CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY .COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
October 8, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, and Council Members Keri Lynn Baert and Anne D.
Figueroa (4). Absent: Council Member Jerry Holloway (1 ). The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL AND DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M., LOCATED AT APPLIED MEDICAL'S R100 BUILDING PARKING LOT
1.2 NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION TAKE-BACK DAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025, FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M., LOCATED AT THE CITY HALL
PARKING LOT
1.3 HALLOWEEN FAMILY FESTIVAL - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025, FROM 2:30 TO 5:30 P.M., LOCATED AT CENTRAL PARK
1.4 STATE OF THE CITY AND BUSINESS AWARDS CEREMONY PRESENTED BY PROVIDENCE MISSION HOSPITAL - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025, RECEPTION FROM 5:00 TO 5:30 P.M., PROGRAM FROM 5:30 TO 8:00 P.M.,
LOCATED AT THE DOVE CANYON GOLF CLUB
1.5 VETERANS DAY RECEPTION ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. LOCATED AT THE BELL TOWER REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER, AND RECOGNITION AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:00 P.M. LOCATED IN THE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr congratulated the RSM Chamber of Commerce and President Sean Autry for a great Rancho Family Fest.
Council Member Figueroa announced the following RSM Library programs: "Cover to Cover Club" held from Saturday, October 4th through Saturday, November 15th , "Crafty Adults, Spooky Birdhouse" on Tuesday, October 21 st at 5:30 p.m., and the "Monster Bash" on Wednesday, October 22nd from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
Council Member Figueroa thanked all the volunteers for their assistance at the RSM Food Pantry last weekend. She announced the upcoming Holiday Season Food Drive - located at Pavilions on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Council Member Baert shared that from October through April, RSM residential areas have street sweeping services twice a month. She encouraged residents to move their cars to help keep RSM clean. She shared that RSM Cares has their Autumn-themed art show at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through the end of October; and on October 11 th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreational Corporation (SAMLARC) is partnering with Canyon Wildlife Initiative for "Restore the Shore", a Lakeshore cleanup day; and announced that Mission Viejo Animal Services will be hosting a "Forever Friends Fall Festival and Open House" held on Saturday, October 11 th from 11 :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Council Member Baert thanked the RSM Chamber of Commerce and all the volunteers who made Rancho Family Fest possible.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATIONS OF RANCHO
Council Member Figueroa announced she attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority, Joint Finance and Investment Committee meeting held on September 24, 2025. Council Member Figueroa reported the committee approved the Annual Audited Financial Statements and the Pacifica Improvements Project Financial Considerations.
Council Member Figueroa announced she attended the Community Associations of Rancho (CAR) meeting held on October 7, 2025. Council Member Figueroa reported CAR members have been attending community events to inform residents about fire safety and home hardening; CAR received an update from Mike Safranski on Trabuco Canyon Water District's exploration of alternative models.
2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on September 25, 2025. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr reported the OCFA approved a Side Letter Agreement to Memorandum of Understanding with the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association and Award of Contract for Rapid Intervention Injury Management and Navigation Services. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced the OCFA has a new helipad in San Clemente, located next to Fire Station 59 on Avenida La Pata.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr forward to join him for the following presentation:
3.1 PROCLAMATION - "FIRE PREVENTION WEEK", OCTOBER 5-11, 2025 2 l i
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Judy Cunningham regarding compliments to Council regarding a recent Council meeting.
Beth Heard regarding Rancho Family Fest.
Russ Khouri regarding Rancho Family Fest.
Rhonda Lundberg regarding Rancho Family Fest.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Cedric Campbell, District Executive for Saddleback District for Scouting America, asked the Council to assist with scouting more units, cub packs, troops, and crew programs by opening doors to schools and getting the word out to build the organization.
Jeannine Carta-Hanson, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding Mayor Beall's Gerrymandering comments at the August 27th Council meeting.
Amber Bloomer, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding how to place an item on an agenda, and proposed a working group or discussion for a two-way dialogue between the Council Members and residents.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared how long each Council Member has served on the Council; asked the Council to require term limits for Council Members.
