CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 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 and Bradley J. McGirr (5). Absent: None (0). The Salute to the Flag was led by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa.
1. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL AND DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT - SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026, FROM 8:00 A.M. TO 12:00 P.M., LOCATED AT APPLIED MEDICAL'S R100 BUILDING PARKING LOT
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member McGirr reminded residents that RSM Cares is the philanthropic organization in the City that helps those in need. RSM Cares sponsors the Food Pantry on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Methodist Church. Council Member McGirr shared that RSM Cares also sponsors Zero Trash and on April 4th it will be Zero Trash's 12th anniversary. Council Member McGirr asked that the City Council adjourn tonight's meeting in honor of Calene Dugard.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa announced that the City's 2026 Summer Intern Program is open and applications are due by April 15th.
Council Member Baert announced that from October through April residential areas receive street sweeping twice a month; and shared that RSM Police Services is holding an e-Bike and Bicycle Safety Course on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at RSM Intermediate School.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received an Oral Report on the following City Council Committee Assignment:
1) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Council Member McGirr reported that he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on February 26, 2026. Council Member McGirr announced that the OCFA approved the Interim Fire Chief Employment Agreement with Terry "TJ" 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 11, 2026
McGovern; Fire Chief McGovern provided an outline of the OCFA strategic goals for 2026; the OCFA has been selected to provide support and resources for the FIFA World Cup and upcoming Olympics; the OCFA approved the Seventh Amendment to the Advanced Life Support Services Billing Agreement with Falck Mobile Health Corp. dba Care Ambulance Service, Inc.; and the OCFA will be hosting their Open House on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fire Authority Headquarters.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to join him for the following presentation:
3.1 CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION AND VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 6024 RECOGNITION TO ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT "2025 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR" RECIPIENT, DEPUTY MATTHEW PERA
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Joe Juliani regarding thanking the City Council for all they do to make the City safe for families.
Chris McLaughlin regarding his prior public comments regarding the Epstein files.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Jace Muller, Dove Canyon resident, inquired if he would need a Conditional Use Permit to hold a car show event in the City.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared her comments and appreciation for local law enforcement; addressed Council Member Holloway's February 11th meeting comments regarding the audience expressing their dislike of Legislators during student recognitions.
John Thomas, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, thanked the City Council for running a great City, and their good stewardship; he expressed his support for the Council.
Kristi Acuna, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed her concerns with the General Plan Safety Update in relation to after-school programs and shared that another safety issue is transparency and video recording Council meetings.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.5).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: . Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
2 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
5.1 WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL ORDINANCES ON THE AGENDA March 11, 2026
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 A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
Approved a Certificate of Commendation to Orange County Sheriff's Department "2025 Deputy of the Year" recipient, Deputy Matthew Pera.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the February 25, 2026 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED FEBRUARY 23, 2026 AND MARCH 2,2026
Approved the warrant registers totaling $414,001.26.
5.5 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.
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 GENERAL FUND BUDGET UPDATE
Mayor Beall introduced Stefanie Turner, Finance Director, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of staff.
Council Member Holloway inquired regarding the surplus noted under licenses, permits and fees.
Council Member McGirr asked if staff anticipates that the increase to the OCSD's contract will be concluded by May.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked Finance Director Turner for her presentation and concurs with her Council colleagues' comments.
3 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 11, 2026
Council Member Baert asked if staff will provide updates in relation to sales tax and revenue and any changes prior to the approval of the budget; and expressed her support for the refrigerator for senior services.
Mayor Beall thanked Finance Director Turner for a great report, and shared that it is due to years of careful conservative fiscal policies being implemented.
Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Council Member Baert to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Reviewed, received and filed report information and budget work papers presenting:
a. Actual budgetary performance through December 31, 2025; and b. Projected amounts for full Fiscal Year 2025/26 General Fund operations. 2) Adopted Resolution No. 26-03-11-02 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA,
CALIFORNIA
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert,
Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore
7.2 REJECTION OF THE SINGLE BID RECEIVED FOR THE VETERANS MONUMENT
PROJECT AND FINDING THAT THE PROPOSED CIP PROJECT CAN BE
PERFORMED MORE ECONOMICALLY BY NEGOTIATED CONTRACT IN THE OPEN MARKET
Mayor Beall introduced Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco for his work on looking for new contractors.
Council Member Holloway inquired with Public Works Director/City Engineer Parco if he believes there will be independent contractors that will be interested in submitting a bid.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa moved, seconded by Council Member McGirr to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Rejected the single bid received for the Veterans Monument Project; and 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 11, 2026
2) Found that the Veterans Monument Project can be performed more economically by negotiated contract in the open market, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 20167; and
3) Approved and adopted Resolution No. 26-03-11-01 finding and declaring that the Veterans Monument Project can be performed more economically by negotiated contract in the open market and authorizing City staff to negotiate a contract with Bolt Action GC, Inc., or with another qualified contractor, pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 20167; and
4) Found and determined that compliance with the informal and formal bidding requirements set forth in Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Chapter 3.07 (Procurement Code) is not in the best interest of the City based on the information set forth in this report regarding the status of the competitive procurement process.
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)
7.3 APPROVAL OF THE WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM ENTERPRISE (WISE) AGREEMENT WITH THE. COUNTY OF ORANGE
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa inquired regarding rate increases in subsequent years.
Mayor Beall noted that the existing agreement and rates were set forth 10 years ago, inquired if there is any discretion for the City; also is there anything the City can do to try to negotiate a lower rate. •
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Council Member Baert to approve the following staff recommendations:
1) Approved the proposed Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise (WISE) Agreement with the County of Orange; and
2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the WISE Agreement.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baert,
Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
None (0)
None (0)
None (0)
5 Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 11, 2026
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
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.
Chris McLaughlin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, inquired how agenda item comments can be added with their respective item rather than general public comments; shared regarding Republican United States Congressman Thomas Massie.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Holloway congratulated Deputy Pera for his recognition this evening and thanked all the first responders with the OCSD and the OCFA.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. in memory of Calene Dugard, to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
PREPARED BY:
Approved: April 8, 2026
6