CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 10, 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, Anne D.
Figueroa and Jerry Holloway (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Council Member Holloway.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE -THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025 -
CITY HALL CLOSED
1.2 DECEMBER 24, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELED
1.3 CITY HALL HOLIDAY CLOSURE - DECEMBER 25, 2025 THROUGH JANUARY 2, 2026
1.4 NEW YEAR'S EVE "CELEBRATING FAMILY AND FRIENDS" - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025, FROM 5:00 TO 9:00 P.M.
1.5 NEW YEAR'S DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE - THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026 -
CITY HALL CLOSED
2. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION- ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
2.1 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
• ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEMPORE
Mayor Beall opened nominations for Mayor Pro Tempore.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr thanked the Mayor and his fellow Council colleagues for allowing him to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore this past year. He appreciates their support and confidence and that of the public as well.
Mayor Pro Tempore McGirr nominated Council Member Figueroa to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore. No other nominations were offered, and nominations were subsequently closed. A vote was taken to elect Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, which passed unanimously.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
RECESS
Mayor Beall recessed the City Council Regular meeting at 7:05 p.m., for the reorganization of the City Council nameplates.
RECONVENE
Mayor Beall reconvened the City Council Meeting at 7:09 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa forward to join him for the following presentation:
3.1 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM CLASS #4 MEMBERS
4. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
4.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member McGirr congratulated RSM Cares for a fantastic Breakfast with Santa event. Council Member McGirr noted that Zero Trash had 46 volunteers and collected 300 pounds of trash.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked local veterans for sharing their ideas on the veterans monument project. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa noted that RSM Cares not only held the Breakfast with Santa event but the evening before invited Marines from Camp Pendleton to an event. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked Sheri Lex with RSM Cares for all her work.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked her Council colleagues for their support and appreciates all they do for the City throughout the year. She thanked City staff and City Manager Cervantez. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked all the residents and wished everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Council Member Baer! announced RSM Cares will be holding a Holiday Food Drive at Pavilions on Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Their final Food Pantry of the year will be held on Wednesday, December 17th. Council Member Baer! thanked Sheri Lex for all the work she does with RSM Cares; shared a story from the Breakfast with Santa event; and thanked the Community Services staff for supporting RSM Cares with the Breakfast with Santa event. She also thanked and congratulated the RSM Chamber of Commerce for organizing over 50 events in support of the business community throughout the year.
Council Member Baer! noted she attended a webinar on Senate Bill 707 which outlines changes to the California open meeting law and how it will affect cities.
Mayor Beall thanked Santa and Mrs. Claus for a wonderful job at the Breakfast with Santa event.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
4.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Mayor Beall announced he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority (TCA) meeting held on November 13, 2025. Mayor Beall reported the TCA received the Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending June 30th and approved the Habitat Conservation Fund Expenditure Plan. 2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Council Member McGirr announced he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on November 20, 2025. Council Member McGirr reported the OCFA meeting was a relatively abbreviated meeting and that they met with Labor Negotiators following the regular meeting. Council Member McGirr reported that last week the OCFA learned that Fire Chief Brian Fennessy will be retiring from the OCFA and will now head a newly created Federal Agency, the "United States Wildland Fire Service". Council Member McGirr noted there will be an interim Fire Chief.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Michael Slawinski submitted two eComments regarding concerns about drivers doing burnouts and street racing in certain areas in the City.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Nelly Swanger, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her concerns regarding amplified music at Trabuco Mesa Park and the use of e-Bikes on sidewalks.
Hilary Butler, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her concern with the amount of graffiti in the City and praised City Manager Cervantez' response to her emails and graffiti removal.
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, provided feedback on the press release issued by the City on November 21, 2025, regarding the CVRA lawsuit ruling.
Amber Bloomer, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, suggested a formal process on placing items on an agenda; requested Council encourage their constituents to participate in meetings; suggested videotaping Council meetings; and expressed her frustration with the lack of discussion allowed during public comments.