Tas.ia Surch, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared regarding her hearing disabilities in relation to listening to the Council meeting audio recordings.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.9).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baert, Figueroa and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (4)
ABSTAIN:
None (0)
None (0)
ABSENT: Council Member Holloway (1)
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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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
5.2 APPROVAL OF A PROCLAMATION
Approved a Proclamation declaring "Fire Prevention Week" from October 5-11, 2025.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the September 10, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT (ZCA) 25-001, AMENDING THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE
TO UPDATE AND CLARIFY REGULATIONS RELATED TO ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW
Adopted Ordinance No. 25-03:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT CA 25-001 AMENDING AND RESTATING SECTION 9.04.190 (ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS) OF
CHAPTER 9.04 (REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL USES AND STRUCTURES) IN
ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW, INCLUDING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(C)(2) AND (C)(3) AND PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080.17
5.5 ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT (ZCA) 25-002, ADDRESSING REGULATIONS FOR THRIFT STORES AND ADDING
CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS AS A CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED USE IN THE
PUBLIC/QUASI-PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICT
Adopted Ordinance No. 25-04:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT (ZCA) 25-002 AMENDING VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF CHAPTERS 9.01 (GENERAL PROVISIONS), 9.03 (ZONING DISTRICTS AND STANDARDS), AND 9.04 (REGULATIONS FOR SPECIAL USES AND STRUCTURES) OF THE
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO THE
REGULATION OF CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS, AND THRIFT STORES,
INCLUDING AN EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15060(C)(2) AND (C)(3)
5.6 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29, 2025
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,102,711.89.
5.7 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of August 2025. 4 l
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
5.8 PARKING CITATION PROCESSING AGENCY SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DATA TICKET, INC.
1) Waived competitive informal and formal bidding requirements and procedures set forth in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code (RSMMC) Section
3.07.050 and Section 3.07.060 with regard to approval of the proposed Parking Citation Processing Agency Services Agreement with Data Ticket, Inc., as it is hereby found and determined, pursuant to RSMMC Sections 3.07.070 (7), (9) and (10), that the decision to use and rely on the 2020 County of Orange competitive selection process for parking citation processing services is appropriate based on the analysis and facts provided herein by City staff; and 2) Approved a proposed Parking Citation Processing Agency Services Agreement with Data Ticket, Inc. for parking citation processing services for a maximum contract amount of $250,000 over the initial five (5) year term, commencing on October 11, 2025, and ending on October 10, 2030; and
3) Authorized the City Manager to execute the proposed Parking Citation Processing Agency Services Agreement with Data Ticket, Inc.
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 - None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
6.1 ORDINANCES AMENDING TITLE 10 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTING THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 EDITION, (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24) INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
RESIDENTIAL CODE, GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, ELECTRICAL CODE,
PLUMBING CODE, MECHANICAL CODE, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ENERGY CODE, WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE, • FIRE CODE, HISTORICAL
BUILDING CODE, EXISTING BUILDING CODE, AND REFERENCED STANDARDS
CODE, TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND
DELETIONS, AND ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE, AND THE 2024 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE (Kuta) Mayor Beall introduced Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Mayor Beall inquired if there was anything different in the materials tonight from a substantive standpoint from the first reading of the item at the September 10th Council meeting.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
Mayor Beall opened the public hearing; seeing no one present to address the Council, ICC l closed the public hearing. i
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation; there were none.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Baert to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Adopted Ordinance No. 25-05:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 10 (BUILDINGS
AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITION OF THE
CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, TITLE 24) CONSISTING OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX BAND I, BASED ON THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, INCLUDING APPENDIX BF, BH AND AA, BASED ON THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE; THE 2025 GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, BASED ON THE 2024 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
MECHANICAL CODE, BASED ON THE 2024 UNIFORM MECHANICAL
CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, BASED ON THE 2023 NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE; THE 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING
BUILDING CODE; AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN
INTERFACE CODE, INCLUDING APPENDICES F AND G, BASED ON THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL WILDLAND.:URBAN INTERFACE CODE,
TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, AND
DELETIONS; AND ADOPTING THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE AND THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE CODE
2) Adopted Ordinance No. 25-06:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 10.06 AND
10.07 OF TITLE 10 (BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADOPTING THE 2025
EDITION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE (CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9) INCLUDING APPENDICES 8, BB, C, CC, AND H BASED ON THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE,
TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS AND
DELETIONS
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City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2025
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Figueroa and Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr, Mayor Beall (4)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: Council Member Holloway (1)
7. NEW BUSINESS - None.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
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, addressed the decorum of meetings.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Figueroa congratulated RSM Chamber of Commerce President Sean Autry for is leadership this year and shared Rancho Family Fest was fantastic.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 7:44 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
PREPARED BY:
Approved: November 12, 2025
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