CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 13, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:23 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, and 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.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 E-BIKE AND BICYCLE SAFETY CLASS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025, FROM 5:00 TO 7:00 P.M., LOCATED AT THE BELL TOWER REGIONAL
COMMUNITY CENTER
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked Wendi Redington, Community Services Manager, and City staff, for the summer concerts, and the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Margarita and Coto de Caza.
Council Member Holloway also thanked Community Services Manager Redington and City staff for an outstanding summer concerts. Council Member Holloway noted that school will be starting soon and reminded everyone to be patient with new studen drivers and all the traffic that goes along with the start of school.
Council Member Figueroa noted that as the critical part of the fire season approaches, she encouraged everyone to sign up for AlertOC. Council Member Figueroa also reminded everyone that the June Wildfire Prevention event was recorded and available on the city website.
Council Member Baert reminded residents about the Art Exhibit in the Bell Tower Regional Community Center featuring local artists through the end of August. She thanked Community Services Manager Redington, City staff, volunteers and sponsors who helped put on a wonderful summer concert series.
Council Member Baert also provided an overview of the public participation process and when and where Council meeting agendas and materials are posted online.
Council Member Baert expressed her thanks to the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley for their 13 years of partnership and service to the City and noted that they will continue to offer programming at RSM Intermediate School. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS - None.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited forward Diane Colby, RSM Chamber of Commerce Director, to provide the following update:
3.1 RSM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND UPDATES Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr forward to join him for the following presentation:
3.2 PROCLAMATION DECLARING MID-SUMMER TO EARLY AUTUMN AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION" SEASON
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Tracy Gordillo regarding fire prevention.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, encouraged the City Council to send a letter to Congresswoman Young Kim to support releasing the Epstein files.
Janet Henry, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, read aloud an affidavit that was filed by Arthur Sanchez.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, noted the two options to participate in a Council meeting, spoke regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and shared that she requested that the Council meeting be filmed
Unam Biguous, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, made "unambiguous" statements on behalf of the city constituents that are unable to speak or attend the meetings.
Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her disappointment about the accessibility of council meeting materials and lack of televised meetings; and noted the City should spend money on after-school programs.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beall removed Agenda Item No. 5.4 for further discussion at the request of a resident.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.3 and 5.5 through 5.11).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
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NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
5.1 WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA further reading waived
5.2 APPROVAL OF A PROCLAMATION
Approved a Proclamation declaring mid-summer to early autumn as "Wildfire Awareness and Prevention" season.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the July 9, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.5 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of June 2025.
5.6 APPROVAL OF THE CALPERS UNFUNDED ACCRUED LIABILITY PAY-DOWN PAYMENT YEAR 3 FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
1) Approved the CaPERS Additional Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) Payment Request form for Year 3 of the 5 Year Pay-down plan; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to sign the Additional UAL Payment Request form.
5.7 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PRECISION CONCRETE, INC. DBA PRECISION
CONCRETE CUTTING FOR SIDEWALK TRIP HAZARD REMOVAL AND
ASSESSMENT SERVICES
1) Waived formal competitive bidding requirements and procedures set forth in the Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code (RSMMC) Section 3.07, and authorize the approval of a maintenance services agreement with Southern California Precision Concrete, Inc. dba Precision Concrete Cutting for Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal and Assessment Services, as it is hereby found and determined, pursuant to RSMMC Section 3.07.070.(7) that the maintenance services agreement is exempt from the City's formal competitive bidding requirements and procedures based on the fact, findings, and information set forth herein by City staff; and 2) Approved a proposed Maintenance Services Agreement with Southern California Precision Concrete, Inc. dba Precision Concrete Cutting in the total maximum not- to-exceed contract amount of $200,000 for a five-year term; and 3) Authorized the Mayor to execute proposed Maintenance Services Agreement with Southern California Precision Concrete, Inc. dba Precision Concrete Cutting. 3 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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5.8 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 TRAFFIC SIGNAL
ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Traffic Signal Enhancements 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.
5.9 APPROVAL OF A PURCHASE ORDER WITH SOUTH COAST LIGHTING & DESIGN, INC., TO PROCURE MATERIALS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $105,806.51 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 authorize 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 and Design, Inc. for traffic signal enhancement materials in the amount of $105,806.51; and 3) Authorized the City Manager to sign the City's standard Purchase Order with South Coast Lighting & Design, Inc.