Rusloin Pushkarev, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared an update on his pressure washing efforts at the lake; noted he does window cleaning and inquired who conducts maintenance at Orange County libraries.
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6. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beall removed Agenda Item No. 6. 7 from the Consent Calendar at the request of Council Member Baert for further discussion.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Items Nos. 6.1 through 6.6 and 6.8 through 6.9).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
6.1 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.
6.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Approved Certificates of Recognition to the Community Emergency Response Team Class #4 members.
6.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the November 12, 2025 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
6.4 LOCAL APPOINTMENTS LIST
Approved the Local Appointments List of all City Boards, Commissions and Committees.
6.5 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED NOVEMBER 10, 2025 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2025
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,053,000.98.
6.6 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of October 2025.
6.8 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH GLENN A. RICK ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT CO., FOR
PROFESSIONAL CIVIL ENGINEERING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL
SERVICES FOR THE ANTONIO PARKWAY GATEWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PHASE II)
---------------------~1.------------------- ·--·. ··~·
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
1) Approved proposed Amendment No. 4 to the Professional Services Agreement with Glenn A. Rick Engineering & Development Co., to increase the maximum contract amount by $27,300, from $132,073 to $159,373, in order to provide construction engineering support and as-needed contingency, for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements Project (Phase II); and,
2) Authorized the Mayor to execute proposed Amendment No. 4 to the current Professional Services Agreement with Glenn A Rick Engineering & Development Co.
6.9 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 TRAFFIC SIGNAL ENHANCEMENTS PROJECT TO STREETLIGHT RESTORATION SPECIALISTS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $147,446.25 1) Approved a correction to the apparent low bidder's inadvertent clerical error in its calculation of one of its unit bid price items, thereby waiving the minor bid irregularity; and
2) Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Traffic Signal Enhancements Project; and
3) 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
4) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder for the Project to Streetlight Restoration Specialists, Inc. of Camarillo, California, in the low bid amount of $147,446.25, and reject all other bids; and
5) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
6.7 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ANTONIO
PARKWAY GATEWAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (PHASE II) TO MARINA LANDSCAPE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $853,444.15
Mayor Beall introduced Council Member Baer!.
Council Member Baer! shared she requested to pull the item to share her thoughts on the project publicly. Council Member Baer! thanked City staff and her Council colleagues for their time, work, and thoughtful consideration of the project; appreciates the effort to scale down the overall cost. Council Member Baer! expressed concerns with the long-term impact of altering the natural habitat in a fire prone area and the ongoing irrigation and maintenance costs. Council Member Baer! shared she did not support the project when it was originally brought forward, wants to remain consistent with her voting and noted will not be supporting it.
Mayor Beall expressed he believes the project is important for the community; cannot allow the City to fall into disrepair or have deferred maintenance. Shared the project entails removal of dilapidated barbed wire fencing which will be replaced with new 5 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
fencing with pilasters. Mayor Beall believes the project will enhance the beauty of the area and the cost, a one-time lump sum payment, will pay great dividends for decades, benefiting every resident. The long-term benefit will increase civic pride and property values for both businesses and homeowners; believes it is important to ensure the City remains competitive with neighboring cities and always remains the most desirable place to live and raise a family or to own a business.
Council Member McGirr concurred with Mayor Beall's comments and shared the project is not just for beautification but for safety as well; expressed he will be supporting the project.
Council Member Holloway stated he believes the barbed wire fencing needs to be replaced but has concerns about the on-going maintenance costs, stated he will not be supporting the project.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa shared she has also heard from many residents who like the Antonio Parkway project; agrees that the fencing is a safety hazard.
