CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
November 12, 2025
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Bradley J. McGirr, and Council Members Keri Lynn Baer!, Anne D.
Figueroa and Jerry Holloway (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Girl Scout Troop 2575. The National Anthem was sung by Jazlyn Diaz.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 NOVEMBER 26, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED
1.2 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2025 AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2025 - CITY HALL CLOSED
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr announced he attended the following events: Troop 7272 Court of Honor, the 15th Annual Roses, Radishes and Royalty Awards presented by the Orange County Taxpayers Association and shared that OC Sheriff Don Barnes was honored with the Royalty Award; and the Orange County Transportation Authority's 3rd District Mayor's Forum along with City Manager Cervantez. • Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr shared that a Rancho Santa Margarita resident Achyut Patel recently passed away. Mr. Patel was the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Beyond Green, a proud resident and active community member. Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr asked the City Council to adjourn the Council meeting in honor of Mr. Patel.
Council Member Figueroa congratulated Mayor Beall and the RSM Chamber of Commerce on an outstanding State of the City Address. Council Member Figueroa thanked everyone that attended the RSM Friends of the Library Book sale. Council Member Figueroa reported that RSM Cares served a record of 340 families and encouraged everyone to attend the next food pantry event to be held on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. located at Pavilions.
Council Member Baer! reported she attended the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach. Council Member Baer! attended the following seminars at the conference: Building Youth Centered Cities, Centralizing Communications to Increase Engagement, and Addressing the Erosion of Trust in Local Government.
Council Member Baer! reminded residents regarding street sweeping services twice a month from October through April, more information is located on the City's website. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member Baert expressed her gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our Country.
Mayor Beall thanked the RSM Chamber of Commerce for putting on the State of the City event and shared it was his honor to deliver the speech on behalf of the City.
Mayor Beall shared a couple highlights from the State of the City. Mayor Beall thanked his Council colleagues, City staff and all of the residents and noted that working together we have a great City everyone can be proud of.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND COMMUNITY
ASSOCIATIONS OF RANCHO
Mayor Beall announced he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority (TCA) meeting held on October 9, 2025. Mayor Beall reported the TCA approved the new Pension Funding Policy, Comprehensive Systemwide Traffic Study to support their strategic planning for future growth and capital improvement projects. 2) ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Council Member Figueroa announced she attended the Library Advisory Board (LAB) meeting held on October 23, 2025. Council Member Figueroa reported the Board had a presentation on OC LAB's Capital Improvement Program and Capital Reserve Fund. Council Member Figueroa shared that the LAB received a $100,000 grant from the Samueli Breakaway Grant Fund that is used to create programs for children on the autism spectrum.
3) SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AREA EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
Council Member Baert reported the November 6, 2025 South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committee meeting was canceled.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr forward to join him for the following presentation:
3.1 CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - BUSINESS RECOGNITION TO VIP NAILS
SALON AND SPA
Mayor Beall invited the City Council forward and presented the following:
3.2 VETERANS DAY RECOGNITION
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr and Harry Steelman, Vietnam Veteran and Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6024 to present the following:
·3_3 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 6024 PRESENTATION
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Mayor Beall moved Agenda Item No. 8.1.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
November 12, 2025
8.1 DESIGN REVIEW AND APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH FINAL DESIGN FOR THE
VETERANS MONUMENT
Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall invited the following public speakers forward to address the City Council:
Jim Clements, Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared that on behalf of Veterans he thanked the Council for considering the monument to be a beacon of light for those who have served.
Harry Steelman, San Juan Capistrano resident, expressed his support for the monument.
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council questions of staff.
Council Member Holloway inquired regarding the tree roots; inquired if there are any issues, hurdles, speed bumps with this subject.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr asked what is located on the backside of the monument; asked if the POW MIA emblem can be placed on the backside of the monument so it is not a blank wall.
Mayor Beall noted that it is his understanding that there have been discussions of potentially placing names of distinguished veterans' names on the backside of the monument. Mayor Beall thanked and recognized Council Member Figueroa for being a champion for this project and thanked her for her dedication to our veterans.
Council Member Figueroa is pleased to bring this item forward and believes having a veteran's monument in Central Park is a perfect opportunity to honor all those that have served our nation. Council Member Figueroa thanked the Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation (SAMLARC) and their Board of Directors for their support of this project. Council Member Figueroa suggested reversing the branches of military service to the other side of the monument and would prefer to have the names on the back of the monument adjacent to the benches.
