CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 12, 2026
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Mayor Pro Tempore Anne D. Figueroa, and Council Members Keri Lynn Baert, Jerry Holloway and Bradley J. McGirr (4).
Absent: Mayor L. Anthony Beall (1 ). 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 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, LOCATED AT CENTRAL PARK FROM 4:00 TO 8:00 P.M.: 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 McGirr announced that RSM Cares is collecting items supporting the City's 2
nd Battalion 5
th Marines (2/5) Regiment; and congratulated Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Cheyne Maule on his promotion to Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Training.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa shared that the City was recently recognized as a 2026 California Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry; encouraged residents to contact their individual insurance companies for those that may be eligible to receive possible insurance rate reductions.
Council Member Baert announced she attended the Orange County Transportation Authority's Long Range Transportation Plan for Elected Official's Roundtable to discuss the future of transportation and the impact of Measure M; recognized and thanked Terry Gregory, Public Works Superintendent, on his retirement; thanked Wendi Redington, Community Services Manager, City staff and volunteers for a wonderful summer concerts series.
Council Member McGirr noted that the City has held annual Fire Safety Preparedness Community Meetings for the past several years and the recent meeting video is on the City's website. Council Member McGirr thanked Mayor Pro Tempore Figueora for initiating the Fire Safety Preparedness meetings.
3. PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa invited Council Member McGirr to join her for the following presentation:
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 2026
3.1 PROCLAMATION DECLARING MID-SUMMER TO EARLY AUTUMN AS "WILDFIRE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION" SEASON
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa announced the following eComments:
Alex Brown regarding OC Animal Care.
Cristina Gamarnik regarding pesticides.
Shawn Gordon regarding FLOCK/ALPR cameras.
Desiree Marvel regarding safety/community awareness.
The following individuals addressed the Council on matters within the jurisdiction of the City Council:
Elena Bisharah, City of Rancho Santa Margarita resident, asked the City to further evaluate an operating dog daycare in a condominium community with respect to the City's municipal code.
Jannett Kincaid, City of Rancho Santa Margarita residents, addressed a commercial animal daycare and overnight boarding business in one unit at a condominium residential community.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Holloway moved, seconded by Council Member Baer! to approve the Consent Calendar (Item Nos. 5.1 through 5.9).
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Baert, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa (4) None (0)
ABSTAIN: None (0)
ABSENT: Mayor Beall (1)
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 A PROCLAMATION
Approved a Proclamation declaring mid-summer to early autumn as "Wildfire Awareness and Prevention" season.
5.3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the July 8, 2026 City Council Regular meeting minutes. 2 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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5.4 APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTERS DATED JULY 6, 2026 THROUGH AUGUST 3,2026
Approved the warrant registers totaling $3,832,241.55.
5.5 INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2026
Received and filed the Investment Report for the month of June 2026.
5.6 APPROVAL OF THE CALPERS UNFUNDED ACCRUED LIABILITY PAY-DOWN PAYMENT YEAR 4 FOR THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
1) Approved the Cal PERS Additional Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) Payment Request form for Year 4 of the 5 Year Pay-down plan; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to sign the Additional UAL Payment Request form.
5.7 APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT C-1-3249
BETWEEN THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THE CITY
OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA FOR THE SENIOR MOBILITY PROGRAM 1) Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreement C-1-3249 between the Orange County Transportation Authority and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita ("Cooperative Agreement") extending the Cooperative Agreement term for a period of five years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031; and 2) Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Agreement C-1-3249.
5.8 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE ANTONIO PARKWAY GATEWAY
IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Antonio Parkway Gateway Improvements (Phase 11) Project; and
2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Orange Recorder's Office within fifteen (15) calendar days, as required by Section 9204 of the California Civil Code; and
3) Authorized the retention monies to be released thirty-five (35) days after the Date of Recordation of the Notice of Completion, if all Stop Notices have been resolved and all potential claims are settled.
