CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
February 11, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor L. Anthony Beall, Mayor Pro Tempore Anne D. Figueroa, and Council Members Keri Lynn Baert, Jerry Holloway (De Sadley J. McGir (6). Absent: None (. The Salute to the Flag was led by Boy Scout Troop 668
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 PRESIDENTS' DAY HOLIDAY - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2026 - CITY HALL CLOSED
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked the RSM Chamber of Commerce for holding their first mixer last week and thanked all the sponsors and Celinda's.
Council Member Baert announced she attended the Community Services Policy Committee with the League of California Cities in January and reported on the priorities outlined in the 2026 Community Services Work Program. Council Member Baert reminded residents that from October through April residential areas receive street sweeping services twice a month; shared that the RSM Cares Art Exhibit is currently on display at the Bell Tower Community Center through March, featuring artwork from Santa Margarita Catholic High School students; reported that the San Francisco Solano Catholic Church and the Orange County United Way are offering free tax preparation services for eligible residents; and encouraged residents to volunteer at the RSM Cares Food Pantry on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Shepard of the Hills Methodist Church.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received Oral Reports on the following City Council Committee Assignments:
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Mayor Beall reported that the January 15, 2026, Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority meeting was canceled
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2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Council Member McGirr announced he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on January 22, 2026. Council Member McGirr reported that TJ McGovern was appointed Interim Fire Chief of the OCFA 3) ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa announced she attended the Orange County Public Library Advisory Board (LAB) meeting held on January 22, 2026. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa reported that the Board of Directors reorganized for 2026 and received a recap of 2025.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to join him for the following presentations:
3.1 2025 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - ANDREA HOWHANNESIAN, ENVIRONMENTAL
PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
3.2 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM 1) CIELO VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - DYLAN SAADAIE-JAHROMI 2) ST. SERRA CATHOLIC SCHOOL - SOPHIA STUELP FERNANDES AND •
LONDON CARMODY
3) TIJERAS CREEK ELEMENTARY - BENNETT POPE AND CALLIE DREIBELBIS RECESS
Mayor Beall recessed the City Council Regular meeting at 7:41 p.m.
RECONVENE
Mayor Beall reconvened the City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComment:
LeAna Bui regarding business vacancies.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding the Mayor's comments at a council meeting and her thoughts regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared her opinion regarding the Mayor's comments made at a council meeting.
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Jamie Blank, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding the history of immigrants.
Reed Buck, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared stories regarding families affected by ICE and suggested the Mayor retract his statements regarding ICE James Ward, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed his opinion regarding the Mayor's comments and expressed his opposition towards ICE.
Debbie Resnick, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her love for the community and asked the Council to protect our community, safety and humanity.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beall announced that City Manager Cervantez requested Agenda Item No. 5.10 be pulled from the agenda to correct a clerical error and brought back to an upcoming Council meeting.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.9 and 5.11).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Holloway, MoGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: 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 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
Approved the following Certificates of Recognition:
1) 2025 Employee of the Year, Andrea Howhannesian, Environmental Programs Coordinator; and
2) Student Recognition Program:
a) Cielo Vista Elementary School - Dylan Saadaie-Jahromi; and b) St. Serra Catholic School - Sophia Stuelp Fernandes and London Carmody; : and
c) Tijeras Creek Elementary School - Bennett Pope and Callie Dreibelbis. ...
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5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the January 14, 2026 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 CLAIM FILED AGAINST THE CITY BY ANTHONY S. HAMASSIAN, ESQ. ON BEHALF OF CLAIMANT KHALIG HEDJAZI, CLAIM NO. 26-001
Rejected Claim No. 26-001 presented by attorney Anthony S. Hamassian, Esq. on behalf of claimant Khalig Hedjazi on February 2, 2026, and directed the City Clerk to send the required claim rejection notification letter to the claimant.
5.5 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED JANUARY 12, 2026 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2, 2026
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,027,730.86.
5.6 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2025
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of December 2025.