Council Member Figueroa noted a future meeting to discuss details of the name placement and encouraged local veterans to attend.
Council Member Baer! asked what ground cover is in the area between the monument and benches; also agrees with Council Member Figueroa regarding the placement of the signs. Council Member Baer! expressed her support for the item and thanked Council Member Figueroa for her hard work and community outreach with our veterans and her perseverance in making the monument a reality.
Council Member Figueroa moved, seconded by Mayor Beall to approve the following staff recommendations:
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1 ) Reviewed proposed final Veterans Monument design and provided additional direction as necessary; and
2) Authorized staff to proceed with plans and specifications for bidding; and 3 ) Authorized staff to prepare an easement agreement for the construction of the Veterans Monument within Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Company (SAMLARC) property.
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)
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComment:
Tasia Surch regarding a correction to her public comment when referring to cost of the Antonio monument.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Amber Bloomer, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, requested the City Council adopt a formal process by which residents can submit items for inclusion on a Council meeting Agenda.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared she attended the State of the City Address and inquired where the video can be found.
Mike Ebel, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed his support for the veterans monument and asked the City Council for a Request for Proposal to update the City's audio system to include a video feature.
Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding the Flock system and her concerns with the system.
Rusloin Pushkarev, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, requested that the promenade located at the lake be pressure washed and noted he would like to assist.
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared a news story regarding the Moulton Niguel Water District and spoke regarding voter registration.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.15).
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The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baer!, Figueroa, 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.
5.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION
Approved a Certificate of Recognition for a Business Recognition to VIP Nails Salon and Spa.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the October 8, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 EXCUSED ABSENCE REQUEST FROM COUNCIL MEMBER HOLLOWAY FOR THE OCTOBER 8, 2025, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Approved an excused absence request from Council Member Holloway for the October 8, 2025, City Council Regular meeting due to a personal matter.
5.5 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED OCTOBER 6, 2025 THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,145,759.32.
5.6 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of September 2025.
5.7 APPROVAL OF ANNUAL MEASURE M ("M2") EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25
Adopted Resolution No. 25-11-12-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE MEASURE M2 ("M2")
EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 FOR THE CITY OF
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA
5.8 APPROVAL OF SENIOR MOBILITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA AND OCY MANAGEMENT,
LLC FOR THE PROVISION OF SENIOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 5 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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1) Approved a proposed Senior Mobility Transportation Services Agreement with OCY Management, LLC for a three-year initial term with a not-to-exceed contract amount of $196,781.00, with an optional two-year extension; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Senior Mobility Transportation Service Agreement with OCY Management, LLC.
5.9 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HARTZOG & CRABILL, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNAL OPERATIONS
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
1) Approved a proposed Professional Services Agreement with Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. for Professional Traffic Signal Operations Management Services for a three-year term in the total maximum not-to-exceed amount of $165,000; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Professional Services Agreement with Hartzog & Crabill, Inc.
5.10 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE CITY HALL & BELL TOWER REGIONAL COMMUNITY CENTER ROOF & SOLAR
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO AME BUILDERS, INC. DBA AME ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,664,725.40
1) Approved the plans and specifications for the City Hall & Bell Tower Regional Community Center (BTRCC) Roof & Solar Improvements Project; and 2) Found that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as a Class 1 Existing Facilities, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and
3) Adopted Resolution No. 25-11-12-02 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025- 26 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET TO INCLUDE
ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE CITY HALL & BTRCC ROOF &
SOLAR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
4) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder AME Builders, Inc. dba AME Roofing of Upland, California, in the amount of $1,664,725.40, and reject all other bids; and 5) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
5.11 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ALLANA BUICK & BERS, INC., FOR PROFESSIONAL
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY HALL AND BELL TOWER REGIONAL
COMMUNITY CENTER ROOF & SOLAR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
1) Approved proposed Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Allana Buick & Bers, Inc., to increase the maximum contract amount by $45,402, from $105,100 to $150,502, in order to provide construction engineering support 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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and as-needed contingency, for the City Hall and Bell Tower Regional Community Center Roof & Solar Improvements Project; and
2) Authorized the Mayor to execute proposed Amendment No. 1 to the current Professional Services Agreement with Allana Buick & Bers, Inc.