5.9 NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL
PROJECT
1) Accepted the improvements for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Slurry Seal Project; and
2) Authorized the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County of Orange Recorder's Office within fifteen (15) calendar days, as required by Section 9204 of the California Civil Code; and
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3) Authorized the retention monies to be released thirty-five (35) days after the Date of Recordation of the Notice of Completion, if all Stop Notices have been resolved and all potential claims are settled.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR- None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
6.1 PRESENTATION OF FEE STUDY REPORT AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING UPDATED DEVELOPMENT PROCESSING FEES
AND OTHER CITY RATES, CHARGES, AND FEES FOR SERVICES
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa introduced Derek Bingham, Senior Planner, who provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Council Member Holloway asked Senior Planner Bingham to share why the City is updating the user fees at this time; are there any public requirements for doing an update; does staff receive many complaints regarding fees; and asked for clarification regarding the decrease in roofing.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa opened the public hearing; seeing no one present to speak, subsequently closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa opened the item to Council discussion and deliberation; there was none.
Council Member McGirr moved, seconded by Council Member Baer! to approve the following staff recommendation:
Approved and adopted Resolution No. 26-08-12-01 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO SANTA
MARGARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING UPDATED
DEVELOPMENT PROCESSING FEES AND OTHER CITY RATES, CHARGES,
AND USER FEES FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES, APPROVING THE FEE STUDY REPORT, DATED JUNE 30, 2026 PREPARED BY MATRIX
CONSULTING GROUP, AND FINDING THAT THE ACTION IS STATUTORILY
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PER SECTION 15273 OF THE CEQA GUIDELINES AND PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE SECTION 21080(6)(8)
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council Members Baer!, Holloway, McGirr and Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa (4)
None (0)
None (0)
Mayor Beall (1)
7. NEW BUSINESS - None.
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Cindy Ashley noted she is in favor of the least toxic landscape option.
Sarah Burt noted she prefers the natural turf with mulch option.
Mike Ebel noted he does not believe plastic grass is feasible.
August 12, 2026
Jaclyn Martin shared she is opposed to synthetic turf in front of City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa opened the item to Council questions of staff.
Council Member McGirr asked if the price differential for the natural landscaping and turf is a $25,000 difference based on rebates; inquired where the rebates are coming from; noted that he would like to see some color on La Miranda and Richard Reese Way and prefers the natural landscape versus turf in front of City Hall.
Council Member Holloway inquired regarding turf removal estimates and asked about the savings costs regarding the irrigation components; asked for clarification regarding the pros and cons regarding the natural versus artificial landscape options.
Council Member Baert noted she is in favor of the natural landscape option due to dogs walking in front of City Hall; shared her concerns regarding the Fire Sticks in proximity to the sidewalk and stated her preference would be to not use them in the designated area; noted she prefers Star Jasmine to add color.
Council Member McGirr shared he does not mind artificial turf but does not believe it is worth the cost, stated he somewhat prefers the natural landscape option.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa asked if the natural landscape between the concrete dividers will remain in place; inquired why staff choose the smaller rock rather than the larger rock. Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa believes the turf option will look the best for the longest period of time; expressed concerns regarding the natural landscape option 2; noted she likes the addition of the rocks and also recommends the Jasmine and any color additions.
Council Member Holloway noted he is in favor of the artificial landscape option.
City Manager Cervantez asked for Council direction regarding the two landscape options.
Council Member McGirr inquired if the rebates are confirmed.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa shared that she does not prefer the natural landscape due to overgrowth and aesthetics.
Council Member McGirr noted he will select the artificial landscape so that the City is in compliance with state law.
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa asked if there is a possibility of updating the design to add a border of rocks for dogs rather than turf.
The City Council reviewed the updated design for the turf replacement design and selected the artificial landscape option and the addition of color on La Miranda and 6 City of Rancho Santa Margarita
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Richard Reese Way, and authorized staff to proceed with plans and specifications for bidding.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.
10. CITY MANAGER REPORT - None.
11. MATTERS PRESENTED BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
Council Member Holloway reminded everyone that school is starting soon and asked everyone to drive safely.
Council Member McGirr reminded everyone that the last summer concert will be starting at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tempore Figueroa adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m., to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council to be held on Wednesday, August 26, 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: September 9, 2026
7 L. ANTH NY BEALL, MAYOR