5.10 PROPOSED RESOLUTION UPDATING SCHEDULE OF PENALTIES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS RELATED TO CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTION 22500(n) AS AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 413, ALSO KNOWN AS THE DAYLIGHTING LAW Adopted Resolution No. 25-08-13-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN UPDATED SCHEDULE OF
PENALTIES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS AND LATE PAYMENT PENALTIES RELATED TO CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE SECTION 22500(N) AS
AMENDED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 413
5.11 RESPONSE TO 2024-2025 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT DATED MAY 22, 2025, ENTITLED "LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS TO SHORT-TERM RENTALS" Authorized the Mayor to sign the response letter to the Orange County Grand Jury relative to the findings and recommendations contained in the 2024-2025 Orange County Grand Jury Report entitled, "Long-Term Solutions to Short-Term Rentals." 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED JULY 7, 2025 THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2025
Mayor Beall invited the following individual forward to address the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, inquired regarding a payment noted on the warrant registers for Nielsen Merksamer.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the following staff recommendation:
Approved the warrant registers totaling $4,650,448.33.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
NEW BUSINESS
7.1 AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR INCLUSION ON THE FIRE RISK
REDUCTION COMMUNITY LIST
Mayor Beall introduced Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, to provide a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Council Member Baert inquired what the possible benefits for homeowners are when added to the community list, asked what the process is for homeowners once the city is added to the community list; and confirmed if this is the first time the city is requesting to be added to the list.
Council Member Figueroa inquired if staff anticipates that most orange county cities will move forward with being added to the community list.
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments received:
In Support of Application
1) Jennifer Bolander
2) Roger and Lori Brent
3) Ettorne and Michelle Carino
4) Robert Collins
5) Cindy Gildersleeve
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6) Peter Griifith
7) Beth Heard
8) Ric Heard
9) Teresa Kennedy
10) Rhonda Lundberg
11) Joanne and Henry Majoue
12) Charlotte O'Connor
13) Andrew Parker
14) Dennis Shoji (1)
15) Dennis Shoji (2)
16) Kelli Sindelar
17) Kris Spowart
In Opposition of Application
1) Mary Jorczak
In Support of Application and Robinson Ranch Road Maintenance Request 1) Doug Chapman
Mayor Beall invited the following individual forward to address the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Russ Khouri, Dove Canyon resident, expressed his support for the city to submit an application for inclusion on the Fire Risk Reduction Community List.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr highlighted the following sentence in the staff report, "The California Department of Insurance "Safer from Wildfires" regulations require that insurance companies take into account and reflect whether a structure is in a Fire Risk Reduction Community." He agreed with the public speaker, believes the city should be added to the list and should renew the submission annually; thanked staff for the report and noted he is in support of the item.
Council Member Holloway concurred with Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr's comments and expressed his support for the item.
Council Member Figueroa thanked staff for the report and expressed her support for the item.
Council Member Baert expressed her support for the application and appreciates staff for bringing the item forward, and also thanked OCFA Division Chief Maule for bringing this opportunity to staff's attention; she believes being added to the list will give the city better access to wildfire prevention grants and ensure that insurance companies recognize the safety measures that have been put in place.
Mayor Beall noted that a number of residents have asked the Council to do all that they can to be proactive and reduce the risk of wildfire and to try to reduce the high insurance costs. Mayor Beall expressed his support for the item to address increased insurance costs and increase grant opportunities.
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Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Received and filed the application for inclusion on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Risk Reduction Community List and provide input as necessary; and
2) Authorized staff to submit the application for inclusion on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire Risk Reduction Community List.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Figueroa, Holloway, and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
CONTINUED ITEMS
8.1 DESIGN REVIEW FOR THE ANTONIO PARKWAY GATEWAY IMPROVEMENTS -
PARKWAY PROJECT
Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who invited Tri Nguyen, Assistant City Engineer, both of whom provided a presentation of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Anabell Cardenas-Viteri, Principal Landscape Architect with Rick Engineering, addressed questions of the City Council.
Council Member Holloway inquired regarding staff's recommendation for a two-rail concrete fence (36") in comparison to the two-rail vinyl fence which is less expensive; confirmed maintenance cost for the two-rail viny! fence.
Council Member Holloway asked Principal Landscape Architect Cardenas-Viteri if she has experience regarding a vinyl fence versus a concrete fence.
Council Member Holloway inquired regarding a safety issue concern in reference to a two-rail vinyl fence versus a concrete fence; inquired regarding on-going monthly maintenance and water costs; asked for further clarification about the existing growth on both sides of the street that extends beyond the current fencing.
Council Member Figueroa thanked staff for providing substantial project cost savings; inquired regarding the proposed solar lighting, is staff confident it will it produce a similar hardwire look and is there any downsize to solar lighting; clarified which item will have grant funding available.
Mayor Beall inquired regarding the placement of the mulch and maintenance of landscaping regarding weed growth; inquired regarding cost savings of mulch versus decomposed granite.
