CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
June 10, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 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.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS
Jennifer Cervantez, City Manager, announced the following:
1.1 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
City Manager Cervantez invited Noe Covarrubias, Public Works Intern, forward to announce the following:
1.2 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, LOCATED AT CENTRAL PARK FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 P.M.:
SUNDAY, JULY 12 - THE REFLEXX
SUNDAY, JULY 19 - PISTOL BLONDE
SUNDAY, JULY 26 - WAYWARD SONS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 - SEGA COUNTRYSIDE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 - 90s ROCKSHOW
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 - TYPICAL GYPSYS AND DIEGO'S GARAGE (STARTS AT 4:00 P.M.)
2. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS/REPORTS
2.1 COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Holloway thanked Captain Chapple for all the outreach and communication to the community regarding eBikes.
Council Member McGirr reported he attended the following events: the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Best and Bravest Awards on May 29, 2026; Zero Trash held on June 6, 2026, and the Fire Preparedness Community meeting held earlier this evening.
Council Member McGirr noted he was honored to present diplomas to Tesoro High School graduates alongside Principal Ken Ezratty and representatives from the Capistrano Unified School District. Council Member McGirr shared a video regarding the Bike-X and Helmets event held in the City of Lake Forest on May 9, 2026. 1 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked Mayor Beall, City Manager Cervantez, Development Services Director/Assistant City Manager Kuta, and Assistant to the City Manager Lopez for their work at the International Council of Shopping Centers ICSC convention held in Las Vegas.
Council Member Baert reported she attended the following events: Cal Cities Community Services Policy Committee meeting held last week; reminded residents that "The Ways of Water" Art Exhibit presented by RSM Cares is on display through August 31st at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center (BTRCC); and that the RSM Food Pantry is looking for volunteers.
Mayor Beall reported he attended the Fire Preparedness Community meeting at the BIRCC earlier this evening; he also shared that earlier today the Council dedicated the Antonio Parkway Gateway Monument to the community.
2.2 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT REPORTS
Received Oral Reports on the following City Council Committee Assignments:
1) FOOTHILL/EASTERN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
Mayor Beall announced he attended the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Authority (TCA) meeting held on May 14, 2026. Mayor Beall reported the TCA adopted the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Mayor Beall noted that the TCA was named the "2026 Organization of the Year" by the California Transportation Foundation. 2) ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY
Council Member McGirr announced he attended the OCFA meeting held on May 28, 2026. Council Member McGirr shared the OCFA adopted policies regarding two-way telephonic and zoom participation at meetings regarding Senate Bill 707; the Board also approved the Fiscal Year 2026/27 proposed budget; went into Closed Session for Labor Negotiations with Firefighters Union Local 3631. He mentioned that OCFA Interim Chief McGovern debriefed the Board regarding the Garden Grove Hazardous Materials incident. Council Member McGirr thanked the OCFA and Division Chief Cheyne Maule, and the CERT team for their work regarding the Hazardous Materials incident.
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 May 28, 2026. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa reported they learned about upcoming summer programs including "Plant a Seed and Read"; announced the City has a new Librarian, Tracy Lee, and wished the previous Librarian, Sean Whittle, the best in his new position.
PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Beall invited Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to join him for the following presentations:
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3.1 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM 1) TRABUCO MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - AUSTIN PRELLWITZ
3.2 CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM CLASS #5 MEMBERS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Beall announced the following eComments:
Shawn Gordon regarding traffic signal maintenance.
Chris McLaughlin regarding the upcoming election season.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
April Josephson, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, announced the Pet Adoption Center of Orange County will host a community dog adoption on Saturday, June 20* at Ace Hardware from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Breanne Boyle, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, announced "Mission Viejo Pride 2026" is scheduled for Saturday, June 13t from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Saddleback College, and requested a pride flag be flown during the month of June.
Mike Ebel, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, expressed his concerns regarding the budget community request for the Rancho Family Fest event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beall announced supplemental information provided for Agenda Item No. 5.10.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.11).
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)
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 realing waive public agenda shall be determined to have been read by tile and futher
5.2 APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
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Approved the following Certificates of Recognition:
1) Student Recognition Program:
a) Trabuco Mesa Elementary School - Austin Preliwitz;
2) Community Emergency Response Team Class #5 Members.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the following:
1) May 13, 2026 City Council Special meeting minutes; and 2) May 13, 2026 City Council Regular meeting minutes.
5.4 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO THE NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Adopted Resolutions relating to the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election:
1) Resolution No. 26-06-10-01 calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026,
FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE
PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING
TO GENERAL LAW CITIES
2) Resolution No. 26-06-10-02 requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange to Consolidate a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO CONSOLIDATE A
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 3, 2026, AND TO BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE PROVISIONS OF LAWS REGULATING THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE SAME DATE PURSUANT TO §10403 OF
THE ELECTIONS CODE
3) Resolution No. 26-06-10-03 adopting regulations pertaining to Candidate's Statements:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE'S
STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
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5.5 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED MAY 11, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 1, 2026
Approved the warrant registers totaling $2,810,942.97.
5.6 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of April 2026.
5.7 AGREEMENT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
1) Approved an agreement with the County of Orange for law enforcement services for an amount not-to-exceed $12,512,782 for Fiscal Year 2026/27; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed agreement for law enforcement services with the County of Orange.
