CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2024
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 Council Member Holloway.
Staff Present: Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager; Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney; Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director; Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Stefanie Turner, Finance Director; Mihaela Kennedy, Captain; Amy Diaz, City Clerk.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager, invited Laura Lopez, Emergency Manager, forward to announce the following:
1.1 FIRE SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS COMMUNITY MEETING ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024, FROM 6:30 TO 8:00 P.M., LOCATED AT THE BELL TOWER
REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS - None.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received Oral Reports on the following City Council Committee Assignments:
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR AGENCIES
Council Member Beall announced he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies meeting held on July 11, 2024. Council Member Beall reported that the TCA meeting was routine and there was nothing to report. 2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Mayor Gamble announced she attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on July 25, 2024. Mayor Gamble reported that regarding performance in the month of July, the OCFA Emergency Communication Center received 20,561 calls regarding 15,561 incidents, for an average of 502 incidents per day. Mayor Gamble noted that the OCFA dispatches an appropriate response in an average of 54 seconds, which was below the national standard. Mayor Gamble announced the OCFA reviewed Chief Fennessy's annual performance evaluation in closed session. Mayor Gamble noted she had a planned absence; however, she submitted 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 14, 2024
a review for Chief Fennessy in writing and discussed it with the agency attorney.
Mayor Gamble reported the balance of the meeting was closed session items.
Mayor Gamble also reported that the OCFA approved the annual proclamation designating October 6-12, 2024, as Fire Prevention Week.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Gamble introduced Diana Colby, Business and Legislative Affairs with the RSM Chamber of Commerce, forward to provide an update.
3.1 RSM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS AND REPORT
Mayor Gamble, Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr presented the following:
3.2 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - BUSINESS RECOGNITION TO LEWIS AIR SERVICES, INC.
3.3 PROCLAMATION DECLARING MID-SUMMER TO EARLY AUTUMN AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION" SEASON
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Gamble announced the following eComment received:
Dee Fox regarding the Orange County Power Authority.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Linda M., Volunteer with United Sovereign Americans, shared information regarding the state's voter roll database in relation to the 2022 election, read aloud a resolution and asked the City Council to add the resolution to the next Council meeting agenda.
Susan Stivers, Volunteer with United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a resolution for a legally valid 2024 election.
Lisa H., Volunteer with United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a resolution for a legally valid 2024 election.
Walter Nirenberg, Volunteer with United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a resolution for a legally valid 2024 election.
George Gary, Volunteer with United Sovereign Americans, read aloud a resolution for a legally valid 2024 election.
Mayor Gamble inquired what the United Sovereign Americans wish to do with the information.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.13).
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The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Beall, Figueroa, Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr and Mayor Gamble (5)
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 RECOGNITION AND PROCLAMATION Approved the following:
1) Certificate of Recognition for a Business Recognition to Lewis Air Services, Inc.; and
2) Proclamation declaring mid-summer to early autumn as "Wildfire Awareness and Prevention" season.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the July 10, 2024 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 RECORDS MANAGEMENT - APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION
TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS (ANNUAL RECORDS DESTRUCTION) Adopted Resolution No. 24-08-14-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE CITY'S RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE
5.5 RECORDS MANAGEMENT - APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION
TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS (BUILDING PLANS DESTRUCTION) Adopted Resolution No. 24-08-14-02 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
CLERK TO DISPOSE OF CERTAIN CITY RECORDS IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE CITY'S RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE
5.6 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED JULY 8, 2024 THROUGH AUGUST 5, 2024
Approved the warrant registers totaling $3,476,518.95.
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5.7 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2024
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of June 2024.
5.8 APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VOiP) INSTALLATION PROJECT WITH GOTO COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
1) Approved an Agreement with Go To Communications, Inc. for the procurement, installation and licensing of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) System and a three-year servicing agreement for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $48,118.04; and
2) Authorized the City Manager to execute the proposed Agreement with GoTo Communications Inc. for the procurement, installation and servicing of a Voice over Internet Protocol phone system.