City Manager Cervantez clarified that the existing barbed wire fencing is property of the County of Orange who has been notified and is amenable to its removal.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements Project (Phase II); 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) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder Marina Landscape, Inc. of Orange, California, in the amount of $853,444.15, and reject all other bids; and
4) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
·ABSENT:
Council Member McGirr, Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (3) Council Members Baer! and Holloway (2)
None (0)
None (0)
7. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.1 APPROVAL OF PROPOSED "OTHER AGENCY" REPRESENTATIVE
APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff; there were none.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Received and reviewed the Mayor's proposed "Other Agency" Representative Appointments List; and,
2) Approved the Mayor's proposed "Other Agency" Representative Appointments; and,
3) Directed the City Clerk to prepare and post an updated Fair Political Practices Commission Form 806 to reflect all paid appointments to "Other Agency" Boards, Committees, and/or Commissions in accordance with State law.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
9.2 ANTONIO PARKWAY/AVENIDA DE LAS FLORES TRAFFIC INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco introduced Jennifer Rosales, Traffic Engineer, who provided the findings and research conducted throughout California.
Mayor Beall invited the following individuals forward to address the City Council:
Michael Slawinski, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared this has been an on-going problem; expressed his support for the design and thanked Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco and City Clerk Diaz for speaking with him regarding the project.
Nelly Swanger, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared she has also experienced the same issues addressed; expressed safety concerns due to vehicles not stopping at the intersection and inquired if measures proposed will help.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2025
RECESS
Council Member Holloway inquired if the measures proposed could cause damage to vehicles. Council Member Holloway expressed he is in favor of the item.
Council Member McGirr shared his support for the project and expressed his appreciation for Mr. Slawinski for attending the council meetings regarding the issue.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa inquired why option one was recommended over option three; asked about the height of the raised pavement markers. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked staff for the research conducted and is in support of the project.
Council Member Baer! thanked Mr. Slawinski for bringing his concerns to Council.
Council Member Baer! clarified that the option recommended was due to school traffic and that it would not impede pedestrians or bicyclists; and inquired how it would affect the street rehabilitation program. Council Member Baer! expressed her support for the project.
Mayor Beall thanked staff for their work and shared that they conducted research nationwide. Mayor Beall inquired with Dwayne Chapple, Police Chief, regarding traffic violations in the area.
Chief Chapple stated public safety is his number one priority; is aware of the traffic violations and deploys resources as needed.
Mayor Beall inquired if the project would have an impact on vehicles who do not stop at the intersection.
Council Member McGirr shared he believes "bulb-outs" and lane narrowing encourages drivers to slow down.
Mayor Beall echoed Council Member McGirr's statement; believes the project will have the intended effect; inquired if it could cause interference for someone making a left turn.
The City Council received and filed, provided direction as appropriate.
The Mayor recessed the City Council Regular Meeting at 8:40 p.m. and convened the Rancho Santa Margarita Public Financing Authority Meeting.
RECONVENE
The Mayor reconvened the City Council Meeting in regular session at 8:42 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
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Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, echoed Ms. Bloomer's comments regarding placing items on the agenda; shared she disagrees with some Council Members' comments regarding the Antonio Parkway project; shared her thoughts regarding the City Council.
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
12. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Baert congratulated Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa for being selected as Mayor Pro Tempore. Council Member Baert shared how grateful she is to serve the community. Council Member Baert thanked City staff, City Manager Cervantez and City Attorney Simonian for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Council Member Baert also thanked the Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) and the Orange County Fire Department (OCFA) for everything they do to keep the community safe. Council Member Baert thanked her colleagues for their leadership and to the residents who volunteer, stay engaged, and remain committed to making Rancho Santa Margarita such a great place to live.
Council Member Baert shared a December family tradition of attending Saddleback College's Feast of Lights concert. Council Member Baert wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa shared the RSM Cares Food Pantry will have a food collection drive at Pavilions on Saturday, December 13th. Mayor Pro Tempore also shared 470 families were helped at the last food drive, and pet food is needed.
Council Member McGirr also spoke regarding RSM Cares Food Pantry food drive. Council Member McGirr wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays.
Council Member Holloway thanked first responders and wished everyone a safe holiday season. Council Member Holloway reminded everyone to shop local.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
PREPARED BY:
a CJa ~ TYCLERb
Approved: January 14, 2026
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