noted that she is not in favor of Option 3 due to the cost; noted she is not in favor of the carissa green carpet; proposed a hybrid of Options 1 and 2, she would like to stay with the plant palette, would like to find one low growing plant that have flowers on them; does not recommend bougainvillea because they don't do well; proposed a look that is compatible with the original master plan but also compatible with what has been done at SAMCORP properties where they have decomposed granite to give continuity for the section of the City; would like to have a 3 to 4 feet tall boulder display with a wrought iron City seal on the boulders in each corner, would like to incorporate some decomposed granite and break up some of the carissa green carpet.
Council Member Figueroa noted that the Sycamore trees are very traditional; is in favor of the City seal if it works out with the budget, inquired if a ground cover of jasmine can be considered as an alternate to the carissa.
Mayor Gamble clarified that she meant crushed rock instead of decomposed granite.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted he is in favor of crushed rock; begged to differ on the bougainvillea because it grows well on Arroyo Vista and are drought tolerant.
Mayor Gamble suggested that the architect take Option 2 with half of the crushed rock and put in a plant scape to look like Richard Reese's concept and bougainvillea.
Council Member Beall noted that his preference remains with the Traditional Option 1 with a softer green landscape; noted he is not inclined to mix the two options or add boulders but is open to the idea of a City seal; does not think there will be a meaningful difference with the amount of water.
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Council Member Figueroa noted she is in favor of Option 1, noted that the Sycamore tree loses its leaves; is open to finding a green cover that does not die.
Council Member Holloway shared he does not prefer the bougainvillea plant; inquired what is currently in the project locations; stated that rocks have benefits, maintenance wise; believes the final option should be a hybrid concept.
City Manager Cervantez mentioned that the reason the City is undertaking the pilot project is because their hasn't been maintenance in the locations by Caltrans; Caltrans allows Cities to upgrade and maintain the landscaping; once the area is complete the City will be maintaining the location and will be amending the maintenance contract for landscaping and it will be maintained regularly; noted that it is important that the Council work through the concepts because it is intended to be a pilot project, if successful, then staff will bring forth other locations throughout the City for beautification; staff will bring back an amendment to do additional design work.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted he is in favor with Option 1 and would not mind replacing carissa with another ground cover; does not have a negative feeling about the rocks.
Council Member Holloway believes there can be a good hybrid combination of both options.
Mayor Gamble shared that the Council would like to maintain the original master plan concept but incorporate something decorative that might be slightly different; the issue with Options 1 and 2, Option 2 has too much crushed rocks, large swaths are less appealing and halting to the Council; asked the Architect to come back with more focus on the corner with crushed rock, would like a sample to hold in hand, would like to have a more colorful rock formation with a modest sign that doesn't attempt to look like the Alicia Tor monument sign, but rather something subtle; would like to know about electrical in the area to light anything at an extremely cost effective way; requested that the staff report information and attachments be the same as the drawings prepared for the PowerPoint.
Council Member Figueroa inquired if at the next presentation there can be a picture of a Sycamore tree; and noted that if multiple locations will be beautified then perhaps signage can only be used for major intersections or off-ramps in the City.
Council Member Beall clarified what is the main goal with respect to adding crushed rock.
Landscape Architect Guy clarified the size of the City seal due to the size of the project location.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
10. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
10.1 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 December 14, 2023. Council Member Beall reported the TCA approved a license agreement for a pilot program with the Irvine Police Department for use of the Tomato Springs toll road plaza for occasional motor officer training.
10.2 COUNCIL MEMBER REPORT/COMMENT
Council Member Holloway noted that he received positive comments regarding the New Year's Eve event, commended Wendi Redington, Community Services Manager, and her staff. Council Member Holloway noted there has not been a taco stand in the City for about 2-3 days, thanked the Health Department and staff.
Council Member Beall thanked the public speaker tonight for his comments on taco stands; noted that the operators are violating the law, damaging the private landscaping and putting the health and safety of the residents at risk; shared he is grateful for the efforts that have been made to enforce the laws; and would like to see what the City can do in terms of adopting of an ordinance.
Council Member Figueroa wished everyone a Happy New Year; feels blessed to live and work in this wonderful City and thanked City staff.
Mayor Gamble thanked Community Services Manager Redington and her staff on a wonderful New Year's Eve event; wished her City Council family and colleagues a Happy New Year.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked Community Services Manager Redington and her staff on a wonderful New Year's Eve event; noted that it has made a big difference by having the band and games inside the Community Center.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gamble adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Rude
CAROL A. GAMBLE, MAYOR
PREPARED BY:
ime Las
AMY DIAZ, CITY CLERK
Approved: January 24, 2024
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