5.9 APPROVAL OF THE CALPERS UNFUNDED ACCRUED LIABILITY PAY-DOWN PAYMENT YEAR 2 FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
1) Approved the Cal PERS Additional Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) Payment Request form for Year 2 of the 5 Year Pay-down plan; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to sign the Additional UAL Payment Request form.
5.10 APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER WITH SOUTH COAST LIGHTING & DESIGN, INC. TO PROCURE MATERIALS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $154,828.13 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 authorized the sole source procurement with regards to approval of a Purchase Order with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc., as it is hereby found and determined, pursuant to RSMMC Section 3.07.070, that a specific make, model, or brand is necessary to match existing city goods and supplies or equipment or to facilitate the continuity of effective maintenance and support based on the information presented herein by City staff; and
2) Approved a Purchase Order to South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc. for traffic signal enhancement materials in the amount of $154,828.13; and 3) Authorized the City Manager to sign the City's standard Purchase Order with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc.
5.11 APPROVAL OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE CURRENT MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HASA, INC., FOR AS-NEEDED
SPLASH PAD SYSTEM REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES
1) Approved proposed Amendment No. 2 to the current Maintenance Services Agreement with Hasa, Inc., for on-call as-needed Splash Pad System Repair and Maintenance Services to increase the total maximum contract amount by $23,000 for a total not-to-exceed contract amount of $72,852; and 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Amendment No. 2 to the Maintenance Services Agreement with Hasa, Inc.
5.12 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 ANNUAL
RESIDENTIAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Annual Residential Slurry Seal 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.
5.13 APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATE AND ALTERNATES FOR THE LEAGUE OF
CALIFORNIA CITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Appointed City Manager Jennifer M. Cervantez as the Voting Delegate and no Alternate Voting Delegate for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita for the League of California Cities Annual Conference.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR - None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 FIRST READING AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE UPDATING SPEED
LIMITS BASED ON ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY (E&TS)
Mayor Gamble introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who invited forward Robert Vu, Traffic Engineer from Urban Crossroads, both of whom provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Gamble invited the following individual forward to address the City Council:
Keri Lynn Baert, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, asked the City Council to consider extending the school zone on Melinda Road.
Mayor Gamble opened the item to City Council questions of staff.
Mayor Gamble inquired what the California Vehicle Code requirements are for a school zone area. Mayor Gamble noted that she researched the school zone area on Melinda Road and confirmed that the City is in compliance in that area.
Council Member Figueroa asked for an overview on how the 70 areas were initially identified; inquired regarding collision history within the City. 5 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member Beall noted he was surprised to see 69% of segments being proposed to decrease; inquired the percentage of segments that were increased when the previous study was conducted.
Council Member Holloway noted that this is a safety issue and shared he is in favor of the item.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr shared statistics regarding speed in relation to survival rates from the National Transportation Safety Board website. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted that this is a safety issue and he is in favor of the item.
Mayor Gamble shared a history of how speed was calculated for a road prior to Assembly Bill 43; inquired when the revised speed limits signs will be installed.
Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney, clarified that the ordinance will go into effect 31 days after the second reading; however, the 30-day grace period will not begin until the revised signs are posted. City Attorney Simonian noted that the 30-day grace period is a minimum required by state law, however, the Council has the ability to direct a longer grace period.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr stated that he listened to the Planning Commission meeting on August 7, 2024, and he congratulated the Commission for their analysis of the issue but also for making sure there was a strong public outreach effort.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendation:
Introduced for first reading, read by title only, and waived further reading of an Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTION
12.01 .090 (SPEED LIMITS) OF CHAPTER 12.01 (GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS) OF TITLE 12 (VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
SPEED LIMITS, INCLUDING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Beall, Figueroa, Holloway, Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr and Mayor Gamble (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
7.2 ADOPTION OF CALTRANS HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL TOPIC 405 FOR
INTERSECTION DESIGN FOR THE ROADWAY SEGMENT OF ARROYO VISTA
FROM LAS MESITAS TO RIA
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr recused himself from Agenda Item No. 7.2 because he lives within 500 feet of the intersection of Arroyo Vista and Tollon. 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr left the Council Chambers at 8:24 p.m.
Mayor Gamble introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Gamble opened the item to City Council for questions of staff.