5.12 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 ANNUAL
RESIDENTIAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Fiscal Year 2024/25 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 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE ANTONIO PARKWAY GATEWAY
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements 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.
5.14 TEMPORARY FEE REDUCTION FOR BUSINESS REGISTRATION/CERTIFICATE
OF USE AND OCCUPANCY
Authorized proposed temporary fee reduction for Certificates of Use and Occupancy.
5.15 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 - None.
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7. NEW BUSINESS
November 12, 2025
7.1 CITYSIDE FIBER- HIGH SPEED INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION
WITHIN CITY LIMITS
Mayor Beall introduced Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco who introduced Cityside Fiber representatives to provide a presentation on their upcoming fiber deployment project.
Pat Thomas, Director of Government Relations of Cityside Fiber, presented Cityside Fiber's deployment project within City limits.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff and Cityside Fiber representatives.
Council Member Holloway inquired if presentation copies are available for the public; asked if Cityside Fiber is the only entity offering the product or if there is competition; inquired what the difference in price with cable is; asked where the fiber will be located on the roadway; inquired regarding the roadways aesthetic after the trenching process; asked where Cityside Fiber received the 3.1 percent increase in home value data.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr noted that the first recipients of the fiber would be the Melinda Heights area and another area across Santa Margarita Parkway, inquired if the remaining zones 3 through 6 would that be dependent upon what the City is doing with street maintenance.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco shared that City staff provided the City's seven-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) so that Cityside Fiber can plan their projects.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr asked how long it takes for the installation from the street to a residents home; asked about the plan for Zone 1; and inquired when tunneling under the sidewalk is completed.
Council Member Figueroa asked what percentage of Mission Viejo has been done.
Council Member Baert inquired if the micro trenching will be done on both sides of the street at the same time or just one side of the street; would trenching from the locater point over the sidewalk to the home, and if trenches be done at that point; what assurances do we have that utilities won't be impacted during the trenching process; asked how customers can get in contact with Cityside Fiber; inquired how they plan on not having schools impacted with work being done; and how loud is the cutting.
Mayor Beall asked Mr. Thomas to clarify what Cityside Fiber is; what interactions has Cityside Fiber had with City staff to commence all the activities; is it required for Cityside Fiber to submit permits for the anticipated construction; is it anticipated that the City would have a Franchise Agreement with Cityside Fiber; asked staff if the City currently receives a franchise fee from the cable company; is it anticipated that any fee would be payable to the City for the benefit of Cityside Fiber operating in the City; asked Cityside Fiber to address the costs associated, with getting the service to the home; how is Cityside Fibers' costs comparable to cable company services; asked regarding the slurry seal program schedule; asked about the construction materials 8 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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used; are there any public safety concerns in case of an emergency; and shared he believes the residents will appreciate the options.
Gregory Simonian, City Attorney, shared that this is preempted by State Law, the Public Utilities Commission's authority is overarching and preempts anything at the local level.
Council Member Holloway inquired that from a regulation standpoint this is a private entity for profit, theoretically multiple companies can come in and do the exact same thing.
City Manager Cervantez added that there is also an economic� standpoint to it, you wouldn't have a significant number of companies coming in because the market share would have already been taken.
• ... ,
Council Member Holloway is anticipating residents' questlohs; Jnquired when the construction would be complete with respect to the seven-year C.I.P; about how many streets will be trenched and how are connections made; inquired regarding their outreach efforts with residents and if they will notify residents regarding slurry seal delays.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr stated the one perpetual concern he has heard over the years has been the dissatisfaction with the choice of cable providers in the city, he thinks this is great and is in favor for residents to have more options.
Mayor Beall inquired if new easements need to be recorded for each homeowner that hires Cityside Fiber and asked if the same conduit is used. Mayor Beall noted it is an exciting opportunity for residents to have.
The City Council received and filed the presentation.
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 Council meetings.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT- None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr requested that the City Council adjourn the meeting in honor of resident Achyut Patel.
Council Member Baert wished the Rancho Santa Margarita community a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Baert shared she is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the City Council, grateful for the City staff and especially City Manager Cervantez and is grateful to her ·colleagues for their kindness advice and grace and she continues to learn in this role. Council Member Baert is thankful for the incredible residents and volunteers of the community. 9 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m. in memory of Achyut Patel, to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, December 1 0, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho S , ta Margarita California.
PREPARED BY:
Approved: December 10, 2025
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