CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 26, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, Council Members Keri Lynn Baert, Anne D. Figueroa and Jerry Holloway (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Baert.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS- None.
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Baert announced she attended the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley Youth of the Year event held on January 20, 2025. Council Member Baert reported that the "2024 Junior Youth of the Year" was awarded to Chiara from Rancho Santa Margarita. Council Member Baert also reported she attended the League of Cities Newly Elected Council Members Academy and provided a brief overview of the training. Council Member Baert announced that RSM Cares is showcasing artwork from Santa Margarita students at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center corridor. Council Member Baert announced she attended a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class and shared she was impressed by the dedication of the volunteers. Council Member Baer! reported she had the opportunity to serve as "Principal for a Day" at Cielo Vista Elementary School.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received an Oral Report on the following City Council Committee Assignments:
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORATION AUTHORITY
Council Member Figueroa announced she attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority (TCA) meeting held on February 13, 2025. Council Member Figueroa reported the TCA discussed construction options for the TCA building in Irvine.
2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on January 23, 2025. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr reported the OCFA honored Fire Apparatus Kevin Skinner who passed away on January 5, 2024. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr reported the OCFA appointed City of Santa Ana Council Member Phil Bacerra as Chair, and City of Seal Beach Council Member Joe Kalmick as Vice Chair of the OCFA. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 26, 2025
that the remainder of the OCFA meeting was in closed session dealing with employment matters.
3) ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Council Member Figueroa announced she attended the Orange County Public Library Advisory Board (LAB) meeting held on January 23, 2025. Council Member Figueroa reported the meeting was an introduction and welcome to the new LAB members. The LAB reviewed the goals, mission, funding sources and reorganized their Board positions for 2025.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr presented the following:
3.1 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO OUTGOING PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
JIM LEACH AND ERIC LIMA
Council Member Holloway left the Council Chambers at 7:38 p.m., and returned to the Council Chambers at 7:40 p.m.
3.2 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO CAPTAIN MIHAELA KENNEDY, CHIEF OF
POLICE SERVICES
3.3 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM 1) CIELO VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - KAZUKI TERADA AND LOGAN
TINDUGAN
2) RSM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL - MARINA ARZATE AND ISSAC HALL
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beall announced Council Member Baert removed Agenda Item No. 5.8 for further discussion.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5. 7 and 5.9).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa and Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (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.
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5.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Approved the following Certificates of Recognition:
February 26, 2025
1) Certificates of Recognition to outgoing Planning Commissioners Jim Leach and Eric Lima; and
2) Certificate of Recognition to Captain Mihaela Kennedy, Chief of Police Services; and
3) Student Recognition Program:
a) Cielo Vista Elementary School - Kazuki Terada and Logan Tindugan b) RSM Christian School - Marina Arzate and Issac Hall
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the January 22, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes,
5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 21, 2025 THROUGH FEBRUARY 18, 2025
Approved the warrant registers totaling $3,907,403.12.
5.5 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of January 2025.
5.6 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE CITY HALL AND BELL TOWER REGIONAL
COMMUNITY CENTER INTERIOR LED LIGHTING CONVERSION PROJECT 1) Accepted the improvements for the City Hall and Bell Tower Regional Community Center Interior LED Lighting Conversion 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.
5.7 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE BELL TOWER REGIONAL COMMUNITY
CENTER BALLROOM FLOOR RENOVATION PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Bell Tower Regional Community Center Ballroom Floor Renovation 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.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes February 26, 2025
5.9 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
5.8 PROPOSED AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF MISSION VIEJO
Council Member Baert indicated that the proposed agreement for Community Outreach and Engagement Services is fully funded by a grant that City staff successfully secured. Council Member Baert acknowledged an appreciation of City staff's proactive efforts in obtaining funding to support this service within the City.
Council Member Baert moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Approved a proposed Agreement for Community Outreach and Engagement Services with the City of Mission Viejo to provide 20 hours per week of Homeless Outreach Services, for a one-year term in a maximum not-to-exceed contract amount of $71,060; and
2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Agreement for Community Outreach and Engagement Services with the City of Mission Viejo.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa and Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 SANTA MARGARITA WATER DISTRICT AND TRABUCO CANYON WATER
DISTRICT FIRE HYDRANT MAINTENANCE AND WILDFIRE PREVENTION
PRESENTATION
Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Direct9r/City Engineer, who introduced Lindsay Leahy, Deputy General Manager of Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD), and Michael Perea, Assistant General Manager of Trabuco Canyon Water District (TCWD), both of whom provided a brief presentation.
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of Ms. Leahy and Mr. Perea.
Mayor Beall inquired if there is a risk that the Los Angeles fires situation can happen in Rancho Santa Margarita and/or how are we different than Los Angeles. 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member Baert inquired how often the fire hydrant pressure is tested and if all the hydrants get tested.
Council Member Figueroa stated how fortunate we are to have three reservoirs.
Council Member Figueroa stated that during the Public Safety Power Shutoff events or the Airport fire, how did SMWD and TCWD work and communicate with Southern California Edison (SCE).