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Mayor Beall opened the item for Council discussion and deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr stated that this type of project is not unique in the city, there is beautiful fencing throughout the city; given the significant project cost savings he expressed his support for the project; expressed concerns regarding the solar lighting being stolen; not opposed if the Council would like to install hardwire lighting in the future; believes beautification of the city is important for residents, property values and also the business community.
City Manager Cervantez clarified costs pertaining to hardwire lighting on the pilasters if it is the Council's desire.
Council Member Figueroa shared that she has heard positive feedback from the community regarding the project; noted she prefers the two-rail concrete fence; shared she likes the pilasters cost savings; inquired if the wood mulch would need to be replaced more often than the decomposed granite; asked questions regarding the depth of the mulch and how often would it need to be replaced; thanked staff for providing substantial project cost savings; expressed her support for the item.
Council Member Holloway noted he has supported this item all the way through and believes it is a beneficial project that will reap dividends; stated he appreciates staff's project cost reductions; noted he has reservations regarding the description of the two- rail vinyl fence; clarified with staff regarding the speed limit on Antonio with respect to recommended fencing; expressed concerns regarding on-going costs for landscaping and irrigation; noted it is difficult for him to support this particular recommendation based on lack of information on the vinyl fencing and adding landscaping and irrigation for the entry monument sign.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr mentioned there is no fencing on Antonio Parkway at the monument location other than barbed wire fence.
Council Member Baert noted she appreciates the thought that went into reducing project costs; shared she has heard varying responses from the community, both supportive and non-supportive; clarified if none of the fencing options would prevent a car from hitting the fence, clarified that the fencing options are more for aesthetic versus safety purposes; inquired if there have been issues of pedestrians going over the side in that area: noted she prefers a natural fence color for aesthetic purposes; noted she appreciates the use of mulch.
Council Member Figueroa noted the County of Orange uses woodcrete in their OC Parks projects and it looks amazing.
Mayor Beall stated he strongly supports this project and believes it is long overdue; shared that projects such as these increase civic pride and helps maintain and increase home values; shared he believes the Council has to ensure the city remains desirable community to live and raise a family: noted there are safety benefits tha come with the fencing; and believes a project like this benefits everyone in the community.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGir clarified the recommended fencing option. 8 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendation:
Provided input and policy direction regarding the parkway design, as appropriate.
Council Member Baert asked for point of clarification regarding what is being voted on, whether or not to implement the staff recommended cost savings.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Figueroa and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (3) NOES: Council Members Baert and Holloway (2)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, stated she is glad to see project cost savings for the monument sign; believes there is money in the budget for a pride flag; encouraged adding additional suicide prevention signs; and expressed support for after-school
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS - None.
12. CLOSED SESSION
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
The City Council convened in Closed Session, in the City Council Conference Room or Emergency Operations Center Conference Room, City Hall, to consider the following matters:
12.1 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) (1)
Public Employee Title: City Manager - Annual Performance Evaluation
12.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Mayor Pro Tem McGirr
Unrepresented Employee: Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM - None.
ADJOURN TO CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM OR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
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CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened in Closed Session at 9:22 p.m., to consider the matters listed above.
RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 12:51 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Gregory E. Simonian, City Attorney, announced the City Council completed the two closed session items as referenced on the Agenda and is pleased to report the annual review has been completed and there is no reportable action as a result of tonight's closed session.
13. NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF COMPENSATION FOR CITY MANAGER
Mayor Beall introduced City Attorney Simonian, who provided a brief report.
City Attorney Simonian reported that the City Manager's annual performance evaluation was conducted and completed this evening. He noted that standard housekeeping item is for the City Council to now in open session consider making any changes for the compensation of the City Manager. City Attorney Simonian turned it over to the City Council's designated labor negotiator, Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced that in recognition of an exceptional job performance he would like to make a motion, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the following recommendations:
1) Approve a 5% increase in the City Manager's current annual base salary, effective July 1, 2025; and
2) Authorize a one-time contribution of $10,000 to the City Manager's Deferred Compensation 457 Plan; and
3) Approve increasing the City Manager's current severance of 9 months to 12 months; and
4) Authorize the City Attorney to prepare a ratifying resolution and written confirmation of the changes for a presentation at a future regular meeting.
Mayor Beall stated job well done to City Manager Cervantez, shared he appreciates all she does and does a tremendous job; and noted that the Council and residents are lucky to have her.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Baert, Figueroa, Holloway and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
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ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 12:54 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Tor Dead
L. ANTHONY BEALL, MAYOR
PREPARED BY:
ime
Approved: August 27, 2025