5.8 PROPOSED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CHARLES ABBOTT ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL CIVIL ENGINEERING,
BUILDING AND SAFETY, PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION SERVICES 1) Approved a proposed Professional Services Agreement with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. to provide On-Call Professional Civil Engineering, Building and Safety, Plan Review and Inspection Services for a three-year term in a maximum not-to-exceed contract amount of $1,150,000; and
2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Professional Services Agreement with Charles Abbott Associates, Inc.
5.9 APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MIKE LINARES, INC., FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
ADMINISTRATION CONSULTANT SERVICES
1) Approved the proposed Consulting Services Agreement for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Administration Consultant Services with Mike Linares, Inc. for a five-year term in the total, not-to-exceed amount of $165,000; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute the proposed Consulting Services Agreement with Mike Linares, Inc.
5.10 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE UPDATED CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-04 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN UPDATED CITY OF RANCHO
SANTA MARGARITA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN
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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 - None.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
6.1 PUBLIC HEARING IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2561, A REPORT ON
THE STATUS OF VACANCIES, RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION EFFORTS Mayor Beall introduced Development Services Director/Assistant City Manager Kuta who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the public hearing; seeing no one present to speak, subsequently closed the public hearing.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation, there were none.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Holloway to approve the staff recommendation to receive and file the report.
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)
6.2 ADOPTION OF OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who invited Stefanie Turner, Finance Director, and Joe Parco, Public Works Director/City Engineer, both of whom presented the budget.
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council questions of staff.
Mayor Beall inquired regarding the traffic signal enhancement program and asked if the current program includes maintenance.
Mayor Beall opened the public hearing; seeing no one present to speak, subsequently closed the public hearing.
Mayor Beall opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation.
Council Member Holloway asked City Manager Cervantez to provide an explanation of how the Police Services budget has remained at 50 percent of the budget. 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Council Member McGirr concurred with Council Member Holloway's comments.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked City staff for their work on the budget.
Council Member Baert expressed her appreciation for all the hard work put into the budget.
Mayor Beall noted that the budget is the most important vote taken all year and thanked his Council colleagues and staff for the budget.
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Council Member Baert to approve the following staff recommendations:
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-05 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET AND
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-06 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A SEVEN-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM IN CONFORMANCE WITH RENEWED MEASURE M (M2) REQUIREMENTS
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-07 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING TO THE RSM CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE TO SUPPORT RANCHO FAMILY FEST AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
COMMUNITY
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-08 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUNDING TO THE RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
LANDSCAPE AND RECREATION CORPORATION IN SUPPORT OF THE
ANNUAL 4* OF JULY COMMUNITY EVENT
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-09 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026/27
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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)
NEW BUSINESS
7.1 RESOLUTION AMENDING AND RESTATING CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 4.4
RELATED TO RULES OF DECORUM AND PROCEDURES FOR CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS, AND TECHNICAL SERVICE DISRUPTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITF SENATE BILL 707
Mayor Beall introduced City Manager Cervantez who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Beall opened the item for Council questions of staff, there were none.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa asked staff to research moving the Council meeting start time earlier.
Council Member McGirr concurred with Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa.
City Manager Cervantez noted staff will do some research and provide information for the Council for a future meeting.
Mayor Beall moved, seconded by Council Member McGirr to approve the following staff recommendation:
i
Adopted Resolution No. 26-06-10-10 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING AND RESTATING IN ITS ENTIRETY CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 4.4, ENTITLED "RULES OF DECORUM AND
PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND
TECHNICAL SERVICE DISRUPTIONS" REGARDING WEAPONS, PROTOCOL
FOR TECHNICAL SERVICE DISRUPTIONS AND OTHER MINOR CHANGES TO
INCORPORATE BEST PRACTICES FOR AGENDA PREPARATION AND
MEETING MANAGEMENT
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Council Members Baert, Holloway, MoGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa, Mayor Beall (5)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: None (0)
CONTINUED ITEMS - None.
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9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa thanked OCFA Chief Maule and OCSD Chief Chapple on their participation at the Fire Preparedness Community meeting.
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 PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b) (1)
Public Employee Title: City Manager - Annual Performance Evaluation
12.2 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiator: Mayor Pro Tem Figueroa
Unrepresented Employee: Jennifer M. Cervantez, City Manager PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM - 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 8:38 p.m., to consider the matters listed above.
RECONVENE TO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Council reconvened in regular session at 10:10 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
City Attorney Simonian announced there was no reportable action taken as a result of the Closed Session items listed above.
13. NEW BUSINESS (CONTINUED)
13.1 CONSIDERATION OF COMPENSATION FOR CITY MANAGER
Mayor Beall reported that following completion of the annual performance evaluation of the City Manager, in recognition of the City Manager's exceptional job performance he 9 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa to approve the following recommendations:
(1) approved and authorized a 10% increase to the current total annual compensation amount of the City Manager ($339,207.00), which is a $33,920.70 annual increase, bringing the City Manager's total adjusted annual base salary to $342,047.40, effective July 1, 2026; and,
(2) directed the City Attorney to prepare a resolution ratifying this change to the City Manager's compensation for future presentation and final approval by the City Council at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa (4)
NOES: None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: Mayor Beall (1)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beall adjourned the meeting at 10:12 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, located at 22112 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, California. for
.. ANTHONY BEALL, MAYOR
PREPARED BY:
Cumis Dias
AMY DIAZ, CITY CLERK
Approved: June 24, 2026
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