CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 13, 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 Council Member McGirr.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026 - CITY HALL CLOSED
1.2 FIRE PREPAREDNESS COMMUNITY MEETING - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026, FROM 5:00 TO 7:00 P.M., LOCATED AT THE BELL TOWER COMMUNITY CENTER
1.3 VETERANS MONUMENT UNVEILING AND DEDICATION CEREMONY - SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2026, AT 7:00 P.M.; FLAG DAY OBSERVANCE AND BURNING CEREMONY
TO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW, LOCATED AT THE CIVIC PLAZA
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member McGirr shared that he joined Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa in recognizing Arroya Vista Middle School as a California Distinguished school for exceptional student performance; attended the Orange County Transportation Authority Mayor's Forum with City Manager Cervantez; also attended, along with Council Member Baert, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Andrew Shelton with Troop 727; and noted that all Council Members attended the E-Bike Safety Class held by the California Highway Patrol at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center (BTRCC).
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa noted that the construction of the Veterans Monument has begun and shared that the City is taking applications for veterans plaques; and congratulated the RSM Friends of the Library Book Sale on their recent weekend record book sales.
Council Member Baert attended a webinar focused on the growing complexity of wildfire risks in California; mentioned that the Orange County Register of Voters opened their offices to the community on how election ballots are processed; noted she attended the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) 2026 OC Law Enforcement Recognition Awards with Captain Chapple; and reminded residents that artwork from RSM Intermediate is on display at the BTRCC; shared that the "Heroes Supporting Heroes" event will be held on Thursday, May 21st from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., located at Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026
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 he attended the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) meeting held on April 23, 2026. Council Member McGirr reported the OCFA reviewed the 2025 Accelerated Pension Payment Plan. Council Member McGirr reported the OCFA had a closed session with labor negotiators regarding contract negotiations involving the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, Local 3631, and the Orange County Employee's Association.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to join him for the following presentations:
3.1 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM 1) ROBINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - ABIGAIL COATS AND KARTER CALMA 2) TRABUCO HILLS HIGH SCHOOL - MATTHEW PETTAY
3.2 PROCLAMATION - "NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK", MAY 17-23, 2026
3.3 CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION TO ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT "2025 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR" RECIPIENT, DEPUTY JENNA REESE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComment:
Tavi Osbourne regarding a desire to overturn the 2023 City Council redistricting.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Jaclyn Martin, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, shared her thoughts on where taxpayer money should go.
John Thomas, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, spoke regarding the City's aesthetic projects.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa moved, seconded by Council Member McGirr to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.8).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026
AYES: Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr 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 repear the pubic agenda shall be determined to have been read by ite and further
5.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND PROCLAMATION Approved the following:
1) Certificates of Recognition - Student Recognition Program:
a) Robinson Elementary School - Abigail Coats and Karter Calma; b) Trabuco Hills High School - Matthew Pettay;
2) Proclamation declaring "National Public Works Week" from May 17-23, 2026; and 3) Certificate of Commendation to Orange County Sheriff's Department "2025 Deputy of the Year" recipient, Deputy Jenna Reese.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the April 22, 2026 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED APRIL 20, 2026 THROUGH MAY 4, 2026
Approved the warrant registers totaling $915,088.35.
5.5 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2026
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of March 2026.
5.6 APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED AGENTS FOR
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GRANT PROGRAMS AND DISASTER RELIEF
APPLICATIONS
Approved and adopted Resolution No. 26-05-13-01 the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Designation of Applicant's Agent Resolution, designating the City Manager, Finance Director, and Assistant to the City Manager as authorized agents when applying for CalOES and/or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and disaster assistance.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026
5.7 APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS TO GRANICUS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,365.47 FOR AGENDA MANAGEMENT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES AND MATRIX AUDIO VISUAL DESIGNS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,231.76 FOR INSTALLATION OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT SENATE BILL 707
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
1) Waived formal competitive bidding requirements and procedures pursuant to the exemptions set forth in Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Sections 3.07.070 (6), (9), and (11) based on the information and findings set forth below in the staff report; and
2) Authorized the City Manager to execute a new annual recurring subscription agreement with Granicus, LLC and approve a Purchase Order to Granicus, LLC in the amount of $37,365.47 for the installation, set up and recurring subscription of agenda management software and related equipment; and
3) Approved a Purchase Order to Matrix Audio Visual Designs in the amount of $41,231.76 for installation and calibration of specialized audio-video equipment and connections.
5.8 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 DRAFT 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DETAILING THE PROPOSED USE OF
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS
Mayor Beall introduced Cheryl Kuta, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director, who invited Mike Linares, CDBG Consultant, forward to provide a brief overview of the CDBG expenditure plan.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council questions of staff, there were none.
Mayor Beall opened the public hearing.
The following individual addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Steve Moyer, CEO of Age Well Senior Services Inc., conveyed his appreciation for everything the City does for Age Well Senior Services.
Mayor Beall closed the public hearing.
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council discussion and deliberation. 4 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked the three non-profits for all they do year-round for the community; expressed her appreciation to Sherri Lex with RSM Cares, her Board of Directors and volunteers.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway, to approve the following staff recommendation:
Adopted Resolution No. 26-05-13-02 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE 2026-2027 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF THE PLAN TO THE U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
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)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
7. NEW BUSINESS
7.1 UPDATED CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Mayor Beall introduced Laura Lopez, Public Information Officer/Assistant to the City Manager, who invited Tony Coletta, Director of Emergency Management Services with Jacob Green & Associates, forward to provide a brief overview of the updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Mayor Beall opened the item to questions of staff.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa inquired how often the EOP is updated: asked for elaboration on the enhanced communications efforts since the Airport Fire; and if the City will move forward with required training for staff.
Council Member Baert inquired regarding the designated staff and position titles; how long would it take to bring staff up to speed with training; inquired if we are cross-training staff; inquired regarding communication with the community in the event services are not available, and asked regarding specific plans for the elderly and population with disabilities.
City Manager Cervantez provided a response regarding staff training.
Council Member Holloway asked what percentage of modifications were made from the prior EOP; inquired regarding certain incidents in the Airport Fire in relation to the EOP.
City Manager Cervantez provided further information regarding the differences between the prior EOP with respect to the updated EOP presented this evening. 5 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026
Council Member McGirr outlined the EOP purpose listed in the proposal; shared that the Fire Safety and Preparedness Community meeting is scheduled for June 10th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the BTRCC.
Mayor Beall inquired if there is any recommendation that Jacob & Green Associates might have had that is not currently included with the updated EOP that the City should be aware of.
City Manager Cervantez asked the Council if they would like staff to explore potential trainings to include in next year's budget.
Council Member McGirr asked if CERT would be involved in relation to training.
The City Council directed staff to bring a Resolution to the City Council on June 10, 2026, to adopt the updated EOP.
8. CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Baert reminded everyone that May is "Mental Health Awareness" month. This year's theme is "More Good Days Together", which encourages creating support for better mental health.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Tony Bould
PREPARED BY:
Dice
Approved: June 10, 2026
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