5.7 APPROVAL OF PROPOSED CITY CLERK SPECIALIST EMPLOYMENT
CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE
Adopted Resolution No. 26-02-11-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS AND SALARY RANGES TO ESTABLISH
THE CITY CLERK SPECIALIST EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 25-06-11-06
5.8 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 ANNUAL CONCRETE REPAIR PROJECT TO GOLDEN COAST CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,959.71
1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Concrete Repair Project (Project); and
2) Found that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and 3) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder Golden Coast Construction of La Habra, California, in the amount of $54,959.71 and reject all other bids; and
4) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
5.9 AWARD OF A PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT CURB RAMP
INSTALLATION PROJECT - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TO CARTER ENTERPRISES GROUP, INC. DBA PAVEMENT REHAB COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,000
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1) Approved the plans and specifications for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Americans with Disabilities Act Curb Ramp Installation Project - Community Development Block Grant (Project); and
2) Found that the Project is categorically exempt. from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301; and 3) Awarded a Public Works Construction Contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder Carter Enterprises Group, Inc. DBA Pavement Rehab Company of Yorba Linda, California, in the amount of $96,000 and reject all other bids; and 4) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Public Works Construction Contract.
5.11 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
5.10 APPROVAL OF THE EASEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA AND RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA LANDSCAPE AND
RECREATION CORPORATION (SAMLARC) FOR THE VETERANS MONUMENT
PROJECT
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who announced that staff requested this item be pulled from the agenda due to a clerical error and brought back to an upcoming Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS - None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING PARKING RESTRICTION REVIEW Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who invited Andrea Howhannesian, Environmental Programs Coordinator, both of whom provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Mayor Beall announced the following eComment:
Paul Georgie regarding adding Rancho Trabuco to the "No Parking" list.
Environmental Programs Coordinator Howhannesian clarified that Rancho Trabuco is already part of the segments being recommended.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Council Member Holloway asked City Manager Cervantez to provide a brief history on what originally prompted the Street Sweeping Program; inquired regarding citations 5 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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issued and if increasing the fees for violations would help mediate the parking situation.
Council Member McGirr asked if the decrease in the number of citations is due to less enforcement or fewer violators; asked if there are times when enforcement is not available; and is there a reason why the numbers jumped in 2023 and 2024.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa asked if staff has considered placing additional signage on streets with high citations; asked about the total costs for the new areas.
Council Member Baert shared the importance of why the City provides street sweeping; clarified if staff selected the high priority streets by missed annual pounds that the street sweeper could not pick up and filed complaints.
The City Council received and filed report; directed staff to draft a Resolution to add designated streets to the "Street Sweeping Pilot Program" and provided feedback, as appropriate.
CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Grace Adams, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, addressed the statement made by the Mayor concerning ICE.
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, commemorated Black History Month and shared a Martin Luther King, Jr. statement.
Cathy Palmer, City of Mission Viejo resident, noted that the City of Mission Viejo Mayor publicly stated that their city will honor the California sanctuary state laws and obligations and that the Police Chief has pledged to do the same.
Kate Wentland, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared her concerns regarding the Mayor's comments and her opposition towards ICE.
Amber Bloomer, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared her opinion regarding ICE and the Mayor's comments and asked the Council to consider how residents can be more involved regarding placing items on an agenda.
Nicole Ishikawa, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, noted she is in opposition of ICE and the Mayor's comments; shared audio of a mother affected by ICE.
Tasia Surch, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, described immigration enforcement cases between December 11, 2025 through January 24, 2026, and held a moment of silence on their behalf.
Jacklyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, noted the residents gathered peacefully to protest the Mayor's comments and asked the Council Members to speak regarding the Mayor's comments.
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Andrew Buczacki, City of Rancho Santa Margarita, shared his opinion regarding ICE.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared a history of each Council Member's term and asked the Council to require term limits.
Maribeth Buczacki, City of Rancho Santa Margarita, asked the Council to show their passports to prove they are legal citizens.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Holloway asked the public to refrain from voicing their opinions during the student recognition presentations and wait until after the recognitions are complete.
Council Member Baert shared information regarding Orange County Sheriff's Department's position on federal law enforcement.
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 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Pursuant to California Government Code Section 54956.9
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Government Code Section 54956.9: (2 potential cases).
Receipt of letters from Attorney Francesca Simon with Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), dated November 14, 2025, December 12, 2025, and January 14, 2026, requesting a reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities under Title Il of the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA").
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - None.
ADJOURN TO CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM OR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION
The City Council convened in Closed Session at 9:12 p.m., to consider the matters listed above.
RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 10:26 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. 7 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Simonian reported the City Council convened in Closed Session pursuant to the matter listed above and there was no reportable action taken as a result of the Closed Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 10:26 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
L ANTHONY BEALL, MAYOR teel
PREPARED BY:
Approved: February 25, 2026
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