Council Member Beall noted that there were many public comments submitted for this item and asked if there were any in opposition to the item.
Council Member Holloway noted that he is appreciative of the public's input and shared he is in favor of the item.
Council Member Figueroa thanked everyone for attending tonight's meeting and for the public's input.
Mayor Gamble announced that the Council received 33 eComments from the following individuals:
Anonymous
Anonymous (Another anonymous eComment)
Ashley Varner
Bethany Barnette
Bryan Cruz
Butch Yellott
Carolyn Mosley
Catherine Kelley
Donald Kelley
Donna Loftus
Gabi Jones
Grace Hanson
Jorja Lynn Kryger
Kristine Mussoline
Lauren Lichtenstein
Linda Barbarino
Lisa Johnson
Martina Baldwin
Mary House
Michael Furlong
Mike Tehrani
Nancy Keim
Pam Dillon
Robert Alsip
Robyn Just!
Russ Barbarino
Scott Varner
Shanna Gallivan
Staci Hansen
Terry Johnson
Tina Cruz
Tracey Fischer
Valerie Furlong
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Mayor Gamble invited the following individuals forward to address the City Council:
Paul Persiani, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared he is in favor of the resolution and thanked the City Council and staff for giving this item the attention it deserves.
Terry Johnson, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared he is in favor of the resolution and believes the problem is the parked cars.
Mayor Gamble noted she is in favor of this matter and appreciates staff's work to reduce the speed limit.
Council Member Beall inquired if staff looked at removing parking on Circa Street.
Public Works Director Parco confirmed staff performed an intersection sight analysis on Circa.
City Manager Cervantez noted the red curb is in relation to the sight distance issue and speeds on Arroyo Vista; there may be other reasons why a red curb may be appropriate, but it is not necessary for the Council to approve the red curb in this format or with the resolution. City Manager Cervantez noted that staff will look at opportunities to address red curbs on the side streets that don't require Council action.
Council Member Figueroa moved, seconded by Council Member Beall to approve the following staff recommendation:
Adopted Resolution No. 24-08-14-03 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING CALTRANS HIGHWAY DESIGN MANUAL TOPIC 405 - INTERSECTION DESIGN STANDARDS FOR THE
ROADWAY SEGMENT OF ARROYO VISTA FROM LAS MESITAS TO RIA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 11.01 .020 (ADOPTION OF PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS AND REGULATIONS) OF CHAPTER 11 .01 (CITY STREETS
DEFINED, CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS, DRIVING OVER NEW
PAVEMENTS, AND CLOSING CITY STREETS) OF TITLE 11 (STREETS AND
SIDEWALKS) OF THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Beall, Figueroa, Holloway and Mayor Gamble (4) NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
RECUSED: Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr (1)
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr returned to the Council Chambers at 8:43 p.m.
7.3 SANTA MARGARITA WATER DISTRICT UPDATE AND PRESENTATION Mayor Gamble invited the following individuals forward from the Santa Margarita Water District.
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Betty Olson, Vice Chair of the Santa Margarita Water District Board of Directors, and Rob Grantham, General Manager, provided an update on recycled water.
Mayor Gamble shared a graphic of reclaimed water and noted she is happy to facilitate a meeting regarding reclaimed water since Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC) and SAMCORP own the bulk of the infrastructure.
Council Member Figueroa inquired regarding Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Council Member Holloway inquired from Mr. Grantham why federal funding is required.
The City Council received and filed the Santa Margarita Water District presentation.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Holloway congratulated Wendi Redington, Community Services Manager, and Community Services staff for another great summer concert series.
Council Member Figueroa thanked everyone for volunteering and donating food to the RSM Cares Food Drive and back to school event at Pavilions.
Mayor Gamble echoed Council Member Holloway's comments regarding Wendi Redington, Community Service Manager, and Community Services staff for a wonderful summer concert series. Mayor Gamble thanked all the sponsors for the summer concert series.
Mayor Gamble asked Captain Kennedy to announce the Orange County Sheriff's Department Citizens Academy.
Captain Kennedy announced that the Orange County Sheriff's Department will be hosting a Citizen's Academy between October 8th through December 5th _
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gamble adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Approved: August 28, 2024
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