Council Member Holloway inquired where the responsibility for the function and pressure of a fire hydrant lies, with water districts and/or with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA); if a fire hydrant is not working, would the water districts know that information and how would they be notified of the issue and within what timeframe; inquired if SMWD and TCWD train together for emergency situations; inquired the frequency of notifications regarding water pressure issues that SMWD and TCWD have needed to get to the OCFA.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked Ms. Leahy and Mr. Perea for their presentations.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted their presentation was reassuring.
Mayor Beall inquired if there are any lessons that can be learned or implemented locally regarding the Los Angeles fires. Mayor Beall inquired if Ms. Leahy and Mr.
Perea feel they have all the resources they need to build and maintain the infrastructure they need to be prepared for these types of events. Mayor Beall suggested that if there is something they really think might improve the safety of the community, even if its more expensive, this would be a time to raise that with their Boards.
The City Council received and filed the presentation.
7.2 SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) PROPOSED AMENDED RULES 1111 AND 1121 REQUIRING THE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC
RESIDENTIAL FURNACES AND WATER HEATERS
Mayor Beall introduced Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, who provided a brief overview of the staff report. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Kuta noted a supplemental memo with a revised resolution.
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of staff.
Council Member Figueroa expressed her frustration with the mandate since the number one concern with residents in California is affordability. Council Member Figueroa inquired if staff has a cost estimate for an individual homeowner to replace an electrical panel. Council Member Figueroa noted that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is holding another zoom meeting on March 6th and encouraged residents to listen in and express their opposition.
Council Member Baert inquired if now is the time to approve a resolution or should Council wait until more specific information is received regarding how SCAQMD will be changing the framework.
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Mayor Beall shared that the City Council received emails in opposition of staff's recommendation from the following:
David Martinez with Climate Action Campaign
Susan Mattisinko
Patricia DeLaunay
Restore & Research Club
Amir Baum
Marie-Helene Luebbers
Gary Stewart
Ryan Berglas
Vivianna Marie Goh
Kardena Pauza
Kian Lynxi Chou
Ethan Frostig
Dave Rice
Craig Preston
Ron Askeland
Fran Delaney-Barron
Nathan Taft
D. Barraclough
Ginger Osborne
Dominic Bendinelli
Michael Rochmes
Roger Gloss
Dylan Plummer with Sierra Club
Marilyn Palomino
Kent Morris
Aurora Massari
Susan Eaton
Suzanne Hume
Patty Ebel
Karen Mooney
Nicole Lugo
Deeti Mitesh Shah
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council discussion and deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr provided a brief summary of the current status of the SCAQMD proposal. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr expressed his concerns with the zeroemissions technology readiness, electrical grid sustainability, and most importantly the fees that will be passed down to the residents. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr favors staff's recommendation.
Council Member Holloway inquired what the enforcement entity is, noted he is in favor of staff's recommendation.
Council Member Baert stated she thinks the regional air quality should be improved and is concerned about the financial burden on the homeowners and businesses.
Council Member Baer! noted she did some research and shared her findings. Council Member Baert would like to see more of an education process, there are benefits 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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when going electric, if that is what the homeowner would like to do, but through more education rather than making it a mandate.
Mayor Beall noted he wants to preserve the right of the residents of the City to keep a gas furnace or heater if that's what they choose, he does not want to impose any additional costs on them. Mayor Beall supports passing a resolution opposing the proposed rules.
Mayor Beall proposed updating the resolution by striking "if the rules are not carefully crafted" located on the first page of the resolution. Mayor Beall noted he would similarly revise page 2, section 1 of the resolution, to note that these proposed rules should be abandoned in their entirety.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved to approve staff's recommendation with the amendments as set forth by Mayor Beall, seconded by Council Member Figueroa:
Adopted Resolution No. 25-02-26-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S (SCAQMD) PROPOSED AMENDED RULES 1111 AND 1121 LIMITING CHOICES RELATED TO HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
AND INCREASING COSTS TO CONSUMERS
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Figueroa and Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Cervantez expressed her appreciation to Captain Kennedy for her service to the community. City Manager Cervantez stated that Captain Kennedy has been a great partner to work with and she has really enjoyed the last four years.
Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney, noted that on behalf of the City Attorney's office and all the members at Woodruff and Smart, he expressed deep gratitude to Captain Kennedy for her collaboration and patience and they appreciate all her efforts.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr asked that the Council adjourn the meeting tonight in the honor and memory of Aimee Dunkle. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr provided a brief overview of Ms.
Dunkle, her family and her efforts to educate and address opioid usage. 7 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member Holloway thanked Captain Kennedy for all she has done and shared that she will be missed.
Council Member Figueroa thanked Captain Kennedy for all her contributions to the City and wished her well on her new job.
Council Member Baert thanked Captain Kennedy for her leadership and work as the Chief of Police, and noted she also appreciates her mentorship and guidance for the youth.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. in memory of Aimee Dunkle, to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa argarita, California.
PREPARED BY:
fv- AMY DIAZ
~~-~ , CITY CLERK d---
Approved: March 12, 2025
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